That Pedal Show - Do We Like Transistor Amps? Part 1

[@spencercox4092]

I feel like nobody ever talks about the quality with which these videos are shot. The lighting is perfect, the camera is never out of focus, even when they move, the audio is mixed perfectly every single time. Major shout out to their production crew.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Spencer Cox Thank you Spencer, very kind of you to say! There's no crew though - our friends Mitch and Simon help us out with shooting and editing, and Mick also does a great deal of the latter. Cheers!

[@andersierra8757]

You should do more episodes of transistor amps!! Seems that there are quite few that worth it nowadays!! Love your channel!!

[@coltrane2323]

I love these guys. Sitting here at my desk, waiting for my programs to compile, and listening to Dan and Mick. Best thing ever.

[@JurrenMekking]

Sorry Dan, but the Fulltone manual says: HP/LP switch: Set to HP (High Peak) you get increased Bottom-end, increased distortion throughout the Drive Knob's range, more volume, and a slight increase in upper mids (around the 3.5Khz) for more "British" vibe (ala Vox ans Marshall) Set to LP (Low Peak) you get incredible accuracy to the original sound of your Guitar and amp... very little coloration! Excellent for Clean Boosting, for cranked Blackface or Tweed-style ones, and for when you're not going for a British type sounds. But nevertheless; lovely episode! As always!

[@burnvictim1977]

For me, the Blues Cube definitely wins on this one. I don't know if the mics and speakers are playing a role or not, but what comes through on my speakers=BLUES CUBE for teh winz

[@someweirdguy101]

I love to watch the interaction between the tones and the playing. The playing instantly goes from rigid and boxy to dynamic and inspired when an outstanding tone comes on.

[@claudiopetucco]

Very interesting video! It is worth watching just to see Mick and Daniel's blissful faces each time they switched on the valve amp!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Claudio Petucco hahaa

[@kisserSDMF]

I sold my orange transistor amp a few days ago and now you come out with THAT?!?!?! That's not nice gentlemen lol. What nice tones!

[@santos0x]

Personally, I like both tube and SS amps. Both have their applications. I've gigged with both. In general SS wins for reliability, but not all dirt pedals work well with SS. Tube amps are easier to get a good basic tone, but are heavier and you can't always turn them up enough to hit its sweet spot. I gigged a 30w tube combo for years and never turned it more than1\4 of the way up. These days I have a small 1x10 tube combo that's too loud for home use, and a small hybrid combo that I run through a 1x12 speaker cab, and it sounds great. There is no absolute of one being "better", they're just different.

[@19Cluj]

Regarding the OCD switch, I might be wrong, but I think it means "High Peak" (more distortion, more bottom-end, more volume, a little more upper-mids) and "Low Peak" (more transparent). Great show as usual!

[@GurpreetKakar4873]

This channel have taught me about pedals and amplifiers more than from my engineering school ..thanks from India...:)

[@DrFearCo]

Gurpreet Singh Kakar this channel doesn’t teach you about engineering... so I’m confused about what you are expecting to learn in school.

[@anxiousmindmusic]

Blues Cube/Blues Jr stereo rig would be cool. Always have a 'back-up' as well that way

[@Django67]

Was really hoping to see/hear a Roland JC-120 or JC-40

[@waynetowers5046]

I own an Orange CR120C, I love it to bits, prefer it over a Fender Twin I replaced it with & I even preferred it to an ex-demo Orange Rockerverb MKII 50 2x12 combo - yes, you heard that correctly, I just felt more "at one" and inspired by it. It's much louder than you'd need it to be, it sounds better the louder you have it without it going harsh on you & that's pretty unusual for Solid State amps, takes pedals in the front and in the FX loop so well and it's so much more than a back-up amp in case your valve amp conks out, which too many people tag it with. However, it is so much better than the CR60C. Yes, it's the same amp albeit 60w 1x12 vs. 120w 2x12, but when I tried the CR60C it just felt like it was pushing too hard and it sounded a bit too harsh to me, the bigger (and heavier, wouldn't want to carry it too far) CR120C just sounds so much bigger, clearer and 'open' with so much more presence, if that makes sense?...

[@vladvartosu]

I was in doubt about the two until this comment. the 120 will definitely be my next buy, thank you.

[@JensLarsen]

Just time to watch this before I leave for a gig :) Thanks guys!

[@kimmolingonheimo]

update of trans amps: Fender Frontman 10G, Fender Stage 100, and Harley Benton HB80R Mosfet Lead : YOU two wouldnt believe how soft and jazzy the Harley sounds, and the Fender Stage 100 has the same speaker: Clelestion G12T-100! for the neighboorhoods sake the 10G: I once tried it with a single pedal:Mosky Crazy Tone resulting a very nice warm jazz sound, I also have a CRATE GX-80: Made in St Louis: orig. Crate speaker, one of these days im gonna plug my strat into the Crate: Ill instantly know if its a keeper: it looks mint and pristine! ( and St. Louis adds sentimental value for me...) Cheeriously, KIMMO

[@joshhuatheg3m3ni5]

It’s all personal preference. Valve amps are nice and can sound great. They are also super expensive outright and to maintain, biasing and replacing tubes etc., they can be finicky with certain pedals but that can be said of any amp. They also can act up when not getting adequate power and that can happen at the gig or practice spots. On the other hand there is solid state and my biggest takeaway from that is to find a good one, the Orange crush models are pretty sweet and super affordable. Some solid state can sound over digital with many pedal stacks and the lower quality of pedal the less it is received by most solid state amps. I had the Marshall AVT150H and loved that amp. The high gain channel sounded so good all I used was a boost on the front and used the drive from the amp and controlled volume between my bridge and neck pickups. You can spend your money on the amp going with valves or you can spend your money on pedals with the solid state. Every now and again you get lucky and somebody made the amp and was feeling especially good that day and produce something exceptional. In the end it’s up to your preference. Don’t let some asshole at a gig not take you seriously because you’re rolling in a solid state half stack. Shred your ass off and shut the fucker up with your skill. Dimebag Darrell used solid state until close to the end of his life and he made them sound killer. Bringing in a Line 6 spider anything might get you laughed at but if you can shred, save up your dough and get a better solid state. Have a good one and keep playing.

[@JensLarsen]

I just played a gig in a museum where I was not allowed to use my amp because of insurance policies. I played a three hour gig on the PA for the speeches. That was the least rewarding guitar sound I have had in years....

[@leonardtristan6873]

omg sorry for you dude

[@ZephyrCrypto]

OUCH!!

[@rohanverghis]

3 friggin hours

[@bluesrocker91]

I think would have just turned the gig down...

[@mattgilbert7347]

I have to do that every Sunday. Bought a NU>X Cerberus for DI purposes, it's reasonably priced, has IR loading, and good mods and delays. I still have to use a few pedals because the drive tones are a bit meh, but my DI sound is now ok. A Maxon TB-09 helped - the tube sorta warms up the tone. Ofc it is in no way a valve amp, it's a pedal meant to go into an amp, but into my IR cab ems it sounds nice enough. The only Fuzz that I have which DI's ok is the Caroline Olympia. Pleasant surprise.

[@gmofftarki]

Orange did a very good job of responding to the pedals... the BluesCube sounded pretty good when just working on the amp, but somehow the digital modelling reacted weirdly with already-modified input signals from the Fulltone and Fuzz pedals. Clearly, the Fender sounded the best, hands-down, with the Ibanez pedal. I haven't gotten to the dirty side of things as yet, marking this down so I don't forget what they sound like.

[@fridgenugget]

Ignoring everything else, I just love how quick, noiseless, and fluid it is for you guys to switch between amps. Great setup.

[@MrBingping]

This is actually a really great episode. Very informative, yet I don't feel the urge to spend money I don't have like with your other episodes lol

[@MrBingping]

And then you turn the harlot on...Dammit...

[@JohanSancho]

I'd love to see a part 2 with Marshall Code and Boss Katana! Love the show, greetings from Brazil!

[@Xirque666]

I really loved the ORANGE SOUND

[@vexguine]

Really? It sounds like shit to me... =\

[@ydyd4410]

@@vexguine change your ears. Lol

[@luke_reiss]

As I am a musician who enters into guitars and keyboards territories, I don't prefer one type over another when talking about transistors and valves. I have applications for both. I didn't have the opportunity to test a lot of different models. So, the best situation that I have tasted was the following signal path: 1) rotovibe pedal plugged into small combo amp (slow chorus, but sometimes accidental fast chorus, like "oops and laugh") 2) my small transistorized combo amp as a preamp overdrive 3) a red Randall RD45H tube head, with its extra boost channel engaged and presence knob raised, not to say cranked. (from a local studio, in a jam session with friends, not part of my personal rig) 4) my homemade Rotary Horn where it would be the 4-speaker cabinet. (at that time, I didn't have cables to use parallel paths). So, despite the Kemper existence, I'll still want at least one tube head and one solid state P.A. in some far (but not so far) future. And also... a clean tube preamp at the end of the pedalboard, probably right after the reverb, in order to make some swell tube saturation with a volume pedal before the reverb. For different scenarios, though, I must think about how much equipment I can carry.

[@mixville2]

You guys really put on a great, entertaining, intelligent and informative show. Thanks! I don't know if you've tried a Quilter. I'm a long time tube snob and I just love the way the Quilter feels under the fingers. I run it just over the edge into distortion and use pedals to go further. May be just me, but I really like it. I have been turning to my Quilter more than my beloved Tone King lately. And being ridiculously lightweight it's a dream for gigging, especially for this 58 year old. SS is getting better, no doubt.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+mixville2 Hello! A few people have been singing their praises. We'll get one for the Tranny Amps part 2 episode. Thanks for watching!

[@aquilarossa5191]

Here in NZ on a Kiwi guitar forum they have been gushing over the Katana for a few dozen pages. Not a modeller, but solid state. I think they are like sheep on a bandwagon tbh. Can you get one in the next episode?

[@83draconian]

As with any amp (whether tube or transistor) on the market, it's matter of what "flavor" or "color" you want from an amp. Also, keep in mind that a speaker makes a great deal of difference in the tone of your amps. Changing it will dramatically change the sound of any amp (tube or transistor) for better or worse. I changed the speaker in a transistor combo that I have and it made that amp come alive. Currently it's my #1 gigging amp.

[@marccolon6297]

i've been looking forward to this one for ages thanks guys

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Connor Braidwood our pleasure ;)

[@petergeoghegan2013]

Absolutely.

[@juanmartinreborati7928]

yep... Me too.. Haha. Thanks for that guys!

[@barrettisgold]

I'm a fan off the Award Session Sessionette-75. It's loud, you can blend the clean and dirty channels and bypass the preamp and run a valve preamp into the effects return. It also has a nice spring reverb. I also thing it takes pedals well. Any other fans? Great show guys. Keep up the good work. Thanks for turning me onto the Kingsley pedals...and Simon's playing!

[@BeyondtheRecord]

i will say, the orange was terrible to me, but the blues cube... that was actually really good! D:

[@rollerskater]

They could have dialed them in to sound alike... such a hack-y video.

[@YTOnceAgain]

Ha! What Beardo says about solid state being so fast and immediate is EXACTLY what I like about them, respectively miss in tube amps. Some people associate this with being sterile... but you could also call it precise. Or you could call a tube amp's behavior random.

[@hukl3945]

Orange Crush vs Orange OR, Marshall MG vs Marshall DSL. Best setup would be if all amps went through the same speaker cabinet as that has a huge impact on the sound. Re-amp for consistent sound samples could be cool - maybe with the new TC Wiretap

[@ShoreyJr]

John-Paul Bader Would have to be an Orange Rockerverb. The Crush Pro is voiced after the Rockerverb.

[@Robstafarian]

The Orange OR15H also gets its voice from the Rockerverb.

[@userPrehistoricman]

Agreed. Having these amps play through different speakers with different tone settings will clearly have so much effect that will diminish the difference between these amps

[@hammondsphoto]

My BluGuitar AMP1 is in large part a SS amp (with a 'nano tube') and I really, really like it. Bought it as a lightweight solution but since having it I have barely touched my two valve amps as it sounds great in its own right.

[@flatsix666]

Very informative and fun! Everyone needs to listen with their ears today & not their eyes! Some great tones and some 'sounds'. Guys, please invite Dave Simpson who I consider a master of solid state amps to the show and check out his channel. His tones from the Orange CR120 are amazing!

[@tobiasjones1721]

Do you know how Snoopy does his happy dance with his nose in the air and his eyes closed? The look Dan had on his face whilst playing the Fender reminded me of that. Joy!!!

[@cgraugaard]

The lack of enthusiasm in the beginning cracked me up! :D

[@rodd1000]

Yeah was rolling around the floor, hilarious 🥱

[@2Plus2isChicken2013]

I've heard good things about Quilter amps. Everything they make is solid state. If you can get your hands on one of their amps that might be a good idea for the next part of this. Great episode as usual! Stuff like this is basically my television now. I watch every weekend. Thanks for being informative and entertaining. You're both awesome players as well!

[@dodgecukc]

Am a valve amp player but I like that Orange. Definitely do a Kemper show please.

[@JohnsDough1918]

That Orange sounded great, nicely harsh with a typically Orange-y voice.

[@Gloveberg1]

I watched this episode expecting to love the Orange but for me the clear winner was the Blues Cube. Sounded great to me.

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

You guys should do a show on Quilter amps. My Pro Block 200 will blow your mind at how "tube like" it sounds and responds to your playing.

[@10sassafras]

Dan’s description at the beginning of the difference in sound was spot on. If you listen for the starting transient, ss vs tube amp sounds are obvious.

[@abechiggy2267]

Could you guys do a show on cap simulators like the Two Notes Torpedo cab, Logidy EPSI, Palmer DI, ADA gcs-2 e.t.c?

[@basvredeling]

Yes, this is a great idea! They could also include the built-in cab sim from the Strymon Big Sky and compare software Impulse Response vs purely eq based cab sims.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Abe Chiggy it's on the list

[@Nicko30able]

Maybe you could work in a couple of pedals that have cab sim as well, like the Ethos and such. Great idea though. I have the Palmer and the ADA.

[@arbitermatt]

don't forget Bluguitar Blubox!

[@jackalfox332]

I prefer the best of both worlds, to be honest. I love valve amps and I love Solid State amps, they just both have a sound of their own that appeal to me. My favourite set up is the Orange Crush Pro CR120C (120watt, 2x12 version of the Orange in this video - honestly, the 2x12 version sounds so much better than the 1x12 version) and an old 150watt 1973 Sunn Model-T. I have them both running into a modified Orange 400watt PPC412-HP8 cab so they're both played at once. The Orange 2x12 combo plugged into the bottom two speakers and the Sunn plugged into the top two speakers. They're still the G12K-100 Celestions albeit at 8ohms each so two sets are running 16ohms top and bottom. The Orange Crush Pro has had it's speakers replaced with Celestion G12T-75s, too. (The Voice of the World speakers are really nice though, I put those into a blank Orange 2x12 cab). Then I just run an ABY pedal so they're both played simultaneously through the Orange cab. It's my ideal setup, and to be honest there' nothing out there I fancy that would replace it/them. It's Stoner and Doom heaven. But a lot to move around when gigging. :)

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Jackal Fox Sounds great! You're the perfect example of choosing the right gear for your own needs. Bet it sounds colossal!

[@jackalfox332]

That Pedal Show Thank you, Mick/Daniel. :) Yeah I mean, I've always thought different amps, regarding what they are, Valve, Solid State etc., have their place or/and are another option to choose from. Like, now we have Digital/Modelling, Solid State, Valve etc. and that's always a good thing in my book. But yeah, this set up is absolutely huge sounding, especially with everything cranked up with a Fuzz in front of the ABY pedal. Although I'm very popular at gigs at such volumes. People leave. :P

[@ryanpaulretouch]

Definitely won't be switching to solid state OR modelling anytime soon! Every time you kicked the Fender on, I smiled.

[@777Yoni]

19:45 - Guitar run + Mick's reaction = priceless. Ooh, there's an even better one at 32:00. Too Amusing. And please market Shreddies cereal.

[@cyrusfontaine2598]

I'd love to see a Quilter in a future video! All of these sound great to my ears though!

[@txguitarslinger]

Quilter Amplifiers are one the best "transistor" amps I've ever played (no modeling). I use a Pro Block 200 for practice and some gigs (I also bring it as a backup when I'm using a tube amp). Will I give up my Boogies for it? Probably not, but it's definitely got its own thing going on and it sounds pretty awesome. The bonus is that it's bulletproof -no worries of failure and it loves pedals

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

bottom line: non-valve amps have come a loooooooooooooong way since those awful combos from the 80s! I started playing guitar in 1987(I will turn 50 next year) and my first one was a *15w Gorilla amp*... ACK!! **shudder** LOL I play a multitude of styles, from classic rock to stoner-doom to thrash, black metal and death metal too(!), so *versatility* is an absolute requirement. I am also a disabled US military veteran so money is in short supply, so a selection of valve amplifiers is IN REALITY an unobtainable dream, therefore I play a 100w Fender Mustang III v2 w/ 12" Celestion speaker. It ticks all the boxes AND allows me to record as well(in the past I have recorded an EP and a handful of singles, released to the masses and garnering a multitude of crickets chirping & deafening silence! LOL). For *ME*, in *MY* playing situation, it's the perfect amp.

[@Robstafarian]

I am disabled from birth, so I can relate financially; I also know a hell of a lot about guitars and gear: find me on Rob Chapman's forum (the mention of which allows me to avoid posting contact details publicly) if I can be of service. Speaking of which, thank you for your service.

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

***** thanks very much

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

tony93666 I'm not far behind you age-wise, for versatility I can't fault my Mustang either. Sure there are "better" tones out there but compared to 30 years ago technology is amazing. I play through the iPad too and stuff like Bias and Tonestack isn't too shabby either.

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

TheVimFuego oh yeah, I totally love Guitar Rig and Amplitube as well. I used to own a POD X3 and did quite abit of recording with it, but it's nice to actually hear stuff thru an amp. I tried running the X3 thru my Bugera 1990(Marshall JCM900 clone) half stack and I just couldn't get a good tone... they were each great on their own, but I could never get a good amplified X3 tone. I have no problems getting good tones thru the Mustang.

[@Robstafarian]

tony93666 Did you connect the POD X3 to the Bugera's effects return?

[@Andrew.Hartsell]

Several things. One, portability and flexibility are what many are looking for in solid state amps. A setup that allows direct recording, direct to board for silent state, quite practice and be able to do a small gig or rehearsal. And be a size that one can carry it and a guitar easily. Does such an animal exist? Second, what about amp-in-a-box pedals. Wampler, Caitlinbread, etc, excel at these. What does a plexi-in-a-pedal sound like into a transistor amp? Lastly, what about feeding pedals into a pre-amp, not necessarily a valve one. I'm thinking: pedals => Tech21 blond => amp. Thanks guys, love the show! One more reason Fridays are awesome.

[@rogerploch1251]

you should totally make a "Shreddies" t-shirt

[@nohandle54]

yes, please - Shreddies: part of a complete breakfast

[@leedavis6372]

I'd get one!!!

[@abteenz]

The best way to watch these episodes is to just listen to them because Dan is so biased about valve amps that his expressions influence the listener’s judgement.

[@urbanesoul8400]

I'm actually surprised by how that Roland Blues Cube performed, but the tube amp (Bass Breaker) blew the Orange out of the water of every test. It bested the Roland as well, but not quite as badly; the Roland would be a decent sit in amp if you're worried about using a tube amp at a gig for whatever reason. Might be a good look starter amp too, depending on price... although you can get decent lil tube lunchbox heads on the cheap & then upgrade your cab as you can afford it. Great review all around! I really enjoyed this video, guys!

[@wadenkrangguttenberg3750]

I just feel the blues cube should cost alot less. its SS for the price of tubes. to me if the cost is the same why go SS?

[@urbanesoul8400]

Wadenkrang Guttenberg Oh, I didn't realize it cost as much as a tube amp. That takes it out of the starter amp category then. It's a great lil amp for a solid state, but not if you can get a decent lil tube amp for the same price, eh?

[@Robstafarian]

The best starter amp is a tube preamp: either a used higher end one (e.g. Mesa Boogie) or something from the Two Notes Le Preamp series.

[@lanceholland]

You really need to demo a Quilter Micropro Series. The blocks are cool but the MPs are phenomenal. I have sold my vintage tube amps at this point except a 1965 BFDR and an '87 JCM800....but even those are almost never used since I got the Quilter.

[@paperwallsstudios]

Part 2: please isolate variables? Perhaps a single cabinet driven by the different heads? In this ep the tube amp is 2x12 and the xistor amps are 1x12 and the volume of the cabs are all very different. I don't know which variable(s) I'm listening to. Love you guys. Love this show. Ordering my t-shirt.

[@thehoppo]

My thoughts exactly, makes a massive difference

[@SocksworthRiffs]

Having used SS/Transistor amps most of the time I've been playing guitar (aside from when I gig) I've gotten used to the sparkle and super clean sound they have. I really enjoy that, especially with the JC120 (one of the best amps I've used in general) I used to use to play blues and jazz. Now that I have a valve amp however, I can definitely say I enjoy it more, but I still use a SS amp in stereo/as a clean channel just because they do cleans so well.

[@mikegrisafi541]

The hp/lp switch on the OCD actually stands for 'high peak' and 'low peak'. What it does is change the roll off the frequency of the tone control. If you look at the schematic, you'll see it switches a 22k resistor in and out parallel to a 33k resistor just prior to the tone pot and capacitor to ground. This is a low pass filter regardless of the switch setting. There's also some effect on the output level being attenuated slightly less when the switch is engaged since it also lowers the series resistance prior to the volume pot at the end of the circuit right after the tone control.

[@mikegrisafi541]

My apologies for nerding out on that small correction. I really love these videos and can't get enough. Keep if up guys!

[@Bmcarroll1]

I was about to say the same about the LP/HP switch. For a long time I also thought it was high pass/low pass until I looked at the instructions recently.

[@drzontar]

I've had a handful of great transistor amps over the years: Marshall Lead 100 MOSFET, Lab Series L5 and L7, and a Peavey Bandit (the original, not the Transtube version).

[@Beizeiten78]

No, the OCD toggle stands for "high peak" and "low peak", any EQ difference you hear is simply the increased frequencies in that voice, like more pronounced mids in "hp" mode. It is not a high or low pass.

[@seandekonty9992]

I'm glad you said "they're so immediate", I think that's how I've been trying to explain the sound I want. I love an open, almost brash tone that reacts extremely fast to my playing and pick attack which I've found with my Quilter 101! For an old school breakup tone though, you can't beat tube amps. (or maybe some super expensive kemper/axe fx)

[@cavanray6742]

The bluea cubes give that as well, but you have to crank the master volume to really get it sagging. To my ears it sounds best set to 7 or 8 (out of 12).

[@hubieh3374]

Mick's face when Dan starts to shred is classic!!

[@guitrr]

Although I have several tube amps, I gig frequently with both a Quilter Mach 2 (1x8), and a Henriksen Bud. Both are wonderful amps, take pedals well, are under 20 lbs, and have a small footprint. Perfect for the small club gigs most of us play the majority of the time.

[@SteveKuhMusic]

I own a Quilter Aviator 2X10, which I really like. It has 2 channels and reverb. Channel 2 has a full EQ and a gain dial. It is a solid state amp, but not a modelling amp. Perhaps you might consider demoing that transistor amp on Part 2? Thanks!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Steve Kuh We really want to try a Quilter. Lots of good things said about them!

[@SteveKuhMusic]

Good deal! The only thing I'd add is that the Aviator is the one to try and it should be either the 2x10 or the 1X12, which are open backed. (I also demoed a Quilter Micro Pro and I did not like that one, because it has several different voicings, a feature that I do not like because only one or two of them sound alright.) Hope that makes sense. Love your show and hope to see Part 2 soon! Happy New Year!

[@peterjessop1878]

Decided to watch this again after trying a Quilter at the weekend. I have to say Quilters are on a different level. I nearly bought one as part of a wet/dry rig with the Quilter being the wet amp, but something stopped me from committing. Now gone completely the other way and modded my fender hot rod deville for better volume control for rehearsals and at home to act as the wet amp. It sounds huge and I don’t think any solid state or digital amp could compete even a Quilter. May still get the Quilter but only as back up

[@mythographer]

I own a small music store and carry the blues cube line (not the Orange). We are constantly A/B'ing the BC against my 68 vibrolux and other high end tube amps with lots of pedals, including the various Roland tone capsules. IMO the BC comes very close to my Fender, so close that I doubt whether most listening to the band would be able to tell the difference. BTW, a compressor in front really helps the BC. If you massage the dials and pedals, you can get lots of great tones and create a nice 3 channel setup with basically a compressor and od. I prefer my Fulltone Fulldrive. It sounds killer! The BC cost is lower overall than tube when you factor in the cost of service, replacing tubes, repair, etc. Reliability is much greater,no need for a backup. And the biggest plus is? The weight! A BC Stage is almost half the weight of my Vibrolux. Last point: the Robben Ford tone capsule is fantastic, up levels the amp for sure, though it's good without, too.

[@simoncusack]

Try a quilter labs amp, a micro pro or a tone block which is designed to be a pedal board amp. Patrick Quilter from QSC knows his stuff.

[@iwiggs6870]

This isn't fair. Once again you guys have done such a great job of micing up these amps that to be honest, all of them sound pretty damn great.

[@TheActressAndBishop]

Having said you can't compare vale amps to transistor amps, there is the fact that Steve Rothery got epic sounds from a relatively modest combination of a JC120 and a Boss DS-1 for ages ...

[@regortex3364]

People that think you need to be playing through tubes (exclusively) to sound good, are gullible.

[@DerRufProductions]

Hey guys, nice comparison done there. One question that came to my mind was why you chose the Orange Amp for this video. All other amps you tend to you use are either more leaning on a "vintage" side or in case of the Lone Star are mostly some kind of clean platform. In my mind, Orange is always connected with a certain trademark sound that's going into a hard rock or even metal direction. So they are voiced in a special way - which your video proved. But as a pedal platform, with or without driven sounds - that voicing contradicts most of the sounds we know and love you guys for even before you turned on the amp :-) In my personal opinion both transistor amps lacked a certain kind of tonal "depth" which I associate with tube amplifiers. The Roland surprised me and I can see a lot of reasons for acquiring that kind of amplifier for home and practice use. The Orange totally reminded me of all the SolidState-Combos that generations of guitar players bought as a first or second amplifier because it looked cool and had a lot of gain going on. And after half a year of playing they all were safely tucked away in the basement, the darkest corner of the rehearsal room or on eBay. So - I would like to ask if there is really someone here who is totally happy with his SolidStateAmplifier - apart maybe from that JazzChorus kind of thing. Or - to break it down into a question you could answer on a show: Is there a scenario in your life and work as guitar players in which a SolidStateAmp, whatever price, makes you happier than any tube alternative apart from the quiet rehearsal at home? :-)

[@stephen9944]

Yamaha THR100H is quite good.

[@MisterAndrewBuckley]

I agree, I have a thr 10C as a vacation amp. Bloody superb .Great show by the way

[@eranmontiel]

Yea I love my Thr10. Check out the Philip Sayce demo on KZbin, he puts pedals through it and it sounds epic.

[@chenjunhao]

Believe it or not, I used my thr5 in a rehearsal with a polite drummer and I turn the thing all the way up , with some reverb it really sounds bigger than what it is. I believe if you mic it up you can really take it to small gigs

[@nxnemu]

I hope they'll consider this for the part 2.

[@Irkennalpha]

I love the THR’s!. Has anyone tried using the flat setting on the THR10/5? With single coils is just killer.

[@martinreid1740]

Thanks for your reply. Which any way we look at it,it's what makes syou confident to go out and play and get the tones you love. I'm in my sixties now and have been lucky enough to have owned every vintage guitar ,fender and Gibson. and played through all these great amps. One of my fondest memories is playing my 60 strat into a vox AC 30. the amp is long gone but strat is still with me.

[@yomanb258]

You guys should demo Quilter amps.... best transistor amps !

[@thomashogan1985]

Been using valve amps for 15 years or so - However the Yamaha THR100H has been my main gigging amp for the last 3 years or so (bought it as a backup for my Mesa Boogie). The reason why it's replaced the valve amp is that it's an excellent pedal platform , the modelling for the power amp stage just works and the modelled DI out means that I can get a usable sounds through the PA with minimal setup. I play in a wedding band so set-up time is often compressed.

[@bobbyberetta4206]

Damn that Blues Cube sounds great

[@alastairtilley3585]

From 11:06, the OCD through the Orange first, when Dan switched to the Blues Cube, HOT DAMN did it make my nether region tingle. Epic video guys, thank you.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Alastair Tilley any sort of tingle is job done :)

[@GingerLeftyGuitar]

If there indeed is to be a part 2 as the title would suggest, I have one word for you; Quilter.

[@tomclementsmusic1654]

Roland blues cubes are ace. if you guys want to borrow my HH VS 100 solid state amp from 1978, you are more than welcome too. it has a valve sound module, it sounds ok. another top show guys!

[@geecen]

one of my fave amps is the Roland jazz. mmm

[@lance134679]

I've got a Fender M80 1-12 solid state combo that I bought in 1990, and it's never been serviced, but it still works! It doesn't sound very good, however. Once I got my hand-built 65 Deluxe Reverb clone, I never looked back.

[@leafbelly]

Great video. I'd love to see your thoughts on some affordable modeling amps, such as the Vox VT, VR or AV series; Fender Mustang; and - despite the hate - a Line 6 (Amplifi or Spider). I know Line 6 has a lot of haters, but is it justified? And, are they giggable or better left in the bedroom.

[@frankie28web]

They are better left in the trash can! Digital modeling has it's place when it comes to recording, going direct into the mixer or for bedroom practicing. For anything else, forget about it...

[@leafbelly]

It's quite surprising how very little the audience actually cares about guitar sound compared with how much some guitarists obsess over it. It's kind of funny, really, how much more improved digital amps are now compared with 30 years ago, yet by reading comments on KZbin, one would think they've gotten exponentially worse.

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

Maybe actually try a Blackstar ID:60 TVP, or Vox AV60 before crassly talking about leaving it "in the trash can". There are some surprisingly affordable, *giggable* solid state amps that achieve awesome results through analog tube emulation rather than digital modeling.

[@tiomkinnyborg2289]

Guitarists live in the past. They believe the 50's-60's were a 'golden-age'. Everything made then was better. In the real world things have moved on and modelling amps are better than tubes. Why have one fragile amp when you can have twenty + that won't break and weigh next to nothing and are bullet proof? Even guitar design has stagnated. We have the same bolt-on square heel axes of old. And when they try to bring out a modern guitar it gets slated as 'gimmicky'. No wonder keyboard players laugh at us.

[@motorrebell]

I changed the speaker in my Orange cr60 - with an old worn in 75 watt eminence speaker - Now with a Celestion vintage 30 - what a HUGE sound ( gain) improvement !

[@pterantula]

For part II of this "test", I'd love to hear you guys through the new Boss Katanas.....? As well, please do a run-through of Lunastone pedals! Thx!

[@DonLafontaine62]

this video highlighted the difference in a big way for me. I've never owned a valve amp, and my marshall g100r is the best sounding amp I've ever owned. but now this fender amp has changed my opinion completely. I've also been playing for 40 years, so why I never had a valve amp is a mystery to me. time to get me some valves.

[@jeremyhyrkas9541]

the classic line with oranges, transistor or tube, is that they're pickier with pedals than other amps. i think that was on display here...running that ocd into the cleaner channel was killer, otherwise maybe just use the natural sound of the amp. for what it's worth, i also had the orange crush 120w head for a while, and it sounded better to my ears than the crush here. not sure why..

[@marcinzdunek4953]

I've had a brain fart while watching this video, and thought that all of the amps are solid state. I couldn't wrap my head around how can a solid state amp sound this good? Only then I've realised that the amp I had in mind was the Bass Breaker. Thanks for proving the point again: valve > solid state.

[@MrUltraworld]

When played clean, the SS amps aren't bad at all. The OD & Distorted tones are not very good. I think the Orange is the better of the two. But neither can touch the Fender. What I find interesting are the prices. SS amps used to be half the price of a valve amp. Not any more. The Orange is $599, the Roland is $699, the Fender is $599. I don't see what the benefit is to either of the SS amps. I sure wouldn't pay $100 more for the Roland. Hands down, the Fender easily wins here.

[@echotheresa]

It most certainly is reliability combined with an amazing more modern sound.

[@frankie28web]

Yes that is really ridiculous! Those transistor amps are cheaply made in China and sold at high price. I call it a ripp off and would never ever spend that amount of money if I could have a decent tube amp new or used in the same price range...

[@MrUltraworld]

Osa I didn't hear anything amazing.

[@echotheresa]

Fred Garvin I didn't like the sounds in the video either, but I own the amplifier, so I know it can sounds amazing. Other than that, it's a pretty subjective thing.

[@MrUltraworld]

Osa You need you need to get out more.

[@JimmyWatfordGuitar]

So much to say. You guys always say its how everything reacts with one another. Guitar, amps, pedals, player. As an owner of a super reverb and the orange cr60. I can say I enjoy both very much, and honestly I don't prefer the sound of one over the other, they just mean different things to me. Also I enjoy all the amps that were chosen in this video. I will however say, even though it looks like the Orange was less preferred in this video. I believe it caused a reaction from Dan to start playing like he ate his schreddies for breakfast. You guys are great. Some of my friends complain that your videos are to long. I wouldn't want them any shorter than an hour. Keep up the great work.

[@thelaughingeyes6686]

The Crush is something special

[@mystichamster5900]

Since the begining of the video I really liked the Fender. Anyway I think Mick makes everything sound amazing and that's the first thing everyone should learn. How to play well and then choose your equipment.

[@shckltnebay]

Wish you could have tried out the new Katana amps

[@brotendo]

No they're not. They sound fine. I own one and for smaller gigs I take that with me instead of my used Hot Rod Deluxe. They sound great.

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Great video and the Fender is the clear winner for me. However I would really like to see this repeated but using Blues Cube Artist instead of the standard Blues Cube and a Boss Katana Artist instead of the Orange. Both of these amps use "Tube Logic" which provides a genuine valve feel. I suspect the results would be very different indeed!

[@davidwlucas]

You're missing a Quilter! Maybe for round 2?

[@FabrizioPeretti]

i really missed your descriptions of how you feel the frequency range changing from amp to amp and pedal to pedal. that' s what your descriptions really shine for and make them very clear and effective

[@Nickpaflas]

In the US: Bassbreaker: $850 Orange Crush CR60: $500 Blues Cube: $700 So the Bassbreaker is 20% more expensive than even the "Expensive" solid state. On another note, I cannot imagine paying $700 for a solid state amp.

[@Robstafarian]

Two Notes Le Clean, Le Crunch, or Le Lead: $300.

[@pewdaiperthegreat5931]

The ac4-12c is something like $600 isn't. I bought one for 399 euros anyways. I like mine more than the bassbreaker.

[@wadenkrangguttenberg3750]

I loved mine but I found it too bright, I know use the tone knob which I do but youcan only flavor the sound you get and if it's voiced to be bright it will be. I do regret selling it but I have a 2 amp 5 guitar limit imposed by my wife lol

[@Julgers]

you can get a 7 watt bassbreaker for 500$ and a 15 watt one for 650$

[@Robstafarian]

Julian Gerritsen The 7W Bassbreaker is essentially a single-ended Class A plexi: hence the absence of an effects loop. It was stupid of Fender to make every amp in the Bassbreaker line different from the others, resulting in predictable consumer confusion.

[@AdamLayneFisher]

Dan & Mick- You guys are providing a massive public service. I've got all the guys in my band tuning in as required learning. So good! I've been a tube amp guy for years, but got frustrated with my tubes blowing and amps being finicky and sometimes unreliable. My personal gem of an amp is a '62 Airline 12" combo. Great for studio but terrible for live- random buzzes and noise come and go at will. I just bought a Yamaha THR100H for gigs and haven't looked back. There's just something about the way it models my tube amps... and it never breaks down! I'd love for you to try to include at least one of the THR amps in the next video. Is a modeling amp considered "transistor"? Not sure, but thanks for considering. Keep on rockin. 🤘

[@rogeriusrex1]

come on, man! it's fine to use a valve amp as comparison, but use a single speaker version to keep things fair. you can't compare a 2x12 setup to 1x12, even comparing valve to valve or ss to ss.

[@KennyCarlile]

My first two amps were solid state amps (Roland Blues Cube BC30-210 and a Line 6 Flextone III XL). I liked them, but they always lacked a certain something. When I started playing tube amps, I learned that it was the feel. The difference between tube and solid state amps is significant in tone, but it is DRASTICALLY different in FEEL and that's what makes all the difference to me. Unfortunately, no KZbin video will ever be able to convey feel. You have to go play a tube amp to understand. Great video, boys, as always. :)

[@hyperliteBo]

Why not use some more high end transistor amps ? Roland JC much ? Or some heads ? Orange has a head, the Bleus Cube comes in a head, a Randall RG, Fender Metalhead is also quite popular... This didn't feel as a good comparison to me.

[@philipellis7039]

why not watch the show where they explain about why no JC?

[@hyperliteBo]

Oops my apologies, must have missed that :/ at what time mark do they say it ?

[@philipellis7039]

Err, part way through they talk about JCs and their struggles with them, although possibly for a future show as well they say. Long show though easy to miss things. The bits were Mick talks about cross dressing at the weekend, for example, easily lost between them showing fuzz pedals into different amps...

[@Tcflohr]

It's around the 25:00 is mark, maybe a little later

[@utooberblooper]

a head does not a better amp make,get me? it seems like if someone asks for steak,they provide steak and then the person says "no,no.no" they really wanted lobster,so they provide lobster,then the person says"i told you i wanted steak"this is the bullshit that makes the internet go around.no one is ever satisfied no matter what anyone does.enjoy the video and if you have any complaints or suggestions,make your own video showing them or please JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU ASSHOLE. blues cube head or combo are identical orange crush head and combo are identical fender metalhead is an unknown,ive never heard of it so im sure no one else has either. randall,once you heard dime,no need to hear a randall again (dimes tone really was bad,it was horrendous.he was amazing but his tone sucked)

[@jamesrobinson529]

I must admit, I didn't see the usual enthusiasm until the end of the video when all three amps were used...and I can hear why. All three definitely sounded better than either on their own. However, the Cali76 through the Fender Bassbreaker sounded incredible, with the clean tone, withthe strat!

[@Pedrohsc2]

How about we come back to our Plexi journey guys?? I just can't wait any longer LoL

[@keithrowe1007]

The BC consistently seems to punch so far above its weight, and was the only one that sounded truly great no matter what you throw at it. Well done Roland. That's the one I'd buy. Of course the tube sounds good. The Orange would make a really good boat anchor.

[@neuk01642]

Bluescube sounded good but at £570, why wouldn't you buy a Bassbreaker, or an AC15 with Greenbacks, or a DSL40c. The pricing just doesn't make sense to me. Is it a convenience thing? I've played both and I can't get my head around why someone would choose to spend that kind of money and not come home with a box of hot glass and loveliness... just confuses me.

[@hammondsphoto]

Because under heavy gigging conditions valves going down can be a real pain. Do you have a backup? Are you familiar with the backup or will the sound of it annoy and put you off? Is it some crap thing you hastily borrowed? SS tends to be much more robust and 'just work'. So if you've had valve hassles often enough a Bluescube, or similar, may suddenly seem attractive, even if when subjected to close scrutiny it doesn't sound (quite) as good.

[@neuk01642]

hammondsphoto Fair enough... that answered my question... still not sure I'd shell out nearly £600 on a solid state amp but, I take your point...

[@hammondsphoto]

Yeah, it is a bit pricey. I've been using my Bluguitar AMP1 since early this year covering everything from jangley psych to punk to doom metal and I'm not really feeling much pull back to big heavy valve amps live just now.

[@neuk01642]

hammondsphoto I keep seeing reviews for that and it does look and sound the business. It's a different level, but at the moment, for regular gigging I'd be tempted to stump up the cash for a powered Kemper. Bit expensive up front but essentially many many amps in one box and from the recent reviews I've seen, they sound very very very good. Would have to have a play first though.

[@Robstafarian]

A Class A amp, such as the Orange OR15H, would not need biasing: just carry some spare tubes.