can you go amp-less?

[eSGEe]

How Will Supply-Chain Issues Affect the Future of Pedal Building?

CopperSound Pedals founder Alex Guaraldi's debut "State of the Stomp" outing looks at how compounding Covid woes are making life trickier for stompbox manufacturers.

www.premierguitar.com

 

[Jethro Rocker]

I will use whatever. But I need a speaker behind me. So whether it is considered ampless to use a pedal amp of some sort still through a speaker... if not...
So in that case, no, I can't.
I don't want my guitar soley in monitors along with vox. Takes much of tne fun out of it for me.
I don't think it matters if you make a living playing like Robert or are a weekend warrior, if you play out for people it has to sound good to the performer. The audience knows or cares very little about any of that.
Half the time as long as it has a beat and they can hear the singing they are cool.
Amps are miced essentially always except in small pub. Guiter L will get drowned out by guitar R for people up closer ulness spread around via PA. Further back you get speaker spread.
At home I record ideas so straight into recorder from the BluGuitar Amp 1. Which I need to review..

 

[Jethro Rocker]

I hear guys frequently say, "I only use real tube amps..."

To which I respond, "Are you earning a living playing music???"

To which they almost always reply, "No, I just gig or jam for fun..."

And I have to try to keep from chuckling out loud

I mean, you'll always have guys like Joe B, EJ and KWS who insist on using "real" amps and that's fine. They also have the support teams to move them and keep them running. But, they wouldn't sound any different through Axe Fx. It's just personal preference with no science or data behind it.

A top L.A. producer told me this once:

"If you listen long enough, you'll hear what you are imagining..."

Look at this:

Artists - Fractal Audio Systems

Top artists praise Fractal Audio for its unmatched tone, flexibility, and innovation, highlighting its ability to replace entire rigs, deliver studio-quality sound, and inspire creativity both live and in the studio.

www.fractalaudio.com

But if that is what they like and enjoy for whatever reason, why does it matter if they only play for fun? Maybe if they made a living at it they would use something different, maybe more convenient, maybe in a studio, but if they don't, I don't see the issue playing and loving your tube amps.
How is it a bad thing in some way to prefer that?
It is what I play out with live mainly as do you?
I like the heat and smell of hot tolex after a gig. I really do.

As a grab and go the Boss Katana is awesome. Obviously not tube but good sounding convenient little amp.

 

[gball]

But if that is what they like and enjoy for whatever reason, why does it matter if they only play for fun? Maybe if they made a living at it they would use something different, maybe more convenient, maybe in a studio, but if they don't, I don't see the issue playing and loving your tube amps.
How is it a bad thing in some way to prefer that?
It is what I play out with live mainly as do you?
I like the heat and smell of hot tolex after a gig. I really do.

As a grab and go the Boss Katana is awesome. Obviously not tube but good sounding convenient little amp.

Yeah, I mean...I have more than a few acquaintances/friends/good friends that earn their living recording and touring, and really none of them use anything but tube amps. It's great if you are a session guy and going faux-amp is a job requirement, but I don't see a lot of people going that direction when they are putting down an artistic statement.

On the other hand, I have said for years that digital/modeling tech will eventually catch up and I do still believe that, but until it can replicate the FEEL and dynamic response of good tube amps it won't be adopted by the majority of recording/touring pros.

 

[Ramo]

I dont mind either of them but if I had to choose, Ill always choose valve amps and speaker cabs 4x12s to be exact

 

[Jethro Rocker]

Yeah, I mean...I have more than a few acquaintances/friends/good friends that earn their living recording and touring, and really none of them use anything but tube amps. It's great if you are a session guy and going faux-amp is a job requirement, but I don't see a lot of people going that direction when they are putting down an artistic statement.

On the other hand, I have said for years that digital/modeling tech will eventually catch up and I do still believe that, but until it can replicate the FEEL and dynamic response of good tube amps it won't be adopted by the majority of recording/touring pros.

I haven't tried at higher levels thru a cab yet but that Amp 1 really cooks and I suspect it will be close enough to make it very enjoyable. Amd that's what counts to me.

 

[eSGEe]

Yeah, I mean...I have more than a few acquaintances/friends/good friends that earn their living recording and touring, and really none of them use anything but tube amps. It's great if you are a session guy and going faux-amp is a job requirement, but I don't see a lot of people going that direction when they are putting down an artistic statement.

On the other hand, I have said for years that digital/modeling tech will eventually catch up and I do still believe that, but until it can replicate the FEEL and dynamic response of good tube amps it won't be adopted by the majority of recording/touring pros.

not arguing but I think this cast of characters below ...... tours records and makes a decent living ...... using processors live and in studio.
Fractal

Artists - Fractal Audio Systems

Top artists praise Fractal Audio for its unmatched tone, flexibility, and innovation, highlighting its ability to replace entire rigs, deliver studio-quality sound, and inspire creativity both live and in the studio.

www.fractalaudio.com

and Nerual

Artists

Neural Dsp artists endorsements

neuraldsp.com

and Kemper

KEMPER artist gallery

What artists have to say about the PROFILER

www.kemper-amps.com

and headrush

Featured Artists | HeadRush FX

Check out the amazing artists that use our products and download their custom-made artist packs

www.headrushfx.com

plus purely digital and online offerings for recording direct to software

the list goes on and on -- if you think no one is using these rigs live/recording your not looking in the right place.

And yes some of them (Vai, Zappa, Pettrucci etc ) also SELL (as in get royalties from) very nice tube amps with their names on them ....... (riding two horses with one ass ) but they use Fractal etc etc as well.

Furhter food for thought some of these "pro" home practice/recording rigs are rather interesting as well.... check em out many BLEND digital and tube...

Home Rigs of the Stars: What Do Guitar Heroes Play When They’re Off the Clock?

John Petrucci, Paul Gilbert, Sonny Landreth, and five otheraxe slingers reveal the gear they use every day.

www.guitarplayer.com

IT is a truly wonderful time we live in gear wise...... if you want a wall of 25 marshall 100 watt heads/cabs (and your a millionaire) with roadies ---enjoy!
if you want to make good sound at home for under 300.00 and a rig that NEVER leaves your house --your in luck too !

@gball -- you may want to check out some of the most modern current tech ..... the "feel and dynamic response" that you speak of..... is there.
Back to back digital vs tube in the same room through the same speaker even... I can tell you ...... its there. ...yes it takes some tweaking ... NO if you instantly set the processors knobs the same way you do a tube amp itll sound like ass-- but if you take the time and dial things in -- its there, now.

OR you may wish to stick within your comfort zone of tube glory -- and thats cool too.... I do -- I am warming my bassbreaker up now (yes Im sure @Amp Mad Scientist will claim its not a "REAL tube amp) but for the record I do have a REAL handwired point to point custom 5watt tweed TUBE amp as well..... and Ive owned DOZENS of others -- frankly I just dont use them as much.

But the time has passed to poop on the the new tech .... because sorry its damn good, and it has caught up and its cheap as snot.

 

[Inspector #20]

But if that is what they like and enjoy for whatever reason, why does it matter if they only play for fun? Maybe if they made a living at it they would use something different, maybe more convenient, maybe in a studio, but if they don't, I don't see the issue playing and loving your tube amps.
How is it a bad thing in some way to prefer that?
It is what I play out with live mainly as do you?
I like the heat and smell of hot tolex after a gig. I really do.

As a grab and go the Boss Katana is awesome. Obviously not tube but good sounding convenient little amp.

It's totally fine, I'm just identifying a trend...

 

[Inspector #20]

Yeah, I mean...I have more than a few acquaintances/friends/good friends that earn their living recording and touring, and really none of them use anything but tube amps. It's great if you are a session guy and going faux-amp is a job requirement, but I don't see a lot of people going that direction when they are putting down an artistic statement.

On the other hand, I have said for years that digital/modeling tech will eventually catch up and I do still believe that, but until it can replicate the FEEL and dynamic response of good tube amps it won't be adopted by the majority of recording/touring pros.

Feel is subjective.

I think it depends on what's more important to you.

For me, making money beats tube amp bragging rights.

Everytime we listen to a playback it's funny to watch the tube guys realize their theory is just that. A theory...we've sat and compared a live show audio with tubes and with Fractal - with the same personnel - and they can't even call which is which.

You haven't looked at who's using Axe Fx yet I'm guessing???

I'll play whatever the producer tells me to.

Just sign my check...

 

[Thatbastarddon]

For me, making money beats tube amp bragging rights.

Bragging rights?

 

[Jethro Rocker]

It's totally fine, I'm just identifying a trend...

A trend where people are gravitating towards digital? I get that, I see it. And I embrace it too. Whether or not we make a living playing, we just all need to enjoy what we use and how we use it.

Feel is subjective.

I think it depends on what's more important to you.

For me, making money beats tube amp bragging rights.

Everytime we listen to a playback it's funny to watch the tube guys realize their theory is just that. A theory...we've sat and compared a live show audio with tubes and with Fractal - with the same personnel - and they can't even call which is which.

You haven't looked at who's using Axe Fx yet I'm guessing???

I'll play whatever the producer tells me to.

Just sign my check...

Yup, everyone has different reasons for liking what they do thus the wide range of products available.
I have seen a few excellent bands live who used Kemper, sounded fantastic.
I just wanna enjoy myself playing out with whatever I have no bragging rights at all. The money is irrelevant to me.
But I would still use a digital amp here n there. And my tubes. The party atmosphere amd a band really getting into it and enjoying themselves is infectious regardless of the amps used.

 

[eSGEe]

I love my "real amps" .... diggin on the bassbreaker now.

but in all honesty perhaps digital has SPOILED ME --
when you get used to hearing your tone in full rich stereo ... and then you plug into a single speaker amp its like going from this

to this

 

[Inspector #20]

I like the heat and smell of hot tolex after a gig. I really do.

I'm happiest on stage, but I also dig the rush that lasts for hours after a performance...eating at 3am and going to bed as the sun is coming up.

But most of all, I love getting paid ridiculous money to do what I love doing.



I made that pile of cash with @eSGEe 's $169.00 Chinese Les Paul in a single, 3 day weekend.

I get such a kick out of that fact.

 

[Inspector #20]

The money is irrelevant to me.

It has to be relevant to me. It's my only income source, but I love the fact that I get paid doing what others have to pay to be able to do.

The party atmosphere amd a band really getting into it and enjoying themselves is infectious regardless of the amps used.

Exactly!!!!!!!





These photos were taken at Brewcaipa in Yucaipa on May 29, 2021.

This was the last live performance that I used a tube amp.

 

[Inspector #20]

Bragging rights?

Certainly seems that way...every discussion is about what tubes they are running or how much they spent.

I'd rather compare bank statements, or maybe have a spelling contest...

 

[Thatbastarddon]

Certainly seems that way...every discussion is about what tubes they are running or how much they spent.

I'd rather compare bank statements, or maybe have a spelling contest...

Hahahahaha! Bragging rights….

 

[Jethro Rocker]

It has to be relevant to me. It's my only income source, but I love the fact that I get paid doing what others have to pay to be able to do.



Exactly!!!!!!!

View attachment 80250

View attachment 80248

These photos were taken at Brewcaipa in Yucaipa on May 29, 2021.

This was the last live performance that I used a tube amp.

I realize for you it is your income.
You also now work at Fender, nice to have steady income.
For me, I was stating, it isn't.
I thought you still used your Origin live?

Certainly seems that way...every discussion is about what tubes they are running or how much they spent.

I'd rather compare bank statements, or maybe have a spelling contest...

Not sure what the spelling contest would do with things?
I enjoy futzing with tubes.
As for bank statements, no one's business. We all make our own way. Suffice to say we sold loads of farmland and are more than comfortably retired through our lives. I like that I can play whatever I want whenever I want and not have to care about income or whether it will keep going!
It is a good feeling.

 

[eSGEe]

your lucky Jethro good on ya
... many of us are still slaves to the grind ..... I for one have given up the hope of retiring to late in the game and to many mistakes earlier in life --
Ive made my peace with it and have accepted it but Ill work till I drop -- if I am lucky enough--

 

[Jethro Rocker]

your lucky Jethro good on ya
... many of us are still slaves to the grind ..... I for one have given up the hope of retiring to late in the game and to many mistakes earlier in life --
Ive made my peace with it and have accepted it but Ill work till I drop -- if I am lucky enough--

Yes we are fortunate and I do realize it. I do not take it for granted.
Sleeping in... ah.....

 

[Inspector #20]

I realize for you it is your income.
You also now work at Fender, nice to have steady income.
For me, I was stating, it isn't.
I thought you still used your Origin live?

Not sure what the spelling contest would do with things?
I enjoy futzing with tubes.
As for bank statements, no one's business. We all make our own way. Suffice to say we sold loads of farmland and are more than comfortably retired through our lives. I like that I can play whatever I want whenever I want and not have to care about income or whether it will keep going!
It is a good feeling.

Yes, I work at Fender, but I make more than I earn in a week of 12 hour shifts at my two music jobs on Saturday.

I got no retirement. If I no work, I no eat.