Trey Anastasio’s Guitar Rig: The Role of Tube Screamer Overdrive Pedals

Phish at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado July 30, 2009 Stash - Trey Anastasio (Photo Dan Shinneman)

Trey’s dual TS-9 Tubescreamers modified by Analog Man (black tape didn’t fully hide the mod stickers)

Trey Anastasio, the virtuosic guitarist of Phish, is known for his warm, expressive tone, fluid phrasing, and masterful use of effects. Central to his iconic sound is his overdrive section, where the Ibanez Tube Screamer plays a crucial role. This article explores how Anastasio incorporates Tube Screamer pedals into his rig and why they are essential to his sonic identity.

Anastasio’s Signature Tone and Overdrive Philosophy

Trey Anastasio’s guitar tone is built on a foundation of rich harmonic content, dynamic sensitivity, and a smooth, violin-like sustain. His overdrive approach is unique in that it prioritizes clarity, warmth, and a singing midrange rather than aggressive distortion. Instead of using high-gain pedals or amp-driven breakup, Anastasio relies on stacked overdrives to sculpt his sound.

The Tube Screamer’s Role in His Rig

The Ibanez Tube Screamer is one of the most celebrated overdrive pedals in rock history, known for its midrange boost, smooth clipping, and dynamic response. Trey has been a longtime user of various Tube Screamer models, integrating them into his signal chain in a way that enhances sustain and articulation.

Key Ways Anastasio Uses the Tube Screamer:

1. Stacking for Sustain and Compression

• Trey stacks multiple overdrives, including Tube Screamers, to create a smooth, violin-like sustain. This helps him achieve his signature “liquid” lead tone, where notes bloom effortlessly.

2. Midrange Boost for Cutting Through the Mix

• Phish’s improvisational jams often feature dense layers of sound, making it crucial for Trey’s guitar to cut through. The Tube Screamer’s midrange emphasis ensures his notes remain articulate, even in complex sonic textures.

3. Maintaining Note Definition

• Unlike fuzz or high-gain pedals that can muddy up the sound, the Tube Screamer allows for clarity in fast runs, making it ideal for Anastasio’s intricate playing style.

4. Interaction with His Tube Amps

• Trey’s rig often includes tube amplifiers like Fender Deluxe Reverbs and Komet 60s, which naturally respond well to the Tube Screamer’s smooth overdrive, enhancing sustain while keeping dynamics intact.

Which Tube Screamer Models Does Trey Use?

Though Trey has experimented with various overdrive pedals over the years, some of the Tube Screamer variants associated with his rig include:

• Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer – One of the most iconic overdrive pedals, providing a classic, warm overdrive with a midrange boost.

• Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer – A slightly smoother, more rounded variant that preserves more low-end than the TS9.

Ibanez Tube Screamer variants

In some instances, Trey has also used modded versions of Tube Screamers (such as Analogman-modded pedals) to fine-tune the gain structure and frequency response to better suit his playing.

If you want to replicate the Trey's overdrive sound in your own rig, here are some key tips:

1. Choose the Right Gear

   
   

   Some excellent options include:

   1. Shellfire Dual Screamer by UDV Pedals: Purpose built by a Phish fan for Phish fans. This twin overdrive has a broad range of tone shaping options to capture the characteristics of Trey's various stacked overdrive arrangements (Phish 1.0, 2.0, 3.0). Each side of the pedal has identical controls and utilizes the 4558D op-amp. This two in one overdrive is very similar to Trey's dual tube screamer setup, except it's all housed in one enclosure. Also it's clearly one of the best overdrive pedals ever made according to the slightly biased author of this blog.

      

      Shellfire Screamer Dual Overdrive V3 by UDV Pedals

      
      

   2. Ibanez TS-808: known for it's warm smooth, and midrange-focused overdrive. It has a slightly softer clipping and more pronounced mid-hump compared to the TS9. It also has a slightly lower gain range than the TS9, making it ideal for blues, classic rock, and boosting tube amps.

   3. Ibanez TS-9: has a very similar sound to the TS808 but with more bite, slightly more treble, and a touch less warmth. The midrange is still present but less pronounced than the TS808. This is a good choice for players who want a more aggressive than the TS808.

   4. Ibanez TS-9DX: is essentially a TS9 with additional gain modes that offer more low-end and sustain. Modes include TS9 which sounds like a TS9, switchable + mode, hot mod, and turbo mode provide heavier saturation and distortion options.

      
      

2. Guitar, Amplifier, and Effect Settings

   
   

   1. Guitar: Trey uses a custom hollow body guitar which adds a woody and warm character to his sound. It's also useful for creating sustain and feedback. A hollow body PRS is a great choice, but loud stage volume and amp placement may make the hollow body feedback when high gain settings are used. Trey uses this feedback to his advantage, but in bar gigs and bedrooms, it can cause unwanted issues. Solid body guitar with humbucker pickups are an excellent choice as well.

   2. Tube amplifier: tube screamer overdrives are best paired with tube amps because they interact well with their natural dynamics and breakup characteristics. The popular Fender Hot Rod Deluxe is a great option

   3. Stacking two overdrive pedals: The pedals can be used each independently or together at the same time. Trey usually sets one pedal "less" for lighter distortion and boost, and one to "more" which is set to "full scream" for thick overdrive and sustain. He also will occasionally engage both at the same time.

   
   

Beyond the Tube Screamer: Trey’s Overdrive Stack

While the Tube Screamer is an essential piece of Anastasio’s tonal puzzle, it is often used in conjunction with other overdrives to create a dynamic and responsive sound. Some of the additional overdrive pedals in his rig have included:

• Klon Centaur – A transparent overdrive that pairs beautifully with the Tube Screamer, adding clarity, sustain, and touch sensitivity.

• Ross Compressor – While not an overdrive, Trey’s heavy use of a Ross Compressor works in tandem with the Tube Screamer, adding sustain and smooth attack.

Conclusion

Trey Anastasio’s use of Tube Screamers exemplifies his meticulous approach to tone shaping. By stacking overdrives, carefully selecting amp settings, and prioritizing sustain and midrange warmth, he achieves the soaring, vocal-like lead tone that defines his sound. Whether in the studio or live on stage, the Tube Screamer remains a cornerstone of his rig, helping him craft the legendary Phish jams that fans have come to love.