I bought one of these used when they 1st came out, and as far as a tube screamer, I own them all, and I love this one. I don't know why. However, this thing has some junk parts in it. The switch for instance, is absolute garbage. I've worked on this pedal and switched out parts to fix it... then I started to tinker a little. This pedal has been a great tool to learn how to solder and tinker. My favorite TS pedal... I like the sound of an 808 but that thing is different, I'd compare to TS-9, TS-9dx, TS-10, and the other regular ts pedals.

I would have called this an average overdrive but for the inclusion of the boost switch. It's got good Tube Screamer tone, and for the money is hard to beat. It's not exactly a looker, but it's pretty versatile, and it definitely gets the job done. If money is tight, this is your pedal.

I've had one of these since they were introduced some years ago, and have no complaints whatsoever. I rarely use the boost switch, but it is a great feature. If any of you remember the TS-5 (soundtank) TubeScreamer as negatively as I do, don't shy away from the TS-7 just because of the price. This pedal is worthy of the TubeScreamer name. If you're not sure you'll be a TubeScreamer fan, or if you just don't have the cash for a TS-9 or a TS-808, this is a great pedal to try. I also have a TS-9, and have no qualms about recommending the TS-7 as an alternative.

For a $50 pedal, the TS7 is a great value. It has a warm, tube like tone and is moderately versatile. If you want a warm vintage distorted tone, then this is undoubtedly the best pedal for the money. It allows you to switch between the warm TS9 sound and a hotter distorted tube tone. However, apart from controlling the amount of drive and treble, this pedal does not give you many options for shaping your tone. Compared to similar pedals in its price range such as the Boss DS-1, the Tubescreamer comes out on top with the best, most authentic tone, but it lacks the versatility of other pedals. If you like the vintage tube sound, then you should definitely buy this pedal. If not, then you should consider other options.

I got this pedal for Christmas a few years ago, before I had developed an actual ear for tones and the like. Anyway, recently plugged it back in and immediately found a sound I loved. Tone pretty high up, gain down all the way, on TS9 mode...great slight overdrive, perfect for rhythm guitar in my band. This pedal gets some other great tones, the one I mentioned just happens to be my favorite. Value is only a 4.5 because I wasn't able to find that uber bluesy distortion you hear the likes of Santana and Stevie Ray get out of this pedal's big brother, but that could have something to do with my amp. Hot mode is...well, it's something. I haven't found much use for it yet, but I'm sure it's great for intentional feedback and that sort of thing, probably great grainy fuzzy tone hiding in there somewhere. Essentially it's a decent boost of gain at the flip of a switch, if that floats your boat. Anyway, yeah, overall great pedal, I don't see a whole lot of reason to drop the cash for the more expensive models unless you're into that and have the means. In short, great pedal for beginners and poor professionals.