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Description

Unleash the raw power and versatility of the Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion, a pedal that has become a staple for guitarists who crave both chaos and control. Hailing from the innovative era of the early '80s, this distortion pedal is renowned for its ability to deliver everything from a searing, high-gain roar to a smooth, subtle overdrive, all while preserving the unique character of your guitar's tone. Its classic Ibanez chassis houses three intuitive knobs—Distortion, Tone, and Level—offering you a broad palette of sounds to explore.

The SD9 is particularly beloved in the grunge and alternative rock scenes, thanks to its ability to maintain clarity and definition amidst thick distortion. Whether you're aiming to cut through a dense mix or add a gritty edge to your solos, this pedal has got you covered. Its robust construction ensures it stands up to the rigors of both stage and studio, making it a reliable companion for any musical journey.

With the Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion, you're not just adding a pedal to your board; you're unlocking a world of sonic possibilities. Perfect for those who are as passionate about crafting their sound as they are about playing.

Key Features:

  • Classic Ibanez chassis design
  • Distortion, Tone, and Level controls for versatile sound shaping
  • Known for maintaining clarity and definition
  • Robust construction ideal for live and studio use
  • Suitable for a range of genres, especially grunge and alternative rock

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model SD-9 Sonic Distortion
Finish Green
Year 1980s
Made In Japan
Categories Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion pedal?

The Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion is known for its powerful, aggressive distortion tones with a pronounced mid-range. It's ideal for rock and metal genres, providing a punchy, cutting sound that can drive your guitar to the forefront of the mix.

Is the Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion pedal suitable for use with bass guitars?

While primarily designed for electric guitars, the SD9 can be used with bass guitars, though it may result in some loss of low-end frequencies. It's best to try it out to see if the tonal character suits your bass setup.

How does the Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion compare to the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer?

The SD9 offers a more aggressive and saturated distortion compared to the TS9, which is known for its smoother overdrive and mid-boost. The SD9 is better suited for heavier music styles, while the TS9 is often favored for blues and classic rock.

Does the Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion work well with other pedals in a signal chain?

Yes, the SD9 is versatile and works well with other pedals, especially in combination with overdrives and modulation effects. Its strong output can complement other pedals, providing a solid foundation for a complex pedalboard setup.

What power supply is required for the Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion pedal?

The Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion requires a standard 9V power supply or a 9V battery. Ensure the power supply is compatible with center-negative polarity, which is standard for most guitar pedals.

Ariel Pozzo

Ariel Pozzo

Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion 1983

Video thumbnail for Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion 1983 by Ariel Pozzo

Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion 1983

Ariel Pozzo

Ariel Pozzo

Video thumbnail for 1980’s Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion by Strat Man

1980’s Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion

Strat Man

Strat Man

Video thumbnail for 1983 Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion by Guitar Bazaar

1983 Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion

Guitar Bazaar

Guitar Bazaar

Video thumbnail for 1984 Ibanez SD-9 Sonic Distortion by Ian Litovich

1984 Ibanez SD-9 Sonic Distortion

Ian Litovich

Ian Litovich

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ SD9 SONIC DISTORTION by KRAZEEIZATION

IBANEZ SD9 SONIC DISTORTION

KRAZEEIZATION

KRAZEEIZATION

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional Marshall-like dirt quality

  • Great dynamic range allows clean tones at high gain

  • Touch-sensitive, adapts to playing intensity

  • Transparent tone with harmonic complexity

  • Wide frequency response for versatile tone shaping

  • Higher gain and tone control compared to similar pedals

  • Favored by renowned players for its distinct tone

  • Can mimic the tone of Scott Henderson / Michael Landau

  • Original versions perceived as superior to reissues

CONS

  • May sound too crunchy initially

  • Some find it too even at high gain settings

  • Older versions preferred, suggesting variability in newer models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion.

Features and functionality

  • Known for its dynamic response and versatility, the SD9 can serve as both a boost and a tight higher gain distortion reminiscent of a JCM800.

    Source
  • The SD9 is identified as a hard clipper, distinct from the more common overdrive circuits, offering a unique tonal palette.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find it challenging to dial in the right settings, often tweaking the guitar volume for desired dynamics.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the pedal's durability, noting that even well-used units from the early '80s can maintain excellent condition with minimal cosmetic cleanup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Often compared to the Boss BD-2 for its ability to clean up well with guitar volume adjustments.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal is favored by session players and jazz fusion artists, with notable users like Michael Landau using it for its unique "spitty" noise.

    Source
  • Recommended settings include high volume, low tone, and moderate distortion, with guitar volume adjustments for a fuzz-like cleanup.

    Source
  • Combining the SD9 with a Tube Screamer is recommended for achieving an "awesome" sound, noted for its tightness and crunchiness.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Way Huge Geisha Drive is a popular variant, praised for its reactivity to guitar volume and stacking capabilities.

    Source
  • Boosting the SD9 with a Tube Screamer, especially the Mini version, enhances its tight and crunchy tone, offering a thick, chunky distortion.

    Source

Build quality

  • Older SD9 models feature the JRC4558 chip, which contributes to their distinct sound, different from the newer SD9M version.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
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2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

Ibanez finally made a real answer to the DS1 in the 9 series...

and boy was it a winner. The sonic distortion combines everything you love about the distortion+/OD250 like the excellent cleanup and tasty treble boost with the higher gain and tone control of the DS1! If the SD9 is a bit too even for you at high gain setting just clip one leg of a clipping diode and solder a small germanium diode in series with it and you get DS1 assymetrical clipping ;-) This is among my favorite distortions of the era, an alwys on pedal.... what's great is you can sell and trade them over and over and always score another one for about what you made on the last one. Original Ibanez branded maxon made SD9s are no different in sound than the Ibanez reissues or the modern maxon branded version. If you've not tried a sonic distortion you're missing out. Simialr qualities the to the 2 knob DOD distortion, but each has a distinct charm and given the low cost one could be forgiven for owning both as well as DS1.

jaiden_lee

Good Sheet

It's like a tube screamer taken to the next level. The difference of overdrive and distortion made clear here is this solid box.

jimmarchi1

heh, its nothing like a tubescreamer other than being an Ibanez, totally different circuit

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stone Gossard uses Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion

Stone Gossard

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Photo

According to a Guitar Geek rig diagram from 1997, Stone Gossard uses an Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion pedal.

See how Warren Ellis uses Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion

Warren Ellis

Guitarist, Composer

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

...
Verified via Photo

Warren Ellis uses the light green version of the Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion, as seen in the referenced image.

See how Grant Nicholas uses Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion

Grant Nicholas

Singer, Guitarist

Feeder

...
Verified via Photo

Grant Nicholas is shown using the Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion pedal in a photo shared on his Instagram account.

See how JinJoo Lee uses Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion

JinJoo Lee

Guitarist

DNCE

...
Verified via Photo

You can see it here between the OCD and the Decimator

See how Dave Wyndorf uses Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion

Dave Wyndorf

Singer, Guitarist

Monster Magnet

...
Verified via Archive

Mentioned by Monster Magnet bandmate John McBain in this 2001 Freak Shop USA interview.

When you finally recorded Tab for Glitterhouse, what kind of gear were you and Dave using?

My gear was the same gear that I used throughout Magnet, a Squier Strat, Big Muff, Vox wah wah and a Fender Bassman amp. Dave was using a solid state Ampeg combo, his nameless red guitar, an Ibanez Sonic Distortion pedal (the secret weapon of early MM. We used it on everything including vocals) and his beloved Echoplex. Tim beat the living hell out of floor toms and industrial sized cookware which he referred to as "gig pots".

What was used for that "flying saucer/laser" sound I hear on Tab? Is that the Echoplex?

Echoplex is correct. We also used a digital delay pedal and an old flanger. Those pedals are all over the Tab e.p.

See how John Shanks uses Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion

John Shanks

Guitarist, Composer

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo posted by Shanks on his official Instagram site, one of the pedals that can be seen is the Ibanez SD-9 sonic distortion. He also has the Maxon version.

See how Paul Wilson uses Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion

Paul Wilson

Bassist, Composer

Snow Patrol

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by pablosnowpatrol, Paul Wilson is shown using the Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion pedal, highlighting his enthusiasm for guitar pedals.

Album Usage

The Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedals
2
Analog Man King of Tone V4 Overdrive
1
Boss DS-1 Distortion
Boss DS-1 Distortion Distortion Effects Pedals
1
Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer
Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer Equalizer Effects Pedals
1
Boss BD-2 Blues Driver
Boss BD-2 Blues Driver Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Boss BD-2W Blues Driver Waza Craft
Boss BD-2W Blues Driver Waza Craft Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
DOD Overdrive Preamp 250
DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Wampler Tumnus V1
Wampler Tumnus V1 Overdrive Effects Pedals
1

Community setups

Show yours
rolf_martin_haldorsen

rolf_martin_haldorsen

Gear IQ 167

17 alternative and related items for Ibanez SD9 Sonic Distortion, curated by the Equipboard community.

Way Huge Geisha Drive WHE302G-R

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

An older, special edition of the SD-9 based Geisha Drive, now replaced by the Smalls version.

Way Huge Mister Box

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound high-end alternative

Way Huge's rarest and earliest take on the SD9, the Mister Box is essentially the prototype for the more readily available Geisha Drive.

Vertex T Drive
mod

An SD-9 derivative marketed as a Trainwreck amp emulation. Essentially the same drive section with a static Big Muff tonestack.

Way Huge Geisha Drive WHE302G-B

$235.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

An older, special edition of the SD-9 based Geisha Drive, now replaced by the Smalls version.

Vertex Dynamic Distortion

$175.00

Vintage or Discontinued mod

A tweaked SD-9 circuit, marketed as a blend between Tube Screamer and Fuzz Face.

Vertex Dynamic Distortion MKII

$149.95 - $205.00

mod

The newer, revised version of Vertex's Dynamic Distortion, with undeniable roots in the SD-9 circuit.

More Ibanez Distortion Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    kkolar
    kkolar

    Gear IQ 120856