Joe Smith
From:
Charlotte, NC, USA
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Posted 31 Jul 2002 2:51 am |
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Eddie, I have to agree with you. I am using two tube amps. A Fender Twin, and an old Standel tube amp. They are heavy and Like you said, you have to be very careful when you haul them around.
I got me one of them Rack and Rollers. Best investment I ever made. Now even a 180 lb weakling like me can move these heavy babys around. 
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Playing PSG keeps you on your toes.
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John Russell
From:
Austin, Texas
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Posted 31 Jul 2002 7:23 pm
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Eddie, if you do a search on the data base here you will find lots of opinions on amps and you'll find plenty of tube amp aficionados. That includes me as of about two years ago.
I played a Fender Vibrosonic Reverb for some 12-15 years then sold it and went the SS route. This included several Peavey amps. Just like you, I couldn't find that warmth and harmonic richness, tried different pickups, different effects. Then, two years ago I bought a Tube Works pre-amp to use with my rack rig. It includes a 15" EV speaker. The effect was a huge relief, great tone again! I'm using a digital reverb and analog delay plus an EQ pedal. Sounds like lots of stuff but it sounds great. Tone is no longer an issue, I can focus on playing and even bad notes sound better than they used to. Last year I bought a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 40 watt all-tube amp and now, I'm threatening to get rid of the rack rig and live out my remaining years playing the Fender! Great tone, wonderful reverb. It was like going back home. Some folks play in loud bands and need 300 watts but I'm not one of them. If necessary I'll set that Fender on a stool inches from my ear, that's the sound I wanna hear. Let the PA do the heavy lifting.
Why are there (several) manufacturers making "boutique" amps costing thousands of dollars? Because there are people buying them! Guitar players know good tone and they're not all distortion freaks, they just want good tone. Tubes produce that tone. Some things never change.
Some day, I'm sure digital circuits will replicate that sound. They're getting close now and I'm ready for the 17 lb. amp that sounds like a Twin. Until then I'll stick with what works for me.
--JR
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