I've been playing for over forty years and this is probably the best explanation of gear differences that I've ever heard. This young man really knows his stuff. I'm fairly certain that my ears have never been as sophisticated as most, so the whole amp snobbery and arrogance that the tube sniffers have always gone on and on about has always gone way over my head. Finally I have a better understanding of what the contention is all about. I'll probably still be too busy playing my guitar to have an amp debate though. A very well done video. Thank you.
@KC That's a very good and welcomed point that I hadn't thought of. I'm always searching for a better understanding of gear and how it all works together. Please understand that I really didn't mean to actually offend anyone with my "tube sniffer" comment. As I mentioned, I'm looking for useful information NOT a pissing contest. Besides, It's really all about the player's ability anyway. I sincerely apologize if I offended you.
@KC 5150's are definitely VERY nice amps, I've always wanted one of those. I wouldn't be surprised if they end up being really sought after in the distant future like the old Fenders are today.
When i was a bit younger my buddy who was starting out was pretty rich, he wanted a "big amp", bought a marshall 4×12 cab, he asked me to come over because it didn't work, he had everything set up already, he never bought a head, just plugged into the back of the cab, he was severely disappointed when i told him that he still needs a amplifier head.
Plague Scythe Studios: Every video you make is done so masterfully. Every single one. I have learned more in a few hours of listening to your vids than I have of semi-actively seeking knowledge in 2 decades of playing. Well done. VERY well done
Thanks for all the intelligent information. I'm a 48 year old that hasn't played guitar since I was like 18. And I'll be rhe first to say that at home equipment was changed and come a long way in that time. I started playing again about 6 months ago. I've got the line 6 spider v 60. I'm truly blown away with the amount of tone and effects possibility you get for a $300 unit. Anyway, great content, keep up the great work
Nowadays, I play live shows running my bass signal to FOH with a direct output with cab-sim IR before it even reaches my amp; I'm still using a tiny tonehammer 350 in the backline just as an emergency monitor. But, if I know the stage will be big enough, I drag my VBA 400 and Mesa 8x10- Ya know, for old times sake! I still love how that fridge shakes the stage, even at low volumes. I'm all for amp sims, IR's and modeling, but I still haven't found anything that perfectly matches the sound that my old VBA 400 and SB 100 produces... Close, but not quite there, yet. Anyways, great video, great topic.
My brother you are the best. You're saying the things that took so long for me to understand, things nobody says, and I feel like it's so important for people to come to understand these things. I went through such a frustrating period trying to adopt modeling, spent too much, and finally landed on an Axe FX 3, which is nice, but I still chase the feeling I can't get from anything but tubes.
I had no idea Chuck Schulinder used a mainly solidstate amp on Flesh And The Power it Holds! Death, more specifically that album and song make up some of my favorite music. I have tried to get a tone similar to his on that album, but I always used valve amps and sometimes distortion pedals. I have to try some amps similar to what he used. Anyways, awesome video as always man, keep up the good work!
Might be too late but, for chucks tone you can use a marshall valvestate 8100, or a randall rg100es, if thats too expensive for you, randall's RG series' channel two were modeled after the old randalls. Also you'd need a dimarzio X2N guitar pickup, and a decent chorus pedal. Chuck also liked celestion g12t75 speakers
Well done. Your straight forward honesty was ,more than refreshing. My 1st visit to your channel and with my thumbs up I subscribed. Looking forward to more.
I have a solid state Fender Stage 1600 and the clean channel is just as good as a tube amp. I'm always hesitant to gig with my nice tube amps out of fear of them possibly getting damaged. So my gigging rig in recent times has been the clean channel of the Stage 1600 with a MXR Super Badass Distortion for dirt. It sounds great and I'm not burning up tubes in the process. It's a win-win
@@MichaelSmith-ti6qc i personally think he switch for cash... cause I know Grady very well and Grady said Dime still played Randall till the day he died.. Krank was out front, but the Randall head was in the back in Dimes rack still being used.. no joke..
Best description ever. This dude is intelligent! Thanks! I’m loving my Black Spirit 200! Still want a smaller Magnatone Super 15, but just for at home, for that whole vintage air moving thing, with an attenuator of course. Louder is not always better!!!
I know this is an old video, but just wanted to say how hard it is to find good analog solid state amps now. I remember in the 90's SS amps were just getting really good, and then everything went digital and *poof!* Analog was gone. I still love my all-analog 90's Fender Chorus, and of course the Roland JC. I think Blackstar might also make an analog amp still. But I think the biggest thing for me (as to why I like analog vs. digital) is that up until recently, the digital stuff just didn't have the headroom that a true analog circuit has. Digital sounds very good, but it's always sounded slightly compressed to me. It's a difficult trade-off. That being said, I'm using digital for now. But when nobody's looking...
While I love tube amps, the future is hardware/software integrated modelers and powered cabs. Ideal setup would be something like a Fractal Axe FX III with a Line 6 Helix as backup and powered cab with power amp module. Light and effective for covers, recording and practice.
So refreshing to hear the truth and something besides..." o you want tone? It's got to be a tube amp".I have found good tone in all. Thank you so much for an actual honest video
The Kemper is popular because it can profile amps or you can download profiles and it does this very well. Not just because it is shaped like a amp head.
Don't laugh but a V Amp 3 saved my show one night. I payed $50 for it. I would have lost $300 that night. Plugged right into the house PA with it. Even used it to do some digital recording.
2 other differences 1) volume; to get the sweet spot with tubes you have to drive it. Boss did a good job with the Katana Artist. 2) price you wont be getting a V30 in $150 amp. Most solid state amps are gong after cost as mentioned, thus cheap speaker. Boss did a good job with the Katana Artist, but it is $600.
This was disgustingly brilliant and horrifyingly informative. On the strength of this video alone I have subscribed. You’ve wet my appetite for more. Thanks for putting in the time.
Reese Blair - No “suck-up” here, my comment is from the heart. “Suck-up” implies that I praised the video for the sake of flattery alone, in order to solicit approval and ingratiate myself with the TH-camr for personal gain. There is no personal gain to be made here. I make a point to always acknowledge quality content with a positive comment. My comment are my way to show TH-cam-Land that there is appreciation and a market for well-researched, informative, factual videos. With so much pointless garbage floating around on TH-cam, I hope to encourage better content. That is my only motive. Not to “Suck-Up”.
That was awesome, thank you for such a great explanation and time and energy it took to help us out! Unfortunately this world is about more sales not helping people. That's why I look to find my own understanding and knowledge. People like you make things much better to sort though! Again thank you bro liked and subbed
This deserves far more views for the effort the creator put into making this and the brilliant explanation it gives. (Also does anyone else think he looks like Jesus?)
Probably one of the best gear videos on youtube. I just saw demos for the Bogner mini and my mind was Blown! So i go out and buy a Katana 100 thinking it would be the Same … NOT!!! It sounds like absolute crap! How does the Bogner mini sound so much better?
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Ryan...OMG you just helped me narrow my decision down to buying the right type Amp for my needs:) Very well done Video. Thx. again, George Amodei
super awesome video. I recently got back into playing guitar and got myself a helix rack. I see that the boutique pedal craze happened during my time out of the game. I never had a cool amp growing up and definitely don't need an amp and cab in my apartment. A helix rack and control satisfied all of my needs. I just added a rackmount engl 530 tube preamp to create a hybrid setup. Just need a wireless setup now ;-) I'm going to have a shelf with a couple of the pedals I've seen out there. I'd love to see a video on what you recommend on a setup like mine.
You nailed it! I think both solid states and modeling tend to get bad reputation because of the many products in the low budget range that came out in the past. I could totally relate because my first amp was a shitty Crate GX15 and my second an awesome Peavey Bandit 112 to play in the garage and annoy the neighbors. Most SS amps were designed to be cheap and modeling amps to be flexible, but this has been changing and getting to the point that they are actually pretty good. Manufacturers are also paying more attention to load decent speakers in them and this makes a huge difference.
Awesome review! Been playing over 25 years, played many and still own tube,solidstate and modeling. I prefer tube, but Solidstate is a close 2nd,while modeling is far behind. I currently own 2 LINE 6 Combo amps and had a Line 6 X3 LIVE pedal board which i traded in. Just can't stand my bedroom amp no more. I need a small practice amp in my bedroom and had a Line 6 spider IV 15. Still have it in the closet I purchased a Fender Mustang as a replacement and after 2 days i got mad at it and brought it back to the store for refund. 3 amps,1 pedal board and 2 rackmount modelers, i'm done with those. Just wanted a cheap lunch box amp like in the 80’s and 90’s,but the regular cheap amps today are still digital even if not modelers. You might be fooled listening to blindfold test between modelers and real tube amps on TH-cam and demos,but that's not where it's at. Playing a modeler makes me feel like the amp is 25 feet away,i got to work hard to make it sound right, feel like it's not responsive, and not sensitive on subtle nuances.The listener might not hear,It's while playing it,the feel is just not there with Modelers. After all them 5-6 modeler purchases and returns . I got me a traditional Solidstate Made in USA 1994 Peavey Studio chorus combo with 2 10"speakers. A bit loud for my bedroom applications,but them regular old Solidstate amps still sound as good at low volumes.(And that's where classic solidstate rules over tubes) That's the best solution i came up with on the quest for the best bedroom volume practice amp. For me: #1 Tube amps #2 Traditional Solidstate #3 Model amps Returned the Fender Mustang. Looking to sell my remaining 2 Line 6 amps. No Modelers for me, and won't be convinced on the latest model as i gave in too many times already.
Hi, I would like to know if you would recommend any older modelling amps. I have heard that the Peavey Vypyr is good as it's analogue, also a friend of mine who still has a Teal Bandit, mentioned a Line 6 spider jam. Many thanks if you would be kind enough to reply. Grettings from England. Cheers 2U as I enjoyed your presentation and knowledge.
My first amp was a Peavey 6505 tube amp and 4x12 cab but it was way overkill for apartment living and practice. I still have it but now I use smaller practice amps and have an ENGL Ironball on order that takes the best of tube amp and puts power soak option for practice. Some other reasons why large tube amps are not the future: 1. Apartment guitarists- need quiet way to record and practice to avoid getting evicted by angry neighbors 2. Cost and weight- a tube amp like a Bogner or Friedman can cost 3-5k just for the amp head and weight 50-60 pounds 3. Limited to one tone- modelers like Line 6 Helix and Kemper provide infinite convenient amp and FX options in small footprint and lower cost 4. Tube amp product shortage- only a few places still make tubes that power amps.
That sums it up pretty well: People buy expensive tube stuff, and cheap modeling/solid state stuff. At least, that's what people think. So, of course they will think it sounds worse. But not because tube is better, because the upper range of amps are tube amps, and the rest is lower range. After all, few people would spend 1000$ on a transistor amp, and manufacturers know that. Now, we have Kempers, AxeFXs and Boss Katanas, people are starting to understand the problem isn't ss amps or modeling, it's the fact they were stuck in the low budget market for a while and noone bothered to make high end non-tube stuff.
AX8, Line 6 Helix LT, NuX GT, Zoom MultiFX, all of these sound really good, even some of the cheaper units from NuX and Zoom. I'm still a fan of using traditional cabinets, so I use outboard starved plate tube preamps and a solid state rack power amp with my Zoom floor pedal unit. Also, floor multiFX units have the added bonus of having built-in expression pedals and wah/whammy effects, as well as being easily combinable with other fx and various stompboxes in the chain.
Thank you for this video that clearly shows the three technologies used in guitar amps. Indeed, digital amps are not fairly enough explained to customers. For example, Roland remained rather quiet about the digital transition of his Cube. You seem to find no factual and objective drawback to digital amps? In fact there is one major, which is surprisingly not really explained on the internet. Only Phillip McKnight spoke briefly about this in a recent video. The problem : unlike tube and transistor amps, you can not place on the floor, in front of a digital amp, a overdrive or distortion pedal to boost it as it can be done with a tube or transistor amp (such as the Orange CR120). "Gain stacking" is impossible with a digital amp, because boosting an amp is a physical process that digital programming can't handle. The digital sound is defined once and for all, it is frozen as is a picture. If you want to change it, you have to change the program. You can digitally emulate a boost, one can emulate everything, but not with real pedals. A digitally generated tone is degrading when boosted, instead of gaining power as with a "physical" tube or transistor amps. I think this topic should be more discussed, because there is a strong promotion of the gain pedals, as well as digital amplifiers, without people being clearly informed about the limits of this combination. For example, there is no point in buying a TubeScreamer with a digital amp.
Though I would agree that is definitely the case for most digital amplifiers, that isnt entirely accurate nowadays. With flexible input padding and accurate algorithms, you can absolutely boost something like an AXE FX or good Kemper profile with an analogue drive and get a nearly identical response versus the real deal. There's some good videos showing how the SD-1 and TS-808 models sound perfect compared to using the real pedal in front of the AXE FX or AX8's input. Of course, they can't handle something like a 20+ dB clean boost, but that's just a level issue. In any case, it's always good to keep the analogue to digital conversions to a minimum.
Could you do a review on the Randall RG1503h or the 300w version? I’m thinking of getting one as my Mesa Boogie needs to go in for repairs (Long Story) Im looking at one to recreate Dimebags tone somewhat and have an amp that I don’t gotta worry about. I already have a couple of Pedals to boost. I’ve also been thinking of just going Randall and getting the thrasher to complement my Mesa. Also amazing video I appreciate how you are a no BS kinda person.
Thank you! I've only demoed the 1503 for maybe 10 minutes but I liked what I heard. If I knew someone with one I would love to review it. I have a thrasher review if you're interested in it.
Plague Scythe Studios I’ve watched the thrasher video and you’ve convinced me to buy 2 Randall’s. At the moment my Mesa is kinda screwed up so it has to go in for servicing which made me realize I should probably have a backup amp. As such once you get your hands on a RG could we possibly see a comparison to the Thrasher in the future?
I have the 300 watt rg. Amazing amp. I work in a music store so I've tried out a triple rec and an orange cr120 pro and between them I liked my randall better for metal specifically. Also, channel 2 is modeled after the old randalls from the 90s which means you can dial a dimebag or chuck schuldiner tone easily with the right gear
Hi, I’m a subscriber. My class A amp, (adcom gfa5802) just recently developed a slight buzzing hum on the left channel. Do you think the filter capacitors for the left channel are bad? I checked the DC voltage at the speaker terminals and they’re at 0.025V, so I think the coupling capacitors are fine. Or do you think it’s something else? Thanks in advance.😊
I want to mention the Peavey Vypyr pro 100 ..its the only modeling amp on the planet that has "TransTube" technology built in and that's not even mentioning the noise gate and 4 channel pre amp set up that you can do..I don't work for Peavey and I don't even own the pro 100 but I have played thru one and I must say it's the best sounding modeling amp I have ever played on....it sounds better than tube
Very good video, great content. A lot of the amps all sound the same to me. Maybe my hearing is shot lol but the amps they make nowadays all can sound good no matter if it’s valve or solid state. I played on a Marshall 30 watt solid state the other day and it sounded awesome to me. That’s all that really matter anyway, get what sounds awesome to you and concentrate on improving your abilities.
In terms of raw tone, my tube amp sounds the absolute best out of my gear. I also use a preamp pedal (ss) into my daw with power and cab simulation for everyday practice. Sounds pretty good too.
I've heard a lot of people saying tube amps are history there dead ,yes the 100w down to 50w head's are becoming increasingly less popular but the 5w up to 25w are more desirable The DIY market has taken off big time with kits which lead to taking schematics online While professional bands are going digital and garage band's and the beginner theses probably hundreds of thousands of people like me who are not really good at guitar but are good at building a tube amp and modifying it all the time ,we will keep the tube industry from dying 🤘
*_Eddie Van Halen_* "One of the areas that guys put too much emphasis on is equipment. Once when Van Halen was on tour, we were opening for Ted Nugent and he was standing there watching me play, wondering how I did it. The next day at the sound check when I wasn’t there, he asked our roadie if he could plug into my stuff. Of course, it still sounded like Ted. In other words, it doesn’t really matter what you’re playing through. Too many guys think a player’s sound has to do with equipment, but it doesn’t make any difference. Your sound is in your fingers, heart and mind."
You talk about the "Stand-By" switch, there's alot of discussion if it has any use, or it can damage your amp or not while not using it. What's your take on that ?
For Bass i LOVE solid state. My GK 1001RB cuts thru the mix way better than my SVT with new tubes. For guitar, its honestly taste. If I was touring, I'd stick with solid state. Low maintenance and you can get very decent sound. Most people aren't trained to hear the difference either way. If you play loud music, might as well stick with SS. And this is coming from a person who has relative perfect pitch.
Good content. You know your stuff man! (Comments likes and views aren't everything fuck all that) have you tried emg hz? I've been using them for years and I can't complain I use ddt13-65 strings sounds very good through my spider III line6 and my Ibanez 120tbh (solid state amps) I do plan on getting a 6506+ or a 6534 wouldn't mind a 5150 either...
Great vid! Pretty much nailed it minus the JC-120...it has plenty of distortion, the chorus was analog and if breaking glass with an ice pick is warm then I guess they’re warm😜
Thanks for the very good explanation. I’ve mostly been a hobby guitarist. So tubes just aren’t practical for me. Unless you’re able to play at pretty significant volume levels, you just can’t get the full benefit. Do I like the way they sound? Yeah. But I’m not gonna drop 2 grand on something that will never go past .5 volume. I’ve usually just run solid state. But now that modeling amps have gotten pretty freakin good, I’m really happy to embrace the digital world. Tube snobbery will always exist. It’s like pc gamers vs Xbox or PlayStation. Lol. Would I own a tube amp? Of course. If the right one comes along I’ll snatch it up. But they are particular. Like this guy said. You will find your buddy has a killer tube amp, and you find another identical one and it sounds completely different. Consistency is often overlooked when it comes to solid state or digital. But I do understand why some are just tube-aholics. Whatever floats your boat is my mantra 🤘🏻
I certainly wish something like the katana 100 2x12 was available when I first started playing guitar. Incredible value, great effects (its Boss/Roland, so duh), and totally usable tones for most genres. Not so much for the most brootalz of metal, but a few bucks down the road on a over drive or pre amp pedal will solve that problem.
This guy looks like a renaissance painting
How in the world did you came with that...its SO accurate !!
Hilarious comment!
Jaaaaajajaja it's true
You’re right! I see it now!! 😂
I've been playing for over forty years and this is probably the best explanation of gear differences that I've ever heard. This young man really knows his stuff. I'm fairly certain that my ears have never been as sophisticated as most, so the whole amp snobbery and arrogance that the tube sniffers have always gone on and on about has always gone way over my head. Finally I have a better understanding of what the contention is all about. I'll probably still be too busy playing my guitar to have an amp debate though. A very well done video. Thank you.
I know, and how about when they pump the signal through multiple SS effects units?!
Exactly... like solid state overdrive ..
@KC That's a very good and welcomed point that I hadn't thought of. I'm always searching for a better understanding of gear and how it all works together. Please understand that I really didn't mean to actually offend anyone with my "tube sniffer" comment. As I mentioned, I'm looking for useful information NOT a pissing contest. Besides, It's really all about the player's ability anyway. I sincerely apologize if I offended you.
@KC 5150's are definitely VERY nice amps, I've always wanted one of those. I wouldn't be surprised if they end up being really sought after in the distant future like the old Fenders are today.
@KC A 59 Bassman?! Holy smoke those are some lucky Kids! I'm sure the 5150 will end up being quite a valuable prize as well.
Man you deserve a lot more views and subs, your content is awesome
When i was a bit younger my buddy who was starting out was pretty rich, he wanted a "big amp", bought a marshall 4×12 cab, he asked me to come over because it didn't work, he had everything set up already, he never bought a head, just plugged into the back of the cab, he was severely disappointed when i told him that he still needs a amplifier head.
@les paul that is funny.
Ouch. I feel that disappointment.
Bruh
Plague Scythe Studios: Every video you make is done so masterfully. Every single one. I have learned more in a few hours of listening to your vids than I have of semi-actively seeking knowledge in 2 decades of playing. Well done. VERY well done
Best presentation about this I've ever seen. Well done.
Most Swedish death metal bands in the early 90s recorded their guitar with transistor amps.
Half of the clayman tone is a solid state marshall amp micd with 2 sm57s @ 55° angle
Thanks for all the intelligent information. I'm a 48 year old that hasn't played guitar since I was like 18. And I'll be rhe first to say that at home equipment was changed and come a long way in that time. I started playing again about 6 months ago. I've got the line 6 spider v 60. I'm truly blown away with the amount of tone and effects possibility you get for a $300 unit. Anyway, great content, keep up the great work
dude .. keep the gr8 work and explanation .. you deserve better subs / views .. i've just subscribed
Nowadays, I play live shows running my bass signal to FOH with a direct output with cab-sim IR before it even reaches my amp; I'm still using a tiny tonehammer 350 in the backline just as an emergency monitor. But, if I know the stage will be big enough, I drag my VBA 400 and Mesa 8x10- Ya know, for old times sake! I still love how that fridge shakes the stage, even at low volumes. I'm all for amp sims, IR's and modeling, but I still haven't found anything that perfectly matches the sound that my old VBA 400 and SB 100 produces... Close, but not quite there, yet. Anyways, great video, great topic.
My brother you are the best. You're saying the things that took so long for me to understand, things nobody says, and I feel like it's so important for people to come to understand these things. I went through such a frustrating period trying to adopt modeling, spent too much, and finally landed on an Axe FX 3, which is nice, but I still chase the feeling I can't get from anything but tubes.
I had no idea Chuck Schulinder used a mainly solidstate amp on Flesh And The Power it Holds! Death, more specifically that album and song make up some of my favorite music. I have tried to get a tone similar to his on that album, but I always used valve amps and sometimes distortion pedals. I have to try some amps similar to what he used. Anyways, awesome video as always man, keep up the good work!
Ola Englund did a great Crystal Mountain cover, and a video on Chuck's rig. th-cam.com/video/QYRAcf2T-Zk/w-d-xo.html
Might be too late but, for chucks tone you can use a marshall valvestate 8100, or a randall rg100es, if thats too expensive for you, randall's RG series' channel two were modeled after the old randalls. Also you'd need a dimarzio X2N guitar pickup, and a decent chorus pedal. Chuck also liked celestion g12t75 speakers
I am new to electric guitar. Thank you so much for finally explaining this all in a way I understand!
Very well said. Possibly the msot understandable way of telling all there is needed to know. Subbed.
Well done. Your straight forward honesty was ,more than refreshing. My 1st visit to your channel and with my thumbs up I subscribed. Looking forward to more.
GREAT TUTORIAL---especially for a beginner like me. Keep up the God work!!
Dude....excellent vid. Im a beginner and you just gave me the best 101 class ever. Im rocking a hand-me-down Line6 SpyderII and ignorance WAS bliss.
I prefer solid state, low maintenance, but whatever floats your boat!!
Thank you amplifier jesus, very informative content! Deserves way more views!
I have a solid state Fender Stage 1600 and the clean channel is just as good as a tube amp. I'm always hesitant to gig with my nice tube amps out of fear of them possibly getting damaged. So my gigging rig in recent times has been the clean channel of the Stage 1600 with a MXR Super Badass Distortion for dirt. It sounds great and I'm not burning up tubes in the process. It's a win-win
Dimebag was a solid state player i love em too good sounds
Wayne Static used solid state Marshall on first record as well.
He moved up to krank tube
@@MichaelSmith-ti6qc i personally think he switch for cash... cause I know Grady very well and Grady said Dime still played Randall till the day he died.. Krank was out front, but the Randall head was in the back in Dimes rack still being used.. no joke..
Best description ever. This dude is intelligent! Thanks! I’m loving my Black Spirit 200! Still want a smaller Magnatone Super 15, but just for at home, for that whole vintage air moving thing, with an attenuator of course. Louder is not always better!!!
Well explained, i would like to hear examples of all these definitions to understand more what „the softness of tubes“ is referring to.
I know this is an old video, but just wanted to say how hard it is to find good analog solid state amps now. I remember in the 90's SS amps were just getting really good, and then everything went digital and *poof!* Analog was gone. I still love my all-analog 90's Fender Chorus, and of course the Roland JC. I think Blackstar might also make an analog amp still.
But I think the biggest thing for me (as to why I like analog vs. digital) is that up until recently, the digital stuff just didn't have the headroom that a true analog circuit has. Digital sounds very good, but it's always sounded slightly compressed to me. It's a difficult trade-off.
That being said, I'm using digital for now. But when nobody's looking...
While I love tube amps, the future is hardware/software integrated modelers and powered cabs. Ideal setup would be something like a Fractal Axe FX III with a Line 6 Helix as backup and powered cab with power amp module. Light and effective for covers, recording and practice.
I think you mean boss katana.
Heh
So refreshing to hear the truth and something besides..." o you want tone? It's got to be a tube amp".I have found good tone in all. Thank you so much for an actual honest video
Needed to know this concept and BAM, my fave metal bro has a vid on just the subject! Thanks Ryan! Love the vids, God bless.
Good info. I know much more about modelling amps than when I started your video. Thank you.
Your kept a nice informative pace never a dull moment, Thanks
Great, brief and concise explanation. The only issue I have is your t-shirt didn’t age well.
One of my favorite TH-cam channels.
The Kemper is popular because it can profile amps or you can download profiles and it does this very well. Not just because it is shaped like a amp head.
This is a great video! Thank you for the in depth explanation.
Thank you metal Jesus ! I’m getting a 5150 !
Thank you. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.
This comment is a hidden gem
Don't laugh but a V Amp 3 saved my show one night. I payed $50 for it. I would have lost $300 that night. Plugged right into the house PA with it. Even used it to do some digital recording.
Very interesting! I think no one on TH-cam covers technical things like you do.
2 other differences 1) volume; to get the sweet spot with tubes you have to drive it. Boss did a good job with the Katana Artist. 2) price you wont be getting a V30 in $150 amp. Most solid state amps are gong after cost as mentioned, thus cheap speaker. Boss did a good job with the Katana Artist, but it is $600.
Reasonable, logical, based on evidence. Great video man! I love your approach. Thank you
This was disgustingly brilliant and horrifyingly informative. On the strength of this video alone I have subscribed. You’ve wet my appetite for more. Thanks for putting in the time.
Reese Blair - No “suck-up” here, my comment is from the heart. “Suck-up” implies that I praised the video for the sake of flattery alone, in order to solicit approval and ingratiate myself with the TH-camr for personal gain. There is no personal gain to be made here. I make a point to always acknowledge quality content with a positive comment. My comment are my way to show TH-cam-Land that there is appreciation and a market for well-researched, informative, factual videos. With so much pointless garbage floating around on TH-cam, I hope to encourage better content. That is my only motive.
Not to “Suck-Up”.
16:02 Amp Modeling is like programming the chips inside the board inside the amp head. Solid State and tubes do it for you.
I wonder if Hendrix was around now if he would use a Modeler?
he would because of convenience and ease in shaping tones
Honestly doubt it. You can’t pull the same dynamics and feedback out of a modeler which was a staple of his tone.
Deffo, he would just use a “Hendrix” patch 😂😂
Thank you for allowing me to FINALLY understand.
Someone get this guy a fucking medal
That was awesome, thank you for such a great explanation and time and energy it took to help us out! Unfortunately this world is about more sales not helping people. That's why I look to find my own understanding and knowledge. People like you make things much better to sort though! Again thank you bro liked and subbed
I wish my college professor was like you. Best explanation
I have a Marshall tube combo with emulation lines out for those emergency blowouts. Tubes aren’t being left behind.
Impressive knowledge. Excellent video!
This deserves far more views for the effort the creator put into making this and the brilliant explanation it gives.
(Also does anyone else think he looks like Jesus?)
Probably one of the best gear videos on youtube. I just saw demos for the Bogner mini and my mind was Blown! So i go out and buy a Katana 100 thinking it would be the Same … NOT!!! It sounds like absolute crap! How does the Bogner mini sound so much better?
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Ryan...OMG you just helped me narrow my decision down to buying the right type Amp for my needs:) Very well done Video. Thx. again, George Amodei
Quilter amps are quality analog solid state amps
They fucking rock!
Jimmy Watford No YOU fucking rock! They just help you get there.
Good gear man, great sound
too bad they are made in communist china
@@GuitarsAndSynths There website says "Made in the USA!" At least on the 'MicroPro' page. May the other models are imports.
Great video, thanks! Will retire my Marshall and go digital pretty soon now.
super awesome video. I recently got back into playing guitar and got myself a helix rack. I see that the boutique pedal craze happened during my time out of the game. I never had a cool amp growing up and definitely don't need an amp and cab in my apartment. A helix rack and control satisfied all of my needs. I just added a rackmount engl 530 tube preamp to create a hybrid setup. Just need a wireless setup now ;-) I'm going to have a shelf with a couple of the pedals I've seen out there. I'd love to see a video on what you recommend on a setup like mine.
Please make a video about preamp vs power amp distortion, what is best for specified metal genres etc...
Awesome video man!
This was very clear
Thanks for share your knowledge with us, great instructive video
You nailed it! I think both solid states and modeling tend to get bad reputation because of the many products in the low budget range that came out in the past. I could totally relate because my first amp was a shitty Crate GX15 and my second an awesome Peavey Bandit 112 to play in the garage and annoy the neighbors. Most SS amps were designed to be cheap and modeling amps to be flexible, but this has been changing and getting to the point that they are actually pretty good. Manufacturers are also paying more attention to load decent speakers in them and this makes a huge difference.
Awesome review!
Been playing over 25 years, played many and still own tube,solidstate and modeling. I prefer tube, but Solidstate is a close 2nd,while modeling is far behind. I currently own 2 LINE 6 Combo amps and had a Line 6 X3 LIVE pedal board which i traded in. Just can't stand my bedroom amp no more. I need a small practice amp in my bedroom and had a Line 6 spider IV 15. Still have it in the closet I purchased a Fender Mustang as a replacement and after 2 days i got mad at it and brought it back to the store for refund. 3 amps,1 pedal board and 2 rackmount modelers, i'm done with those. Just wanted a cheap lunch box amp like in the 80’s and 90’s,but the regular cheap amps today are still digital even if not modelers. You might be fooled listening to blindfold test between modelers and real tube amps on TH-cam and demos,but that's not where it's at. Playing a modeler makes me feel like the amp is 25 feet away,i got to work hard to make it sound right, feel like it's not responsive, and not sensitive on subtle nuances.The listener might not hear,It's while playing it,the feel is just not there with Modelers.
After all them 5-6 modeler purchases and returns . I got me a traditional Solidstate Made in USA 1994 Peavey Studio chorus combo with 2 10"speakers. A bit loud for my bedroom applications,but them regular old Solidstate amps still sound as good at low volumes.(And that's where classic solidstate rules over tubes)
That's the best solution i came up with on the quest for the best bedroom volume practice amp.
For me:
#1 Tube amps
#2 Traditional Solidstate
#3 Model amps
Returned the Fender Mustang.
Looking to sell my remaining 2 Line 6 amps.
No Modelers for me, and won't be convinced on the latest model as i gave in too many times already.
please, tell me wich Mustang model?... V2 or GT ?
Thank you!
I know this is 3 years old, but have you ever tried the weird Peavey tube modeling hybrids before?
Hi, I would like to know if you would recommend any older modelling amps. I have heard that the Peavey Vypyr is good as it's analogue, also a friend of mine who still has a Teal Bandit, mentioned a Line 6 spider jam. Many thanks if you would be kind enough to reply. Grettings from England. Cheers 2U as I enjoyed your presentation and knowledge.
Damn, I feel informed as fuck
Great video 👍
dude compare your mesa boogie head with Fractal's USA Lead model. I'll look forward to that :)
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by my $400 Bugera V22. It’s definitely on the cheaper side of tube amps
Very good explanation! Thanks! I subscribed
Great video yet again. Cheers friend.
bruh this was very helpful. Thanks a lot mate! Well done.
My first amp was a Peavey 6505 tube amp and 4x12 cab but it was way overkill for apartment living and practice. I still have it but now I use smaller practice amps and have an ENGL Ironball on order that takes the best of tube amp and puts power soak option for practice.
Some other reasons why large tube amps are not the future:
1. Apartment guitarists- need quiet way to record and practice to avoid getting evicted by angry neighbors
2. Cost and weight- a tube amp like a Bogner or Friedman can cost 3-5k just for the amp head and weight 50-60 pounds
3. Limited to one tone- modelers like Line 6 Helix and Kemper provide infinite convenient amp and FX options in small footprint and lower cost
4. Tube amp product shortage- only a few places still make tubes that power amps.
Fantastic explanation. Thank you.
Awesome video, you nailed it perfectly, good job!
Great explanation. Thanks
Outstanding content and presentation. Bravo.
That sums it up pretty well: People buy expensive tube stuff, and cheap modeling/solid state stuff. At least, that's what people think. So, of course they will think it sounds worse. But not because tube is better, because the upper range of amps are tube amps, and the rest is lower range. After all, few people would spend 1000$ on a transistor amp, and manufacturers know that.
Now, we have Kempers, AxeFXs and Boss Katanas, people are starting to understand the problem isn't ss amps or modeling, it's the fact they were stuck in the low budget market for a while and noone bothered to make high end non-tube stuff.
So what do you actually need to use a modeler? Cabs? Power?
Dude that was an awesome explanation. What do you think of the katana?
AX8, Line 6 Helix LT, NuX GT, Zoom MultiFX, all of these sound really good, even some of the cheaper units from NuX and Zoom. I'm still a fan of using traditional cabinets, so I use outboard starved plate tube preamps and a solid state rack power amp with my Zoom floor pedal unit. Also, floor multiFX units have the added bonus of having built-in expression pedals and wah/whammy effects, as well as being easily combinable with other fx and various stompboxes in the chain.
Thank you for this video that clearly shows the three technologies used in guitar amps.
Indeed, digital amps are not fairly enough explained to customers. For example, Roland remained rather quiet about the digital transition of his Cube.
You seem to find no factual and objective drawback to digital amps? In fact there is one major, which is surprisingly not really explained on the internet. Only Phillip McKnight spoke briefly about this in a recent video. The problem : unlike tube and transistor amps, you can not place on the floor, in front of a digital amp, a overdrive or distortion pedal to boost it as it can be done with a tube or transistor amp (such as the Orange CR120). "Gain stacking" is impossible with a digital amp, because boosting an amp is a physical process that digital programming can't handle. The digital sound is defined once and for all, it is frozen as is a picture. If you want to change it, you have to change the program. You can digitally emulate a boost, one can emulate everything, but not with real pedals. A digitally generated tone is degrading when boosted, instead of gaining power as with a "physical" tube or transistor amps.
I think this topic should be more discussed, because there is a strong promotion of the gain pedals, as well as digital amplifiers, without people being clearly informed about the limits of this combination. For example, there is no point in buying a TubeScreamer with a digital amp.
Though I would agree that is definitely the case for most digital amplifiers, that isnt entirely accurate nowadays. With flexible input padding and accurate algorithms, you can absolutely boost something like an AXE FX or good Kemper profile with an analogue drive and get a nearly identical response versus the real deal. There's some good videos showing how the SD-1 and TS-808 models sound perfect compared to using the real pedal in front of the AXE FX or AX8's input.
Of course, they can't handle something like a 20+ dB clean boost, but that's just a level issue. In any case, it's always good to keep the analogue to digital conversions to a minimum.
Could you do a review on the Randall RG1503h or the 300w version? I’m thinking of getting one as my Mesa Boogie needs to go in for repairs (Long Story) Im looking at one to recreate Dimebags tone somewhat and have an amp that I don’t gotta worry about. I already have a couple of Pedals to boost. I’ve also been thinking of just going Randall and getting the thrasher to complement my Mesa. Also amazing video I appreciate how you are a no BS kinda person.
Thank you! I've only demoed the 1503 for maybe 10 minutes but I liked what I heard. If I knew someone with one I would love to review it. I have a thrasher review if you're interested in it.
Plague Scythe Studios I’ve watched the thrasher video and you’ve convinced me to buy 2 Randall’s. At the moment my Mesa is kinda screwed up so it has to go in for servicing which made me realize I should probably have a backup amp. As such once you get your hands on a RG could we possibly see a comparison to the Thrasher in the future?
Yes I would love to! I have a lot of gear on my wish list though, so it might be a while. I will keep my eyes on Reverb and the local music stores.
I have the 300 watt rg. Amazing amp. I work in a music store so I've tried out a triple rec and an orange cr120 pro and between them I liked my randall better for metal specifically. Also, channel 2 is modeled after the old randalls from the 90s which means you can dial a dimebag or chuck schuldiner tone easily with the right gear
Thank you so much! Wonderful explanation
Hi, I’m a subscriber. My class A amp, (adcom gfa5802) just recently developed a slight buzzing hum on the left channel. Do you think the filter capacitors for the left channel are bad? I checked the DC voltage at the speaker terminals and they’re at 0.025V, so I think the coupling capacitors are fine. Or do you think it’s something else? Thanks in advance.😊
Great video. Very informative
great explanation!
I want to mention the Peavey Vypyr pro 100 ..its the only modeling amp on the planet that has "TransTube" technology built in and that's not even mentioning the noise gate and 4 channel pre amp set up that you can do..I don't work for Peavey and I don't even own the pro 100 but I have played thru one and I must say it's the best sounding modeling amp I have ever played on....it sounds better than tube
Vox has/had the same thing
Great video, m8
Extremely helpful!
Very good video, great content. A lot of the amps all sound the same to me. Maybe my hearing is shot lol but the amps they make nowadays all can sound good no matter if it’s valve or solid state. I played on a Marshall 30 watt solid state the other day and it sounded awesome to me.
That’s all that really matter anyway, get what sounds awesome to you and concentrate on improving your abilities.
Will you ever do videos on auto biasing amplifier technology like what you would find in Bugera amplifiers and some Victory amplifiers?
In terms of raw tone, my tube amp sounds the absolute best out of my gear. I also use a preamp pedal (ss) into my daw with power and cab simulation for everyday practice. Sounds pretty good too.
I've heard a lot of people saying tube amps are history there dead ,yes the 100w down to 50w head's are becoming increasingly less popular but the 5w up to 25w are more desirable
The DIY market has taken off big time with kits which lead to taking schematics online
While professional bands are going digital and garage band's and the beginner theses probably hundreds of thousands of people like me who are not really good at guitar but are good at building a tube amp and modifying it all the time ,we will keep the tube industry from dying 🤘
*_Eddie Van Halen_*
"One of the areas that guys put too much emphasis on is
equipment. Once when Van Halen was on tour, we were opening
for Ted Nugent and he was standing there watching me
play, wondering how I did it. The next day at the sound check when
I wasn’t there, he asked our roadie if he could plug into my
stuff. Of course, it still sounded like Ted. In other words, it
doesn’t really matter what you’re playing through. Too many guys
think a player’s sound has to do with equipment, but it doesn’t
make any difference. Your sound is in your fingers, heart and mind."
Bullshit... ENGL Screamer does not sound like Bogner Uberschall
That's true to a point. But some gear has a sound of its own ur not gonna get out of anything else
You talk about the "Stand-By" switch, there's alot of discussion if it has any use, or it can damage your amp or not while not using it. What's your take on that ?
Take a peavey bandit clean channel boost it with a tube screamer and run a eq through loop and forget it
Great!! Thanks for the info!!
For Bass i LOVE solid state. My GK 1001RB cuts thru the mix way better than my SVT with new tubes. For guitar, its honestly taste. If I was touring, I'd stick with solid state. Low maintenance and you can get very decent sound. Most people aren't trained to hear the difference either way. If you play loud music, might as well stick with SS. And this is coming from a person who has relative perfect pitch.
Good content. You know your stuff man! (Comments likes and views aren't everything fuck all that) have you tried emg hz? I've been using them for years and I can't complain I use ddt13-65 strings sounds very good through my spider III line6 and my Ibanez 120tbh (solid state amps) I do plan on getting a 6506+ or a 6534 wouldn't mind a 5150 either...
great video.
My crate gt1200h sounds awesome for a solid state.
Great vid! Pretty much nailed it minus the JC-120...it has plenty of distortion, the chorus was analog and if breaking glass with an ice pick is warm then I guess they’re warm😜
I AM kidding btw...
fucking great video bro
Thanks for the very good explanation. I’ve mostly been a hobby guitarist. So tubes just aren’t practical for me. Unless you’re able to play at pretty significant volume levels, you just can’t get the full benefit. Do I like the way they sound? Yeah. But I’m not gonna drop 2 grand on something that will never go past .5 volume. I’ve usually just run solid state. But now that modeling amps have gotten pretty freakin good, I’m really happy to embrace the digital world. Tube snobbery will always exist. It’s like pc gamers vs Xbox or PlayStation. Lol. Would I own a tube amp? Of course. If the right one comes along I’ll snatch it up. But they are particular. Like this guy said. You will find your buddy has a killer tube amp, and you find another identical one and it sounds completely different. Consistency is often overlooked when it comes to solid state or digital. But I do understand why some are just tube-aholics. Whatever floats your boat is my mantra 🤘🏻
What do you think about the boss katana stuff?
I certainly wish something like the katana 100 2x12 was available when I first started playing guitar. Incredible value, great effects (its Boss/Roland, so duh), and totally usable tones for most genres. Not so much for the most brootalz of metal, but a few bucks down the road on a over drive or pre amp pedal will solve that problem.