Quote (DeathDeception @ Sun, Jul 20 2008, 01:27pm)
whast is tube am/solid state?
Well to make this quick heres a pros/cons from a website most of it is true
Solid State PRO's:
* They usually have fabulous clean sounds, crisp and accurate almost to a fault
* They are quick and responsive
* They can take more abuse because there are very few fragile parts
* They require less maintenance
* They can be used to ‘model' other amplifiers with the push of a button or flip of a switch
Solid State CON's:
* They have no warmth or emotion, solid state sounds cold and sterile (compare electric drums to acoustic)
* Built in distortion is terrible all low and mid priced amps. If you don't have a huge wad to drop on a Solid State amp your distortion will be harsh and irritating rather than ballsy and ‘rockin' (yes, some people like the harsh sound... keep it in the garage junior cause that won't get you on a stage)
* Solid State amps tend to all sound the same no matter what they are, who is using it, or what guitar is plugged in. Their tone is static.
Tube PRO's:
* They are best known for their exceptional warmth. The longer you "warm up" a set of tubes the better your sound quality and tone get. This is hard to quantify but we will look at some of the physics later.
* They have a tone variety. Each tube amp sounds different according the specifics of the manufacturer and tube combinations; as well as, the tube amps response to an individual player. There are arguable endless combinations of sounds that can be made by "tweaking" the tube combinations in the same model of amp.
* They have depth with fat and thick sounds that get fatter and thicker as the volume is turned up. A 30watt tube amp sounds HUGE next to 200 watt solid state amp.
* They possess supreme distortion. Tubes by their very nature distort sound in a natural and pleasing way. Whether you want an edgy rhythm or a screaming lead a tube can be meant to bend to your specifics.
Tube CON's
* Maintaining a tube amp can be costly. Tubes must be maintained and replaced costing anywhere from $40 to $300, depending on the type and number of tubes you use. Since tubes are made of glass a shock to an amp head can crack. A slight pro to this is the fact that 8/10 problems that occur with a Tube amp are made from a dying or broken tube and can be fixed as easily as replacing a light bulb. Solid state is more likely to require some engineering skills.
* A strange con is the fact that to get quality sound from a tube amp the tubes need to be pushed in volume. This is great if you are a touring musician but it can be bothersome if you are practicing in a two bedroom apartment with irritable neighbors.
* If you have a bad back a tube amp will piss you off. They are heavier than their solid state counterparts. Plus it is advisable to get a road case to further protect your investment, probably adding fifty pounds. Do like me and get flight cases equipped with wheels. But, if you plan to add a 4x12 cabinet to your head, solid or tube, then invest in a gym membership while you're at it.