Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $148
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$50
$176+
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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Maxon OD-9 Overdrive". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Presenting the Maxon OD-9 Overdrive, a faithful reissue of the legendary pedal that carved a niche in the annals of rock history. With its NJM4558D op amp chip, this pedal is more than a simple overdrive. It's a tone machine, faithfully reproducing the iconic sound of the original Maxon OD-9 circuit from the 1970s, while providing an enhanced overdrive experience.
The Maxon OD-9 offers a wide range of overdrive tones, from subtle to shattering, courtesy of its Drive and Level knobs. It caters to the desire of every guitarist to find their unique sound, offering the ability to tweak intensity and volume of overdrive. The Hi-Boost and Hi-Cut tone controls further enrich this versatility, allowing you to shape the brightness and find your perfect tone.
Despite its compact size, the Maxon OD-9 is a powerhouse, designed to withstand the demands of both stage and studio. It is housed in a durable die-cast zinc case, ensuring longevity and reliability. Whether you aim to recreate vintage rock tones or craft your own unique sound, the Maxon OD-9 is a premium overdrive pedal ready for any challenge.
Key Features:
- Legendary NJM4558D op amp chip for smooth, uncompressed overdrive tone
- Faithful reissue of the original Maxon OD-9 circuit
- Wide range of overdrive tones via Drive and Level knobs
- Hi-Boost and Hi-Cut tone controls for brightness shaping
- Durable, die-cast zinc case designed for stage and studio
- True Bypass for clean signal path
- Powered by a 9V battery or a 9/10 V DC power supply unit (not included)
- Made in Japan
- Includes 3-year warranty from Maxon.
Product specs
| Pedal Type | Overdrive |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Bypass Switching | True Bypass |
| EQ | Tone Control |
| Controls | Drive, Level |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Power Usage | 6mA |
| Height | 2.12" |
| Width | 2.91" |
| Depth | 4.88" |
| Weight | 1.27 lbs. |
FAQs
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Is the Maxon OD-9 Overdrive pedal true bypass?
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Yes, the Maxon OD-9 Overdrive features true bypass switching, which helps maintain your guitar's tone quality when the pedal is turned off.
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How does the Maxon OD-9 Overdrive compare to the Ibanez Tube Screamer?
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The Maxon OD-9 Overdrive is similar to the Ibanez Tube Screamer in sound and design, as both were originally produced by Maxon. The OD-9 offers a classic overdrive tone with a smooth midrange boost.
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Can the Maxon OD-9 Overdrive be powered by a standard power supply?
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Yes, the Maxon OD-9 can be powered by a standard 9V AC adapter or a 9V battery, allowing for flexible power options.
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Is the Maxon OD-9 Overdrive suitable for blues and rock music?
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Absolutely, the Maxon OD-9 Overdrive is well-suited for blues and rock genres, delivering a warm, creamy overdrive that enhances midrange frequencies.
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Does the Maxon OD-9 Overdrive work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?
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Yes, the Maxon OD-9 Overdrive is versatile and performs well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, offering a consistent overdrive tone across different guitar types.
Equipboard's Expert Review
Equipboard tested this
Legendary Overdrive with True Bypass
When we first got our hands on the Maxon OD-9 Overdrive, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. As the original creators of the Tube Screamer, Maxon has a storied reputation, and the OD-9 certainly lives up to it.
Right out of the box, the pedal feels like it could withstand a tour across the country and back. Its robust, tank-like construction immediately evokes confidence. The knobs and switches are solid, and the overall build quality is impressive—no flimsy parts here.
On the feature front, the OD-9 keeps things straightforward. It sports a true bypass, which ensures your signal remains untouched when the pedal is disengaged—a big plus in our book.
Plugging it in, we found the tone pure Tube Screamer. It pushes the mid frequencies while shelving some of the low end, helping you cut through a band mix with ease. And while it does alter your tone by changing the frequency response curve, it amazingly manages to retain your amp’s character, which is a huge win for those who love their amp’s natural sound. The OD-9 excels at boosting your amp and adding a smooth overdrive. We particularly appreciated its responsiveness to playing dynamics; it’s a pedal that rewards expressive playing. However, it does have a tendency to cut the bottom end, which might not be ideal for everyone.
In terms of value, the OD-9 stands toe-to-toe with boutique pedals, delivering fantastic quality at a lower price point. While it might be slightly more expensive than other mainstream options, the reliability and build quality justify the investment.
Bottom line: If you're a guitarist who values reliability, simplicity, and a transparent overdrive that complements your amp’s natural tone, the Maxon OD-9 is a stellar choice to add a Tube Screamer to your collection.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Maxon OD-9 Overdrive Pedal
Reviews
PROS
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Boosts guitar signal for more edge and sustain
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Solid, durable construction, described as "nuclear bunker"
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True bypass preserving signal integrity when off
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Enhances midrange, beneficial for live play
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Stacks well with other pedals for versatile setups
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Original Tube Screamer model, preferred by some over Ibanez
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Quick to dial in a great tone
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Compresses nicely, adding great sustain
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Transparent sound doesn't alter amp tone much
CONS
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Lacks the distortion some might seek from an overdrive pedal
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Tone adjustment offers minimal change
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Fewer features compared to other models
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Can cut low end, affecting tone balance
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Some find it too subtle compared to modern pedals
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Maxon OD-9 Overdrive.
Comparisons
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The OD9 is noted for providing a better grit compared to the TS9, attributed to superior circuitry that enhances tube amp performance.
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The user experienced a distinct tonal difference between the TS808 and TS9dx, with the latter being less compressed and bitey, contrary to claims of near-identical sound.
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The Seymour Duncan 805 is comparable to the Maxon OD9 for clean boosts in metal tones, with the added benefit of an EQ for versatility.
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The Maxon OD-9 and Ibanez TS9 share the same circuit board, but the OD-9 features true bypass, unlike the TS9's transistor-driven bypass.
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Despite similar circuitry, the Maxon OD-9 is noted for using higher quality components and a superior board compared to the Ibanez TS9.
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The Maxon OD-9 Pro+ is considered less suitable than the ST-9 Pro for achieving old school Cannibal Corpse tones, highlighting differences in flexibility and tonal range.
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Mods and upgrades
Use cases and applications
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The OD9 is recommended for blues and jam band styles, providing a strong attack and ability to cut through mixes effectively.
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The Maxon OD-9's true bypass design is preferred for those seeking a cleaner signal path in their pedal chain.
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The OD9 can be used effectively to achieve a tight metal sound when paired with the Boss HM-2 and routed directly into the FX return of an amp.
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Features and functionality
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The Maxon OD-9's footswitch requires releasing your foot to deactivate, which some find quirky, offering a unique utility during live performances.
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User experience
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One user notes that running the overdrive pedal after an HM2 yields better results, with specific settings enhancing the tonal quality for recording purposes.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 9 Reviews and 49 Ratings
623
The Legend is Real
EDIT: After a couple months, I now truly understand why it’s so much better to have a high gain amp and a little green beast boosting the front as opposed to relying on a dirt pedal through a clean channel. I LOVE this pedal.
Just got this little green monster. Haven’t had a chance to really dig into it yet, but I plugged it in and found a setting I loved within 30 seconds! To be fair; I had a vague idea going into it where I wanted to dial in, but I was so impressed with how much it tightens up my tone. I can’t wait to do a deep dive on this thing! Anyone who knows anything about the history of music equipment knows the importance of the Tube Screamer. That being said, why would anyone settle for anything less than the one that set the standard in the first place? Pick one of these up and discover for yourself why this pedal is a must have for everyone who plays electric guitar!
143
Improved Tubescreamer
The Maxon OD-9 is an improved version of the classic TS-9 Tube Screamer and is a true bypass pedal. It is a classic and solid overdrive; with it, you get what you traditionally expect from a pedal of these characteristics; when used on a warm tube amplifier you achieve greater gain and color the sound naturally. I believe that whether it's this model or a classic Ibanez, all electric guitarists should have one. A fantastic pedal with even better construction and features than the Ibanez TS9 (originally it was Maxon who manufactured them); in short, a reliable and quality device.
This review has been translated automatically into English. See original177
Best brand new Tube Screamer I've tried
I had every Tube Screamer reissues and this one is the only one that sounds exactly the same as the old TS9. Reissues of classic pedals trend to exaggerate things. Brand new Ibanez Tube Screamer (ts9 and ts808) sounds too smooth and too middy. This one is more subtle, more natural. It doesn't make your tone like if you're listening it from an old radio.
40997
the old ones sound a bit variable, I have owned a number of original TS9s and they were different at the same settings and were also different than a friend's 90s RI, but that RI could be set to sound just like the 80s one I owned, The old one had a bit more treble on tap with the tone knob wide open, but for most people they are awfully similar. From the audience at a show they are indistinguishable, even by the sound guy doing FOH.
166
The original TS-9 Tube Screamer
The Maxon OD-9 Overdrive pedal is the original tube screamer. They made the all the parts for Ibanez, with Ibanez just putting their name on top. I use this pedal as a base SRV tone, with all of the knobs around 50%. It compresses really nice and adds a great sustain to your tone. It sounds like how a tubescreamer should. I don't like how it cuts the bottom end, but hey, you really cut through the mix with the mid bump!
542
Works well for gain boost
sounds good with light driven tube amp. I mainly use this pedal as booster.
Artist usage
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"I also use an MXR Dyna Comp compressor to keep the sustain, and a Maxon Overdrive — the one like the old Tube Screamer. Those are great pedals for just a little overdrive and a little boost."
Andy Summers' guitar tech, Dennis Smith, discusses the gear used by Andy both in the studio and on tour, including the Maxon OD-9 Overdrive, as listed by Realrock.
Matt Heafy's post to instagram shows a Maxon OD-9 in his pedal collection with the caption:
Who will win? Today we test the Horizon Devices Precision, Airis TS Pre, Maxon OD9, Ibanez TS9, MXR Modified OD and Sugar Drive...
From the interview with Premier Guitar What effects did you use for Blood In, Blood Out? Holt: I use a ton of different pedals. I love stompboxes—they’re like crack to me! I have pedals from Maxon, Dunlop, HomeBrew Electronics, Pigtronix. I use a lot of the Maxon Tube Screamer-type pedals. They made the original ones, so they have ones that are exactly like the original, sought-after ones, and they also have updated versions.
Kirk Windstein uses the Maxon OD-9 Overdrive pedal, as indicated by a Facebook post where he shared a pedalboard photo. Although the diagram mentions a Maxon OD-808, the photo shows a pedal case resembling that of the OD-9, which aligns with his transition from the MT-2 to the OD-9.
Tom Searle's Maxon OD-9 Overdrive can be seen in this Twitter photo of his pedalboard.
“Gareth[Russell], my tech, gave me this great little switch and plugged it all in, in very interesting ways I don’t understand. But basically, I can go through my Marshall and Fender so it’s a lot more versatile. So if I want that recorded sound of the Fender and Marshall coming in for a second chorus, I can have more of that studio-esque effect with two amps running different sounds.
“Gareth also brought switching in for the electric guitar. It’s cool how they can be configured to make different channels do different things. For electric, I can do the thing I have with my acoustic where I have my clean sound, but still have those nice blends. I can run straight through the Marshall and the Tube Screamer [Maxon] and I can go through just the Fender.” - excerpt from Music Radar interview.
Album Usage
The Maxon OD-9 Overdrive has been featured on the following albums:
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 Maxon OD-9 Overdrive, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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Add recommendation5 alternative and related items for Maxon OD-9 Overdrive, curated by the Equipboard community.
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The Ibanez TS-9 and Maxon OD-9 are both based on the iconic Tube Screamer circuit, offering warm, midrange-focused overdrive. The primary difference lies in the bypass system: the TS-9 uses buffered bypass, which can slightly affect your signal chain when the pedal is off, while the OD-9 features true bypass, preserving your tone more faithfully. Tonally, the two pedals are nearly identical, as Maxon manufactured the original Tube Screamers for Ibanez, though some players describe the OD-9 as having a slightly smoother response. Both pedals are rugged and reliable, but the OD-9 is often favored by purists seeking the original Tube Screamer feel with modern conveniences.
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The OD808 is another Maxon creation and the predecessor to the OD-9. It offers a slightly softer, more compressed overdrive compared to the OD-9, making it a great choice for smoother tones.
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The Plumes is a modern take on the Tube Screamer, offering three clipping modes (Symmetrical LED, asymmetrical, and clean boost) for enhanced tonal flexibility. Its quieter operation and more defined low end make it a contemporary alternative to the OD-9.
An extremely high output, modded version of the OD-9, designed by amp guru Mike Fortin.