NPD: JHS Bonsaiiiiii anyone tried it?

[Kapo_Polenton]

Got this in yesterday afternoon.. we all know what it does and we all know how a TS or variant sounds. I like many am a JCM800 boosted guy and I always come back to the stock TS or SD-1 types. The thing I really like is that I have an 808 and an OD-1 clone plus others that I always swap in and out. Now, I have them all on the board in one pedal. Some of the sounds are too gainy for me and the variants are really minor but I love the options. The OD-1 is a classic thrashers dream. 808 and TS9 for a bit fuller response sound great as expected. The one that surprises me is that Polish TS clone. That thing sounds great! bit fuller than the OD-1 and that's what I am rolling with right now. As for the Keeley and JHS mods, those two sound phenomenal. With just the gain a tad up, they are awesome boosts for a nice detailed crunchy tone. I can't decide which I like better with my 800 to be honest. Depending on the guitar and the pickups, I suspect I will get to know which I like best with which pairing.

All in all, it is different shades of TS but shezam does it do it well. I also love the Keeley and JHS mods on their own through a clean amp. Good kick in the pants with those and for the price point, it is sort of a no brainer when you think of what the pedals cost on their own. Pair it up with my v.1 koko boost and I am boosting my amp into the stratosphere.

 

[stratjacket]

Congrats. I’ve almost bought that pedal at least 10 times but always pulled back. Thanks for the quick review, I need to try one

 

[motorboy1]

Ive had this pedal for over a year. It really does sound like the various ods it emulates. Ive owned 808s and ts9s and this sounds just like them. My fave into my splawn is the od1 Jake E Lees od of choice. Also the polish ts and ts10 John Mayers fav.

 

[Metlupass2]

I've got one

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

Ive had this pedal for over a year. It really does sound like the various ods it emulates. Ive owned 808s and ts9s and this sounds just like them. My fave into my splawn is the od1 Jake E Lees od of choice. Also the polish ts and ts10 John Mayers fav.

Yup, def does the Jake in a box thing with chorus and a good ol Marshall with JB. I have way too many OD's bought on a whim as is, can't seem to stop adding to the pile though lol. Even the room you play them in, speakers of choice, how high the speaker is to your ear, all have an effect on what OD is considered to be the "best". I have pedals that sounded great at my old place which in the new house and unfinished basement, sound mediocre.

 

[fek]

I keep an eye out for a used Bonsai. Don't need another OD but that one is on my list. Probably should sell my TS9 and just buy one.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

I keep an eye out for a used Bonsai. Don't need another OD but that one is on my list. Probably should sell my TS9 and just buy one.

Seriously.., over 300$ canadian is a lot of cash for a pedal but if I consider I could sell my reissue 808 for 100$ and my OD-1 clone for 80-100$... i just bit the bullet.

 

[motorboy1]

Ive had this pedal for over a year. It really does sound like the various ods it emulates. Ive owned 808s and ts9s and this sounds just like them. My fave into my splawn is the od1 Jake E Lees od of choice. Also the polish ts and ts10 John Mayers fav.

Yup, def does the Jake in a box thing with chorus and a good ol Marshall with JB. I have way too many OD's bought on a whim as is, can't seem to stop adding to the pile though lol. Even the room you play them in, speakers of choice, how high the speaker is to your ear, all have an effect on what OD is considered to be the "best". I have pedals that sounded great at my old place which in the new house and unfinished basement, sound mediocre.

Yeah I use the JCM800 setting on the Splawn, some chorus and Charvel w/ JB. JEL all day. Love it.

 

[motorboy1]

I keep an eye out for a used Bonsai. Don't need another OD but that one is on my list. Probably should sell my TS9 and just buy one.

Seriously.., over 300$ canadian is a lot of cash for a pedal but if I consider I could sell my reissue 808 for 100$ and my OD-1 clone for 80-100$... i just bit the bullet.

They hold their value pretty well used. I got mine for $180 used. New they are $229. Check out GC for used ones.

 

[RyeDaddy]

Yep, I’ve got one. Bought when they first came out and gifted my Maxon 808 to my teenage son. Only OD pedal I use. Tightens my Orange up and turns it from monster to scary monster. Love it.

 

[motorboy1]

Yep, I’ve got one. Bought when they first came out and gifted my Maxon 808 to my teenage son. Only OD pedal I use. Tightens my Orange up and turns it from monster to scary monster. Love it.

Cool thing is that if you get tired of a sound one day, and who doesn’t ? turn the dial and get a new one.

 

[jimo]

I would like to try one of those. I have 2 JHS pedals and both are really really good. Moonshine V1 and recently purchased Unicorn V2. -Jim

 

[LunatiBSW]

One of my favorite boosts.
The Keeley and JHS mod are worth the price alone, then you get all the “green” and original screamers in one box. What’s there not to love. This pedal is a gem.
Nice score!! Congrats!

 

[fearhk213]

I feel like I need to add one of these to the pack as well.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

I feel like I need to add one of these to the pack as well.

Join the party! I mean if you can't find one or two OD's in this thing that you gel with, boosting is likely not for you. I love it. Still on that polish TS...it has something. It is just that bit ruder than the 808 and TS9.

 

[Mr. Willy]

Do the different modes feel different or just sound different? Or both?

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

Do the different modes feel different or just sound different? Or both?

I will be honest, they only feel different in so far as the small differences you perceive make you play differently. Ultimately it isn't night and day between the modes, some are just a nicer night and better day if you know what I mean. A bit more grind, tight lows and crisp highs compared to the standard. The TS7 turbo mode for example, is terrible. Spongy and fat and crispy to my ears..that will make you play diff

 

[motorboy1]

Do the different modes feel different or just sound different? Or both?

I think they feel different also...