What solid state amp comes closest to having tube amp characteristics?

[treyhaislip]

Re: What solid state amp comes closest to having tube amp characteristics?

I've heard great things about the Fender Mustangs–haven't tried one yet but several forum bros seem to think they capture the tube feel and not just the imitation sound.

Peavey Bandits are a safe bet too.

 

[leevc5]

Re: What solid state amp comes closest to having tube amp characteristics?

Well it seems like the recommendation are in and based on them, the ready access I have to wiring diagram/schematic and the estimated cost of parts (~$40) it looks like I am going for the Bandit.

I think it will be and excellent companion to the 5F1 tube amp I am building. They both will fit in the cabinet with a Celestion Vintage 12 I am building and offer the sounds I want and can carry off in a single package.

Thank you all for your input.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FINI----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[zenmindbeginner]

Re: What solid state amp comes closest to having tube amp characteristics?

I'm from the era where the name Peavey elicited much laughter whenever it was spotted on a stage. I guess Peavey isn't that hilarious anymore... times change for the better though I guess. Good luck with the Bandit.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: What solid state amp comes closest to having tube amp characteristics?

I'm from the era where the name Peavey elicited much laughter whenever it was spotted on a stage. I guess Peavey isn't that hilarious anymore... times change for the better though I guess. Good luck with the Bandit.

My uncle toured for a while in the 90s and even managed to land a Top 40 Country song–he said as much as he wanted to love Mesa amps, the Peaveys were bullet proof. One of my favorite bands, Petra, used a ton of Peaveys over the years.

I don't think one should laugh until they actually hear the band out...I've seen some laughable dudes with expensive gear that can't even manage to play crap. And on the flip side I've seen people with crappy gear that made awesome music.

 

[leevc5]

Re: What solid state amp comes closest to having tube amp characteristics?

My uncle toured for a while in the 90s and even managed to land a Top 40 Country song–he said as much as he wanted to love Mesa amps, the Peaveys were bullet proof. One of my favorite bands, Petra, used a ton of Peaveys over the years.

I don't think one should laugh until they actually hear the band out...I've seen some laughable dudes with expensive gear that can't even manage to play crap. And on the flip side I've seen people with crappy gear that made awesome music.

For blues and jazz as a swag I'd say it is 50% soul/feeling, 50% talent (natural and years of study) and 10% gear.

 

[Aceman]

Re: What solid state amp comes closest to having tube amp characteristics?

To the OP: Tell me what YOU think the characteristics of a tube amp are?

 

[Phantasmagoria]

Re: What solid state amp comes closest to having tube amp characteristics?

Both my Randall T2 (full tube pre/SS power amp hybrid) & AMT Stonehead (SS all the way!) are extremely tube-like to the point where I can't tell ANY difference between them and my tube amps when I A/B them ...(both feel & tone-wise) except, occasionally, a slightly quicker response on some settings (not a bad thing..but sag can be dialed in if required). They don't lack a thing as far as harmonic richness/bloom/presence/touch-sensitivity/saturation and all that other 'cool tube stuff' is concerned :lmao:

Play either of those amps and you'll get what I'm talking about