Amplifier FAQ

[AKA Ninja]

Okay let me explain re: the solid state amps.

I'm (obviously) not silly enough to say that a solid state modeling amp will ever stack up against its real tube brother, in an A-B test. When I say "comparable", this is not what I mean. What I mean by "comparable" is "comparable in tonal character and variety" - e.g., if someone says "I really love the Plexi sound but I just can't afford it - what is a solid state amp in my price range that might be a comparable sound?"

So that's what I'm talking about here. I'd like to hear recommendations form everyone on the best solid state modeling amps out there when it comes to getting:

1- Fender style cleans
2- Light fender style overdrives
3- More crunchy, early Marshall overdrives
4- Darker Vox-y overdrives
5- High gain distortion, ala JCMs or Mesa

This way, in the FAQ, I can say "Amp XYZ - solid state, emulates the sound of (TUBE AMP ABC) particularly well"...

I'll also be putting in sections re: low wattage tube amps, and this section - combined with the solid state section - will show that there's actually very little reason, these days, to buy the majority of crappy solid state amps (why buy a solid state amp for $250 when you can buy genuine tubes that will get you the tone you're after?). There are still a few solid-state standouts in the "small tube" price range (the Cube series comes to mind), but the numbers will show, I think, that low-watt tubes are the best option on a limited budget.

[BloodyKnuckle]

Well i can say from experience that the VOX Valvetronix amps model the AC15-30 and the Fender delux and twin quite nicely. but it is a hybrid. it also does some sounds similar to a unmodded JCM. not too helpfull i know, but still i try.

[Q]

SS modelling amps:

The 5 big names:

Marshall MG - Don't:

Cleans are yucky and mushy and ultra warm and the OD type simulations have the definition of a really wet fart.

Vox Valvetronix - Maybe:

Does the clean simulations quite well. A tad livelier than most SS cleans. But the OD types are fairly shrill and useless.

Line 6 Spider - Don't:

Few good sounds but overall useless with only shrill toneless crooning to be gained.

Peavey Vypyr - Maybe:

It does both clean and OD type simulations Okish but it doesnt particularly stand out

Roland Cube - Maybe:

This one stands out in that it's OD type simulations are fairly doable. I guess it's the best out of the bunch.


For the price however get yourself a small tube amp.

Also, might it be an idea to post a link to all reviews of the forums (Jamesss vids, Plagas' review etc.) and start making that list of amps/guitars that are forum favorites in their price class?

[GPW]

 For a 3SB amp , I rather like the Tech 21 T-60 ...   Nice sounding cleans ... very adjustable , sounds good with pedals ... and it's light...

[AKA Ninja]

Updated the FAQ to include a section on Output Watts and Speakers

[AKA Ninja]

Updated the FAQ to include a description of the speakers used in stock Tube combos, as well as the most common speaker pairings with the various Marshall head units. Goes w/ the new Speaker section just added, to show people what good speakers are used in production.

[Q]

Updated the FAQ to include a description of the speakers used in stock Tube combos, as well as the most common speaker pairings with the various Marshall head units. Goes w/ the new Speaker section just added, to show people what good speakers are used in production.

A site with a lot of different speakers and soundclips of those speakers. http://www.watfordvalves.com/soundfactory.asp

[AKA Ninja]

Updated the FAQ to include a description of the speakers used in stock Tube combos, as well as the most common speaker pairings with the various Marshall head units. Goes w/ the new Speaker section just added, to show people what good speakers are used in production.

A site with a lot of different speakers and soundclips of those speakers. http://www.watfordvalves.com/soundfactory.asp

Wow, that's pretty awesome. Really makes some speakers jump out at you when you can A/B them like that!  

Added that to the FAQ, that's pretty cool

[Q]

Updated the FAQ to include a description of the speakers used in stock Tube combos, as well as the most common speaker pairings with the various Marshall head units. Goes w/ the new Speaker section just added, to show people what good speakers are used in production.

A site with a lot of different speakers and soundclips of those speakers. http://www.watfordvalves.com/soundfactory.asp

Wow, that's pretty awesome. Really makes some speakers jump out at you when you can A/B them like that!  

Added that to the FAQ, that's pretty cool

All credit goes to Paul Mirich 

[AKA Ninja]

Hm, another cool idea - Newbs often decide what tone they want by "My favorite guitarist uses XXX" or "I really want tone like in XXX song" ... I'd like to compile a few "Popular songs produced with this amp", and "Notable users of this amp" for each of the legendary amplifiers listed. I'll start:

Fender Twin - BB King (Doesn't use one normally, but when his Laney isn't available, says he's perfectly happy with one)
Marshall JTM45 - Eric Clapton, Ritchie Blackmore
Marshall Plexi - Jimi Hendrix
Marshall JCM800 - Kerry King
Mesa Boogie - James Hetfield (used Mesas for recording most of the early works)

Anybody else?

[Vintage MR]

^ Pretty sure Hetfield used to double track - one with a Mesa and another with a Marshall.

It's what I heard anyway...

[AKA Ninja]

^ Pretty sure Hetfield used to double track - one with a Mesa and another with a Marshall.

It's what I heard anyway...

I think that may be correct. Regardless, still a notable user.

[Q]

Well as an expert on the man I guess I'll do the honours.


Rory Gallagher:

Earlier stuff is a Vox AC30 on the normal channel with volume cranked and a Treble Booster. (Or a chain of Vox AC30's anyway)

Later stuff is done with Marshall Stacks (Plexi I think) and varying Orange amplifiers and a Treble Booster.

All of this is on a side note done with a strat in the Bridge + Middle position and enough talent to fill the atlantic ocean.

[Apopholis]

Well as an expert on the man I guess I'll do the honours.


Rory Gallagher:

Earlier stuff is a Vox AC30 on the normal channel with volume cranked and a Treble Booster. (Or a chain of Vox AC30's anyway)

Later stuff is done with Marshall Stacks (Plexi I think) and varying Orange amplifiers and a Treble Booster.

All of this is on a side note done with a strat in the Bridge + Middle position and enough talent to fill the atlantic ocean.

I think he used an Octaver for the opening to Bad Penny as .

[Q]

Well as an expert on the man I guess I'll do the honours.


Rory Gallagher:

Earlier stuff is a Vox AC30 on the normal channel with volume cranked and a Treble Booster. (Or a chain of Vox AC30's anyway)

Later stuff is done with Marshall Stacks (Plexi I think) and varying Orange amplifiers and a Treble Booster.

All of this is on a side note done with a strat in the Bridge + Middle position and enough talent to fill the atlantic ocean.

I think he used an Octaver for the opening to Bad Penny as .

Sounds like it.

But I doubt we need to do all the exceptions. Because in that case you should mention his Corel Sitar on that one.