Tube Guitar Amps

 When you're talking about guitar amps, tube guitar amps has to be discussed. They are consistently considered the best sounding amp made. Up until the 1970's, they were the primary type of amp made. While other types of amps are more prevelant these days, tube guitar amplifiers are still the mainstay of many professional guitarists. The rich tone produced by a tube amp is usually not attainable in other type amps.

 The ironic thing is that while tube guitar amps are generally the most expensive type of amplifier, they usually have lower grade transformers installed in them. This has an impact on sound creation, along with being a cost cutting feature. You'll find some models that will simulate the reverberation of an echoic ambient. So, if you're heavy into reverb, this will be something of interest to you.

 While tube amplifiers are considered the best sounding, they do have their draw backs. With all of the iron that is found in the power and output transformers, these amps can weigh a lot. Solid state amps are wired different than tube guitar amps and don't require output transformers. The tubes are made of glass, and as you know glass is fragile. This has to be taken into consideration if the amp is going to be subject to a lot of moving.

 Extended life and excellent performance can be acheived if tube vacuum is kept at high level. Tube guitar amps have a few advantages over solid state amplifiers. The semiconductors used in solid stat amps are more heat sensitive than tubes in tube amps. This fault has led to compromises in the design of solid state amps. Also, a faulty tube can usually be replaced by looking in the back of the amp and removing the tube.

 Changing out a transistor involves a little more. The amp will have to be opened up to get to the inside where the faulty transistor is. You'll have to decide whether you want to pay more for the rich sound, easier changeable parts that tube guitar amps have. Or, if you're willing to settle for lesser sound quality but the more durable solid state amplifier.

 The best thing you can do is to visit your local music store and try the amps out. Your ear will tell you all you need. If you're a serious musician, or thinking or becoming one, tube guitar amps are probably the best choice. If you're a part time musician, and money is an issue, your best bet would to go with a solid state amp.