The Amp Guitar Snob's Don't Want You To Hear!

[iblive]

In my present state of "retirement" though, I honestly haven't lit the glass in my Mark 5 in probably 6 months, it's just "too much" for my current environment and the SS/modeling amps I have do the job admirably at spouse- and neighbor-friendly volume.

Which is the main reason I practice thru headphones..... now..... my bride is going to be visiting our good friend in FL for the next three weeks. Thinking if the pooch doesn't mind, I may be firing up some amps and play them in anger. Review to follow.

 

[Session 5]

Watch this video, and listen to what this guy has to say about this amp. You don't see someone very often do a video about a product, then come back to apologize he made a mistake. Notice he compares with his tube amp. Yes for those that say an Orange 35RT will not keep up to drums, they are wrong. This is a great amp for band practices and will cut through the mix. His tube amp wouldn't cut the mustard.

 

[iblive]

I enjoy reading the SS vs Tube amp debates..... but at the end of the day it matters squat to me. I have zero intention of purchasing a new or different amp in any orientation.

 

[gball]

Gary we will have to agree to disagree on moving air, or cutting through the mix.

The examples of renowned guitarists like Andy Summers, Robert Fripp, Jonny Greenwood, and Lee Ranaldo demonstrate that the bias against solid-state amplifiers is increasingly unfounded. These artists have harnessed the capabilities of modern solid-state technology to create iconic and innovative guitar sounds, challenging the notion that tube amps are the only path to legendary tones.

While tube amplifiers continue to hold a special place in the hearts of many guitarists, solid-state amps have proven themselves as formidable contenders, offering reliability, versatility, and a wide array of tones. As technology continues to advance, the distinction between tube and solid-state amps becomes less relevant, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right tool for the artistic vision, rather than adhering to tradition. In the end, it’s the creativity and skill of the guitarist that shape the music, regardless of the type of amplifier they choose to wield.

In the studio and a situation where the amp is being mic'd to FOH, sure - any of those guys guys you mentioned is not constricted by stage volume and could get away with a 5W champ on stage if they wanted. And I didn't say you can't get good tones with SS, but in my personal experience SS power sections just do not have the horsepower, no matter the wattage rating, to deliver the goods when all you are able to use is stage volume. They lose dynamics and start to compress really badly at high volume, then roll into something similar to a power sag and all of the high and low end disappears. You simply don't have these problems with a good tube amp, there is always a little more on tap.

 

[gball]

Watch this video, and listen to what this guy has to say about this amp. You don't see someone very often do a video about a product, then come back to apologize he made a mistake. Notice he compares with his tube amp. Yes for those that say an Orange 35RT will not keep up to drums, they are wrong. This is a great amp for band practices and will cut through the mix. His tube amp wouldn't cut the mustard.

I've seen that before, and not so sure that's a great demonstration, the drum kit is walking all over that amp in that video. Maybe it was more convincing in the room?

 

[Amp Mad Scientist]

I'm just a guitar snob, I admit it.
I don't want you to hear it.

 

[67plexi]

Cruse ships use tube amps I had a contract with one of them they had 1200 Mesa and 1300 Fenders I almost went bankrupt they payed net 120 days

 

[Seamus OReally]

Professional players still want tube amps.

Take a look around. Modelers are in every pro studio and in heavy use.

I just would not have confidence in the ability to move air with authority or give up more when you really need it, not to mention cut through the mix.

Moving air is a function of wattage and speaker efficiency, and has nothing to do with what kind of amp it is (I’ll ignore “with authority.”) And as I’ve said a million times if I’ve said it once, if you need to “cut through the mix,” then your mix sucks.

Cruse ships use tube amps

Oh, well, then.