Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $269

High-end/Boutique

$80

$181+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the raw power of vintage distortion with a modern twist in the Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Guitar Pedal. This pedal takes the iconic sound of the early '80s and dials it up a notch, offering musicians a robust palette of tonal possibilities. Whether you're aiming to recreate the sonic landscape of classic rock or forge your own path with a unique sound, the SD9M stands ready to deliver. Its versatility makes it a perfect fit for guitarists across genres, ensuring your riffs cut through with precision and clarity. From subtle overdrive to full-blown distortion, this pedal adapts to your creative needs without missing a beat.

Key Features:

  • Modified version of the classic SD9 Sonic Distortion, enhancing the original's capabilities
  • Offers a wide range of tones, from mild overdrive to heavy distortion
  • True bypass for preserving signal integrity
  • Mode switch to toggle between classic and modern distortion tones
  • Robust build quality, designed to withstand rigorous use

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model SD9M Sonic Distortion Mod
Finish Green
Year 2010s
Made In China
Categories Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What distinguishes the Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Modified from the original SD9?

The Ibanez SD9M offers additional modifications, including a mid-boost switch and a gain boost, providing more tonal versatility and increased distortion compared to the original SD9 model.

Is the Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Modified suitable for metal music?

Yes, the Ibanez SD9M is well-suited for metal music, thanks to its high-gain capabilities and mid-boost feature, which enhances the pedal's ability to cut through dense mixes with aggressive distortion.

Does the Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Modified work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

The SD9M is designed to perform well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, offering a wide range of distortion tones that complement different pickup types.

What type of power supply is required for the Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Modified?

The Ibanez SD9M requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for most guitar pedals, or it can be powered by a 9V battery for portable use.

How does the mid-boost switch on the Ibanez SD9M affect the sound?

The mid-boost switch on the SD9M enhances the midrange frequencies, allowing the pedal to deliver a more pronounced and cutting tone, ideal for solos and lead parts.

Simon Smith

Simon Smith

Ibanez TS9 Tubescreamer Vs Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Pedal

Video thumbnail for Ibanez TS9 Tubescreamer Vs Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Pedal by Simon Smith

Ibanez TS9 Tubescreamer Vs Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Pedal

Simon Smith

Simon Smith

Video thumbnail for Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Mod - demo, reamping test by Portal Gitarowy

Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Mod - demo, reamping test

Portal Gitarowy

Portal Gitarowy

Video thumbnail for Ibanez SD9M Quick Testing② by MrBeams1

Ibanez SD9M Quick Testing②

MrBeams1

MrBeams1

Video thumbnail for Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Mod Pedal Demo with a TS9 and JD9 by PMTVUK

Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Mod Pedal Demo with a TS9 and JD9

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Mod by Cryptic Mask Guitar

Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Mod

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile with gain and mids switches for flexible sound shaping

  • Offers both a natural and classic SD9 distortion sound

  • Mids switch brightens and boosts sound effectively

  • Delivers a dark yet present distortion that's hard to find

  • Transparent drive and distortion mode for a broad tone range

  • Robust build quality

CONS

  • Sound may not meet everyone's expectations

  • Some may find the distortion character not suitable for their style

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Modified.

Features and functionality

  • The SD9M includes switches for a mid boost and extra gain, distinguishing it from the standard SD9 model.

    Source
  • The SD9M offers a transparent tone with a wide range of tones and gain, making it versatile for different styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The SD9M's treble can be extremely bright, often compared to an ice pick in tonal sharpness, requiring a very loud amp to tame.

    Source
  • Unlike the Tube Screamer, the SD9M delivers a more solid drive, appealing to those seeking a different overdrive experience.

    Source
  • The SD9M is noted to lack the original JRC4558 chip found in older models and classic Tube Screamers, impacting tonal authenticity for purists.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Priced at $90, this model is considered a rare find and a good deal for collectors or those seeking unique tonal qualities.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users describe the SD9M as having a lo-fi feel with the distortion knob at zero, offering a saturated overdrive sound.

    Source
  • Owners report that the normal gain setting already provides significant saturation, with the gain boost transforming it into a full distortion pedal.

    Source
  • Owners mention selling older SD9 models quickly, even in rough condition, indicating its desirability and value retention among enthusiasts.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal pairs well in a chain with a Hellbabe Wah, Whammy 5th Gen, and Nano Big Muff, providing versatile stacking options.

    Source
  • It's noted that running the SD9M before a Big Muff and after an SD-1 allows for effective low to high gain stacking.

    Source
  • Boosting the SD9M with a Tube Screamer creates a tight, crunchy yet thick sound, highly recommended for achieving classic rock tones.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Cleaning up an older SD9 model can make it appear nearly new, highlighting its durable build quality and potential for restoration.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 17 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
kaevan

Exactly what I want right now.

I have tried SO many distortion pedals. I stumbled upon the original 80's non-modified version of this pedal and tried it out several times against many other distortion pedals in my own personal shootouts. I also checked into it online against many pedals. Not that I would necessarily compare the two, but my preference led me to choose this pedal over the RAT which was the only other pedal that truly intrigued me as well as suited my needs. I was hoping to get a dark yet present distortion. Everything else I tried fell short and ended up too crispy or way too flat. This pedal has UMPH! I'll eventually get a RAT as well just for variety and kicks, but the chance to grab one of these in decent conditions was absolutely awesome. Definitely what I was looking for in a chug box/solo tone. When you toss a boost after it you can cut a band down to size, and the low end has plenty of body without a boost. If you find this baby for under $90, get it.

jeffleuterio

Wide range distortion

You can also use it as a overdrive, so it is a versatile pedal. Some people might not like the sound of it, but thats taste...

jos_de_vries

The sound is just not what I was looking for.

I bought this pedal in the past. Provides nice distortion sound and is also robust. Yet I was not completely satisfied. The sound is just not what I was looking for.

R

The sound is just not what I was looking for.

I bought this pedal in the past. Provides nice distortion sound and is also robust. Yet I was not completely satisfied. The sound is just not what I was looking for.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Christian Savill uses Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Modified

Christian Savill

Guitarist

Slowdive

...
Verified via Photo

An Ibanez Sonic Distortion can be seen in this picture of Christian Savill's pedalboard. See also: http://puertoricoindie.com/2016/05/12/christian-savill-slowdive/

See how Matthew Caws uses Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Modified

Matthew Caws

Guitarist

Nada Surf

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded Twitter photo, Matthew Caws is seen with an Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Guitar Pedal.

See how [betwind] uses Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Modified

[betwind]

Singer, Guitarist

[betwind]

...
Verified via Photo

Betwind expressed a fondness for the Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Guitar Pedal. However, during a concert, the pedal's neon-like appearance under blue light was distracting, leading them to replace it with the Speedbox by ModTone. This insight is supported by a user-uploaded photo on Bzmedia.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Modified, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Ibanez SD9M Sonic Distortion Modified, curated by the Equipboard community.

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    Gear IQ 120856