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Post subject: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 10:32 pm
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Hello,

Since I'm new here, I'd though I'd introduce myself by starting a thread and see how it goes, beside randomly responding to other posts.

I am mainly a bassist, but I do dabble in some guitar from time to time. I'm strictly rhythm, so I don''t make it cry or swoon. Unlike Guitar George, unfortunately I don't know all of the chords. Well, at least I do on bass.

Enough of the bad puns. My question is this:

Is is worth it to me to look into a Fender tube amp, rather than go the cheaper route and pick up let's say the Frontman 100 watter? I do play professionally on bass and I absolutely love my new Rumble 350, so I don't have issues with solid state, at least where bass is concerned. I may play some guitar live in the future, so I wonder if it's really worth me buying a tube amp when it really won't be my main thing?

I guess it's ultimately up to me to decide when I demo these together, but I figured I'd see what any else has to say.

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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 11:31 pm
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While there are some excellent solid state and digital modeling amps out there (especially the Vox modeling amp), a good tube amp will almost always be the better choice. I've never regretted the extra cost on the tube amps I've owned (or still own).

You'll have to decide what your needs (performance-wise) would be, but the best bet is to go to a well-stocked guitar shop and try everything you can get your hands/ears on.

If you want some suggestions of what types of amps to check out, let us know the answers to these questions:
What type of music do you play?
Will you play with a full band?
What is your budget?

It seems you're a seasoned bassist, so please don't be insulted or feel that any of us are being condescending to you...I would ask someone about the best bass amp for my needs/budget/etc., too.

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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 11:36 pm
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Ultimately Fenders finest designs have been tube amps. Depending on how devoted you plan on being with guitar, most guitarists will find a quality amp a good investment. The 22W Deluxe Reverb is a great amp and its size is convenient for most situations.


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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 12:02 am
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One of each would be best, but ultimately it depends on what you like, and what you can afford--you can get good sounds out of a Frontman.
But also consider a modeling amp.
there are a variety of them at different price points.

I have a Fender G-Dec Jr that I use to play at home, and it's got some cool options and sounds.
If I was gigging I still may have got it for use at home, but I probably would also have somethign else for gigging.

I like solid state & I like tubes--I'd like one of each--at least.

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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 1:22 am
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CPL lets start at the top and as you are a bass guitarist this amp could be used for both guitar and bass guitar. Remember negotiate heartily as this one isn't cheap. 59 Fender Bassman.
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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 2:00 am
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Do you wanna run with the big dawgs or just stay on the porch and play with the puppies?

:mrgreen:

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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 3:02 am
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I'll probably get some flack for this ,but I'm a solid state guy . Always have been and that's my choice . I like not having to deal with the hassle and maintenance involved with tube amps.


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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 6:21 am
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Telecaster God wrote:
I'll probably get some flack for this ,but I'm a solid state guy . Always have been and that's my choice . I like not having to deal with the hassle and maintenance involved with tube amps.


No flack. We like what we like. I'm a tube guy but I still own a couple of solid state amps. I have a Pignose from 1973, a Guild Four and a GDec 30 that I despise and should sell. I like the Pignose and Guild. I've been building a few small SS amps too. One is actually a 5/10 watt hybrid in kit form from Oatley Electronics out of Australia. It's a cool little amp that I'll be putting in suitcase amps for cigar box guitars that I build. Out of the other three I own, I built two.

Still tube amps have and organically complex tone that so far just can't be duplicated in any modeling amp. But that said, there are some really nice solid state amps out there.

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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 7:12 am
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I don't see how this is even a question. Nothing sounds as good as a tube amp. Even the best solid state or modelling amps can't come close.

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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 7:43 am
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Telecaster God wrote:
I'll probably get some flack for this ,but I'm a solid state guy . Always have been and that's my choice . I like not having to deal with the hassle and maintenance involved with tube amps.

No flack from me...I have a Pignose and a 70's Gibson G-20 solid state amp, and I love the both.

Of course, when I gigging or performing somewhere, I take the '63 reissue Vibroverb... 8)

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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 7:44 am
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You could go with a hybrid. My Vox AD60VTX is a tube preamp and solid state amp with excellent modeling. I lug it back and forth to band rehearsals even though there are Fender, Marshall, Egnator and Line 6 amps in the rehearsal room.

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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 7:58 am
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GilgaFrank wrote:
I don't see how this is even a question. Nothing sounds as good as a tube amp. Even the best solid state or modelling amps can't come close.


I agree, but I use all my gear as tools. I don't have names for my guitars and amps and they all get used. The little Pignose I have lasted longer than my HRDlx. :lol: I've had the Pignose from 1973 and recorded with it too. Zappa used them too and sounded just like Frank.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q0nImsfMvE

Same with the Guild. The Guild through a 2x12 cab sounds awesome. You play what you want and use what you like. I know guys that are hard core modeling amp guys and they try to convince you that their modeling amps sound like the real deal. I've played and owned many of the real deal amps and the modeling amps aren't even close.

Use what works for you and the situation.

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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 8:24 am
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I'd definitely audition a Fender Mustang II. I'll bet you'll be pleasently surprised. :wink:

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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 8:46 am
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The most important thing to keep in mind in your search for an amp is that YOUR opinion of the tone of an amp is the most important opinion of all.

By all means, listen to the input of others to help guide you, but in the end, you need to make your decision based upon how good an amp sounds to YOU. To formulate an opinion, you have to play several.

And for goodness sake, don’t buy anything unless you’ve heard it in person...also, a 6L6-based amp will sound quite different than an EL34-based amp or even a high-gain 6V6.

Good luck!

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Post subject: Re: Tube Or Not Tube...That Is The Question
Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:18 am
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It truly depends on what you think your amp needs are. I've owned both tube amps and solid-state amps (as have most people on this forum, probably :) ) -- each have their unique strengths.

In my mind, there is no question that tube amps, by and large, have a better, fuller, warmer sound quality than their SS counterparts. The warm breakup of a slightly overdriven tube amp simply cannot be accurately replicated on a solid state (though if you're looking for purely clean tones, SS amps can do the job very well).

At the same time, tube amps are heavier, more expensive and generally require more maintenance.

If you're looking primarily for a practice amp, or something that likely will be used on stage infrequently, there is probably little need to make the investment in a tube amp. But if your guitar playing will be a regular part of the band's performance set, it might be worth the extra money for the better sound quality.

Craigslist, etc., often has great deals on used amps, of course, so you could probably find a smaller tube amp (like a Pro Junior or something), which, when mic'd into a PA system, should give you whatever level of amplification you may need.


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