Tube or Modeling Amp?

[UTGrad]

I’m getting back into guitar and got a VT20X VOX modeling amp for jamming in the bonus room. I like the versatility of the modeling amp and the variety of pre configured vintage amp tones that I can tweak.

I’m looking to add a 2nd amp and considering a Marshall Tube amp or a larger modeling amp. Which would be the better choice for tone?


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[shupe13]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

I have a VOX AC30CC2 and a BOSS Katana 100. I don’t know if there’s anything else I could need. I absolutely love both.


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[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

What would you like the second amp to do that the Vox doesn’t?

 

[evan47]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

I have owned a number of different modelling and valve amps in my time and am happiest with modellers, esp if they are programmable with footswitching between channels.
Less background noise, more flexible and no maintenance. Often cheaper and lighter too.

 

[UTGrad]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

What would you like the second amp to do that the Vox doesn’t?

I want a 2nd amp with more power for gigging and playing with a band.


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[Gtrjunior]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

I’m a fan of a good tube amp. Sure, modelers have come a long way and I think the digital Fx like Reverb and delay sound great but I’ve yet to hear a convincing Distortion.
I went to see a friends band last weekend and the guitar player was using a Marshall code.... very “Meh” tones all night.

 

[PierceOkken]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

Modeling amps are good for people who want acceptable to good tone without the price of a tube amp. ALso, upkeep is a pain with tubes. Modeling amp all the way.

 

[Jacew]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

Modeling amps are good for people who want acceptable to good tone without the price of a tube amp. ALso, upkeep is a pain with tubes. Modeling amp all the way.

Complaints about tube amp upkeep is a joke. What's so expensive in it? Tubes? 100 dollars get you full set for just about any amp, and it'll last for at least year, or three.

Upkeeping you actual guitar is more expensive...

 

[shupe13]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

Now I will say that quick 10-20 jams multiple times a day killed my AC30CC2 tubes. That said $130 for a decent set of tubes isn’t cheap especially knowing that it will happen again and again. I bought the Katana so I could have those short jams and for ease of play. Plug in and go. Not to mention badass tone to boot.


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[shupe13]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

The Katana Air is calling my name also.


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[IM4Tone]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

For your second amp to be used in a band setting, get a tube amp. As already mentioned, maintenance costs are overstated, especially since you already have the ss amp for practice and jamming.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

The future is in modeling amps...not tube amps.

They keep getting better and better.

And less expensive.

What’s great is not that they can duplicate the sound of vintage tube amps.

It’s that finally, if you’re willing to learn how to, you can create those elusive sounds you’ve heard only in your imagination.

Someday soon tube amps will become obsolete and go the way of buggy whips.

 

[Perry go round]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

Digital things fail. Get obsolete. Need updates. New firmware. Are obscelescented programmed so they fail after a fixed amount of time.
Analog staff also fails and gets worn by time, but it is fixable, more durable and more reliable.
I think analog staff will allways be a safer bet.

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[Mincer]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

Do you primarily use 1 or 2 sounds? Get a traditional amp and add pedals. Do you need a lot of versatility or like ease of setup/lighter weight? Go modeling.
I am happy with my Fractal.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

What is your budget?

Modeling amps are getting better and better.

I love my tube amps (prefer Fender for tube cleans, use pedals for gain and such) but Yamaha THR amps are super convincing "tube" tones, IMO.

 

[UTGrad]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

What is your budget?

Modeling amps are getting better and better.

I love my tube amps (prefer Fender for tube cleans, use pedals for gain and such) but Yamaha THR amps are super convincing "tube" tones, IMO.

$300

My Vox VT20X is perfect for me right now but when I get into maybe some small gigs or jams with friends I want to get more sound so will opt for a 40 or 100W.

I do like the vast amount of tone capabilities and built in effects of the Vox. I can go from a clean Fender sound to an Orange with heavy distortion and a delay effect with a simple button.


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[PierceOkken]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

Complaints about tube amp upkeep is a joke. What's so expensive in it? Tubes? 100 dollars get you full set for just about any amp, and it'll last for at least year, or three.

Upkeeping you actual guitar is more expensive...

Mmmm... I spend a solid 150 dollars to retube my rockerverb, and that does not include paying a professional... 8-10 hours of solid gigging every week fries tubes in about 2 months. As for my guitar? Learned to set it up, haven't spent more than 40 cents on upkeep since putting in new pickups 3 years ago. (40 cents was the amount of coins it took me to block the floating trem)

PS. I'm no rich man, I'm a musician, I don't consider 150$ pocket change

 

[Demanic]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

I picked up a used Spidervalve for $350. Best of both worlds.

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[UTGrad]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

On my VOX the factory presets for different style classic amps and tones are pretty good. I just jam on the presets.


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[shupe13]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

I’m Katana 100%. Don’t buy anything until you try one. You can thank me later.


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