Screamuram

Another high profile release at NAMM- Ibanez's TSV808.

It's rather obvious from the labels that this is a collaboration between Ibanez & Vemuram. By virtue of this understanding alone, we can expect exorbitance in terms of prices. Tone-wise, initial impressions by professionals deem this as a deserving variation of the Tube Screamer as well as the preservation of all things Jan Ray. Reason being- it's a true hybrid without compromising ideals to maintain brand supremacy. The TSV808 has that signature TS midrange supremacy in store as well as the JR's buttery bottom end which the TS isn't a forte of. I'm not a fan of any Vemuram offerings in the mean time despite having tried them in person countless times, but this coexistence is a very enticing proposal. Mind you, I've nothing against the Vemuram brand name, they are up there in terms of boutique offerings, but what they offer isn't what I like to hear.

That aside, this pedal will be on my watch list. Keep in mind that Ibanez & Vemuram products are distributed by two different dealers here, it's interesting to see the price difference should they be available at both places. 

Personally, I have mixed feelings with this release. Half of me feels glad that it's another success story behind a Tube Screamer variation. The other half feels that the TS is lately being dependent on other brand names to propel its existence. Whatever the case, it's good to see a win-win situation.