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SS and Tubes

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Ozzfan486  
28 Jul 2009 17:38 | Quote
Joined: 01 Oct 2008
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What is the difference in sound between the two? [Audio/Video examples would help tremendously]. I'm looking at [Along-side others] a Marshal MG100FX Half Stack [SS] versus a Marshall Haze Half Stack [Tube]. Con of the MG100FX, its SS. Con of the Haze, size [will it be loud enough for gigging?].

Please Help,

Ozz
Ozzfan486  
28 Jul 2009 19:38 | Quote
Joined: 01 Oct 2008
United States
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I've decided on this amp actually.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Frontman-212R-100W-2x12-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=481601

A Fender Frontman 212R 100 watt Combo. BUT, for me and anyone else not in-the-know, if someone could explain the Solid state VS Tube amp thing I'd greatly appreciate.

Sorry for sounding snobbish lol,
Ozz
league  
28 Jul 2009 20:26 | Quote
Joined: way back
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Ok let me start by saying that the only way to truly tell the difference is to try both types of amps and compare them yourself.

Now a Tube amp will generally get louder than a solid state even if the wattage is lower.

Clean sounds on a Tube Amp are achievable on a solid state but Distortion is not even close.

The biggest difference will be the distortion. On a Tube amp distortion will sound natural as if something were wrong with the amp's clean channel and it will be softer or warmer than the SS.

The clarity of the notes on a tube amp with distortion is what separates it from solid state. every single note is covered with distortion.

The SS distortion will be cleaner but less responsive and on some amps the length of notes will die down quicker and in an unnatural manner(fast decay).

Usually with a good tube amp you won't need any distortion pedals because chances are those are worse. Remember that distortion pedals often try to emulate these tube amps.

To me the best thing about a tube amp is the leads, man they sound so sweet and full.

Now the MG series is OK but a bit overpriced. That Fender seems ok but remember that Speakers are very important in Metal.

Make sure the speaker can handle the distortion if you use a lot of it. Sometimes really heavy guitar and distortion can be too much for some speakers that being said I think your Fender is good.

As far as volume it's good too the only doubt is the speaker because it is a Fender which is generally a Blues/Rock amp.

as far as video examples, they never do the amps justice so I recommend trying one out.

Also remember that if you're really going to use it for gigging make sure it sounds good loud. I recommend you turn it at least half way up.

Oh and if you're not a perfectionist of any kind or you're bandmates don't mind it really doesn't matter what amp you get as long as it has distortion.
Ozzfan486  
28 Jul 2009 20:48 | Quote
Joined: 01 Oct 2008
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I can get a distortion pedal [a better one than my fifteen dollar danelectro lol]. Oh, and I actually did play this amp when I went to Pittsburgh the other day. Through a Les Paul [I played a Gibby through it] It sounded terrific [in a good way haha]. And it is DEFINETLY loud. I turned it on and had it on like 5 or 6 and the shelves shook and some old dude gave me dirty looks lmao.
RA  
28 Jul 2009 21:13 | Quote
Joined: 24 Sep 2008
United States
Karma: 16
http://www.all-guitar-chords.com/topic.php?id=2593

probably(is) the most knowledgeable forum member on tech stuff like this,Phip, answered this question a bit ago and all your answers will be solved

league  
28 Jul 2009 21:19 | Quote
Joined: way back
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haha yeah I just read Phips post on the subject. His analogy using circles is perfect I recommend you take a look.
Ozzfan486  
28 Jul 2009 21:37 | Quote
Joined: 01 Oct 2008
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Whoa. That was like THE perfect answer haha.
Phip  
29 Jul 2009 11:44 | Quote
Joined: 23 Dec 2007
United States
Lessons: 1
Karma: 45
Moderator
@ Ozzy & others........
Glad you found the little description of mine helpful. I may elaborate on some of these concepts in the future for those who are interested.
Phip
RA  
30 Jul 2009 11:21 | Quote
Joined: 24 Sep 2008
United States
Karma: 16
please if your willing(not demand only if your bored). anything thing you got I'll soak up like sponge
AmericanArrogance  
3 Aug 2009 13:40 | Quote
Joined: 03 Aug 2009
United States
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Tubes always bro tube heads weighe a bit more for packing to a gig but they are more responsive when you attack the strings and have a better tone solid states have come along way though they still sound tingy to me hope i helped


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