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Average Price: $164

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Description

Unleash the true potential of your guitar with the Ibanez Tube King TK999, a pedal that brings the warmth and authenticity of tube-driven overdrive to your rig. Originally crafted in Japan and later produced in the US, the Tube King has become a sought-after gem among guitarists who crave genuine tube tone. The 12AX7 tube at its core delivers a smooth, natural overdrive that faithfully responds to your playing dynamics, offering a rich tonal palette to explore. Whether you're looking to add a subtle bite to your clean tones or a roaring overdrive to your leads, the Tube King provides a versatile solution for any style.

Designed with the performing musician in mind, the TK999 features a sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of the road, ensuring reliable performance night after night. The pedal's intuitive controls make it easy to dial in your desired sound, while the true bypass switching maintains your guitar's original tone when the pedal is not in use. Embrace the sound that has captivated players for decades and discover why the Ibanez Tube King TK999 remains a staple in the world of overdrive pedals.

Key Features:

  • 12AX7 tube-driven overdrive for authentic, warm tone
  • True bypass switching to preserve original guitar tone
  • Intuitive control layout for easy sound shaping
  • Sturdy construction designed for durability on the road
  • Originally produced in Japan, with later models made in the US

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model Tube King TK999 MIJ
Finish Gold
Year 1994 - 1995
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of tube is used in the Ibanez Tube King TK999US overdrive pedal?

The Ibanez Tube King TK999US utilizes a 12AX7 tube, which is known for providing warm, natural overdrive tones that are highly sought after by guitarists.

Is the Ibanez Tube King TK999US suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ibanez Tube King TK999US is designed for live performance use, offering robust construction and a dynamic range that can cut through a mix, making it ideal for gigging musicians.

How does the Ibanez Tube King TK999US differ from other overdrive pedals?

The Ibanez Tube King TK999US stands out due to its use of a real 12AX7 tube, which delivers authentic tube-driven overdrive tones, unlike many solid-state overdrive pedals that simulate this effect.

Can the Ibanez Tube King TK999US handle high-gain settings for metal music?

The Ibanez Tube King TK999US is primarily designed for warm overdrive and boost, making it more suitable for blues, rock, and classic rock rather than high-gain metal tones.

Does the Ibanez Tube King TK999US require a specific power supply?

The Ibanez Tube King TK999US typically requires a 9V power supply, but it's important to check the manual for specific requirements to ensure optimal performance and avoid damage.

JokeAndRazz

JokeAndRazz

Guitar distortion IBANEZ TK999 Tube King : demo by Sylvain Gambini

Video thumbnail for Guitar distortion IBANEZ TK999 Tube King : demo by Sylvain Gambini by JokeAndRazz

Guitar distortion IBANEZ TK999 Tube King : demo by Sylvain Gambini

JokeAndRazz

JokeAndRazz

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ TUBE KING TK999  -  WARMOTH STRAT (KINMAN) - MARSHALL JCM 2000 by JokeAndRazz

IBANEZ TUBE KING TK999 - WARMOTH STRAT (KINMAN) - MARSHALL JCM 2000

JokeAndRazz

JokeAndRazz

Reviews

PROS

  • Full control with Bass, Middle, and Treble knobs

  • Gain and Master controls useful through entire sweep

  • Infinitely dialable for precise sound shaping

  • Compatible with other pedals for versatile setups

  • Maintains rich tone unique to tube overdrive

  • Reliable performance and longevity (25 years and counting)

  • Offers clear, crunchy clarity even at low gain

  • Excellent sound quality with bass instruments

CONS

  • May be considered pricey compared to similar pedals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Tube King TK999US.

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping the stock 12AX7 tube with a 12AY7 can reduce gain to 40% of the original, although compatibility may vary with individual tubes.

    Source
  • A 12AT7 tube offers 60% of the gain of a 12AX7, making it another viable option for those seeking less gain in the Ibanez Tube King TK999US.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • If swapping tubes results in no sound, it's advised to check if the tube lights up, as a non-working tube may still heat up but be defective.

    Source
  • Tube swapping is reported as inconvenient, impacting maintenance ease for owners.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners describe the pedal as unexpectedly heavy despite its appearance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The "void" knob functions as a noise gate, providing an unconventional design aspect.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users note the Behringer VT999 as a more moderated alternative in terms of gain compared to the TK999US.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users initially struggle with the pedal’s high gain, especially if accustomed to the Behringer VT999’s sound.

    Source
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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399

Very versatile OD great tone

It's one of the first pedals I bought, second hand, about 25 years ago, and still perfectly working! With the 3 tone knobs i can reach lots of different tones, and the quality is not affected even at low gain as it mantains a nice crunchy clarity.

From Gear Setup
voodoofunk

Sounds fantastic with bass.

Sounds great with bass. I plugged this directly into my PA with my Squier bass and it sounds AMAZING. It's a little pricey, but you could probably get a used one for pretty cheap and I definitely recommend it.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lee Ranaldo uses Ibanez Tube King TK999US

Lee Ranaldo

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Sonicyouth

According to the linked page, Ranaldo used Ibanez Tube King in late 90's.

See how Bill Kelliher uses Ibanez Tube King TK999US

Bill Kelliher

Singer, Guitarist

Mastodon

...
Verified via Photo

According to this Guitar Geek rig diagram, Bill Kelliher used an Ibanez Tube King in 2009 with Mastodon.

See how Elliott Smith uses Ibanez Tube King TK999US

Elliott Smith

Guitarist, Singer

Heatmiser

...
Verified via Reddit

In the 7th picture of the post the Tube King can be seen near Elliott’s feet next to a setlist.

See how Rich Robinson uses Ibanez Tube King TK999US

Rich Robinson

Guitarist

The Black Crowes

...
Verified via reverb.com

Rich Robinson owns an original Ibanez Tube King TK999, as evidenced by a listing on Reverb. This version was initially produced in Japan before manufacturing moved to the U.S., where the models were designated as TK999US.

See how Kelley Deal uses Ibanez Tube King TK999US

Kelley Deal

Singer, Guitarist

The Breeders

...
Verified via Premierguitar

At 12:56 in the video there's a photo of Deal's pedalboard, including Ibanez Tube King overdrive.

See how A.J. Dunning uses Ibanez Tube King TK999US

A.J. Dunning

Guitarist

The Verve Pipe

...
Verified via Facebook

In this photo of his pedalboard, Dunning also shows his TK999 pedal.

See how Dan Elkan uses Ibanez Tube King TK999US

Dan Elkan

Guitarist

Hella

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Pedals and Effects, ZAVALAZ guitarist Dan Elkan discusses his use of the Ibanez Tube King TK999, stating it's the only overdrive pedal that truly replicates an amplifier's sound.

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 Tube King TK999US, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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Gear IQ 399

A

almostyourkind

Gear IQ 87

5 alternative and related items for Ibanez Tube King TK999US, curated by the Equipboard community.

Behringer Vintage Tube Monster VT999

$76.80 - $139.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

The Behringer Vintage Tube Monster is a clone of the B.K. Butler Designed Ibanez Tube King. Now discontinued.

Maxon ROD880 Real Overdrive
Vintage or Discontinued newer similar sound

The Maxon ROD880 is a newer, rebranded version of the vintage Ibanez TK999 Tube King.

Ibanez TK999HT Tube King

$100.00

Vintage or Discontinued newer cheaper alternative

Despite the name, the TK999HT Tube King shares little with the original Tube King, as its circuit runs a tube at standard voltage, rather than starved like a B.K. Butler style design.

Ibanez TK999OD Tube King Overdrive Pedal

$173.15

Vintage or Discontinued newer cheaper alternative

Despite the name, the TK999OD Tube King shares little with the original Tube King, as its circuit runs a tube at standard voltage, rather than starved like a B.K. Butler style design.

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Gear Guides

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    Gear IQ 84