7. August 2025

RILEY

BounceChord’s Take on The Gristle King: Tube Screamer Dream?

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Is The Gristle King the dual tube screamer you’ve been dreaming of? BounceChord dives deep into this pedal’s legacy, giving us a backstage pass to its unique features and sound. Stay tuned to see if it hits the right notes for your setup.

The Legendary Obsession

Let’s kick things off with a deep dive into BounceChord’s long-standing obsession with The Gristle King. For over 15 years, this pedal has been a cornerstone in his sonic arsenal. In those early days, seeing an old PGS Andy demo was enough to send him racing to stores in search of that Hot Rod Deluxe-like yellow channel tone. Back then, dual pedals weren’t the norm, and the sheer flexibility of changing orders and adding bass boosts set The Gristle King apart as a tone pioneer. Created by Tim Jauernig with the legendary Greg Koch, the pedal was not just another tube screamer; it was a revelation in sound manipulation. Yeah, it’s hilariously named the Diabolical Gristle Tone Manipulator, but don’t let that scare you off. This pedal isn’t about spooking you—it’s about enriching your musical vibes.

"This was not a common thing 15 years ago."

A Boost with A Kick

"...when you turn it off, you really notice that it's off now."

BounceChord doesn’t just give a cursory nod to the boost side of The Gristle King; he revels in its subtle power. Unlike modern behemoths, it offers 14 decibels of boost—a number that might seem underwhelming at first glance. But, as BounceChord shows, it’s all about precision. With just a twist, you can hit that sweet spot that feels just right, sitting pretty below noon. The luxury drive brings a sense of ‘always-on’ magic; when engaged, your entire pedal chain comes alive with new dynamics. It’s like leaving a harmonica in your back pocket while skating down the last hill of summer—the boost becomes so integral that turning it off is no longer an option. This pedal transformed BounceChord into a boost enthusiast, swearing by the way it elevates other pedals in the mix. Talk about a sonic glow-up.

Gristle and Glamour

When it comes to The Gristle Side, BounceChord is clearly smitten with its flavorful switches. The pedal offers a bass boost, albeit unnecessary, because hey, most of us are cutting those frequencies anyway, right? However, the flavor switch is where the magic happens, adding layers of compression and grit that deliver pure tonal euphoria to distortion junkies. It’s like turning your favorite mixtape up to 11—intense, raw, and full of character. He appreciates the way these controls are labeled too, drawing a stark contrast to typical tube screamer setups. Rather than a simple dirt knob, it’s an interplay of elements achieving a spectrum of sonic possibilities. If you love drenching yourself in dirt, this side of The Gristle King is all yours. It’s an endless play of harmonics and just plain fun, critiquing what could be lost for more folksy notes.


Ibanez Showdown

This section tunes into the classic showdown: The Gristle King versus a modded Ibanez TS9DX. BounceChord hooks it up with the Ibanez Turbo Tube Screamer, a piece he holds dear. As he flips the switches between the two, he declares them in close tonal territory. The Keeley modification on the Ibanez mirrors the Gristle King’s edgy persona, though each has its charm. With each dial tweak, the similarities are evident; both pedals reach similar sonic peaks. However, BounceChord proclaims the Gristle King’s layered texture and nuanced boost give it an edge in creating vast soundscapes. With his gear snob hat firmly on, he playfully nudges both pedals to do their best “sonic kung fu.” In this battle of tube screamers, it’s neck and neck, but for those who desire just that little bit more oomph, The Gristle King steps it up.

"I think the plus setting of this with the Keeley mod on sounds an awful lot like this, which is totally fine."

Finding the Sweet Spot

When it’s all said and done, BounceChord gives us his verdict wrapped in his signature style. The Gristle King isn’t the definitive answer to every guitarist’s dreams, but it’s damn near close. With its admirable tone manipulation and killer boost, it’s made its mark in his setup, challenging even his modded Ibanez. It’s not a total sonic savior, yet the way BounceChord lovingly adjusts his settings suggests it’s a faithful companion in his tonal exploration. The pedal’s flexibility in achieving various sound signatures adds layers of depth to his live sets. For those chasing the ever-allusive perfect pedal, The Gristle King might not top the charts, but it sure ranks high. Its quirky charm and dual features make it a treasure for seekers of sound variety. Bottom line? It might not solve world peace, but it’ll surely put a smile on your face.


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Ibanez Turbo Tube Screamer TS9DX
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