BounceChord Shreds with The Gristle King: Is This Tube Screamer the Real King?

BounceChord kicks things off with a nostalgic nod to how The Gristle King pedal has held a special place in their heart for 15 years. It all began with an old PGS Andy demo that led to a love affair with this dual pedal, capturing tones like a blast from the past. Comparable to the yellow channel on a Hot Rod Deluxe, the pedal is described as a tone revelation. Back when dual pedals with independent switching were a novelty, this gem was ahead of its time with its bass boost and compression options. Created by Tim Yarnig with Greg Cock, it’s a powerhouse delivering the iconic boost guitarists crave. This pedal isn’t just a pedal; it’s practically a mixtape of iconic sounds.

BounceChord dives into the magic of The Gristle King’s boost side, stating it gives off 14 decibels of pure, fine-tuned power – a rarity when most boosts go for 20 or even 30 decibels. It’s like trading a keg for just the right amount of a craft brew; efficient, yet satisfying. This subtle adjustment results in a perfectly sweet spot, and the ethos of keeping the boost always on reshapes how every pedal downstream interacts. It’s a game-changer for dynamics, similarly to adding hot sauce to street tacos – everything comes alive. They demonstrate this by noting how the boost affects the music in every pedal it touches, creating a richer sound.

The notorious DGTM, or Diabolical Gristle Tone Manipulator, adds a quirky edge to BounceChord’s exploration. With a penchant for dirt and compression, this pedal side is nothing short of adventurous. Label tweaks like ‘Flavor’ switch signify added compression, while the ‘Fat’ switch brings bass boost in tow. Though some frequencies might get cut or added, it’s all about finding that sweet kill switch sound. For BounceChord, it’s akin to cranking up the crunch on an irresistible snack. It’s less about perfection and more about groove, as suggested by the creative labeling of controls that enhance the user’s tonal playground.

BounceChord takes the legendary Ibanez Turbo Tube Screamer TS9DX head-on against The Gristle King. With its Keely mod in check, the Ibanez walks into the ring with tried-and-true settings, like a vintage leather jacket that never goes out of style. Comparisons show the Gristle King holding its ground with a notable voice that’s strikingly reminiscent of the classic TS-808 but not just another face in the crowd. BounceChord’s verdict of both pedals having their distinct yet overlapping traits reflects a balance between nostalgia and novelty. Both bring the groove, like hip-hop tracks with their own unique beats, and the true winner is the player’s preference.