GT-855

Vintage Ibanez overdrive, on the evolutionary path to the Tube Screamer

 

 

The GT-855 overdrive rack effect module compares to the Ibanez OD-855 Overdrive II, v2 and v3 (not v1), built by Maxon and identical to the Maxon D&S II OD 802.  It is a very nice drive, with a wide and versatile range of fat gain.  The circuit is almost a Tube Screamer, so it might be an option to consider for those who almost like Tube Screamers or just need another versatile drive option to good Tube Screamer tones.

 

Description

The Ibanez OD-855 Overdrive II, v2 and v3 were precursors to the famed Tube Screamer.  The Ibanez pedals were built by Maxon, which also released the same identical pedals with their own enclosure and model numbers.  The Maxon D&S II OD-802 is the Maxon version of this specific Ibanez release.  You can find other Ibanez offerings in this evolutionary line of pedals in our Distortion and Overdrive modules, and perhaps surprisingly as configurations of our Pi module.

The GT-855 is our version of the OD-855 Overdrive II, v2 and v3.  Our RR+ module is similar to the OD-855 Overdrive II, v1, which is considerably different from the v2 and v3.  Our Virago compares to the Ibanez Tube Screamer.  The GT-855 at some settings is very similar to the Virago.  The main difference is that the Tone and Distortion stages are reversed.  In the GT-855, the Tone section comes before the Distortion, which is uncommon in distortion pedals.  The Virago's Tone section comes after the Distortion.  Of course, GT modules mirror the original Ibanez circuits in that regard.

The GT-855 can produce nearly clean boost tones, through smooth Tube Screamer overdrive, to distortion, a wide range of gain.  Maybe a little better with single coils than humbuckers, as it can be pretty fat.  Goes great with tube amps.

 

Configurations

  • GT-855 - compares to Ibanez OD-855 Overdrive II, v2 and v3

 

Options

  • Custom Op Amp - The default is the same as the original circuit, JRC4558D.  You can choose any pin-compatible op amp.
  • Custom Transistor - The default is the same as the original circuit, the 2SC1815BL.  You can select something else if you prefer, but there's not a lot of reason to do that since they are only used as buffers.
  • Custom Clipping - The default is the same as the original circuit, 1N60 Ge diodes.  You can select something else if you prefer.
  • Clipping Switch - Allows you to switch between two clipping diode configurations.  A "no clipping" setting can also be added to the switch.  Silicon diodes or red LEDs may be good choices.
  • Custom Components - We use metal film resistors and a selection of capacitors that provide good tone and low noise.

 

Front Panel

  • On/Off indicator LED
  • Distortion
  • Tone
  • Level
  • (optional) Clipping switch

 

Rear Panel

  • Audio In
  • Audio Out
  • On/Off Footswitch
  • On/Off Override
  • DC Power
  • DC Power LED

 

Module Width

  • 1.5"
  • 2" left wing available
  • 1.5" right wing available

 

Power Consumption (aprox)

14 - 18mA

 

Base Configurations

Part # Description List Price
MOD-GT855 GT-855 module $220

 

Options

Part # Description List Price
MOPT-GT855-OPAMP Custom Op Amp $0 - TBD
MOPT-GT855-TRANS Custom Transistors $0 - TBD
MOPT-GT855-CLIP Custom Clipping $0 - TBD
MOPT-GT855-SWCLIP Clipping Switch $19 - TBD
MOPT-GT855-CC Component Changes TBD