Tube Guitar Amps

Why Tube Guitar Amps May be Better

Tube guitar amps are old technology. As one guitar enthusiast put it, "It's old technology but it's preferred technology." If you're in the market for guitar amps, your choices will be tube guitar amps or solid-state amps.

To understand about the technology of tube guitar amps, think back to the early days of radio. Those old radios had glass tubes inside to amplify the sound.

That same technology is still in use today in tube guitar amps. Some say tube guitar amps just produce a warmer sound. A big difference between tube guitar amps and solid-state amps is (of course) the price. In the general specifications for tube guitar amps you may find words like "100 watt tube amplifier" or something to that effect. Most solid-state amps do not say "solid state," but they also don't advertise the fact that they are tube.

At Musician's Friend (www.musiciansfriend.com) under the "features" section you'll find the words "120 W tube power" for some of the amps. Also, the Revolution Head is touted as "100W all tube." These are good examples of tube guitar amps. If you look at the V-Tone series GMX212 Stereo Combo, you'll see several features listed - none of which say tube power, or have the word tube anywhere in the description. This one is not a tube guitar amplifier. If you are unsure about a guitar amp you're considering purchasing, just ask a sales person. The only stupid question is the one not asked.

Sounds are difficult to describe, but there are some sound differences between tube guitar amps and solid-state amps. You can be told all about the differences and features, but in the end there's only one real way to decide which technology is going to best project your sound - try them out, compare the sounds, and then decide whether you're going to be a fan of that older "preferred technology."

Deciding whether or not to go with tube guitar amps is a very personal decision. It's like purchasing a stereo - you have to listen to the sound before making a decision, and choose according to preference.

Also be sure to check out our pages about Guitar Amp Reviews, Bass Guitar Amps, Used Guitar Amps, Guitar Amp Switching System, and Guitar Amplifier Kits elsewhere on this site.