We have written extensively for guitarists who use tube amps and it includes discussing the importance of having matched tubes, and how frequently guitar amp tubes should be changed. However, our discussion of guitar amps also needs to include adding in valve amplifiers and solid-state models. In this article, we want to discuss the differences between the two major kinds of electric guitar amps, in addition to their advantages and disadvantages.
Solid State Guitar Amp Differences
The Main Difference
In technical terms, the main difference between the two kinds of guitar amps is quite simple: vacuum tubes are used by tube amps for amplifying the guitar's signal, and electronics are used by solid-state amps to produce amplification. However, it is the audible differences that guitarists are most interested in and not their technical specs when it comes to the two different kinds of guitar amps.
Typically, tube amps are described as being "warm." Although it is difficult to define this term, engineers recognize it quickly whenever they hear it. However, one good way to put this is in our studio glossary. Warm is defined as a spacious sound with a good mids and bass response.
The warm wound is especially desirable whenever the vacuum tubes have become overloaded. This results in overdrive, which is a warm distortion sound. There are many different overdrive pedals that are available in the market that try their best to replicate that sound.
The way that a solid-state amp sounds will mainly depend on the amp's exact circuitry. Although many guitarists consider them to be inferior, they also have advantages that are desired by many guitarists.
Solid State Amp Advantages
More Durable
Since vacuum tubes are built using glass, there is always the possibility that these tubes can break, especially those that go out on the road. Due to the circuitry-based amplification that they use, solid-state amps are naturally more durable.
Less Expensive
This might be the largest advantage that solid-state amps offer since compared to tube amps, they are a lot less expensive.
More Available Sound Options
Solid-state amp manufacturers, especially in recent years, have started to take advantage of the fact that these amps contain circuitry already and are adding built-in effects, to create modeling amps. For certain guitarists, the need for having additional effects pedals is eliminated.
Tube Amp Advantages
Response
Along with the previously mentioned overdrive and tone advantages, many guitarists prefer tube amps due to the response that they provide. That means vacuum tubes are able to generate sounds that are subtly different based on each guitar player's individual playing style so that the same amp is able to provide two different players with two separate styles. Typically, solid-state amps are crisper and do not respond to a player's nuances.
Good clean sounds
Also, many guitar players love the clean, warm sounds that a tube amp provides. With soft play, they may sound completely clean, but heavily accented notes will slightly distort. However, some guitar players love a clean, crisp sound no matter how hard their play is, and prefer a solid-state amp's crisper sound.
