
Tech Tip: What's the Difference Between Tube and Solid-State Guitar Amps?
Guitar Amps: Learn about the differences between tube, solid-state and hybrid amplifiers.
The simple answer is that a guitar tube amp uses one or more vacuum tubes to amplify the signal, while a solid-state guitar amp uses solid-state electronics (diodes, transistors, etc.) to amplify the signal. On paper and in theory these two approaches should yield identical result, but in actuality the difference is usually quite noticeable.
The all-tube Fender Hot Rod Series Blues Junior 15W Combo Amp generates warm, musical distortion at relatively low volumes.
But the simple answer fails to address underlying complexities. Many amps are not simply tube or solid-state, but mixes of both kinds, called "hybrids." This usually means that they have a tube preamp stage, employing vacuum tubes in the tone shaping circuitry, but use solid-state circuitry for the power section. The hybrids are closer to full tube amps in response and tonal warmth, but purists will still find a difference between the two. Tube amps are generally more expensive in initial cost and to operate (because you need to replace the tubes occasionally), and solid-state amps are generally less delicate and more reliable. Many players, however, feel that tube amps yield a warmer, more musical tone and more musical-sounding distortion.
The Vox AC30VR Valve Reactor 2x12 Guitar Combo Amp combines a low-maintenance power amp section with a tube-powered preamp to deliver a winning combination of reliability and vintage tone.
Yet another wrinkle is tube emulation circuitry. Many amps and preamps have sophisticated circuits designed to act like tubes, and as in all things, some are better than others. A relatively new development has been the introduction of modeling amps, which not only emulate the tone and response of tubes, but of specific tube amps. There are a variety of offerings available, including popular choices such as Line 6's Spider line and Roland's Cube series. In general, modeling amps are exciting, versatile amplifiers, but again, some are better than others at reproducing the specific models, and in maintaining the sounds through a range of volume levels.
The Line 6 Spider V guitar amp offers more than 200 amps, cabs and effects to choose from in designing your guitar sound.
Another point to make about tube amps is that bigger is not always better. You get the most distinctive tube sound when the amp is cranked up enough so the tubes are saturated or nearly saturated, creating the overdriven sound revered by tube-amp fans. For this reason, it is often better to choose a lower wattage amp over a higher wattage amp, depending on how and where you play. By the time you crank up your 60- watt amp enough to saturate the tubes to get just the right level of distortion, you could be blowing your audience out the back door. It might have been better to choose a 20W amp that lets you get your saturated tone without the ear-killing decibels. Many professional guitarists prefer this approach both for recording and performance situations. They use close-miking to capture the overdriven sound of smaller tube amps, sending that signal to the recording console or the PA mixer.
Tags: Amplifiers
Comments
I am looking at purchasing a Fender Champion 100 - 100W 2x12" Guitar Combo Amp. Solid State.
Would appreciate some comments please.
I have been looking at Blackstar low watt tube amps that have a headphone input.
Thanks,
Ryan
Can someone explain if it's true please?? Thanks
Long story short: they aren't necessarily louder. You just have to push it to get a nice warm sound. You also have to consider how speakers will affect the sound. Just swapping out speaker for more, or less efficient ones will greatly change the sound. A more efficient speaker can add tons of volume as well as making your amp head sound like a totally different amp.
Hope this help at all.
(money) Not good hearted CRAFTSMANSHIP so the love of music is money and image not real music. But i plan to buy a tube amp some time but for now i need to finish am studio.
Honesty it just sounds like you have had one bad experience with a low quality tube amp and then just decided that all tube amps are unreliable pieces of shit. I have never had any issues with my blues junior and it has been thrown in/out of vans, had beer spilt on it and been kicked over numerous times and I haven't ever had any issues with it.
Holy shit what amp do you use that chews through tubes that quickly?
I have a blues jr and I haven't had to change the tubes once in 3 years. I also gig with this amp twice a month and have been doing so for the past 2 years.
It is by far the best sounding amp in that price range.
Go somewhere else troll.
Thanks Ryan
And yes it effects (the ataxia) my ability to play guitar.
Basically back to a beginner from where I use to
be which may have be almost been intermediate without any theory.
Did everybody rush out and buy a wah, a TS8, a RAT,? Yes.Why?. To emulate sounds. How many people can really tell the difference between EL84's and 6L6's ? Not many.but if you find out that Keith Richards uses 6L6's in his Twins then yes you go out and get them.
Try to stop being an elitist snob
Tube vs. solid-state is a historical difference caused by things such as crossover distortion, etc. Things that have no been improved with Class AB output stages.
Does that mean I don't believe there is a difference? No, I'm not saying there is/isn't a difference, just that anyone who claims to be able to tell the difference is lying, based on many double-blind research studies.
Analog design engineer and purchaser of tube amps :)
I use a solid state amp with the above gear and I get rave reviews about the sound I get.
Unbelievable!!!!
May he rest in peace.
Thanks for the info.