Do You REALLY Need a Tube Amp? - Battle of the Fender Electric Guitar Amps

[@MartyMusic]

Thanks for supporting MartyMusic! I also have a ton of FREE courses when you sign my newsletter at www.MartyMusic.com

[@thestrat699]

The courses are great! Thank you so much, Marty.

[@odinoldman5850]

Hey Marty buddy you thought me how to play. So let me give you advice. Behringer Vintage tube monster. Crack it open replace the crappy stock tube with a higher gain ceiling and watch any amp sound better than orange martial or crate. Never again will you need anything else.

[@odinoldman5850]

I've not touched my Orange amp in over 6 years.

[@sandracrnomarkovic5692]

3 years back, l owned two dollars.I wanted more.Now, I have the same two fu#%*ng dollars.So basicly I dont have money for good courses.Marty sory, but I was gonna use that one word

[@mattwood5493]

Lovin the “yellow” style nice!

[@EltonGoslettGuitar]

Is the Champ good enough? Yes. Is the Deville significantly better? Also yes

[@BoltRM]

2x12" speakers makes a BIG diff too. I was hoping to hear 2 very similar amps, 1 tube, 1 digital.

[@ajaxhoratio149]

Yep the 1,000 dollar sounds better than the 200 dollar amp... what a surprise. Nothing to do valves more to do with amount of money spent on components and R&D.

[@theworkshop6914]

The difference is pretty big especially cause the tube one has real reverb and not digital, it makes a huge difference to the tune. Is the tube better? Hell yeah Are you going to buy an amp for 1000$? Hell no

[@BoltRM]

@@theworkshop6914 Depends on how much you have available to spend & how important electric guitar is to you. That said, I have absolutely nothing against digital non-tube amps. Whatever gives the best bang for the buck.

[@rickeymitchell8303]

Elton Goslett actually it’s about 5 to 15 % better Especially when considering this price to buy and make just doesn’t add up solid-state amp have come along way it’s no longer matter if one is better than the other just which one fits the situation better

[@CyborgWolf]

I asked my wallet & it said no after slapping me

[@reyznbran9586]

Same for me but it wasn't my wallet but my wife duh,,,,,,!!!!!!

[@Fox-86]

🤣🤣🤣

[@ernestootero2727]

😂😂😂

[@noname.___]

Lmao

[@kimmolingonheimo]

hahaha!!! the second hands are a risk of course, I bought a Fender Stage 100 DSP for 100€s( no pot rattle, may have to change tha input jack ( peanuts moneywise...), now Im eyeballing a Fender Princeton 65 for about 200€s with Finnish shipping.in Finland...Stage from the years 2002-2004, Princeton from 1992, bot h solid state, checked out brannew ss amps lately and the y all seem so expensive and with issues already!!!!! including like Fender, Mark V, or then modelling Boss, etc...ANYWAYS I have a brannew Peavey Bandit 112, and a brannew Kustom KG 100Watter, and a 1995 HughesKettner Vortex , I HAVE NO TIME AT MY AGE TO LEARNTO BE AN ELECTRICIAN!!! plus Iveheard so many problems with tube amps people have, NICE WARM SOUND, yeah buy a 1000€ tube amp, and take it to a tech with a taxi evrytime one tube fails for biasing etc........, anyroads, what aye cheeky wallet to slap you first and the nsay no after, keep it cool or wool, K : )

[@andycrowley]

Best thumbnail ever 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@christopher4443]

lmfao

[@nickgames7120]

I agree! So much detail! It must’ve taken days!

[@arrrrrran3043]

Hello Andy guitar

[@gw6395]

Agreed

[@taiteo558]

Find it odd that when we sit down to record in home setups, we rely on digital modeling in a DAW to emulate an authentic sound, be that reverb or a cranked tube amp, and accept that as being 'realistic enough' but there's all this snobbery about 'authentic' when it comes to digital amps, especially for beginners. This is great! It lets you play around with specific sounds without having to be in a setting that a lot of us just aren't able to have.

[@bertlindsay]

Agree, I got a simple Roland JC40 in my home practise room. More than sufficient. Would a $1000 amp sound better? Yes. Is the Roland good enough? 100%

[@SanjayMenon]

If you play like Marty, basically any amp will sound good!!! 😎🤘🤘

[@MartyMusic]

Ha, thanks dude!

[@denygreenwood2380]

Certainly

[@Maxshade7]

True statement

[@ekuryluk]

Truth.

[@drummerboy5083]

Jeff Beck's first album

[@bobbusby5058]

I cant say I would be satisfied with the Solid State after first playing and listening to the Tube amp. The sound difference was night and day for me.

[@justanotherguitarplayer9767]

No kidding. One of the amps has 2 12"s, and the other amp has 1 12". That alone would more than likely make an audible difference.

[@spark300c]

well most solid state amps are build to really cheap and behind the times. You be surprise how much a Jfet make in clean channel in terms how distorts and high end response par up with good speaker. most solid state amps have op amp for clean channel that has no diodes for soft clipping which mean if overdrive the clean channel it hard clips. also op amp have nasty problem of treble spikes because of delay in feed back loop.

[@HEXAGRAM-mo4cg]

There are far better SS amps then the champion. I've played around with the champion a lot and there's no way to make it sound wonderful, Fender makes awesome tube amps but for solid state, I went for boss katana, I also really like orange and the redlines solid states. Blows fender practice equipment out of the water for the same price

[@ryang3225]

Yeah sucks to say I own a champion 40 it’s kinda garbbbbb

[@anthonybrock9435]

Bob, laddie. I agree with ye. I think I could use it in a dressing room, pre-stage scenario. Bedroom, perhaps. The Champ 50XL is night and day different than this one. And it has a grand Celestion Midnight 60 in it ! 🍀🎸🍀

[@vipingaur6332]

Just like the OP said "The solid state sounds like listening to somebody playing in another room", you cant beat the shimmery and open sound of that tube amp.

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

Change the speaker you simp.

[@MyVantasticLifeVoyage]

I have the Champion 100 with 2x12 and it’s amazingly good. All I need really. For me solid state reliability and convenience outweigh the slight tonal improvement a true tube amp gives.

[@taroistok8751]

I agree that for gigging id use a solide state. In my studio where nothing move i still rely on old tube amp mic up with a 57.

[@gabrielchartrand7982]

I liked the vid when he said : "Not loud AF but pretty darn loud."

[@GuyMouton]

The DeVille sounded much better, but I can't say how much of that is driven by the difference in speakers. It would be great to see a comparison using tube vs. solid state heads using the same cabinet.

[@dr7246]

Even if a beginner can afford the tube amp, they should get the champion (or katana, etc). They can discover what sorts of tones, and potential amps, they like, and be much more informed when they do purchase a tube amp. Why spend a grand on a deville, only to find out that your more of an ac 30 (or whatever) person. One of the greatest things about current modeling amps, is how much they can offer in helping a beginner (or more advanced player) figure out what they like

[@user-iy7ub8gn3w]

Does the champion have a headphone Jack?

[@-MrCrowley-]

@@user-iy7ub8gn3wyes

[@ducktruck-pr8jp]

Yes

[@ducktruck-pr8jp]

What should I get boss katana or fender champion 40

[@chrisb2038]

dont get me wrong i love tube amps and solid state amps cant beat that real sound, but its the maintenance of them and just the worry that something could go significantly wrong that kill tube amps for me. i like the no hassle no maintenace no worry of solid state

[@K-CHOMA]

I use my Valveking for 15 years. One time I had to replace two 6l6 tubes and it is super easy. I played many shows with Valve Amp and never had a problems with this.

[@44scoots]

The Champion 40 is a great value, it is what it is. A GREAT little amp. No one in their right mind would go into a store and try to decide between these two amps.

[@mkhud50n]

They sound different but you don’t NEED one. Most people are musically challenged and think Beyoncé is the real deal. They wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

[@nickverrecchio3610]

Really only matters if you care about. Some people like the sound of cheaper amps for what they want to play.

[@mkhud50n]

Nick Verrecchio agreed. I like all amps (that work)

[@misterknightowlandco]

I can hear a big difference, but the SS amp aint bad. I've certainly heard alot worse.

[@mdhj67]

I doubt those differences are attributable to tube vs SS. We have different 'tone stacks', speakers, cabinets, power, etc. Anyone of those could color the sound significantly. All of them combined practically negates this as a tube vs SS test. It's really just a basic amp comparison.

[@alecross9158]

Love your videos Marty, the amount of players you have inspired and touched around the world is crazy and you’re still so humble.

[@GroovesAndLands]

The Champ sounds great when the guitarist is good. It's the Indian, NOT the arrow!

[@bwebb90]

Bit deep but okay

[@joshualessore7652]

Not as deep as my mum either

[@bwebb90]

@@brown22sugar25 yeah mate, not as deep as your glowing insecurities.

[@brown22sugar25]

John Walker weak roast

[@bwebb90]

BROWN22 SUGAR “your mom”

[@girderstrongproductions6737]

The digital amp sounds more muffled than the tube, but honestly I like the digital better. Great tone for a low price

[@jbolo5378]

Marty, YOU'RE BREATHTAKING!

[@chrispaskell8344]

I remember starting to play the blues. I started as a opener in a blues club. I bought a tube amp and strat. Because everyone told me to. I eventually would buy a telecaster and fender mustang 3. Which i prefer way more than the tube amp and strat. Find the tone that works for you. Don't worry about all the naysayers that narrowly preach one way. Tones personal. No one's business but your own. My tube days have gone down the tubes.

[@TheDilligan]

What I recommend to beginners is typically a squire telecaster or an Epiphone Les Paul and a Boss Katana. With that you're ready to play any gig and any style right off the bat. Tube Amps are great, but each one is niche. A good inexpensive modeling amp like the mustang is perfect for figuring out what sound makes the most sense for you before you drop a whole lot of money on something. And despite having less options, I feel like a Tele is more versatile than a strat. The one problem I've had with a Tele is that it is noisy. So thats why I often recommend beginners go for an Epiphone with humbuckers. It cuts out the noise and helps them sound a lot better without breaking the bank.

[@chrispaskell8344]

@@TheDilligan i agree tube amps are nice. I played a very nice one years years. But i disagree that fender mustangs or solid state is for beginners. More than tube amps. I was able to get a nice tone from my tube amp very easy. As a beginner in blues. I have been playing blues many years now. And prefer the fender mustang 3. I know some players that have been playing for years that switched to fender mustang. From tube amps. To me its preference. Recommendations kept me from the sound that works for me. I could say i recommend tube amps for beginners just as easy..

[@chrispaskell8344]

@@TheDilligan my point is i would say to beginners go to music store. A big one. And pick out the amp and guitar that works for you. Without recommendong a solid state or tube amp. Let them decide.

[@Miki-xh6fb]

@@chrispaskell8344 that's the best advice ever, in a big music store, you can test all the gear out, and discover which tones feels the most like you

[@markskinner6850]

You should do a few videos on psychedelic type effects and scales an stuff. Great video Marty. Maybe chords and some progressions to go with it.

[@ozzydem]

some Cream would be nice

[@markskinner6850]

@@ozzydem ya

[@giorgilino9280]

I agree

[@maacrl]

Would totally love that

[@RobertAllenroballen2]

I found after many, many years of playing, writing, & recording- It's easy to get a psychedelic sound. What is very hard is to get a recording that sounds like acoustic instruments are in the room.

[@grene1955]

I would love to see a review where you say it's one amp, but it's actually the other, then vice versa. I think the comments would be fascinating!

[@johnhefter3815]

ummm credibility?

[@samuelgonzalez1392]

(I love the channel BTW!!) So I've owned this amp, and I know it can sound better if you use the EQ properly. I Gig around 3 nights a week, 4pc band, Restaurants, Hotels, Casinos. From lobbies to stages, I use little SS amps And they always sound great. The crowd CANNOT tell the difference! They always have enough punch, and if needs more volume or low end, I just mic it, easy. I still make just as much money as the dudes playing expensive tube amps. And I always get asked about my tone. Good tone is almost always in how you set your EQ, whether that is on your amp or an EQ pedal. Especially with how far cheap amps have come.

[@Zoso981]

I currently own the Fender Champion 50XL, and it's a GREAT sounding amp. And yes, I've owned a few tube amps in my time. There's nothing wrong with solid state amps, just find the right one for your needs, dial it in, and focus on playing. Don't be a gear snob as I once was.

[@frankiegarza9549]

I like how he was initially uncomfortable playing metal but the. He really got into

[@JRGast]

It’s like you read my mind and then post what I need. Thank you good sir!

[@luizalbertokoehler4904]

I have several tube amps (Fender Blues Jr. Tweed, Marshall DSL, Laney ...) and transistor amps (Fender Princeton 112 Plus, Marshall V8080, Roland Cube 60 orange ...). I've tested and compared the amps exhaustively (for Eric Clapton and Stones style) and I would say that tranzistor amps, typically in the drive channel, with drive at minimum (Fender) and at 3.8 (Marshall), sound as good as tube amps, especially if you use a drive pedal.

[@grog5564]

I had a Fender Mustang II. Sold it for $40 to get rid of it.I bought a BassBreaker and have an add on cabinet. Two 12" speakers and a Tube amp. I love it.

[@j_music_8779]

I've had a Boss Katana 50 MkII for a few weeks now and my Fender tube amp gently weeps in the corner. I am a fan of tube bands and I do love their sound, but newer solid state amps such as the Katana line and the Fender Tone Master are as good as any tube amp out there in my opinion. Of course, this is all subjective. Cheers!!! 🍻

[@bigbasil1908]

Well the valve amp seems to have a much more rounded tone. After hearing the valve amp first, the solid state amp just lacks something.

[@ncrtrooper1782]

I got a Fender 212 Solid State. It does the work. I kick a fuzz, it fuzzes. I kick a delay, it delays. I play clean, it’s - well - clean. Loud af, $200 used, I’m a loud drummer and I hear my guitarist who I let borrow my gear. I recommend 🤝

[@metallion0738]

Nowadays solid state amps sound very close to tube amps and are more reliable, plus built in effects. Great playing and review as always.

[@denniskyle5808]

I been playing 35 years I don't hear a vast difference I actually like the 40 watt better technology has step it's game up

[@Raydoesitintime]

Now listen in person

[@angelgarza3143]

That tube amp sounds amazing

[@Shirodx]

Fender Champ 40 - 12' Deep, backyard swimming pool. Fender DeVille - 60' Deep, Olympic-sized pool. This is the only way I can think of to describe the difference. The DeVille is so much richer and deeper in sound depth (As it should be). The Champ 40 is shallower and hmm, the sound from it when compared sounds mechanical, artificial, blocky, stepped?? But hey what do I know. I'm just a beginner with a Champ 20.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

I replaced the cheap stock speaker in my Champ with a 12" 60 W Celestion Vintage 30. It can hold its own with any drummer. That being said I do plan on getting another amp for gigging, but for its size and weight it's now a beast. Super portable and LOUD.

[@deansupreme92]

I have had a champion 40 that i've had for about 6 months now. I love how it sounds. I don't gig just jam in my man cave.

[@Midnight.escape09]

Surprised how well Marty can sound with the champion amp! Reinforces why I’ve been spending more on guitars than Amps lately because the new solid state stuff is so good with fender and katana

[@jeffparryncc1701]

Fender Champion 100 Solid State Electric Guitar Amp 2x12" is a killer amp and half the price of the Princeton Reissue.

[@mothmanpowerbomb4757]

In my opinion. If you want a good bang for your buck.. story time. A few years back I was going to get a fender tube amo for about $1000+ but decided maybe I'd do better by getting a cab and a good solid state head. My set up i settled with is two marshall cabs and a Orange CR120. Literally under $800 and sounds just as loud, warm and good as any tube amp I've played lol

[@mefirstandthegimmiegimmies5160]

Buy whichever amp you want and whichever amp works for you. Do I need an all tube powerhouse for my living room, no but I bought one anyway cause it makes me happy. Be happy and keep strumming everyone!

[@jameswilliford5478]

Totally agree!....I'll never gig...probably never play outside of my home or yard...but I'm definitely going to get a nice tube amp for my own enjoyment.

[@elihue_redneckreview]

Solid state amps definitely serve a purpose, and they do it well. I love using both in parallel (guitar

[@henryweiland7761]

These amps are truly BREATHTAKING

[@DuelingDragonsMusic]

As a player of 30 years, can confirm tubes always sound better in every way: clarity, more organic, more weight to it. That said - my back hates it. They’re heavy. And anyone watching the gig couldn’t tell OR care less. In the amateur setting, all you need to achieve is to cut through the mix. I gig with solid state, but record with tube.

[@davidnagy_03]

The Champion 40 is such a good thing. I've bought it with my first guitar, sounds good enough, cheap, has a ton of effects. Perfect!

[@SanjayMenon]

2:08 Yellow Ledbetter ♥️

[@GeometricJewels]

Yeah,.....I'll take the $1000 amp.

[@UnlessYouLiveUnderARock]

without the 1,000 dollar price tag

[@joshdeal575]

Get the Hod Rod Deluxe used. They're both in the same family, lighter, and easier to use in most average sized gigs.

[@nhbiker1961]

@@joshdeal575 Hot Rod is a great amp. I gigged with it in a 5 piece band for years.

[@d-sidespazuzu8971]

EDIT!!! Champion 100 sounds much better, especially first channel, second one might sound a bit like transistor amp, but trust me... Once you play Champion 100 using only first channel you will fall in love with it. Should've compared to Champion 100. I've got it and he's a beast. The sound is beautiful. Also probably too much for my 5th floor flat 😂. I had to choose between Fender Champion 100, Marshal MG50FX, Blackstar HT-5 (valve amp) and big Orange amp (I don't remember name but it was great sounding transistor or hybrid amp). I highly recommend it, sounds perfect and feels amazing (which is why I choose it over Blackstar). Although it's loud you only need to turn up volume to 3,5 to get a full sound. Speakers are amazing as well.

[@GeomariVincent]

Do expensive solid state vs cheap tube amp

[@lelandg3805]

Marty AAAAAAAALMOST plays yellow Ledbetter with the Fender Deville amp

[@delosreyesgino]

Hahaha changes it a bit so he can monetize the vid.

[@JC-11111]

So what was that on the Champ? Kenny Wayne Shepherd has a song that way too many people think is ripped off from yellow ledbetter but they're not that much alike, IMO. Not nearly enough to say he tried to copy that song or whatever they say. Then they point to the album it's on, Ledbetter Heights, because they have no idea that it's named after a neighborhood here in Shreveport where we're from, a neighborhood which is named after Leadbelly, who was from here also.

[@puffin_time]

@@JC-11111 Ok well I immediately thought of Yellow Ledbetter too.

[@BuckFlicks]

I love your channel, man. I wish you were my guitar teacher. DeVille sounds about 10 times better. Fuller, rounder, more articulated. But the Champion sounds fine. Just don't play them one after the other and you won't have amp envy with the Champ. Have you tried the new Blackstar Silverlines yet?

[@seanenglish3002]

KZbin compresses audio to 126 Kbps. What you are hearing sitting next to your amp is probably different than what I am hearing on the compressed stream through my laptop speaker. But in the store and through many purchases. Always go tube.

[@AbhisekChakravorty]

you can straight away hear the difference the tube had such a creamy and a rich tone sounded so much gravity in the tone, unlike the solid state which sounded really very digital

[@93greenstrat]

The Champion is basically the all solid-state version of the Super Champ X2/XD.

[@leonardofigueredo2913]

xD

[@rachelthompson9324]

Tube amp has more ring, you can hear the individual notes in the cords. cleaner details.

[@mairenared]

Interesting comparison Marty. I started with a Fender Frontman 15R (with built in reverb) but obviously once I moved from being a bedroom guitarist to playing in a band I moved up to Fender Blues Junior III Special Edition (Tweed with a Jensen speaker) which proved loud enough to compete with the drummer from the Muppets. I love the clean tones but you can also get a nice warm natural distortion by cranking up the volume. However, my son took up the guitar last autumn and I subsequently bought him an Epiphone SG (he's an Angus Young fan) and a Boss Katana 50. The amp turned out to be a revelation. It cost me around 170€ (about $180) and it has a great variety of tones as well as various effects. It's also very giggable and is a great beginner's amp.

[@wojciech2456]

I ll stick with my Yamaha thr10c and mic into PA :)

[@janicetracy1295]

Wojciech I love that amp but would have to have direct input for me to buy use in studio. Won't mike lazy, have 6 Gibson tweed 60s amps mint never use. God bless Tom Tracy

[@hardluckharris]

I traded a hot rod deluxe for a boss katana 2x12. Don't regret it. Both are great but the boss does so much more

[@willfudge8131]

hardluck 1995 thinking the same thing about trading a blues jr for a katana 50

[@Lagmire]

I’m of the opinion that Fender voices their solid state amps specifically to remove that top end “sparkle” that their tube amps are known for. The technology exists now where you can make a solid state amp sound indistinguishable from a tube amp. They wouldn’t want their solid state amplifiers competing with their “professional” amps, now would they...

[@genekloszewski5484]

good point, i have both fender amps, solid state does come close, but lacks the presence/ punch, and that chime!. besides,.. they wouldn't want to make the ss just as good as a tube amp, that would be shooting themselves in the foot!

[@dingalarm]

@@auntjenifer7774 IIRC, the Champ 25 was actually a hybrid amp with a solid-state preamp and valve power amp.

[@williamcastleberry7338]

I play through a Champion 100 and love it. It has 2 -12's

[@talaverajr391]

Tube amp - You are literally in the concert Solid state - You are hearing the song through a speaker under water.

[@Xero6969]

@DontHaveTo ListenToMe depends because ive heard shitty tube amps idk how but was really crap

[@jessecollins8411]

Believe it or not, lots of professional musicians used solid state amps including dimbag Darrell and bb king 👍 there are good ones out there. There are plenty of shit sounding tube amps as well

[@CorvetteCoonass]

Changing the speaker helps significantly. The high-end Fender amps have great speakers which makes the tone brighter. Budget amps....have budget speakers...creates budget tone...

[@colbytaylor9805]

WHY DO TUBE AMPS HAVE TO BE SO EXPENSIVE

[@nothingintheclouds]

Chief Greco VERY RIGHT STATEMENT

[@snozbaries7652]

I love my mid 90's Peavey 112 Express. The clean tone is sooo good.

[@DronePsyche]

My little 1982 solid state Peavey backstage wipes the panties off this Fender piece of crap.

[@trajtemberg]

I love the 40, so light and cheap that anyone can afford to get 2 to run a wet/dry setup. Still, I'm kinda butthurt that Fender didn't include an fx loop.

[@heartoftexan]

Harley Benton G212 Vintage Vertical, guitar cabinet - 2x 12" Celestion Vintage 30 speakers ($250) + Jet City Amplification JCA22H 20W Tube Guitar Amp Head ($298). $550 for both and it sounds great.

[@bobbybair8087]

I've owned them both for a while. Upgraded the speaker in Champion 40 helped alot. What he doesnt say is even with the heavier speaker my champion weighs about 20lbs. The Deville sound significantly better, but will pull your arm out of socket if you have to carry it very far. Lol

[@mellamosteve331]

Do a blind test here. Below are the 2 timestamps for Amp A and Amp B. 2:07 (Start) - 2:59 ("Melody") 4:14 (Start) - 4:51 ("Melody")

[@Choppersrule06]

I’ve got the fender champ 100, it’s pretty badass!

[@Soldrick]

I do too man, its a great amp

[@cimmaron50]

me too. it is not going anywhere.sounds great.do not give a damn what gear snobs say.

[@mdhj67]

@@cimmaron50 Right on! To you own ears be true.

[@BradyBHull]

2021 and that Champion STILL sounds good enough.

[@stephenshepherd6883]

I use both tube and ss. Too my ears tubes have a richer sound quality that a SS just cant replicate. But for a lighter smaller application in like a practice or smaller setting, the SS amps do a great job most times. And the way they make SS amps now you can still plug up a wah or something and play with effects that you really need multiple pedals for so can be good for studio settings also. But thats just my opinion. As always great video Marty, keep em coming.

[@DanielTPeace]

Thank you Marty for a great review. Since I was not raised on tube amps that solid state blows me away, I heard a lot more soul coming from the 40 as opposed to your tuber. Guess it is all about expectations and what you are used to.

[@jcburger733]

Hey Marty, thanks for the comparison of the tube vs solid state fender amps. Obviously it does not sound as great as your tube amp but the ss fender sounds pretty good too. At 200 dollars, it sounds very good.

[@sid35gb]

One thing with these videos is that to tell the difference between a tube and a digital amp on KZbin it’s possible and the differences seem really small. The reality is you have to spend time with a tube amp, once you do the difference becomes night and day. There’s an exception and that’s the kemper profiling amps. Valve amps still have it for the moment but if 600 watt profiling amps come down in price then valve amps days will be numbered maybe.

[@bacchusnominus5251]

The sound of the Hotrod was so damn sexy. Specially the solo sound on Yellow Ledbetter from Pearl Jam. GJ man!

[@jefferyb9162]

Thanks Marty! Solid state sounds less clear and defined to my ears, but that's a workable cheap alternative. Love Gear Thursdays!

[@zacharyjohnson4014]

Yeah, ever since I got a tube amp my solid state sounded terrible in comparison, the tubes just have so much to offer

[@zacharyjohnson4014]

Mark D Your not just wrong, your stupid

[@zackhayes1268]

Zach Johnson must be a virgin lol

[@brown22sugar25]

Zach Johnson *you’re

[@zacharyjohnson4014]

Zack Hayes not only am I a Virgin, I’m a kick ass virgin. If you get a job, might as well do it well.

[@fredhugard7444]

@@markd4768 yeah, until it starts to burn when you pee...I'm not sure the analogy holds. Maybe, though...been doing bong rips.

[@annduguay1546]

I just treated myself to my first tube amp and got a Traynor YGL-1 and absolutely LOVE it. I had made a deal with myself that if I stuck to playing after buying my first electric guitar 3 years ago, I would upgrade from my small modelling amp. Thanks to you Marty, I stuck with it. Thanks for the great instruction.

[@RobertAllenroballen2]

Marty, I've been playing a very long time. Nevertheless- It seems like I been learning so much stuff from you over the last 10 years or so. My friends that play all know about you. We'll be getting something together and someone will say, "Marty has a video on it". We check it out. Someone will have a cool song or lick. They say, "yeah, learned it from Marty". Anyway, Thank you so much. There are 2 players I'd like to meet- You, & Keith Richards. (Maybe not in that order) You do the guitar playing public Right. All Positive to you and All you've come to love. roballen2

[@MrErdner]

When it comes to "loud enough", there's not a vocalist in the world "loud enough" to be heard over a drummer or other rock instruments. So, they stick a mic in front of his face, and then he can be heard. If you can stick a mic in front of a vocalist so that he can be heard, then you can sure as hell stick a mic in front of a smaller guitar amp. "Loud enough" is simply an irrelevant non-issue. All that matters is "sounds right for the songs you're playing".

[@mdhj67]

I used a Mustang I in a band - not joking. I pointed it directly at myself and hung a mic (senheiser e609) in front of it. I did my job and the sound man did his. Worked fine. And the stage was loud. The drummer didn't know how to place quietly, had a grand piano, another keyboard, sax, bass, another guitar, and three singers. It was amazing how horrible things sounded on stage but sounded fine from in front of the stage.

[@RobertAllenroballen2]

Agreed.

[@lambdaman3228]

I think if you dig hard enough, you can see there are some rare situations where this does matter. "Simply an irrelevant non-issue" implies it _never_ matters. I think you meant to say "Almost never an issue when a PA system is available".

[@MrErdner]

@@lambdaman3228 No, I meant what I said. The rare situations where it does matter are the situations where there is no way to "stick a mic in front of a vocalist so that he can be heard". If it's a situation where there is no PA, and there are no capabilities to use a mic in front of the amp, then yes, it that case is does matter. But that's not what I described, was it?

[@lambdaman3228]

@@MrErdner What you described is known as a blanket statement... A gross generalization. There are rare situations where it does matter and you're glossing over them because you so badly want to be correct.

[@kaydenkircher2076]

A killer multipurpose amp is the Boss Katana 50, even has an acoustic selector!

[@jopete681]

I have one and I love it!!!

[@robertbrancato9478]

40+ year Fender amp player here, mostly tubers, but some solid state. Current, Deluxe Reverb. It's tough to evaluate from your recording gear to my PC speakers ;), but the DeVille has a fuller range sound, as it should. In person I believe the difference would be more obvious, particularly reverb and headroom. I know I'd love the DeVille and I think the video points out as well that one can have a great sounding, versatile amp for $200.

[@jamesdalian8774]

Marty's face spoke volumes when he started playing the strat metal!!

[@jonathanrossmusic2509]

the Champ is a very worthy amp. It’s a great practice amp or for very small venues. With the Deville, you have to find a balance at lower volumes to get the tone you want. When you crank it to 2-3 (its a loud amp), then you really see where the extra money went. Great video and great comparison, and also, very tasteful and soulful playing as always Marty!

[@MIKE-ej6ud]

just remember where you play................ is it in front of an audience or is it more likely your bedroom / basement? then choose accordingly!

[@ryancarona4199]

Lmao I like how you bring everybody back to reality. Honestly that’s why I chose the 200 dollar solid state Amps

[@MIKE-ej6ud]

@@ryancarona4199 thanks Ryan. I'm fortunate in the fact that I've been able to perform in both of those venues, lol ,,🎸🎸

[@elihue_redneckreview]

Having played in both environments and suffering from severe G.A.S., I'm happy to have both Tube and S.S. amps. S.S. amps are great slave power to the majestic tones of tubes - when you must have a 4x12 cabinet on every wall of the room, an inexpensive solid state amp is a great investment!!

[@MIKE-ej6ud]

@@elihue_redneckreview I'm hoping you received treatment for your severe gas condition but I can't imagine why anyone would need to have a 4x12 cab on every wall.....not even Joe Bonamassa

[@mikesalt8248]

Could not agree more !! Remember an amp will sound different in a shop as opposed to siitting next to your desk !

[@JamesMcCutcheon]

My first amp was a Silvertone 1484 and I started a garage band that was in 1965. I have never looked back. I have all of the Silvertones, some Gibson amps, and Fenders, Marshall, and others. Solidstate amplifiers are in my studio and class D amplifiers all have a great place in make up my sound pallet. I also have a plethora of vintage and new effects pedals. For 3 decades I never needed an effects pedal. I enjoy all the vintage and new technologies including 2 nice small stereo amplifiers by Black Start. They do what my other amplifiers don't do and I have several 3-watt amplifiers and some 1-watt 5-watt tube amps. Get all the stuff you want it all has a place, including my 80 watt Peavey Blue strip Combo amp made in Mississippi not to forget my 30-watt peavey blues amp with 4 EL84 and 1x15 speaker. Nice video. Too much music, money to buy stuff and no place to put it all.

[@Coolbeans1492]

Yes tubes sound better but only if youre in a position to turn it up loud. Otherwise, all the tone is coming out of transistor pedals which means its rly doesnt matter that much… a good solid state amp like a jc120 is an amazing pedal platform just like any deluxe.. and without being capable of cranking a tube amp youre missing the whole sound anyways. On top of that high end solid state is v v underrated, and how they take pedals is pretty amazing acc. U can also use tube driven od pedals and never have to pay for maintenance again…

[@redcomn]

Been using mustang iii v2 for a while. I only added a wireless really..... My tube amp is a bish to move around plus that one only go out if really got important recording.

[@markcolegrove2360]

I came here just for Marty's playing. Then I ran out and bought a champ 40.

[@stevenmike1878]

im an electrical engineer and the difference between tube and solid state. is solid state sends an almost perfect signal. where the tube the electricity has to jump from one end to the other, so there is an imperfection, that gives the end signal a lot of depth. its bassically the difference between a vintage muscle car and a modern electric vehicle they just feel different. its hard to say which one is better. but they are in fact different. it the difference between vynle and a hi-def cd. the vynle has impurtitys that adds in the micro tones making it a deeper sound.

[@rsaragosa]

There is a difference for sure the Deville has a warmth to it that the Champion never will. The Champion is a great amp for the money. I had the Champion 100 for a while and gigged it and it was good sounding. Now that I am an old fart I don't like carrying heavy amps anymore and that is why I got rid of my Champion. I have a Fender Deluxe Reverb that sits at home because I don't want to carry it anywhere but it is a great sounding amp. Thanks for the video Marty good work as always.

[@TheBootleghooch]

The solid state sounds like listening to somebody playing in another room. Ok for practicing, but I’m happy I was able to upgrade to a tube amp.

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

Best Comment Award...

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

No even slightly close to the Trurh Tube amps aren't superior over solid State or Modeling Amps haven't been in 25 years its called Technology Advancement.

[@rickleblanc8900]

@Vivid Media obviously the tube amp wins sound wise (but not everyone has $1000 to spend)

[@FredDarnell]

Thank yo. I had my eye on the Champion for awhile, but I wanted to see a good demo first.

[@shawnreed9016]

Fred the Champion 50 XL has an upgraded speaker in and sounds incredible. Hard to beat for $219. You should check it out.

[@chrisjeneson5091]

Don´t do ít man, you will regret it! I have one, it´s crap!

[@jrypdtex]

I was lucky to acquire an 1986 Super Champ. All original except one tube. The reverb is awesome with my ES335.

[@sassycat]

I have an 82-83 Super Champ also, greatest amp I own.

[@johndorian1644]

Great video, and absolutely FANTASTIC right-hand here-the left hand gets the credit, but watch the gallery of right-hand technique on display here, guys. Pretty darn inspirational, lol

[@lincolnjohnson6511]

Got 3 Tube Amps Fender Blues Deluxe, Traynor Custom 50 and a 72 212 Music Man twin! Annnnd a Fishman Loudbox mini!

[@Heliwr1]

What kinda tones do you get from the music man, I've been thinking of getting one since I heard that johnny winter used one

[@lincolnjohnson6511]

It’s a cool amp! Some came with a tremolo switch_ Mine came with a phaser effect. It can do a pretty convincing Fender twin sound_ great reverb too.

[@Heliwr1]

@@lincolnjohnson6511 ah that's really cool, thanks man

[@ionicdog88]

Got a boss katana 100, amazing good amp even with pedals!

[@marc8828]

Ditto! Got it this past Christmas and it IS KILLER! Such a responsive sound that is dynamic to your pick attack and not to mention the FEATURES! So much customization.

[@tjspurgin1155]

I agree. I bought a Katana artist so I could leave my FSR paisley princeton at home. Now I only play the katana.

[@hairnation68]

Definitely the best solid state amp under $400

[@jed1mindtricks857]

overrated

[@jasonkim6710]

@@hairnation68 *digital

[@CraigMJamieson]

I'm very much a beginner and struggled with amps. I bought a Marshall and a Peavey and hated both. I was convinced that I needed to go tube and settled on a hybrid Fender Super Champ X2. It's solid state on the overdrive modes and sounds awesome to me. My takeaway, I like the sound of Fenders period, probably don't need tube at this stage, and only wish that I could play remotely like Marty:) Tx, Marty!

[@matthew_thefallen]

The champion 100 is even better with a band. We used it in a local rehearsal studio and with the entire band it sounded awesome. The other guitarist was very skeptical seeing it, but when he played with it he didn't know it was solid state. Mind you, we play metal 😂

[@rockngpa5094]

I’ve own both and nothing like a tube amp where you can change tubes from EL34s to 6L6s or any assortment of chocolate candy 🍫 tube tones you like .. If your new to guitar get solid state by far and when you get polish with playing a lot for a year or so ... then go buy yourself thee best Xmas or birthday gift amp out there because you’ve earn it .. btw : you can’t lose on either amp ..

[@55TeleMark]

Actually, I like the digital amp better. It has a nice natural compression.

[@Xrawkr]

I've owned and played at least three Hot rods (all 2X12's). I've also played Marshalls (JCM 900's my preferred model), Crate V-50's, Egnator Rebels and Tweakers, Randalls, Peaveys, Blackstars, Mesas, coupla Boss Katanas and even a couple of Bugera tube amps. Now I'm old and I don't think I'll be playing on stage anymore, so I see no reason that one of these won't do just fine for me. Lightweight, reasonably good tone (this nextgen stuff sounds really close to the tube amps I'm accustomed to), and it's cheaper to own. I think I'm gonna go with one.