Tube or Modeling Amp?

[Lewguitar]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

For me, the problem with the digital world is the endless menus.
I’ve never owned or fiddles with these newer modeling amps but I have played through one at GC. It sounded pretty good, I won’t lie. But I can never find the right settings etc...it’s just too much of a hassle for me. And even though there have been significant improvements lately, the digital OD and distortion sounds still aren’t good enough in most cases.

The factory presets of the Mustang III are all so crammed full of effects that no one in their right mind would want to gig with those tones. I overwrote the first 80 presets, leaving only the last 20 which are the uneffected amp models.

Then I used my three or four favorite amp models to create my own sounds with maybe just a little Fender Reverb or echo and maybe an emulation of a Tubescreamer or Fender Overdrive pedal for more overdriven tones.

When I created something worth keeping I’d overwrite one of the useless 1 -80 presets until I’d overwritten them all.

Pretty simple really. Took a couple of weeks.

And now, I just use my own presets and don’t do a lot of programming.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

I think it’s that and the work you have to put into sorting through all the parameters, cabinet models, useless effects, useless amp models, etc.

For example, on my Mustang 3, the only Fender amp models I use are Fender Twin, Deluxe Reverb and Tweed Deluxe.

The only Distortion pedals I use are the Green Box and Fender Overdrive. I only use the Tape Echo and Fender Reverb.

There are plenty of delays and Reverbs and overdrives and distortion models to choose from, but those I listed are the only ones I use for creating my own presets. Now that I know that, its much simpler for me.

And I can use my own presets as my starting point instead of going through the laborious learning curve of working with the amp models that just don’t interest me.

I can get my idea of the ultimate Marshall, not by using the Marshall models but by overdriving the 20 watt Fender models. Which is what I do in real life with my tube amps too.

It’s really no harder than setting up a new iPhone and you’d think if an old geezer like me can do it, it should be a breeze for the youngsters who grew up with computers.

In truth, for me it’s been a journey of eliminating the 90% I have no use for and simplifying. Then I can go straight to the sounds I like.

But at first, modeling technology is a bit overwhelming.

I found the same with a Marshall JMD, which I picked up for not a lot of money (It is a hybrid by the way). I only use about 3 or four of the amp models. That's all I need or want. I never use the factory presets. Some of mine are actually built on JVM models which was unexpected. I don't use the JVM models to get modern sounds but vintage tube amp sounds, which those models do surprisingly well after spending some time dialing them in. I A/B'ed them side by side with a couple of my actual tube amps and they can be very, very, close. The models in general are accurate enough that the JCM800 model has the effect of the bright cap per gain knob setting, and the cross over distortion and spongy feel of the EL84 18 watt combo, and so forth, for example.

I only use the reverb among the effects package.

It's probably obsolete, but it still sounds like a good tube amp so I don't care.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

Been playing through my Spidervalve tonight. It has 128 presets in banks of 4. With the option of changing things like modulation, delay and reverb on the fly. I have three banks with a mix of clean and dirty. The rest of the amp is just unexplored gravy.

Sent from my Alcatel_5044C using Tapatalk

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

A different question I have of late: Why purchase a dedicated modeling amp, instead of a software/interface/PA-based solution?

(I'm not advocating for one or the other; I have tube amps, but for regular practice I use GarageBand and a small PA. I wonder if anyone has any particular disadvantage to using such setups live vs. a modeling amp, albeit probably "better" ones than I use in my kitchen.)

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

A different question I have of late: Why purchase a dedicated modeling amp, instead of a software/interface/PA-based solution?

(I'm not advocating for one or the other; I have tube amps, but for regular practice I use GarageBand and a small PA. I wonder if anyone has any particular disadvantage to using such setups live vs. a modeling amp, albeit probably "better" ones than I use in my kitchen.)

I like playing through an amp. Particularly one with a Celestion speaker that colors the sound in its typically British way. A Celestion is crucial to achieving a Marshall or Vox amp sound. And I like that sound.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

A different question I have of late: Why purchase a dedicated modeling amp, instead of a software/interface/PA-based solution?

(I'm not advocating for one or the other; I have tube amps, but for regular practice I use GarageBand and a small PA. I wonder if anyone has any particular disadvantage to using such setups live vs. a modeling amp, albeit probably "better" ones than I use in my kitchen.)

I might pick a modeling amp for many sounds in a self-contained package. I use them for teaching, as I can get many sounds quickly and at low volume (and sounds the same as high volume).

 

[Progbusters]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

i used mine to basically explore tones. i decided what i liked and didn't like. then i realized i can't just go buy a Hiwatt.

 

[muricanpsycho]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

Hey guys! I need some help with choosing my very first amp. I'm 17, started learning to play almost 5 years ago and really enjoy it. I find garage and psychedelic sound suitable for me the most. I have a so-called "band" and we're all green, so please don't flame
I've googled quite a lot and found out VOX have really good feedback, esp. in this review https://wisepick.org/best-modeling-amp/
And I'm actually considering to buy the top 1 amp from this list https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017KBLIPW/
(primarily because it has a quite cheap 40W model and we don't have much money yet)
So, did anyone have experience with it and what's your opinion? If not, what will be your personal suggestion under $250? Maybe there's even a reason for buying solid or tube amp? Also, is 40W enough for backyard gigs?
Thanks in advance!

 

[IM4Tone]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

I know nothing about this specific model, but 40 watts should be sufficient and especially if you mic it.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

I liked the Vox modeling amps
Dont own one, but in general, the smaller solid state amps and modeling amps
Blat out when cranked loud enough for a drummer

I have a used Peavey VIP2 40 watt modeling amp
And a 30 watt Roland Cube

Both fine amps
But both with the above condition

Modeling amps are the way to go until you decide what genre you want to play

But they exaggerate the headroom on those things

 

[LLL]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

Both. ("if it sounds good, it is good")

Problem with modeling amps (physical or software) is there's so many variables to tweak that you wind up tweaking more than playing.

 

[devastone]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

Yes, I fight "option anxiety" every time I try turn my GT-1000 on.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

Better too many choices than too few.

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[IM4Tone]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

Better too many choices than too few......

Only if it doesn't take time away from playing. Of course if that were the case, you probably wouldn't be frequenting guitar/amp forums.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

I like having the options, and always thought sound design was as important as learning how to play. I work on new sounds constantly because it is fun, but I still make sure I plug a guitar straight into an amp and practice. There is room for both.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

+1

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[NecroPolo]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

A different question I have of late: Why purchase a dedicated modeling amp, instead of a software/interface/PA-based solution?

One thing comes to my mind: reliability. A fragile computer with a software running on it + messy background apps can fail thousand ways onstage. Only military grade equipment can survive what happens on the road. A computer built to that specs (Kemper, Axe-FX, POD HD, Yamaha THR and dedicated floor units) is a much better option but still not nearly as bombproof as simple analogue cirucits. That's how I ended up using analogue amp sims onstage (zero failure in the last 10 years or so).

Anyway, it is really nice to have all of them around. I use:

- modelling software for pre-production: idea tracking, demoing, composing and experimenting, practising etc
- tube amps for production: studio work, both tracking and reamping, also for live occassionally
- analogue modellers for post-production: onstage performance as they are super reliable and controllable

Sometimes I feel the demo software sim to fit the track better so I use it instead of a tube amp, or I reamp through the analogue modeller / cab sim if something is missing, or use all of them for layering e.t.c. - but I would never bring a computer onstage because of the high failure rate.

 

[donaldr]

Re: Tube or Modeling Amp?

$300

I don't know why the thread didn't stop at that moment. How do you expect to get a good tube amps + 3-4 pedals for $300? (My assumption that you don't have pedals right now).

With $300 get a Boss Katana 100w, it will cover loudness for gigs, feel is very tube like and you will get (virtual) pedals since you have none (my assumption). The Katana is an amp with knobs on the front, no menu to go thru (unless you want to connect to a computer, which is not necessary) and its an hybrid amp with a analog power section. Sell your Vox to finance the Boss footswitch and you will get 8 presets+individual effect switching. Plus the Katana sounds also really good at bedroom level on the 0.5w power mode.

If you want a tube amp than start saving now and plan on a budget of at least $1000 for a used one plus 3-4 used pedals. Then a debate between tube amps vs modelers can start