the solid-state vs tube amps debate: Guitar players are on an endless journey to find the best tone. The holy grail of sound that will blow people away when they hear it burst out of the speaker. This sounds really is different for everyone, but the search can be fulfilling none the less.
A common question that crops up when on this journey is the decision to go with a solid state or a tube amp. Today well look over the pros and cons of solid-state vs tube amps and why we like what we like. This will hopefully help you on your journey and bring you closer to that perfect sound you search for.
Firstly, let’s go over briefly what they are and how they work.
Tube amplifier:
When the current (electrical signal) from a guitar goes into a tube amp there are small glass tubes that have a filament (called a cathode) in them similar to a light bulb. Depending on the amount of current, this filament heats up giving off electrons.
Also, in the tube there is an anode (a plate surrounding the cathode) that is positively charged in relation to the cathode. These negatively charged electrons are attracted to the positively charged anode. In between the cathode and the anode there is a grid, this grid is what gives off small voltage signals coming from your guitar. Then the electrons given off from the cathode to the anode amplify this small signal to the speaker to produce the characteristic tube sounds.
Solid state:
A solid-state amp uses a circuit board to amplify the sound from the guitar rather than the glass tubes from the tube amp. The signal passes through conductors and transistors on the circuit and I cleanly amplified to the speaker of the amplifier.
Sound
Tube amplifier:
Tube amplifiers give off a natural distortion when the tubes are pushed hard. This is a sound many guitar players are looking for, the breaking in the sound that gives a gritty and rocky sound to the guitar.
Finding the ‘sweet spot’ on a tube amp is getting the EQ to where the sound is right on the edge of breaking up and will give you that natural distortion when you really dig onto the guitar or slightly turn up the volume on your instrument. This ‘sweet spot’ may take a little time to find and will be different on different types of amps but is often exactly what players are looking for on their journey to great tone.
Solid state amplifier:
Solid state amplifiers do not get this natural distortion that is made from pushing the tubes as it is only an electrical circuit amplifying the sound. The advantage of this is that you can get a good clean sound even with the amplifiers volume turned way up.
Tube amps tend to have a smoother sound that some describe as more of a ‘3D’ quality. The analog quality to the tubes makes for a more responsive sound where the softer or harder you play your instrument the tubes will really respond to that change in current and the tone of the sound will follow. This is harder to replicate in solid state.
I compare it to driving a manual car vs driving an automatic, they’re both going to get you to where you want but you have a bit more control (and maybe more fun) in the manual.
Practicality:
Over time tube amps will need more maintenance. As they are used more and more often, stress is put on the tubes that will wear them down and they may end up needing to be replaced. A solid state amp will generally last a lot longer and may cause you less hustle in the long run.
Tube amps can be heavy. Depending on the size of your amp, due to the electrical equipment used they can be a mission to lug around. I own a vox AC15 that weighs around 22 kg and though I love the sound, if I’m constantly moving it around to practices or gigs it is a small hassle.
Solid state amps are a lot lighter and can be a breeze to cart around from place to place without breaking your back in the process.
Modern day amps.
when looking at solid state vs tube amps, tube amps are a relatively old technology compared to solid state amps that keep improving over time. Though tube amps are still improving, solid state, digital and even hybrids of the two are coming closer and closer to that tube feel with the practicality, durability and light weight capabilities of the solid-state package.
To conclude.
solid state vs tube amps: Guitarist and musicians alike these days will still more often turn to tube amps for that classic, versatile and responsive sound that will produce the natural break up and distortion of the tubes. Your decision on what amp to buy will come down to a few different things. What kind of music and tone you are after/ want to play, what kind of money you have to spend (often solid state and digital amps are a bit cheaper), how often you will be carting the amp around and how durable you want it to be or if you are willing to keep it serviced and in good shape over time.
As for the tone, go to your local music store and have a play around on different types and don’t be afraid to turn them up a bit to get the sound your looking for. Have some fun with them and enjoy tinkering around with the EQ.
If you’re in New Zealand a great place to look is Music Planet Online New Zealand. Buy Musical Instruments online or visit one of our nationwide stores.
There are many aspects to think about when it comes to what amplifier you want to get. Take all these into consideration when you are buying and most of all keep enjoying the journey to find that tone you’ve always dreamed of.