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Average Price: $198

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$176+

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Description

The Ibanez MSL Metal Screamer is a versatile overdrive effects pedal that has earned its reputation for delivering powerful and dynamic guitar tones. Designed to cater to both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians, this pedal is known for its ability to enhance your guitar's sound with a unique blend of distortion and clarity. Equipped with the renowned JRC4558D op-amp, this pedal offers a warm, vintage overdrive that can be dialed in from a subtle boost to a full-on metal scream, making it a staple in many guitarists' pedalboards.

With its straightforward three-knob layout, the Metal Screamer allows for easy adjustment of Level, Tone, and Drive. This simplicity makes it user-friendly, yet it provides a wide range of tonal possibilities. Whether you're aiming for the classic rock crunch or a more aggressive metal tone, this pedal can handle it all. Its robust construction ensures durability, making it suitable for both studio recordings and live performances. The pedal's compact design also makes it easy to transport, so you can take your sound on the road with minimal hassle.

Key Features:

  • Classic overdrive with the JRC4558D op-amp for a warm, vintage tone
  • Three-knob layout for easy adjustment: Level, Tone, and Drive
  • Versatile sound range from subtle boost to heavy metal distortion
  • Durable construction ideal for both studio and live settings
  • Compact design for easy transport and pedalboard integration

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model Metal Screamer MSL
Finish Black
Year 1985
Made In Japan
Categories Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Ibanez MSL Metal Screamer?

The Ibanez MSL Metal Screamer provides a classic '80s metal sound with a strong midrange presence, offering a powerful and cutting distortion ideal for heavy rock and metal genres.

Is the Ibanez MSL Metal Screamer suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar playing?

Yes, the Metal Screamer is versatile enough to enhance both rhythm and lead guitar parts, providing clarity and sustain for solos while maintaining punch and definition for rhythm sections.

How does the Ibanez MSL Metal Screamer compare to other Ibanez overdrive pedals?

The Metal Screamer has a more aggressive distortion profile compared to other Ibanez overdrive pedals, making it particularly suited for heavier music styles that require more gain and saturation.

Does the Ibanez MSL Metal Screamer work well with both tube and solid-state amplifiers?

Yes, the Metal Screamer is compatible with both tube and solid-state amplifiers, effectively enhancing the amp's natural tone with its distinctive overdrive character.

What power supply does the Ibanez MSL Metal Screamer require?

The Ibanez MSL Metal Screamer typically requires a standard 9V power supply, which can be a battery or an external adapter compatible with most pedalboards.

shnobel

shnobel

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS10 vs Ibanez Metal Screamer

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Tube Screamer TS10 vs Ibanez Metal Screamer by shnobel

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS10 vs Ibanez Metal Screamer

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Metal Screamer MSL by shnobel

Ibanez Metal Screamer MSL

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for The Forgotten Tubescreamer? Ibanez Metal Screamer Review | The Q Show Ep. 10 by The Q Show

The Forgotten Tubescreamer? Ibanez Metal Screamer Review | The Q Show Ep. 10

The Q Show

The Q Show

Video thumbnail for Ibanez 85' MSL Metal Screamer VS TS9 : TUBESCREAMER Comparison | No Talking by Johan Joos Laur

Ibanez 85' MSL Metal Screamer VS TS9 : TUBESCREAMER Comparison | No Talking

Johan Joos Laur

Johan Joos Laur

Video thumbnail for Squier GOLD Standard Stratocaster from 2001 ? | Ibanez MSL Metal Screamer 84' | Morris battery amp by Johan Joos Laur

Squier GOLD Standard Stratocaster from 2001 ? | Ibanez MSL Metal Screamer 84' | Morris battery amp

Johan Joos Laur

Johan Joos Laur

Reviews

PROS

  • Has more bottom end and gain than standard Tube Screamers

  • Offers unique tonality, leaning towards low frequency resonance

  • Can sound great when used in parallel with a blender pedal

  • Provides a distinct experience from the classic TS without losing the essence

  • Reasonably priced, offering good value

CONS

  • Not the classic Tube Screamer tone some may seek

  • The "metal" aspect may not meet expectations of 80s metal fans

  • Low end may not be as prominent or desired for some users

  • Might become overpriced due to rising popularity

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez MSL Metal Screamer.

Features and functionality

  • The Metal Screamer uses the TS9 circuit but adds a bass boost, offering a unique tonal twist for metal settings where bass is typically cut.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The power jack is positioned too close to the output, making it difficult to use pancake-headed cables without issues.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • When paired with a Turbo Rat pedal, it delivers classic thrash metal sounds, highlighting its versatility in heavy music genres.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Despite its name, it functions more like an overdrive similar to a Tube Screamer, lacking the harshness of typical '80s or '90s distortion pedals.

    Source
  • The Ibanez MSL's circuit can be modded to a Fortin 808 for higher gain and lower tunings, featuring LED clipping and a wider frequency response.

    Source
  • The Joyo Argos (Precision Drive) offers a thicker, punchier sound compared to the MSL, partly due to its use of silicon diodes and a range of capacitor values up to 470nf.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The MSL Metal Screamer originally used Alps keyboard switches, which can be replaced with Cherry MX switches with minimal filing for a custom feel.

    Source
  • The pedal's high pass filter uses an 82nf capacitor, allowing more bass through compared to the typical Tube Screamer setup with 47nf.

    Source
  • Using silicon diodes like 1n914/1n4148 can increase saturation and sharpness compared to LEDs, enhancing attack and punch.

    Source

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