Guitar Amp Myths Part 1 - Valve vs Solid State vs Digital Explained!

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👆 Captain Anderton recently caught up with Blackstar Managing Director Ian to tackle one of the biggest conundrums in the guitar world: valve vs. solid stage vs. digital! Let us know what you think in the comments!
This is a 4 part series... Part 2 is out next Saturday.
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[@frmcf]

I like the idea for this series, but I think a lot of players need an episode 0: what is an amplifier? what is a valve? what is a transistor? what is signal level? what is power? what are voltage/current/impedance? etc.

[@andertons]

Fraser McFadyen this is a 4 part series... we’ll get to that stuff!

[@fraenkiboii]

I actually agree on that. I think an important part of myth-busting and de-mystifying is knowledge! If more players would understand how amplification works, I think the world would be a better place. I think if everybody would understand basic concepts of amplification, all the cliches and myths would bust themselves just like ... fog :o)

[@eddys.3524]

Lots of material on YT explaining those terms...

[@IGarrettI]

patience

[@nihilistlivesmatter]

Search for Uncle Doug on youtube, thank me later

[@yamahamusicians]

As someone who primarily plays acoustic guitar this was an incredibly interesting video for me. I like electric guitars and I have a basic knowledge of amps but they are just not something I use very often. Great to get some background and understanding of tech behind all this stuff.

[@Blackstaramps]

Ian here, great to hear the positive feedback on the video. The other episodes are with our Head Engineer. Will be interesting.

[@yamahamusicians]

I noticed you also have the Blackstar ID Core BEAM Bluetooth Combo which I will be checking out as I believe that works with acoustic guitars too?

[@cmck1777]

Anderton's TV going from strength to strength... I'm so pleased.

[@rebelfish4931]

Love this series! I have an old Peavey Bandit 65, a Vox Valvetronix VT 120+ and a Blackstar Artist 30. I love hearing the method behind the madness. Great work!

[@Doug5524]

Lee, what a great video, Ian is a really good engineer and very interesting thanks for doing this

[@nanahocitento1]

Hi Lee. Love it. Please keep the series up! Thank you

[@TristanLee]

That was the best video Anderton’s has done yet. Loved it and can’t wait for the rest of the series. Great information and well explained.

[@marshsticks992]

Top quality content, this is an excellent format for addressing the complex factors behind myths that musicians roll out far too flippantly! Can't wait for more, I shall be linking this to other guitarists when they ask me about valve vs. hybrid etc in future.

[@fraenkiboii]

What a great video for many different reasons!!! I like the fact that you did it in cooperation with Blackstar and not with Marshall and/or Fender. Ian is a very cool dude with loads of experience as it seems. I really liked that moment at the end where Lee grabbed the Radio Engineering Books, just priceless! Can't wait to see what comes next! I really think that the guitar scene and market needs more myth-busting and de-mystifying like that, because I think lots of guitar players make decisions based on tradition and dangerous half knowledge. Stuff like "It has to be all valve or it sucks". Greets and Thumbs up!!!!!

[@jasong546]

Have not enjoyed amp talk in a while but I enjoyed this. This gentleman is being truthful about it, recognizing that things other than tubes aren’t bad at all, and other tech being used properly can be brilliant. That handwired is often indiscernible. I have always had amps of both types, and if it (the amp) is just good and not extraordinary the musician is responsible for creating something great, and they really can. All you need is one that allows you to bring your musical vision, and believing you can’t with any of the different types will keep you from doing it. Great discussion!

[@drewmello6462]

Lee, this is SUCH a good idea for a video series! Since we musicians started buying online, a lot of us put more stock in "specs" and have a lot of preconceived notions on how a given amp "should" or "will" sound....IMHO, I think we all need to use our ears more than our eyes!!

[@jamesgarvey40]

What a phenomenal video! Very very useful and interesting

[@TheChinovnik]

Lee, I am very happy you do this. Even though I know a bit about amps, this is excellent service. Keep up the good work. Thanks!

[@davecarsley8773]

Oh man I REALLY enjoyed this series of videos. I know it's not exactly among Andertons most popular videos, but I'm really glad you did it.

[@declanmctiernan7338]

Great video, looking forward to the rest of the series. Nice job guys.

[@somebodyelseuk]

Thumbs up for Ian, for being a straight talking, no BS Manc - I miss those afternoons spent in the A1 'dungeons' in the 80s. A second thumb for the TVP amp. I bought one a few years back, and while I'm not completely a Digi-amp convert, I reckon it's the best of the bunch.

[@MrChunkotron]

This was the most interesting Anderton's video I've seen in a long time, and I've watch a lot of them. Ian is a cool dude and Lee seems like he knew just enough to ask the right questions the right way. Good stuff.

[@Blackstaramps]

Thanks for positive comments. More to come. Ian.

[@MarkPritchardGuitar]

Great video and an excellent idea for a series of videos. Interesting stuff in this. Look forward to the next one!

[@Xenious]

I really enjoyed this. I've got a computer engineering background and a book I found fascinating was the Guitar Amp Handbook. It takes you through the history of amp design and how different circuits were evolved. Please keep the good stuff coming.

[@LewisDavieMusic]

Your videos have been going from strength to strength. I learned so much from this! Great stuff.

[@gastonmacmillan4849]

I have never backed up a video to hear what was said and discussed so many times, ever. Thanks, brilliant. More please!

[@bustalick335]

This is the kind of content I would love to see more of from the might Andertons great job Lee👍🏼

[@kaiying74]

Great video. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@cotharyus]

This video has been brilliant. I like seeing the windscreen wiped clean of all the BS and get right down to it.

[@JbfMusicGuitar]

Great video, really filling in some gaps in my knowledge, looking forward to the series!

[@ShatnersToupe]

This is fantastic, i'm looking forward to the future episodes.

[@whittlad]

Another great video from Andertons. Thinking outside of the box for ideas to research that musicians of all standards want to know or were afraid to ask - nice on guys👍

[@pauldickinson1434]

Great idea for a series of videos, Lee. Love your products Ian !! I have a Blackstar HT5 RH head and cab that sounds fabulous to me. Every time I play through the amp I really enjoy it, that's all that matters, I think.

[@Frozenguy1]

Half way through the video and already digging the series.

[@m.b.g.musicproduction9658]

What a great subject to cover, this will appeal to new players and old (like me). cannot wait for more content like this! Well done Captain Lee!!

[@LukeBass1000]

This is fantastic. I'd listen to Ian chat for hours... A real wealth of knowledge

[@mackrjm]

This video is one of the best Andertons have ever done. Well done!

[@shenaniganursus3681]

Loved the video, and Ian was a great co-presenter. Can't wait for more in this series

[@simon_patterson]

I'd happily watch Ian simply tell us what he thinks is important about guitar tone for an hour or three. What a wealth of knowledge wrapped up in passion and enthusiasm!

[@BartGmusic]

Great video! Looking forward to this series!

[@Neverlast2010]

Great vid, and kudos to Blackstar for supporting this series.

[@glenproctor1999]

Thank you for doing this series! That was really interesting and some good points made. Got to say, the reason why many guitarists favour genuine vintage amps is likely they heard someone play that amp in their younger days and liked it and the simplicity of the design 'back in the day' like Ian says.

[@johnjgibson6807]

Very Informative, Can’t Wait For The Rest Of The Series 👍👍🎶🎶🎸

[@jonnylons1]

Excellent vid and bright bloke from Blackstar.

[@chrisgreenwood4851]

How great to hear an amp designer speak so honestly about sounds etc...(And in a Northern Accent...which always helps...sorry Lee!) Ive been a Blackstar..HT and ID user for quite some time..and frankly wouldnt care if it was powered by combustible cat farts so long as it felt great to play...and sounded amazing both live and practice/rehearsal situations! Looking forward to the rest of this series!!..Ian...you made my day...regards to all at Blackstar for great amps and superb customer service! (From a Northerner!)

[@FKnoph]

Excellent video! I really enjoyed it! Please keep them coming! 👍

[@sjb454]

Great video. Very informative and a much need explanation of the mystery of guitar amps.

[@ArvidNielsen]

This is absolutely phenomenal, guys. Big thumbs up 👍🏻

[@ashthegreat1]

Terrific vid lads. This is the kinda content I tune in for!

[@ampedwales]

What a thoroughly brilliant and knowledgeable man. Clearly knows his stuff, and that's Blackstar stuff sounds so good across the board. Probably why the Fly is the best sounding battery amp on the planet too!

[@southwestkittyit]

Ian is awesome. He's totally chomping at the bit, the passion! More please.

[@damien6685]

Absolutely brilliant Love the fact that Ian referred to other manufacturers as examples of design with no self edifying crap. Why have I not stumbled across this before. My HUGE question I've had for ages is how much more SPL does a valve amp push out as opposed to SS with the speakers/cab being a constant ~ answer ~ 2.5 times roughly with reference to watts..... would love to see that table, but the overall rule of thumb will do for now I'm going to hunt down Ian just to send him an email to say thankyouthankyouthankyou. I see the other parts of this series in the listing to the side -> they are next!

[@EnglishVeteran]

Absolutely brilliant! So interesting. Thanks Ian a The Captain. Looking at Ian’s books reminded me of my Dad’s technical books that we still have to this day. He was a Radio Technician & worked at Bletchley Park during WW11. Anyway thanks again guys & will look forward to the next part.

[@TheNorthernChris]

What a fantastic idea and subject for a series of videos. This is why Anderson’s remain at the top of the UK retailers and KZbin channels; Fresh content tackling subjects we want to know about. I especially enjoyed the section around demystify the SS diodes in front of the valves in the pre amp section and this still being classed as all valve and also being akin to using a pedal in front of your amp. I feel this puts the subject to bed and does away with the cork sniffing. I’m really looking forward to the next video. Inner guitar geek has now been fed 😂

[@TP-xe2hi]

Great video series...hope you get into the differences of 6L6, EL34, etc tubes in terms of what application they were originally intended for AND who or what musical genre they may or may not benefit the most.

[@pjsalty]

Brilliant! One of your best. And to tackle it over a series of videos is an acknowledgement of the scope of this topic. I am yet to play a Blackstar. I know the history and have watched from afar. My Fender Machete needs a low wattage little brother. I am now convinced that a Blackstar might just be the solution. I can't wait for the next video Lee. Thanks again

[@IPushHard]

Great video!!!!!!! You have cleared up A TON of misconceptions here. Ive been playing for many years and just cleared up a lot of this stuff for myself within a year or so. Interesting, and great education for guitarists. ...By the way, I'm a fan of Blackstar. Recently, I talked our vocalist into buying a Blackstar tube amp...then the music store recommended the exact same thing. I was tired of being the only guitar and wanted a thicker band sound. Thanks : )

[@KidMeatball]

I love the message that tone is in your ears. It doesn't matter what tech was used to construct your amp, what matters is how well it was made, and how your run it. The best gear you can get is fingers and ears people.

[@Adamson11x]

I have Blackstar Id core as a home amp and I absolutely love it. These Blackstar guys are truly great lads, looking forward to see what they will invent in the future.

[@Juliang61]

What a great video, superbly interesting!!! Loved it and learned a lot

[@Wayneextremity]

Love this concept, Captain Lee. Coincidentally Im about to switch from my Vox to my first Tube Blackstar! so this totally helped

[@leejaynes5918]

Love black star amp I've a cool little HT 5 head sounds awesome

[@markuskoivisto]

That head paired with a 2x12” cab is absolutely stellar for home use. Love it.

[@nachex5043]

This was awsome!! Thanks for this videos guys, keep it uppp!!! we wanna know more!! Cheers

[@edwardjons8684]

Great discussion, and better still, at last a very rare reference to George Lynch on Andertons TV. Surely it’s time for a sounds like Lynch Mob/Dokken/KXM episode...

[@deanwalker3710]

Edward Jons definitely. George Lynch doesn’t get enough credit. His Vibrato alone keeps me listening

[@Blackstaramps]

Edward Jons George is still on fire. Really nice and funny chap too.

[@ConstantineJajas]

I got to play an Artisan two days ago. What a lovely amp. Great video series!

[@Theaquaponic12345678]

Excellent subject and show! I can not wait for the next episode. All I know is my HT5r is by far my favorite amp. I have had a lot of good amps over almost 30 years and they all did at least one thing good. My HT5 can do it all and takes pedals awesome.

[@FloridaManRacer]

Ian was very honest on the digital front. He didn't make any excuses about digital aiming for the lower price points... I think if they built some more amps on the high end around the digital format, opinions would change quite a bit... That being said, of course I want a Valve amp lol.

[@frmcf]

Isn't that kind of what the boss waza amp is? I don't know if people are going for it or not, but I've yet to see one on a stage. I think if you're going to 'go digital' then you're talking Helix/Kemper et al and not 'traditional' type combo amps

[@FloridaManRacer]

@@grumpyrocker i don't disagree, but as someone who enjoys high quality sound but isn't playing gigs all the time either, I wouldn't care, and I'm guessing there's more than just me out there in that category....

[@gastonmacmillan4849]

Things like Kemper Amps, digital, very expensive.

[@FloridaManRacer]

@@gastonmacmillan4849 The Kemper has fooled Chappers on more than one occasion too. Case and Point, plus, as more product like that gets created across different amp manufacturers, the overall price to create/purchase a decent digital amp should come down a bit, it's like anything else electronic... 4k tv's were $2,000 for a 40 inch 3 yrs ago, now you can get one for around $500...

[@chris3383]

Agreed I'm with you I want an Orange and a Victory both with a loop LOL

[@mostlypostie1]

Awesome video. This will be a great series!

[@jeffreyallison771]

This is a great series thank you for doing this!

[@leftyamazed]

Wow! The Captain delivers! Over the weekend I was thinking I would like to know the difference in sound between a solid state, hybrid, nu-tube and valve tube amp. I heard that if you are in a band and the other guy has a valve amp, you couldn't get away with having solid state. It's Monday and I find this series with Blackstar (I currently use ID Core and BEAM at home)

[@repeatoffender9902]

I think they both sound great good job Blackstar 🎸🎸🤘🏻🤘🏻🤙🏻

[@gustavstefansson2476]

I actually have one of the old Music Mans. I think the transistor pre amp actually makes it sound so good. It has really crisp top end and sounds like a really good and powerful blackface fender.

[@LeviBulger]

Yeah they are awesome. I used to have an old one that sounded great. Like you said, very blackface. Very clean cleans

[@cmkimbrell67]

I have one too! I love mine.

[@cmck1777]

Always wanted to try one. I have a Blug Amp1 that uses IC pre-amps and a subminiature valve to voice the class-D power section.

[@williamsmothers8830]

Absolutely Brilliant!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Please ask Ian about transformers/transformer saturation, what compromises are made when using smaller, cheaper transformers with more modern designs, and briefly elaborate on the resonance that occurs between well matched output transformers and speaker motors.

[@doncampbell1961]

Great Show ! cant wait till the next one !!

[@guitarFlownimo]

Ian does a great job explaining ! Great Video Guys.

[@kolombijec]

Loved this...cant wait for the next one...i feel the same way about all that “better ir worse” concept..

[@jacobcardiff8757]

I'm going from being a beginner to an intermediate guitar player and I'm looking to step up my amp. This video has really helped me understand the different amps

[@randallparker8477]

What a great idea for a series, keep 'em rolling then.

[@naturesguard]

Awesome episode. Very interesting topic. More like this please.

[@user-gm7pk9mu8i]

phantastic first part, I'm looking forward to part 2

[@GazMoz78]

REALLY GOOD! Most enjoyable, I shall follow this series of videos with upmost interest :-)

[@treorross99]

Great job. Can’t wait for the next episode

[@Da_Porkchop_Xpress]

This was great. Look forward to the next one

[@mannaforra]

Great video. I'm a big fan of Blackstar and Ian's no nonsense approach was great here. How about an update of the series one range eh? Dangerously underrated amps. My 45 is absolutely brilliant but any integrated solo volume boost would be amazing.

[@Applesworth]

This is great! Can't wait for the next one!

[@robphegan90]

Great video will be watching the series.

[@JedNadin]

Great video. Super informative and honest. I even appreciate him calling out “shitty” gear.

[@laydownmisere3674]

Great video and a great topic. Looking through my amps I realise that I have almost all of the possible configurations you can get, but the bottom line is, I own each different amp for the tones and then the purpose. I have turned over many amps due to buying them the other way around and then being so disappointed by the tones, and that includes some all valve amps. I have a hand-wired all valve amp from 1965 which is so very mellow (completely broken in after 50+ years) but it is the amp I use the least because it is too loud, and that is where newer amps, and especially the good analogue solid state and power switching hybrid valves come into their own nowadays. We are spoilt for choice these days and everything is so affordable compared to what it was 20-30 years ago.

[@simplesigns]

Looking forward to watching all of this series. Ian's straight-talking myth/bullshit bursting insight is a breath of fresh air.

[@sidneysnottley6414]

Very interesting - Look forward to part 2/3/4, etc.

[@jinx0192]

Great video! Can't wait for the next one.

[@alenac7269]

Wow this is so cool, I love this!!! Thank you for doing this 👍

[@BenRoseRose]

Love that, great video. Cheers, Ian was class!

[@rjester21]

Awesome! Look forward to seeing more of these! 😀

[@everydaybrian]

This is great - looking forward to more!

[@fang-weiliu4815]

What a knowledgeable guy, great idea for making this video;)) good work

[@RichardCollier434]

in the end if you like the tone you are getting ( valve or solide state ) go for what works for you . ex. dimebag darrell randall amps ,Allan Holdsworth, Ty Tabor, Doyle Bramhall, Richie Kotzen, yamaha dg amps .

[@josephetherton]

Great great series!!! Keep em coming 👍✌🎸

[@freaky425]

I love how He mentioned George Lynch. He had absolute killer tone and playing, still by date i hardly find any tone like that :)

[@albertocespedes9785]

So good! Keep them coming!

[@phreak1118]

I have 3 Blackstar amps... HT-1 Metal, HT-5 Metal, and a HT-Stage 100. I like them all, but that HT-5 with a V30 is simply an amazing sound. My most used amp is an old Marshall Valvestate 265 with the ext. cab. Been using that for 20+ years.

[@adozensparrows]

Excellent subject for a series!

[@4572dk]

yeah they could do these for different brands so people could see who makes the best modelling etc.

[@chord972]

The Captain hits it out of the park for us. This is great information and cuts through so much bs. Thank you.

[@OEMPlus]

my blackstar 1 watt mini stack is my favorite setup i've ever owned and amongst the top favorites i've ever played

[@lanwan]

Great to see an interview with Ian. He is the Paul Reed Smith of the Amp world. Will we get a HT5 Head with an attenuator/1W stepdown for us apartment players in Jan 2019? I hope so!