Ibanez SoundTank PL5 Powerlead

$49.00 Price Tier: Budget

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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4.0 (1)

$49.00 3 available Used

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Average Price: $49

Budget/Beginner

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Overdrive Effects Pedals category, Ibanez SoundTank PL5 Powerlead is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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The Ibanez SoundTank PL5 Powerlead is a classic overdrive pedal designed for guitarists who crave a robust and gritty sound. Part of the renowned SoundTank series, this pedal has been a staple for musicians looking to inject some vintage warmth into their playing. Known for its durability and distinctive character, the PL5 Powerlead is a versatile addition to any guitarist's gear lineup, offering a wide range of overdrive tones from mild crunch to searing lead.

With its user-friendly interface, the PL5 allows players to easily dial in their desired sound using its intuitive three-knob layout. These controls provide precise adjustments over gain, tone, and level, making it a breeze to shape your sound. Whether you're playing blues, rock, or metal, this pedal can adapt to suit your style, delivering consistent performance every time. The compact and rugged design ensures it holds up well under the rigors of live performances, while its affordable price point makes it an attractive choice for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

Key Features:

Part of the Ibanez SoundTank series
Three-knob control layout: Gain, Tone, and Level
Provides a range of overdrive tones from mild to aggressive
Compact and durable design ideal for live performances
Versatile sound suitable for various music genres

Product specs

Brand	Ibanez
Model	Soundtank PL5 Powerlead Distortion
Finish	Black
Year	1990s
Categories	Distortion Pedals
Pedal Format	Standard

FAQs

What type of distortion does the Ibanez SoundTank PL5 Powerlead provide?: The Ibanez SoundTank PL5 Powerlead offers a high-gain distortion that is well-suited for rock and metal genres, providing a powerful, aggressive tone with substantial sustain.
Is the Ibanez SoundTank PL5 Powerlead suitable for use with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?: Yes, the PL5 Powerlead works well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, delivering a consistent distortion tone across different guitar setups.
Does the Ibanez SoundTank PL5 Powerlead require a specific power supply?: The PL5 Powerlead can be powered using a standard 9V battery or a compatible 9V DC power adapter, making it easy to integrate into most pedalboards.
How does the Ibanez SoundTank PL5 Powerlead compare to other Ibanez distortion pedals?: The PL5 Powerlead is part of the SoundTank series, known for its compact design and affordability, offering a more aggressive distortion compared to other Ibanez models like the Tube Screamer, which provides a smoother overdrive.
Is the Ibanez SoundTank PL5 Powerlead durable for live performances?: While the PL5 Powerlead features a plastic housing typical of the SoundTank series, it is designed to withstand regular use. However, extra care is advised for heavy gigging environments.

Videos

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez SoundTank PL5 Powerlead.

Features and functionality

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Incorporating a clean blend knob enhances versatility, allowing bassists to incorporate the PL5 into their setup effectively.
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Adding a noise gate on a separate footswitch from the drive circuit significantly increases the pedal's utility for high-gain applications.
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Users suggest enhancing the EQ knob’s effectiveness, as the original's full CW or CCW settings show minimal tonal difference.
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Use cases and applications

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The PL5 is versatile, effectively handling genres from country to classic rock, and can serve as a boost for church songs without introducing unwanted distortion.
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The PL5 can be used as an almost-clean boost by dialing back the gain, offering flexibility for various musical contexts.
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When paired with a HiWatt Custom 100, the PL5 delivers a beautiful clean sound that complements its overdrive capabilities.
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Build quality

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The original PL5's plastic housing is a noted reliability issue; a metal housing upgrade is highly desired for durability.
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The pedal's switch and jack components are often criticized for being of low quality, with users describing them as "cheap trash."
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Comparisons

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The Ibanez SoundTank PL5 Powerlead is often compared to the Sansamp GT2, with both being used for achieving Tim Lash's signature sound.
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Some users recall the PL5 sounding better than the popular pink Ibanez AD9.
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User experience

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Owners highlight the PL5's ability to contribute to a massive, layered sound when used in triple-tracking setups for recording or live performances.
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One user expressed regret for dismantling their PL5 as a teen, emphasizing a strong attachment to its sound despite the fragile components.
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Value and pricing

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Many users consider the SoundTank PL5 a bargain, praising its affordability given the "insane" tone quality it delivers.
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A user purchased the PL5 for £30, noting that current asking prices range from £250-350, highlighting a significant increase in value.
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4.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

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Tim Lash

Guitarist

HUM

Verified via reddit

"Tim: Ibanez Power Lead distortion, MXR Phase 90, DOD Grunge, Sans Amp GT2, Boss Super Chorus, Tube Zone Overdrive"

Allen Epley

Singer, Guitarist

Shiner

Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "Shiner-Live Cafe 108 Edmond, Ok 1998" by Jim Skiniotes, at approximately 2:18, there is a close-up of Allen Epley's pedal board. Although the video is too blurry to clearly read the label on the pedal, the spacing of the lettering and the color of the label match those of the Ibanez SoundTank PL5 Powerlead. This conclusion is further supported by the fact that the only other red label SoundTank pedal was a compressor, which does not match the letter spacing seen in the video.