Tube Amps Are Dead? -The Market Is Crashing

This video discusses why I think it may be time to sell your tube amps if you are afraid of them going down in value. There has been debates over the last few years as to whether or not guitar tube amps are becoming obsolete. Though I do think there is nothing that will ever replace the sound of a great tube amp the fact remains that there is growing competition from digital alternatives and what i believe is a shrinking base of demand. I discuss why I think it is that vintage tube amp market is crashing and will continue to in the future. I hope I'm wrong!

[@phreak1118]

Part of the problem is that people were "investing" in tube amps and artificially driving up the prices to the point where younger people could not attain them thus losing interest in them. This happens over a long enough of a period and you have an entire generation that has lost interest. Then the whole market comes crashing down.

[@FrankPersico]

Very true. Market dynamics

[@scottclark7592]

I only have 9 tube amps, and all have kept value or increased. Depends what you buy.

[@dingalarm]

So, you have *only* 9 tube amps?? 🙄🤯 I just have one! 😂

[@FrankPersico]

those are rookie numbers.. you need to buy more lol

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

impressive ! I have several but really no need for more. Amp modelers like Fractal Axe FX have really come a long ways.

[@aaronjosephson9026]

tube amps will never die for me!

[@FrankPersico]

That’s great! Enjoy them

[@bishlap]

until they're no longer made. Better stockpile now.

[@FrankPersico]

@@bishlap😂 it is a good time to buy if you want a good deal

[@bishlap]

@@FrankPersico hold on-got my broker on the phone.... 🙂

[@oldcrackadated]

If tube amps are dying I have bought 4 in the last year and none are for sale as long as I’m alive

[@FrankPersico]

lol awesome man. Good luck w ur amps

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

wow that is quite impressive!

[@oldcrackadated]

I started when all amps had tubes

[@mikekanjun]

Played in bands for 30 years. Never used a tube amp. Just didn't make sense for a local/regional band. The flexibility and reliability of digital modelers were good enough 30 yrs ago now they are outstanding. Tube amps are cool but they just don't make sense for most situations/bands.

[@FrankPersico]

Great perspective. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@joedomingos8486]

I just bought a 67 Dual Showman a week ago. Prices are down yes, in my opinion it just a sign of most people being squeezed by the rising prices on their daily needs.

[@FrankPersico]

It’s true. The economy at large is a factor as a well

[@doubleuseven]

I remember a guy I knew in the late 80's saying, "Tubes are on the way out, soon nobody will manufacture them anymore". So he bought all he could lay his hands on at the time. Well, we all know how that went. Maybe you're right and I don't care. All the guitar industry is a fake hyped up industry. Who needs a new delay pedal every year or month? How can a beat up CS guitar be sold for big money? We have Joe Bonamassa's father in law tell everybody how good these old 50's and 60's guitars are and if you sell your house and car you maybe will have the money to get one. The guitar market is a scam that only builds on feelings and nostalgia. Buy a new guitar that you can afford and a good amp sim, make music and forget about these overpriced wooden pieces. No one that listen to your music will care what you use, good music is good music.

[@FrankPersico]

Great advice.

[@robertstan2349]

i bought these amps decades ago because they sound great, not as an 'investment'. sadly we have a generation of guitarists that have no other experience than the pre-packaged, canned, cartoon-like quality of digital models. i'll just continue to stockpile tubes.

[@FrankPersico]

Yeah good idea to keep tubes on hand just in case

[@SotR59]

Nothing sounds better than a guitar and cranked tube amp. Unfortunately a generation raised on ear buds and Mp3 don't know and don't care.

[@FrankPersico]

I agree and you are correct with the exception of very few

[@user-bd6eo9wk9j]

Tube amps are not dead. They still record better, play better and are just.... Better.

[@FrankPersico]

I’m not gonna dispute you there. On a personal level they will never die with some players. But on a whole ? That’s what I’m not sure of. I personally will always play tube amps.

[@demoforcl]

Except in the many ways they’re not

[@TomuraDev]

A couple years ago I would have agreed, but these days I'm not sure, and modellers will only get better. Tube amps still look cool on stage, though, and obviously sound great. Though tube amp probably won't go away, but we'll see them used less and less.

[@user-bd6eo9wk9j]

@@TomuraDevOne of these days someone will come up with a non tube amp situation that works. But at this point the modellers sound a little weird and make you play a lot weird to compensate.

[@henriquevalverde7179]

For most people they dont record better, because to proper Record a tube amp you have to access proper recording gear AND proper studio.

[@zeropointpower]

If I was an Tube amp maker, here’s what I would do. All of my amps would be combos of 15 watts or less. They would all have an effects loop, an attenuation selector, stereo XLR DI out and a speaker out. I would not include any built-in effects, since everyone has the effects setup they want in a pedal board or multi-effects unit. I would offer a hand-wired lineup. The trend is going this direction. Nobody needs or wants 4x12 cabs and 100 watt heads. Going direct to house is more than adequate. The other option is maybe a small mic’ed Tube amp. The biggest thing missing in the current small tube amp market is enough IO on small amps. If I was a doing metal, I would go ampless. The sims and emulators are so good with high gain nobody can tell the difference. For edge of breakup, classic rock/pop, sure get a small tube amp if it makes you happy.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for your perspective. Great ideas!

[@petertiffany8096]

I don't think tube amps will completely go away, but I do think they have a limited future. Incidentally, I think the whole guitar market is in trouble right now. I don't think it is just expensive tube amps that aren't moving - I don't think many "higher end" items are moving at the moment.

[@FrankPersico]

Yes I agree. Here in NY the guitar center and Sam ash doesn’t even stock the higher quality guitars in the amounts they used to.

[@christophernaples1315]

FJB !

[@joelhague5515]

Frank, I think you're pretty much right. I remember my grandparents in the 80s and 90s pretty much not knowijg or caring at all about "rock n rollers" whether they be from the 60s or the 80s. They came up on swing and big band and crooners, if you know what I mean. And i can see the same thing happening now as ive hit my '50s. Guitar as the "dominant musical/culture" force is clearly in decline. Yes, theres a slew of great players and some "young" people are still into it. But its way past its prime. Remember when almost every big pop tune featured some sort of guitar solo? When Michael Jackson cut "Thriller," he and Quincy Jones thought "This is a kick ass song. We need a kick ass guitar solo on it." And then Luke gets them Ed Van Halen. Know what I mean? Does that ever happen now if its not County? Anyway, great vid. It is what it is.

[@FrankPersico]

This is kinda the feeling I get in my gut as well. Hence these videos. Although it’s not a popular opinion . It does t give me any joy

[@joelhague5515]

@@FrankPersico Hi Frank, yeah, it does seem to be going that way. Crazily, Rick Beato has a new vid out today based on a chart analysis of some kind and the last year or so shows a massive decline in hip hop and reasonable growth in both country and rock as a proportion of what is being listened to so perhaps there's some hope? 🤷‍♂️ Anyway, KT66s in one and 6L6s in the other for me right now, love em both.

[@FrankPersico]

@@joelhague5515great video I just watched it!

[@joelhague5515]

@@FrankPersico nice! (I'm not stalking you, lol, I just happen to have my KZbin app open right now, checking out a burning Jack Pearson blues where he's tuned down to C# ala Albert King). Cheers man!

[@joelhague5515]

@@FrankPersico and he's getting a killer tone just using a Bonamassa Epiphone Flying V, not sure of the amp, etc

[@wangobadankas4038]

I'm in my 60s. I'm aging out. A few years back my tube amps started getting too heavy to lug around.They're expensive too. I also realized that the audience won't care about your amp. The only people that might be picky are guitar players without a gig. On the other hand I realize it's a drag if your're not happy with your own tone.

[@FrankPersico]

Be careful who you say that around. You may “trigger” them lol. Thanks for the comment

[@wangobadankas4038]

Of course I use mine at home!@@FrankPersico

[@lonesomelenny7606]

I thank my Fender Twin for it's great sound and my 1st hernia. I thank my Vox AC-30 for it's great sound and my 2nd hernia.

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaah I’m cracking up. At least you have the great sound!

[@user-bd6eo9wk9j]

BiLateral inguenal hernias and tinitus. The signs of a true guitar player...

[@sparkyguitar0058]

I went heavy tube amps also. Pro tube Twin and Mesa Boogie S O B. Both are 60/100 watts and on wheels. The Twin ,castors and the Boogie in a road case. So that helps. But both are damn close to 100 lbs. But anymore my fav amp is a Hotone Mojo Diamond Fender Tweed head on a Celestion 70/80 12" cab. Only paid $60 for the head and the cab was free. Is loud lightweight and easy to move. Can even put the head in the back of the cab.

[@morbidmanmusic]

if you don't like reactive volume, actual feedback response, yeah,.. sell your tube amp.. What happened to guitar players? THey forgot how volume works, and how to control it. Virtual amps are fine for a few things.. that is it. It isn't like an amp in any real way.

[@FrankPersico]

There is also that slight lag when you play through a tube amp. I personally like it

[@jamesshackelford3702]

I bought my 64 Deluxe Reverb amp at a pawn back in 1995 for $180. I was a happy camper and still love it today

[@FrankPersico]

Amazing! Wanna sell? Lol

[@jeffking4176]

Tube Amps, like Tube radios, will continue. There’s a warm sound that just cannot be re-created, easily. [ I’m no musician, but I happen to have some 27 working Tube radios in my collection, from the 1920’s - the early 1970’s. And I DO USE them.] 📻😁

[@FrankPersico]

Oh wow. That must be a great hobby. I do agree the sound of tube amps cannot be replicated. Though they say these new digital amps are getting very very close

[@elenbrandt290]

At a certain point - people will come back and trade their body -parts for vintage "tube" amps - case in point - vinyl records and turntables are now hotter than they ever were - it is the retro "unobtanainium" factor.

[@FrankPersico]

Maybe we are just in a downswing perhaps?

[@lifeafterlifeparanormaland9991]

I was one of the tube snob guys back in the day. But now i gotta say the digital amps such as the fender tone masters are damn close. Also the UA Dream 65 reverb is awesome sounding. The kids today dont care about tube amps. Basically they can carry there sound in a backpack and go live within minutes. Its just like the stereo audiophiles. Remember how cool it was to have a fantastic stereo system. The kids now are listening to mp3's. They dont have anything really to compare to. So i would say as we older guys pass the torch to the new kids, big heavy tube amps will eventually be a thing of the past. Tube amp cons: heavy, replace tubes, replace caps, lots of maintenance. Digital: light, no weight, no tubes, no transformers, no electolytic caps to replace. Its a no brainer. Plus when u play live your tube amp sound verses your digital sound is barely going to be noticed. The technology today is getting better and better.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the response. You bring up a lot of great points.

[@edwardmonsariste4050]

Market correction is happening. The same thing happened in the early 80’s when many people were moving towards digital style music (new wave). The vintage instrument market crashed hard. Thank goodness for Van Halen, Metallica, Guns N Roses, and such that kept people interested in guitar based music. Many people have been waiting for a young rock god messiah(s) to give a rebirth of mainstream rock. Also, the antichrist of rock music is sound engineers and club owners that are forbidding amplifiers on stage, like Princetons, Deluxe Reverbs, even tiny Sparks. This has to change. Take back the live rock show and enjoy life again. Socializing is dying. Get off your couch and go watch a live band and have fun!

[@FrankPersico]

Great comment. Funny you mention sound engineers. I remember several years ago I had a gig at BB Kings in Times Square which was a decent sized club. I was playing with a 5 piece rock band and was planning on using 2 fender princetons in stereo. Not big Amps at all: the sound guy almost had a heart attack! Lol

[@JacobSmith-hz2tr]

Anyone who buys an amp for its resale value needs to have their fingertips cauterised so they can never play their Mexican Strat ever again.

[@FrankPersico]

lol good one

[@1man1guitarletsgo]

New technologies come along and eat into existing sectors, sometimes so well that the old technologies die out. As long as there are live gigs and recording studios, there should be a market for valve amps. Any musician worth his salt knows that digital modelling and "silent stages" are poor substitutes for the real thing. Every band I've ever seen with these types of equipment has sounded poor. As for volume levels, my recent gigs have featured a Peavey Bandit (80 Watt tranny amp) defeating a loud drummer without going to the PA; and a Fender BDR defeating a loud drummer _and_ going to the PA. I've just bought a _fantastic_ 1999 Laney LC30 combo, and am looking forward to gigging with it, as loud as is necessary to please the audience!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the comment and insight

[@Kreln1221]

*The classic truly great tube/valve companies, such as **_RCA, Sylvania, Mullard, Telefunken,_** etc..., ceased their production decades ago..., and now, with former Soviet Block countries and China being the only manufacturers left, when you add in the recent geo-political instability in the regions, the future availability of even these new tubes/valves, (which are generally considered inferior to the aforementioned classics made in the U.S. and Europe decades ago), is far from assured.* 😕

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing with all of us:)

[@wildwall]

It's more fun to play a Princeton turned up than a Twin on 2! Sounds better and everything is miked through the house sound system. Back in the 70's I played in a band and if I turned the Deluxe past 3 the sound guy would go nuts. Now on jam night I bring my Champ and make everyone turn down. Sounds way better!

[@FrankPersico]

Hey Jeff!! Thanks for commenting I hope all is well

[@bishlap]

great point, economy/playability and having the knowledge that your pick control/style all can lead to making your/any amp sound better --if it happens to be a tube amp, then go with it. 50% of people couldn't tell the difference, to be truthful.

[@joelhague5515]

I'll agree with there about "getting into" the amp. A minor disagreement - the small amps just don't have the right hand feel of the large transformers and in the room they tend to lack bottom end. But it is what it is.

[@VelezBiH]

I felt that tube amps were going down the hill few years ago. I was tube amp guy, played Marshall halfstack and gig with it. I had Fenders, Peavesy etc. I love the way tube amps sound and feel but for me it did not make sense to hold on to them. To mch maintenance, tube prices went up, and then maintenance cost of something else breaks....i ended up selling all my tube amps and went into to the modeler worlds. I do not see myself coming back.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing. I have kept 3 of my 4 vintage fender combos: for now lol

[@Theboss0time]

One thing that does piss me off is when other players try tell other players what to use.

[@FrankPersico]

👍☝️

[@898moto5]

Vinyl records went out of fashion did you all sell your turn tables?

[@FrankPersico]

Good point . But there are for sure far fewer of them now than in the past. There will always be a niche market for vinyl and I suppose that’s the direction we are heading for tube amps as well. How small with the niche be? Is it enough to sustain a market? This is what I find interesting (I perhaps need to get a life lol)

[@898moto5]

@@FrankPersico the investor in vintage guitars and amps pushed the value up to stupidity levels,the market will come back to realistic prices.

[@FrankPersico]

@@898moto5 we are “retracing” to borrow a stock market term…

[@DeadKoby]

Modern PCB offerings have destroyed the concept of reliability.

[@FrankPersico]

I know they have had a bad reputation in the past … not so much anymore I guess?

[@DeadKoby]

@@FrankPersico Peavey's from the 80's get a pass..........Vox (Korg era) gets a pass. The rest of them I'd rather not. Modern Fender is a JOKE on the reliability side.

[@killer268]

With the exception of large fenders like super six reverb's and such, prices have never been higher. Marshall JMP mk 2's that were $1200 a few years ago are $3k, you can't get ANY tweed for less than 3-4k, blackface bassmans are going for $1200-1500, even silverface's are going for 3-5x what they were 10 years ago. People who turn commodities into investments ruin everything. You used real estate as an example, buying real estate as an investment during a housing crisis is 100% unethical.

[@FrankPersico]

Good points all around. Thanks for sharing

[@ernestochang1744]

Just like the Compact Disc (CD) look watt happened to it, its on life support, soon the tube amps will be on life support too

[@FrankPersico]

Scary but true

[@jeffking4176]

VALUE, can be measured 2 ways: Cash, Use. - EXAMPLE: I own a 2005 Chevy Colorado X-TREME. It has been wrecked, and has 250,000 miles on it. So it’s not that valuable for Cash , BUT , it has new engine, transmission, and lots of other parts. I’m an Auto Detailer by trade, my bright yellow sport truck grabs attention, and people know me by my truck. [ I’ve had it 14 years]. SO, for Advertisement, function, and fun to drive, it would be near impossible to replace. There is just something about it. It looks great for its age, excellent gas mileage, even in city with all my equipment. It’s the EXPERIENCE, and “novelty” of it. THAT cannot easily be replaced. I fire up an old tube radio, and listen to a Ball game, or some Oldies music - the experience is not the same. 📻🚗🙂

[@FrankPersico]

Heck yeah! Thanks for sharing ur perspective

[@TheMattJacks]

Tube amps sound great, but they can be emulated, are extremely expensive, and just 1 set of Tubes for like a 5150 or JCM800/900 are like $200!! Some more. Tubes can blow out brand new for lots of reasons. It's a hassle. Can't play the same in cold weather.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rexoliver7780]

A place where tubes are still used--very high power radio broadcast transmitters. I operate and maintain these rigs run at 100kw,250kw and 500 kw short wave transmitters. One 500kw tube now cost 395,000 dollars-it the size of a small water heater and weighs in at over 300 pounds. You use a small crane to lift tubes in and out of the transmitter. The tube is made from ceramic metal and stainless steel it’s shipped in a special metal-wood crate. Even the crates are works of art of sorts. The tube is suspended in the crate.

[@FrankPersico]

Wow that is some interesting stuff u are laying down lol. Unreal. Love the info

[@user-bd6eo9wk9j]

Cool!!!

[@transistorized_]

Transistors are our friends !!

[@FrankPersico]

Haha yes!

[@michaelnachoescamilla6241]

Lol just a quick visit to TGP shows no lessening of value. They are still at an all time high. SLO I had was bought and sold for 2.5k. a couple years back. I doubt that number will be seen again. 2k for a silver face Vibrolux?? No, it’s not going to move.

[@FrankPersico]

It sold for 2150.00

[@michaelnachoescamilla6241]

@@FrankPersico surprising to be but that is great. Clear indicator that the market is still ridiculous. A quick scan of my Reverb morning feed shows 14k for a tweed Twin, 4.6k for. blackface Vibrolux, 5.5k for. Blackface Deluxe Reverb, 6.5k for a Tweed Deluxe… market is still bloated. And this gear moves.

[@kenairockband]

I’m 53 this year. In the past 25 years the trends and fads of the guitar world have gotten ridiculous. I love my heavy ass les paul and no other tone pleases me more than my Marshall dsl. The only fad I see lately that gives me hope is these young black guys getting into maiden and priest and stuff like that. I’m praying they bring real music back into the realm of cool

[@FrankPersico]

I love it when i see the younger kids rockin the music i grew up on... great music always has the power to transcend any demographic be it age, gender etc etc...

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

maintenance is the big issue plus high cost and large space for tube amp and cabs. I probably will sell my tube amps except for one or two and go hardware modeler route like Fractal and Kemper for simplicity to record easier. Mezzabarba MZero and Mesa Mark V are my go to home amps that never want to sell as they are fantastic.

[@FrankPersico]

Well said! Thanks for sharing. My 2 princetons are never leaving me lol

[@kiwistu]

Here in New Zealand the guitar shops have been having almost continual sales for at least the last year. Guitars and amps seem to be very difficult to sell unless the price is right.

[@FrankPersico]

Ahhh yes. It always comes down to the pesky issue of "price". lol

[@rexoliver7780]

You may think the musical instrument tube amps could be declining. Here is some other application for audio receiving tubes--the High End Hi-Fi market. The folks relish tubed amplification of records,CDs and other music sources. The type WE 300 tube is a favored tube here. Western Electric is still in business building these simple triode tubes for single end and PP tubed amps commanding prices in like 500 bucks for a pair and 14 grand for a stereo single end 300 amp. Then the prices and craziness goes on from there.

[@FrankPersico]

This is excellent and uplifting info and I appreciate the share as do the rest of us I am sure. Believe me I am rooting for tube amps and for us guitarists in general

[@scooterriff]

I paid $300 for my 80's era Marshall JCM 800 combo they are now going for 1,600 to $2,600.

[@FrankPersico]

There are definitely certain models that will be more immune. Hmmmm perhaps that is a good idea for another video. Thanks btw love JCM 800s!

[@stevem8485]

I’ve tried digital but gone back to a tube amp…I bought it to use and I’ll use it until I’m no longer able to play. It’s a Mezzabarba and I don’t think I’ll have a problem selling it when the time comes.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing …

[@user-bd6eo9wk9j]

In hifi world tubes are making a huge comeback now with the 300B S.E.T. amps that are selling like crazy. W.E. is about to start making 12ax7's in the US. And the asian tube aren't bad. Tubes will be around forever.

[@FrankPersico]

That is definitely good news. And I appreciate you educating me on it.

[@davecooper360]

Ive come to the conclusion that my ears aren't that good because I honestly can't hear the difference between tube and solid state amps... and I've been playing gigs with both for decades. I dont have any tube amps anymore. These days I'm into modelers and 80s and 90s solid state Peaveys. I got a Peavey Special 150 that has the most gorgeous clean tone with single coils I've ever heard.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@rodrigomartins9692]

Hi, could you tell me some good transistorized Peavey that you had played with? I need to buy one or two for a Rehearsal space

[@ClNoBody]

I like the sound of my multiFX pedal in fx loop and using the power amp tubes and speaker of my amp.

[@FrankPersico]

nice! never tried it that way

[@TranscendentBen]

I've seen videos saying more and more major acts are touring with digital simulators instead of tube amps because they're "that good," and small, lightweight and a lot less bother to carry around. It's inevitable that in the near term (the next few years) there will be many "excess" amps on the market and prices will drop. But it's all happened before. I recall the mid-80s an acquaintance had a Fender Rhodes electric piano that he wanted $100 for. I SO should have bought it. The Yamaha DX-7 had killed the value of the Rhodes (and the Hohner Clavinet), but look at prices now - you can get a DX-7 for a few hundred, but not a Rhodes or Clavinet that it allegedly replaced! Wait 10 or 20 years and the desire for the Real Thing may well drive amp prices higher than ever.

[@FrankPersico]

All good points. The thing we always need to remember is there is a market out there and it will dictate the price... regardless of how subjectively good or bad the item is

[@wolfdesikan1766]

I finally got the tube amp Ive wanted since I was 14. I'm hoping that dude watched your video.

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha yes! Good for you. Enjoy it

[@xsamitt]

It doesn't help when Fender Has expensive amps that have a noise floor that will make you regret buying it!

[@FrankPersico]

I know the modern remake of the vibrolux had a bad reputation for that

[@xsamitt]

I have seen videos of the hardwired deluxe reverb also is noisy! It's a great way to go out of business! @@FrankPersico

[@FrankPersico]

@@xsamitt my understanding is that (from what I was able to comprehend from my amp tech) that it comes from poor placement of the wiring and grounding such that it picks up noise

[@xsamitt]

Fender should address such deficiencies! @@FrankPersico

[@jmtrainz2582]

I think that some of the newer tube amps made as cheap consumer garbage will fade away, yet vintage equipment will remain. There’s no possible way you can produce something on a higher level than a 60s’ Fender, it’s already the ultimate. it’s got a lot of mojo lol, 1. super high end transformers that last forever, 2. caps and resistors that last comparatively longer, 3. great sounding speakers that may need a recone on occasion, that still generally have a sweeter voice, 4. As demand for tube amps dies down, the best ones will be the only ones left to retain their value and all the shitty ones will be thrown away, reducing supply - which now matches the new demand.

[@jmtrainz2582]

As for the eroding demand, there’s merely a mixed demographic in the youth, I think any intelligent young musicians will be pursuing better gear. Those who actually like good music will look for the equipment it was produced with anyway. My experience may be biased because I myself may be an outlier. As I write, I’m sitting here in a cardigan, in my room, playing a 63’ Gibson Tg-0 Tenor Guitar; across from my 67’ Fender Pro Reverb with its original orange label Utah speakers, at the extremely elderly age of 16 and 3/4 y/o. I’ve also got a 64’ Gibson Lg-0 and a 78’ Gretsch bass. (All bought locally, and paid for by either trading up, or from stupid good deals on Facebook) I’d rather have the pro reverb than 1200 different profiles that sound slightly worse and aren’t even tangible. Quality over quantity, shit I don’t even have a bass amp because of it lol.

[@jmtrainz2582]

Sometimes modernization can be redundant, and in my case; id rather be playing vintage gear than anything else, it’s just right for whatever reason. It’s an almost spiritual sensation to be playing old gear, opposed to the new stuff for whatever reason; and some people get it, some people don’t.

[@FrankPersico]

Dude awesome insight and well thought out and very informative response. We all appreciate it .

[@jmtrainz2582]

@@FrankPersicomaybe I should make a video lol

[@maxpeck4154]

I'll always have a tube amp.

[@FrankPersico]

Me too

[@kingcormack8004]

I use Quilter amps. I'll never use a tube amp again unless I have to.

[@FrankPersico]

I’ve heard great things about them

[@user-bd6eo9wk9j]

@@FrankPersico I recently used a few "digital fake" amps in the studio and in live situations. They where close, but there's still something weird about the attack and dynamic feel, that makes you play differently. If its not broke, don't fix it. Ill stick to tubes. My fender Deluxe and Boogie arent that heavy. Yet.....

[@waltjames407]

I'll never use a modeler again unless I have to.

[@user-bd6eo9wk9j]

I think modeler's will have a place as entry level gear for basement dwellers and kids, but for real performance and high level recording it'll be while till modelers take over.

[@waltjames407]

@@user-bd6eo9wk9j I guess Rush, Metallica, et. al. aren't "real performers," since they're using/used modelers live. Boston's third album and Def Leppard's Hysteria were recorded with a Rockman, one of the earliest amp modelers. I'd say those guitars sound pretty good. I personally hate modelers and think they suck but I won't knock others for using them. If you can stand spending 90% of your time tweaking parameters trying to get your modeler to sound like a real amp, more power to you. At least that's how it always ends up for me.

[@veryfewpeople]

Frank, you're just trying to buy my Fender Deluxe, aren't you? Haha! Well, I got a reissue and I also got it used. Great for gigging. That said, the newer emulated Deluxe is much, much lighter and when I'm going up stairs or in and out of my car for a gig, I sometimes wish I would have bought one of those instead. Oh well, one day maybe I'll have some nice biceps out of the deal!

[@FrankPersico]

lol yes I am bottom fishing for amps

[@ericolson8016]

Tube amps will never go away.. Totally cool with anyone that plays digital/modeling amps.. I'm 100% fine with the illusion that tube amps will die off. The late 70's Rockman mid 80's Gallien Krueger and early 2000's line 6 proved tube amps will survive.. Like the muscle car, vintage electric guitars and real drum set bring it on and try and bury them....

[@FrankPersico]

I hope so! I love my tube amps!!

[@Mikexception]

People making investment in old items we call collector - it is not average customer . Good reason to buy device is to use it aiming to make with it art. Just as electric drill we buy for making holes not investment and future value.

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaah good point

[@waltjames407]

After owning about 4 different modelers, I just sold my last one. I hate them. They don't do "just as good a job." They suck. No thrust. No feedback/string-speaker interaction. Scrolling through menus, cabinet emulation settings, mike placement settings, cabinet selection, tube sag, blah blah blah....I'm done. I'd sooner move to solid state before I'll get another modeler. At least I can get a decent sound on a solid state without having to spend four hours shuffling through menus. Digital amps suck, and I'll die on that hill.

[@FrankPersico]

Yeah I definitely can’t stand menus either. My buddy had the helix for a bit and we both couldn’t stand the menu

[@tlister67]

Anything over 30W is not really needed for the type of music I play (Classic rock, blues). Extra weight means hard to haul to the gig and if you are playing at home likely not needed. I have an early 70s pre master Twin Reverb in the basement and they sound great but are damn heavy. Luckily I got it pretty cheap years ago. I would be lucky to get $500 for it. I think what will happen is that makers will abandon the market seeing they are not profitable and eventually they will become more valued. Lets just hope that tube makers do not fold as well.

[@FrankPersico]

I'm with you on all of the above. I would hate to NOT be able to replace tubes on my fave amps!! this is why i dont think now is a good time to have too many extra tube amps lying around just in case

[@antoonhermans8953]

i think it's already to late , i see a lot of twins on marketplace overhere in Holland , for prices wich i consider to be pretty low , but they don't sell , and you are right , ever since the 50's there are so many amps/guitars/pedals made by so many companies that the market is overflooded wich will bring down the general prices ( although brands like gibson are aming for that top notch rich people status branding/marketing ) , so yeah different situations going on in the same market . But like philip mc knight say's , the market is soft at the moment and there are good deals to be made , just do not expect to make money on that shit because that won't happen .

[@FrankPersico]

Thats seems to be the situation I agree. Hence this video

[@diabolicalartificer]

Valve amplifiers like any other item for sale will go up or down in value depending on demand, fashion etc. Covid knocked the sh*t out of the live music scene, the dire economic situation , caused by Covid, the war in Ukraine etc means folk haven't as much free cash to spend. I remember when valve amps were very cheap, like £30 for a Marshall head, circa 2000. I bought a Marshall Super Plexi in 1990 for £15. Times change.

[@FrankPersico]

You make a lot of good points thanks for the comment

[@user-ky3ti7fs3i]

its people like you that drive the prices way beyond the ability for musicians to buy. its the same for motorcycles, cars etc. if tube amps do crash, that's great news. as long as we can still buy spares, then the right people will have them. if you want to invest, get some bloody stocks and stop driving the costs up.

[@FrankPersico]

lol yeah cuz of me the price of tube amps went up. Right

[@adriancressy8363]

It has reached the saturation point. There are only so many people on Earth who can afford these over-inflated prices.

[@FrankPersico]

Supply and demand;)

[@adriancressy8363]

Then maybe demand is going down@@FrankPersico

[@FrankPersico]

for sure.

[@n.s.3812]

I've seen this video in various forms posted a couple times a month for the last 15 years or so

[@FrankPersico]

Yes but now it’s true lol

[@kentherapy7022]

Young people play on iPhone. Not for large and heavy musical instruments.... That's why they don't even need heavy amplifiers.... Cars drive on the streets. Not horses. People live in houses. Not in caves. And so on. If is your worry cost of amps, you're in luck life.

[@FrankPersico]

You are right about that.

[@kentherapy7022]

@@FrankPersico 99.9 % of people on planet Earth has different and else worries, than is price of old amplifiers...😆...Any way, good informative video...😎

[@FrankPersico]

@@kentherapy7022thanks so much. I try to make it a point to remind myself how lucky we are … some people don’t have clean water

[@stevenpipes1555]

Tube amps will go the way of classic cars. They wont be made new, for the most part, but enthusiasts will collect, repair, and modify them. The values of certain ones will go through the roof, the rest will increase as they become more rare. Boutique builders will still build high dollar customs but they will be rare.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing your comment. Great points

[@MreViewer]

They also told you to sell your Diesel car and buy EV?

[@FrankPersico]

lol true indeed

[@Nevtech1898]

Ughhh, they are saying this again! The economy is suffering horribly right now, thus the reason of the price drops. Also no one wants to play through a tiny gizmo screen, I want to have a half stack behind me and crank it!

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha put in on 11!!

[@TAM-gz5tc]

I USE ALL AMPS BUT FIND MY MOST USED AMPS ARE A PAIR OF ROLAND CUBES.

[@FrankPersico]

Oh wow. I have the micro cube and do like it for what it does.

[@zanderday4466]

my valve is here to stay! not about $

[@zanderday4466]

sure hope my tubes never burn out!

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaah yes. Tubes are getting pricey too!!

[@user-ky3ti7fs3i]

No, its because of people like you. Please read the words that I used.... "people like you"!

[@FrankPersico]

And please fill us all in on what asset classes are permitted on your buy list. “Bloody stocks” only.. or can people purchase real estate, gold, stamps, coins, art?

[@FrankPersico]

People like me?? Oh so you know me enough to judge. I happen to be a professional musician with a grand total of 4 tube amps. With all due respect I will buy whatever it is that I please. A market is a market. We buy what we deem a good value. Have a good day

[@MrIkesimba]

Tube amps aren't going away. The market just reached a saturation point, the price point increased to the level of absurdity, and the economy is in the toilet. Now things will balance out. Simply put, there are too many amps available, and they cost too much. There's ZERO reason that a tweed deluxe clone, that contains $300 worth of parts should cost $2500.

[@FrankPersico]

Agreed but I also think that there is just less demand overall with the next generation.

[@NicholasANappiNick]

I went solid state a couple of years ago the tubes made today are garbage🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@FrankPersico]

How do you like the sound of SS in comparison?

[@robertedwards2414]

Everything is not selling. Inflation is destroying all markets.But they're are more guitar players than ever. The oracle of. Omaha says buy em.

[@FrankPersico]

But when there is blood in the streets ;)

[@ThomasDoubting5]

Again?

[@FrankPersico]

Still! ;)

[@lqr824]

3:15 and you still haven't answered the question. We KNOW what the situation is, you don't have to explain it. We can read the video title. We clicked because we want your answer. Just explain please. Have some respect for the viewers' time.

[@FrankPersico]

Just attempting to discuss and marginally entertain people and perhaps get a discussion going on the subject. You know set the scene first. Sorry if not for you. All the best

[@Jeremyak]

The trash they make now a days means your tube amp will never not be valuable definitely don't sell your amps lol wtf.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the comment and the advice. I’m only looking to sell one. I’ve made the mistake of selling and regretting in the past

[@Creamstp]

really...LOL.

[@FrankPersico]

Yes :)I think so. Sad but true

[@Aeon_Electronics]

And again.... The trillionth clickbait video about "tube amps are dying". This is such a bullshit. Here is why: Modelers do have proprietary ICs and firmware on it. Guess what happens if they will fail in let's say 5 years. Right, the manufacturer won't repair it because of two reasons; frist and simple point: It is uneconomical. Second: He can no longer order the custom ICs he used to burn on his own custom firmware, because they are obsolete. Finally you will end up with a bunch of digital waste. Tube amps were declared for dead even before the author of this video was born. I am still waiting for it... Truth is: There IS a high demand for modelers with solid state technique, but that does not mean tube amps are dead. Modelers, for example, are a good tool and even sound _really_ nice nowadays. But why are you thinking in black and wihite? Either .. or... The world isn't just good or bad. That is why is disliked your video.

[@morbidmanmusic]

yes

[@rodrigomartins9692]

Proprietary technologies? I dont think so. Lot of computers running Open Source plugins in records around the world, doing the job really well. Small ipads with mini-floor midi controllers attached on doing the same in live situations. Is just a people's generation change thing. Old guys are dying, although the more the new guys grow up with these modelers technologies in their kitchens, the more it will spread and more popular and open source options it will be.

[@themanmike1]

What planet do you live on? Tube amps aren't going anywhere. Tubes amps generate more money than solid state trash. Solid state CAN NOT touch the sound, compression, gain, or available volume found in tube amps. Solid state is for noobs. Real guitar players use TUBE AMPS..........................

[@FrankPersico]

Earth

[@crappyatlife]

Settle down, sperg

[@demoforcl]

This is the most outdated take I’ve ever seen. You are the one on another planet, clearly.

[@themanmike1]

Clearly your take on tube amps is BUNK my Marshall tube heads sell for 3 times what I paid for them while S.S. crap only declines in value. Your the lost ball in the tall weeds.. @@demoforcl

[@FrankPersico]

I would beg to differ that if you tried to sell today you may find it more difficult. Though i don't wish that on you. Yeah i don't mess with SS. I personally only play tubes. but I do think this market is in trouble. your mileage may vary