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Average Price: $29

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$50

$176+

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Description

Dive into the gritty depths of metal with the Ibanez Soundtank TM-5 Thrash Metal, a pedal that hails from the '90s yet continues to scream relevance. Striking the perfect chord between affordability and performance, the TM-5 is your gateway to that coveted scooped midrange distortion, enriched with heavy gain for an extreme sound experience. Whether you're shredding in your garage or headlining a gig, this pedal delivers the aggressive tonal edge essential for thrash metal and beyond, without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

  • Scooped midrange distortion provides the quintessential metal sound
  • Heavy gain for extreme clipping, allowing for aggressive playing styles
  • Part of the iconic '90s Soundtank series by Ibanez, known for reliability and affordability
  • Simple, user-friendly interface for easy tonal manipulation
  • Durable construction designed to withstand the rigors of touring

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model Soundtank TM5 Thrash Metal Distortion
Finish Black
Year 1990s
Made In Taiwan
Categories Distortion Pedals

FAQs

What type of sound does the Ibanez Soundtank TM-5 Thrash Metal pedal produce?

The Ibanez Soundtank TM-5 Thrash Metal pedal delivers a high-gain distortion sound ideal for thrash and heavy metal genres, characterized by aggressive, cutting tones and pronounced midrange.

Is the Ibanez Soundtank TM-5 suitable for use with a bass guitar?

While primarily designed for electric guitars, the TM-5 can be used with a bass guitar, though it may result in a loss of low-end frequencies. Experimentation is recommended for optimal results.

What power supply does the Ibanez Soundtank TM-5 require?

The Ibanez Soundtank TM-5 Thrash Metal pedal operates on a 9V battery or a compatible 9V DC power adapter for continuous use.

How does the Ibanez Soundtank TM-5 compare to other distortion pedals?

The TM-5 is known for its unique "thrash metal" tone, offering a more aggressive sound compared to standard distortion pedals, making it ideal for genres requiring high gain and cutting mids.

Can the Ibanez Soundtank TM-5 be used in a pedalboard setup?

Yes, the compact design of the Ibanez Soundtank TM-5 makes it suitable for integration into a pedalboard, allowing for easy chaining with other effects pedals.

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Ibanez TM5 Soundtank-THRASHMETAL

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Video thumbnail for Thrash not Trash... and Metal from Ibanez TM5 by soundland

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Video thumbnail for Another Tank! Ibanez Soundtank Thrash Metal TM5 Distortion Review (Pedal Vault) by Dome

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Ibanez THRASHMETAL SOUNDTANK TM5

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Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile tone range from classic rock to heavy metal

  • Can achieve a bassy, scooped sound reminiscent of vintage thrash

  • Durable internals provide a crunchy, mature sound

  • Excellent high gain for metal and hardcore genres

  • Comparably good even against higher-priced pedals

  • Easy to use with controls similar to popular models (e.g., Boss DS-1)

CONS

  • Plastic casing and jacks are fragile

  • Input and output jacks prone to breaking

  • Pedal switch reliability issues

  • Requires careful handling, not suitable for rough use on the floor

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Soundtank TM-5 Thrash Metal.

Build quality

  • Some owners mention the tiny internal switch can fail, requiring a complex and potentially costly replacement or modification.

    Source
  • The Soundtank series utilizes a FET flip-flop circuit with a tiny, flimsy momentary switch that can become unreliable over time.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A potential fix for the switch issue involves soldering leads to a proper stomp switch, though rehousing is labor-intensive.

    Source
  • Rehousing the pedal allows for the use of durable momentary switches, chassis-mounted jacks, and improved pots and knobs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Works surprisingly well as an overdrive on darker amp channels, despite demos suggesting otherwise.

    Source
  • Though generally not preferred for its distortion, the pedal may find niche use in noise music or as a keepsake for nostalgic purposes.

    Source
  • The pedal is described as having a "distinctively harsh, trashy, high-gain" sound, making it suitable for certain styles and providing a unique tonal character.

    Source
  • Works well with a Crate V33's dark gain channel, contrasting with its overly bright performance on clean channels, suggesting a good pairing with darker amp settings.

    Source

User experience

  • One user found it paired perfectly with a Crate V33's gain channel, enhancing tightness and reducing noise compared to reviews.

    Source
  • The pedal's tone control is considered limited in its function, offering minimal impact on sound shaping.

    Source
  • Owners report acquiring the pedal inexpensively, sometimes due to sellers mistaking functional issues related to power adapters, offering a cost-effective entry into experimentation with its sound.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Regular application of contact cleaner can resolve issues with the pedal not turning on or off due to dirty switch contacts.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pedal has been noted to perform similarly to a Rat pedal but with more gain, providing a familiar yet distinctive tone for users familiar with the Rat sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to other pedals, it's noted for its distinctiveness in sound, particularly for harsher, less polished styles, offering a niche appeal not found in more refined distortion pedals.

    Source

3.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
H

Pretty good

This is my backup pedal and it's really similar control-wise to my Boss DS-1.

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 Soundtank TM-5 Thrash Metal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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joe_mcgowan

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