TS-808 Reissue Mod

I am 39 years old and own about $10,000 worth of high end custom guitar equipment. I had a re-issue TS 808 pedal that I wanted to improve.  I sent it to Keeley for the $120 mod with true bypass because I believed the online hype.  I plugged it in out of the box (directly from Keeley) and a constant strange sound (kind of like a constant scratchy sound) starts whenever the pedal is engaged.  Not the hiss, which I expect from any overdrive pedal - this is not a hiss - although it also has a significant hiss. The scratchy noise goes away completely when the pedal is bypassed. I changed my guitar, and cables and everything else in the chain three times - still constant scratchy noise.  I sent it back to Keeley for repair - they say they "tested it" and their is nothing wrong.  Clearly, they did not want to admit that a problem exists.  They would not let me call and leave a message on their answering machine with the sound itself - since I work during the day and can't hook up the system during the day.  I asked them to just revert the pedal to original specs and refund the $120.00  They refused to do that! Don't fall for the BS they print on their website - they WILL NOT give you your money back and they will not revert your pedal to original specs.  I filed a claim with Paypal - they said they can't do anything about it since its an "electronic service" and nothing tangable (for example, like ordering a tennis raquet and never receiving it - for that situation - Paypal can help)  So, bascially Robert Keeley knows full well that I would not be able to get my money back from Paypal since its an "electronic service" BUYER BEWARE!

They modified my TS 808 pedal for $120.00 and screwed up the circuit somehow internally - I sent it back to them and they refused to fix it. They said they "tested" it and its fine.  They refused to revert my pedal to original specs and refused to refund the $120.00   Don't believe the printed policy on the website itself.  Paypal will not protect you since after I filed a claim with Paypal - they said its an "electronic service" so they will not be able to do anything.  Its not a tangable item, so they say they can't don anything about it.

Very easy pedal to use just three knobs

Truly refused to admit that a problem exists, denied that it existed, would not revert my pedal to original specs or refund the $120.00

Again, I am 39 years old and played guitar professionally since my early 20's.  I own about $10,000 worth of guitar/amp equipment.  They will not revert your pedal back if their a problem and they will not refund your money.  You as a consumer are also powerless using Paypal since its an "electronic serive" that they provided - I tried to file a claim with Paypal and they rejected the claim since it was an "electronic serive"  Do not waste your time with Keeley Electronics - look at analogman, or sell the TS 808 re-issue and get an Xotic effects bb preamp or Fulltone OCD.  Do not deal with Keeley Electronics, everything looks so nice on the website and many reviews are so positive - but I got burned bad in September of 2008.

Best sounding overdrive I have ever heard.  I got the 1982 chip and the True Bypass Mod with the Mod Plus.  My search is over.  I have tried just about everything including a Klon, Eternity, Hotcake, etc..  This was the sound in my head.  I use strats and two Class A amps and this thing sounds great with every combintation.  It's pretty versatile as far as Tube Screamers go and is dead quiet.  Not a bad sound in this pedal.  So easy to find a great sounds with this pedal.

Lifetime guarantee and built like a tank.

Standard Tube Screamer

Robert and all of the folks at Keeley are unbelievable.  This is the 7th pedal I have bought from them.

If you want the ultimate Tube Screamer with True Bypass, this is the "Holy Grail" in my opinion.  I just wish I would have paid the money for this pedal up front instead of going through over a dozen other pedals.  I will definitely get another one or may get the Keeley TS-9 Deluxe which is bascially this pedal with an additional, adjustable boost.  The Keeley stuff is just unbeatable for quality and reliabilty.

The mod also increased the frequency response, more noticably so on the high end.  This can be good or bad, depending on what you want.  I have a TS-808 that is unmodded I use for a 'duller' more 'off axis' sound and I use the Keeley for more of a 'lead boost.'  Works very well and sounds great.

Seems quite reliable.  Keeley changed the stomp button for one that sticks out of the pedal; like a typical amp footswitch.  I think that will keep me from damaging the pedal trying to stomp the stock switch on and off.

Very easy to use.  "More clean/dirt mod" increases versatility.

Very prompt and thorough in our interactions.

I give it a 10 out of 10 for what it is.  It gives that 'old skool' tube vibe with a little bass loss and that upper-mid boost.  Reminds me of Almond Brother's and latter SRV tunes.  The important thing when considering this pedal is that you want the sound it was designed for.  Can't really criticize it otherwise.