Tube Amp or Amp Modeller???

[fogman]

After I get the guitar, my next step will be to upgrade my "sound".
I currently own a Marshall MG30DFX amp. Needless to say, it's not the most thrilling amp I've played or had! I've never owned a tube amp.
I play for my own purposes. I don't plan on doing any gigs. I may like to play around with some recording.
This question came to mind when Raz got his ToneLAB.
So to improve on tone would I be better to buy something along the lines of a ToneLAB or trade in my amp for a tube amp???
You guys have way more experience with this stuff than I, so your input is valued!!

 

[Raz]

After I get the guitar, my next step will be to upgrade my "sound".
I currently own a Marshall MG30DFX amp. Needless to say, it's not the most thrilling amp I've played or had! I've never owned a tube amp.
I play for my own purposes. I don't plan on doing any gigs. I may like to play around with some recording.
This question came to mind when Raz got his ToneLAB.
So to improve on tone would I be better to buy something along the lines of a ToneLAB or trade in my amp for a tube amp???
You guys have way more experience with this stuff than I, so your input is valued!!

Well, looks like I get to pollute your mind first...Tonelab all the way bro, especially since you are in the exact same boat as I am...here's why I think you should get it...
There are times when playing on it's own may not inspire, but, when at the touch of your fingers you can dial in a little piece of heaven, inspiration to play overwhelms you.
Secondly, sometimes a new and different tone inspires one to be creative (think Dire Straits:Money For Nothing)
Thirdly, at your disposal, you have 16 different "Tube Tones" (ok they're not really tubes, but hell they sound like it)...these plain tube tones alone will keep you happy.
The editing on this unit is a simple as tying ones shoe. All you need is a simple solid state amp and your set.
Finally at the volumes we play sometimes tube amps may not have the proper effect.
I tried a Mesa, and I just didn't like it, now please keep in mind it was at the music store on low volume, but the 'grainy' gain soung turned me off.

 

[Philip]

your question is quite difficult because of the different preferences that people have. hmmm If you really won't be gigging you could leave the amp and buy a PODxt or sth like that, just a preamp with different effects, I think you won't be dissapointed. For recording it would be very good answer. Tube amps sound good at higher volumes (of course not all), and they more expensive, it's really hard question, but all I can say that I know amp that you have, and it's not a good amp, especially the Overdrive channel. So if you are planning to buy that EBMM eventually, change the amp, cause you will be dissapointed that your new great axe sounds crappy. I hope that helped at least a bit

 

[Raz]

I think tube amps are great, in fact after having the Tonelab, I would love to own a few of the tube amps modelled, but I can't afford these amps. Plus I think if your just starting to play again, like I was, limiting yourself to just one tone may not be the route to take...what I mean is if I was in a band, gigging then I would have my tone defined, and thus want to have a tube amp...but that's just me and I'll probably get raked for saying so...

 

[shreder75]

I think it depends on what your budget is and what type of sounds you want...

I had several tube amps then I had a line 6 vetta for awhile..then I started to realize that it wasn't doing anything for me..so I went back to tube and I couldn't be happier..in fact, I have another on the way...yeah, I guess I'm a gear whore..but I'm selling old stuff..honest! heheh

anywho, best bet would be to try things out..

there's nothing saying that you can't have a tube amp and still play at home..a nice little combo amp or something...couple pedals...

but if you find a modeller you like, then go for it...

like phillip said..it's all about preference..

 

[shreder75]

I think tube amps are great, in fact after having the Tonelab, I would love to own a few of the tube amps modelled, but I can't afford these amps. Plus I think if your just starting to play again, like I was, limiting yourself to just one tone may not be the route to take...what I mean is if I was in a band, gigging then I would have my tone defined, and thus want to have a tube amp...but that's just me and I'll probably get raked for saying so...

why would you get raked for that..lol..nothing wrong with what you said at all =)

 

[vexed73]

I think the tonelab se would be good through the Carvin tube stereo power amp. It wont sound as hot through your current amp. If you want my opinion and price is a problem look for a Carvin XV-112. This is a nice amp for clean stuff and up to hard rock. Metal may need some extra help from a pedal. Steve Vai played an X-amp back in the 80's. The one I am talking about uses 4 EL34 and 3 12AX7 at 100 watts. You can find these pretty cheap for what you get.

I also have played a vox (valvetronix?) amp at a local music store that sounds awesome. I dont know which one or anything but I would rather have that amp than the tonelab.

 

[dan desy]

One word: Tuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuube!

 

[akozols]

On a side note, how does the Roland Micro Cube sound? All the pics from the hotel rooms have the guys jamming thru them.

al

 

[tommyindelaware]

After I get the guitar, my next step will be to upgrade my "sound".
I currently own a Marshall MG30DFX amp. Needless to say, it's not the most thrilling amp I've played or had! I've never owned a tube amp.
I play for my own purposes. I don't plan on doing any gigs. I may like to play around with some recording.
This question came to mind when Raz got his ToneLAB.
So to improve on tone would I be better to buy something along the lines of a ToneLAB or trade in my amp for a tube amp???
You guys have way more experience with this stuff than I, so your input is valued!!

real ???? or silicone ??????

 

[dan desy]

On a side note, how does the Roland Micro Cube sound? All the pics from the hotel rooms have the guys jamming thru them.

al

I wasn't in the hotel room - especially not with a bunch of guys ...
But I own a M<icro Cube, and it's awesome. For the size and price, it sounds amazing. Not the most versatile amp I've ever played (OK, I play a Road King), but Ilove the MC for practice and portability.

 

[GWDavis28]

Keith has 2 Micro Cubes and I thought for what they are they sounded awesome.

Glenn |B)

 

[fogman]

real ???? or silicone ??????

Are we talking amps? or breasts?

 

[fogman]

It's funny how many people know how sh-tty my amp is!!!!
That's what happens when you buy on impulse!

 

[jeffrey]

Save your money and buy a tube amp.

That's my $.02.

 

[dav2321]

I think modelers would be a good place to start. The Vox series are good. I own the tonelab se, adrenalinn 2, POD guitar port and Korg PX4, Genz- Benz El-Diablo 60w combo (tube), and my favorite =Native Instruments Guitar Rig. I dont play out so the super loud tube combo is mostly unused (even with a hot plate). I get great sounds with the G. rig and the versitility of it makes it my favorite piece of gear. That being said I would still like to try Cornfords new 6w Carrera . Hell, try 'em all !

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

My 2 penneth of advice would be get a Pod XT Live (I like Line 6 gear) or tonelab or similar. Maybe even if you are on a Budget the Behringer modeller POD type thing. This way you can get all these new tones to play with at home, through your Marshall, through headphones (if you wish) and you will have great recorded tones too. Then if you decide to jam with some people or join a band, you can plug it in the PA, plug it into amps in a rehearsal room, or even plug it into that big fat valve stack that you will want to get at some point!

 

[Raz]

It's funny how many people know how sh-tty my amp is!!!!
That's what happens when you buy on impulse!

I had that very same amp...SUCKS!

 

[fogman]

I had that very same amp...SUCKS!

When I get to that point, I'll torture you all with the questions of what to trade it in for!!!!

 

[tommyindelaware]

fact is ........there are good & bad in both formats.
your ears have to be the final judge........as they are connected to your fingers.......& your touch is by far the single most important factor.
i'd say the best tone i've evere experienced were w/ tubes. but ive played some really nice sounding s.s. amps too. & i've heard some tube amps that were useless........