Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $234
High-end/Boutique
$50
$176+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "JHS Bonsai". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Meet the JHS Bonsai, the quintessential overdrive pedal for every tone chaser. A tribute to the iconic Tube Screamer, the JHS Bonsai takes you on a journey through the history of overdrive, encapsulating four decades of legendary tones. This versatile pedal is not just a collection of modifications, but an exact replication of nine classic, vintage, and hard-to-find Screamer pedals.
With a simple turn of a knob, you can navigate through nine distinct overdrive modes, each meticulously crafted to replicate the nuances of iconic units like the Ibanez TS808, Maxon OD808, TS-10, and EXAR OD-1. The Bonsai offers a wide tonal range, from subtle breakups to face-melting distortions, all with a simple, user-friendly interface.
The heart of the Bonsai lies in its painstakingly recreated vintage circuits. JHS Pedals has gone to great lengths to analyze and replicate each pedal's components and circuitry, capturing the sound and feel of the original pedals. The Bonsai truly gives you the authentic experience of playing through rare, vintage overdrive pedals from decades past.
Key Features:
- Nine distinct overdrive modes modeled after classic pedals
- Simple interface with Level, Tone, and Drive knobs
- Painstakingly recreated vintage circuits for authentic sound and feel
- Analog operation
- Bypass footswitch
- Durable metal housing
- 6.3 mm Mono jack input/output
- Power supply via 9 V DC power supply (not included)
- Made in the USA
- Note: Battery operation is not supported.
Product specs
| Pedal Type | 9-way Overdrive |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (instrument) |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| True Bypass | Yes |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply required (sold separately) |
| Power Usage | Less than 100mA |
| Height | 1.6" |
| Width | 2.6" |
| Depth | 4.8" |
| Weight | 0.57 lbs. |
FAQs
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How many overdrive modes does the JHS Bonsai offer?
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The JHS Bonsai offers nine different overdrive modes, each replicating a classic Tube Screamer circuit, allowing you to explore a wide range of tones from vintage to modern.
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Is the JHS Bonsai an analog pedal?
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Yes, the JHS Bonsai is an analog pedal, providing authentic overdrive sounds without digital modeling.
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Does the JHS Bonsai require a specific power supply?
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The JHS Bonsai requires a standard 9V DC power supply and consumes less than 100mA, which is sold separately.
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Can the JHS Bonsai be used with a bass guitar?
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Yes, the JHS Bonsai can be used with a bass guitar, offering versatile overdrive tones that can enhance your bass sound.
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Does the JHS Bonsai have true bypass switching?
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Yes, the JHS Bonsai features true bypass switching to ensure your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.
Videos
Reverb
JHS Pedals Bonsai: Nine Classic Tube Screamers in One Box | Reverb Tone Report
JHS Pedals Bonsai: Nine Classic Tube Screamers in One Box | Reverb Tone Report
Reverb
JHS Bonsai - The only Tube Screamer you'll ever need! Andertons Music Co.
Andertons Music Co
JHS BONSAI, every Screamer OD in one! Demo by Pete Thorn
Pete Thorn
JHS Bonsai | 9 Way Overdrive
Rabea Massaad
JHS Pedals, The Bonsai
JHS Pedals
JHS The Bonsai
Mike Hermans
JHS Bonsai Multi-overdrive Pedal Demo
Sweetwater
JHS Pedals, The Bonsai
JHS Pedals
Audio Comparison - JHS Bonsai vs Original (no talking)
Guitar Bonedo
JHS Pedals Bonsai 9-Way Screamer Overdrive
Pedal of the Day
Reviews
PROS
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Multiple Tube Screamer variations in one pedal
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Conserves pedalboard space effectively
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High-quality construction ensures durability
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Versatile tones from clean boost to distortion
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True to the original sounds of each Tube Screamer model
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Offers significant savings over purchasing individual pedals
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Encourages creative exploration with diverse sound options
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Light and portable, making it convenient for gigging musicians
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Quiet footswitch operation
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Attractive design and aesthetics
CONS
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Some settings sound similar, limiting perceived versatility
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Price may be higher than some are willing to pay for an overdrive pedal
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about JHS Bonsai.
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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The TS10 mode pairs exceptionally well with a Telecaster neck pickup, delivering a buttery smooth tone.
Source -
For players seeking Mayer tones, the TS10 mode on the Bonsai is noted as matching Mayer's frequently used circuit.
Source -
The Bonsai is less effective in providing variety when used purely as a boost into high-gain amps, as differences between modes become negligible in this setup.
Source
User experience
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Some users experience a popping sound when switching the TS type selector knob.
Source -
Some owners who bought the Bonsai ended up setting it on one mode, suggesting limited use of its full versatility.
Source -
Some owners mention that when used as an overdrive into a clean amp, the Bonsai's tonal differences between modes become more pronounced, offering varied sound profiles.
Source
Comparisons
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The Bonsai is analog and replicates TS pedals convincingly, though some feel it's not a perfect match to specific TS models like the TS808.
Source -
The Bonsai lets you experiment with all TS circuits, offering versatility, unlike owning separate TS models.
Source -
Users note that while the JHS Bonsai offers multiple Tube Screamer modes, it doesn't significantly differ in boost application from standalone models like the Maxon OD808.
Source -
A Klon or Boss OD3 is recommended over the Bonsai for those seeking a distinctly different boost experience than what traditional Tube Screamers provide.
Source
Value and pricing
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While versatile, the Bonsai is priced higher than a single overdrive pedal, making it a more significant investment.
Source -
The Bonsai at $250 can be seen as steep, especially when single TS models can be found for less, such as the TS808 for $200 or used options around $100.
Source -
Considering the high price of individual Tube Screamers and Ibanez's unreliable foot switches, the Bonsai is seen as a better investment for some users.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 14 Ratings
618
All the screamers you'll ever need
I didn't know what Tubescreamer I wanted or where I'd even start on finding out... so I bought all of them in one pedal. Some great tonal variation between the various types that I would never have really appreciated had I just bought one kind of TS.
Having dug into this pedal for a few weeks I'm pleased I bought it as it offers such a wide variation of sounds. From classic Tubescreamer mid boosts, to fairly hot distortion, and a range of tones in between.
It's also really nicely made, and the colour and art makes it look great on my board.
This pedal really tempts me to pick up the Muffuletta and Pack Rat, so I can basically have all of the "standard" drives in three boxes at the turn of a dial rather than trying 100's of pedals.
209
Want Tubescreamers? you got it.
So many usable settings in this pedal should justify the price. It aint cheap compared to picking up a TS9. but hey why not have have 9 of them. My fave is the EXAR OD-1 setting... not very tube screamer, but a solid drive for all weathers. Owning this pedal has saved me 3 pedal slots on my board and killed off some of the gear acquisition for the short term.
Artist usage
Add artist
John Mayer post an instagram live story captioned "Every household should have one." and tags @jhspedals. In his instagram John is holding the pedal, this pedal is nine different tube screamers combiined into one box. "Bonsai utilizes a simple rotary knob to switch through nine classic, vintage, rare, or hard to find variations of the Screamer."
Paul Gilbert is shown with the JHS Bonsai overdrive pedal in a Facebook post by JHS Pedals.
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You can spot it on his "Rack of Doom" posted on Twitter by Mark.
At 43:09 in this rig rundown with Premier Guitar, Rick Beato says,
I have the Bonsai, Josh’s JHS Pedal, which is all the tube screamers, which I love. This is a great pedal. Really great.
02:41 in the middle with his other pedals
In a video by Six String Country, Daniel Donato demonstrates his pedalboard, featuring the JHS Bonsai overdrive pedal.
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Dabin is seen using the JHS Bonsai on his pedalboard at home.
In a photo shared by Alejandro Fourcade on Facebook, Gustavo Santaolalla is seen preparing for his tour with a JHS Bonsai overdrive pedal among his gear.
In an Instagram post by Nick Steinhardt, he is seen using the JHS Bonsai pedal. The post is captioned "Play time," which indicates his engagement with the equipment.
Behind the Gear interviewed Rick Mitarotonda of Goose on May 9, 2020 to showcase Rick's gear.
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 JHS Bonsai, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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