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Ibanez CM5 Classic Metal

Posted on 5/09/2013 by mirosol

CM5

What is it?
Ibanez CM5 Classic Metal from Soundtank series in plastic enclosure, made in Taiwan. Condition could be better, but after swapping the switch it runs like a charm. I never thought that dents or scratches affected the sound in any way. Late 90’s date, so this unit isn’t the most valuable soundtank in my collection, but its value comes more easlily through use.

This is one of the pleasant surprises in the series. Name and basic controls do not raise interest that much, but once plugged in, my face just raises a smile. Clean high gain distortion without noticeable noise content. Simplified Rat as main gain stage that drives a pair of hard clipping diodes. Followed by two active gyrator filters for tone control and taking ecxess frequencies out of the signal. Standard Ibanez switching and buffering included. Simple, yet effective.

This one’s gain stage could be modded closer to a Rat, but as it is – i simply don’t see a reason to do so.

CM5-guts

The board seems quite spacious when compared to some other Soundtanks. Basic, good use for JRC4558. Other half for gain stage and other for tone driver. Again. Simple, yet effective. For those interested, Dirk has a schem up at his site. All in a nutshell – its main stage may be based on a Rat, but overall design doesn’t have too much in common.

How does it sound?
Surprisingly good. Subtle overtones for those high note bends, massive but accurate chord rhythms. In general, very underrated pedal with really good sound. It is just a one trick pony, but does that trick really well. One that should not be overlooked.

3 thoughts on “Ibanez CM5 Classic Metal”

  1. FenderFans says:
    24/02/2015 at 20:45

    Hello Mirosol

    need help for CM-5 true bypass scheme, not found anywhere :(
    a friend of mine want this, but in perf or pcb
    hope i can build with my own layout

    thanks Miro
    \m/

    Reply
    1. mirosol says:
      25/02/2015 at 10:53

      http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.fi/2013/05/ibanez-cm5-classic-metal.html
      and
      http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.fi/2012/02/offboard-wiring.html

      You should be able to work with those…
      +m

      Reply
  2. Starling says:
    22/06/2015 at 23:50

    Great one
    i use it on my bass
    great soumd

    Reply

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here used to be a short description of me. however, it wasn't exactly accurate anymore. so i'm replacing it with this placeholder for now. and yes. it's been a long time since my last post. but let me assure you. i'm very much still alive.

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