Tube vs. Transistor
 

Ah yes, the age old debate. One would argue that the tube amps will be better suited for a cleaner style of playing, whereas the transistor amps would be better suited for hard rock/metal. I personally love both styles of amps and own one of each. I love my Valve Junior and my RG100. I'm just curious to hear what your opinions are on the subject!


Peace :sweet:

Re: Tube vs. Transistor
 

I love tube power for both clean and distortion. The tubes are more natural, though, many solid state amps do a great job replicating tube-like tones. But still feels different to me. Some solid states do a fine job with cleans. Vox comes come to mind...

I also liked the Line 6 HD147 that I had, it was digital.

Re: Tube vs. Transistor
 

Shit one of the BEST "clean" amps out there is SS.

Roland JC120

Seems to be a benchmark for clean tones....

That said, one isn't better than the other in my experience, it's just a matter of taste and cork-sniffery. I'm a HUGE fan of both, I love tubes, but my Randalls are every bit as heavy and killer sounding as any tube amp I've had......which is MANY.

Re: Tube vs. Transistor
 

I was going to mention that specific amp. A lot of jazz and some blues guys use those. Bo Diddley did too:

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/844...dcheck1zz5.jpg

See, his JC 120 is right here. ^^^^^ Don't mind the smiling bassist in the background, he's an idiot. :biggrin:

Re: Tube vs. Transistor
 

Well, I stand corrected. I just always assumed that a lot of metal players used SS. Maybe it's just ignorance on my part, but I have never heard of that amp that you guys are talking about that is solid state and has a good clean tone.

Re: Tube vs. Transistor
 

Man, I wish I had 450 bucks :frownz: Oh and Brian, I'm jealous of you for getting to play with Bo.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ROLAND-JC-120-JC...QQcmdZViewItem

Re: Tube vs. Transistor
 

Most fun ever. A total "right place, right time" kinda thing. He didn't say boo to me all night though. He was a bit frail by then, I didn't want to get in his face or bug him, we had to help him up the stairs to the stage (he had lost a toe, presumably to diabetes or some similar circulatory problem, and wasn't real steady on his pins).

It was a pick-up show, a local benefit. NO practice. I had to wing it all night. His daughter Terri was playing keys, and the rest of the band was local guys filling in. Beforehand I asked Terri if she could shoot me some keys at the start of the songs at least, since I was positioned where I couldn't see what Bo was playing.

Bo heard me, turns around, and says "We don't do that "key" shit."

:biggrin:

Re: Tube vs. Transistor
 

Thats an awesome story!!!!! :w:

Re: Tube vs. Transistor
 

Thanks, looking back, I honestly still can't believe it. It was funny, when I arrived, his daughter see me walk in with my case and says "The bass player is here." (Bo was onstage messing with his guitar and amp settings, and she was waiting on some borrowed keyboards to arrive.)

So I say, "Yes, if this gentleman will have me."

Total silence from Bo.

After I set up, Terri, the daughter, says "You must be mighty brave agreeing to play with Bo like this, I've played with him many times and I'm still not used to it."

Remember, this is HIS DAUGHTER saying this.

I laughed and said I didn't know if I was brave or stupid, but there was NO WAY I'd ever turn down the opportunity.

It was the kind of thing that VERY easily coud've gone south at any point. I've never played in a "cover band" or done a lot of "jamming" with people centered on covers. With no practice, I just had to find the key and follow where he went, if I could. Thank God most of his songs are so simple. It could've been an absolute disaster quite easily, instead it will no doubt be one of my most cherished stage memories.

Re: Tube vs. Transistor
 

Judging from that big smile on your face, it was a hell of time. Is that Bo's daughter on drums in that photo?