Yes We Do Like Transistor Amps #1: Boss & BluGuitar - That Pedal Show

[@goldtop362]

I've had valve amps, hybrid amps with valve preamp and solid state power section, modeling amps... and my main amp now is a solid state 80 watt Roland Blues Cube Artist. I've had some killer amps and there's no doubt that a cranked valve amp will give you tone to die for...but usually only at unusable volume, unless you're gigging (and sometimes not even then!) The Blues Cube is a revelation! Four discreet power amps, brilliant tone at various volume levels... and takes pedals like a champ! Definitely up there as one of the best amps I've had, over the last 40+ years!

[@michaelmasin1996]

I love how thomas is open about what he does and shares the reasons behind every choice he made

[@mtrooze]

I've been playing off and on for 42 years. After all that tone chasing, I am most pleased with my current amp: a Peavey Studio Pro 112, red stripe, designed and made in the USA, with the Blue Marvel speaker replaced with Celestion G12T Hot 100. I run the Tube Dynamics at 100%, and often run a Timmy clone in front of the amp. I am very, very happy with this setup. Changes in pedals have made it possible to get good tone in ways impossible in 1977. When I first started, Klons did not exist, and we all got that tone - and all our other favorites - through the amp's gain stages. I pushed my amp with an MXR Micro Amp pedal, a clean boost. Today, we can stack overdrives like crazy -- and unless we're using a Butler Tube Driver, we're doing it all with analog solid-state drive stages. So why not go the next obvious step and ditch the tubes, and all the problems they bring?

[@bennettskb555]

For me, it’s practicality. good solid state gear, is light, affordable, reliable, loud and sounds very good.....not many punters would know the difference in a live band mix. I’m approaching 65 years old now and have got my brain past the ‘valves are best mantra’....two years gigging with the Amp1 and more recently a Katana 50, both clean and loud.....all I need.......always love the show.....many thanks....Steve

[@kimmolingonheimo]

HI Steve, Im celebrating being 55 til the end of this October, abouts these trans amps of mine: Peavey Bandit 112, Laney TF300, Hughes &Kettner Vortex 80W, Kustom KG 100W, Crate 100w, and the Fender Stage 100........: theyre great! for home use I use Fender Frontman 10Gs..., OH: I have one tube in the Laney: how should/could I bias it?..Ha haa, health, wellth n happyness to you wishes Kimmo in Finland..... : )

[@alexbarto7]

Wich of both do You like they Best?

[@ZRJZZZZZ]

Thomas‘ explanation of the latency caused by digital signal processing is the most instructive thing I’ve heard to explain the difference between processing of an analog versus a digital system.

[@danielswaim5566]

It sounds silly, but this show is great therapy for my anxiety issues

[@vexguine]

not silly. overthinking on "useless" knowledge is one of my technique too whenn dealing with my anxiety. You just unplug from "real" problems to "well... lets see if germanium is better than silicon". It kinda clears your mind. The only problem is that anxiety could lead to consumerism. And seeing too much videos about pedals can trigger some gear aquisition syndrome...

[@josephog835]

Totally agree

[@tobyzxcd]

I understand you completely- it’s helped me all throughout lockdown, just to “hang out” with people and immerse myself in things I love

[@joeurbanowski321]

Daniel…Me too..! It’s just like watching kids play with a bunch of toys that they dig… so they’re not bothering me..! LOL… just kidding… but TPS is definitely a feel-good show..✌🏼😎

[@jadielethan8023]

Instablaster

[@jayguitar]

Absolutely totally adore my AMP1! 😊 such an amazing piece of kit! Been my main amp for a few of years now. It sounds amazing and is so so portable. Third year running, I took it over to NAMM from the UK and played it there - had my rig, my sound. And Thomas and I even jammed on the BluGuitar stage!!! New Mercury Edition is totally stunning too. Genius piece of gear 😊 have an amazing weekend Mick and Dan!

[@jayguitar]

sbjkd hey dude, usually while recording I go direct and use TwoNotes Wall of Sound with the Angl 60 cab for cab emulation (sometimes I use pwnhammer IRs). Most of the videos on my channel over the last couple of years were recorded that way. When I do use Cabs, I use various Celestion and Eminence speakers. I have a Genz Benz 4x12 with Eminence Private Jack speakers that I totally love! Really creamy and smooth especially in the top end. My 1x12 has a celestion neodymium speaker in it which sounds good. Love the sound of the Celestion Creamback and LynchBack as well, which are the style of speaker I gravitate towards. Hope that helps man 😊

[@fanofthewylde2933]

Hi Jay, this is a bit random and off topic, but I'm a fan of yours ever since you did the review on the Mr Scary pickup. I really appreciated that when you did it because the timing and the review itself was great. Helped me out as I was looking to purchase one. So cheers bro. :)

[@jayguitar]

@@fanofthewylde2933 hey dude, thanks so much! 😊 You're most welcome. So glad that video helped! Its such an amazing pickup and the video was a pleasure to do - great tone and has that GL vibe! 😊 I remember playing it for the first time and totally digging it! Have a great day man!!!

[@recordatron]

A lot of mentions here already but the CR120 is an unbelievable solid state amp. You get the clean up when rolled off, string attack that reacts in the way you want it too, warmth for days. It's one of those amps you forget is a solid state and it just blends in with the other valve amps in live situations. Top stuff 👍

[@hieronymus932]

The thing with the Amp 1 is not only does he get close but he’s been able to get it to sound close to a lot of different amplifiers.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Absolutely. It's an exceptional thing. Particularly that it's all analogue. Definitely going to try it in my wet dry rig. Mick here

[@MrBossei]

Recently I took my Roland Blues Cube HOT (transistor, "Tube logic") to a friend with a Fender Super Reverb (original 1965). He´s a real amp-aficinado and tube snob. Only vintage handwired amps for him. But! We were both blown away by how good the Blues Cube HOT sounded. Actually he couldn´t believe his ears. Even though the HOT had a 1X12 and the Super Reverb 4X10 it sounded full and nearly as loud as the Super Reverb. The headroom and reaction to pedals (vintage MXR:s) was also as great as the Super Reverb. We tested with the amps side by side.

[@a.man_an.island]

Bosse Ignell That’s my main amp, and everyone who doesn’t understand the power of them is always blown away. It’s definitely not leaving my possession

[@MrBossei]

@@a.man_an.island Yes. It´s high time to leave the debate transistor vs valve. The question is: good or bad amp? Not the technology. I will keep my Blues cube HOT even if new amps get the hype for a while :-)

[@jamesmarcin4787]

Love my Blues Cube Hot. Great sounding and takes pedals great.

[@antonr.2101]

I was VERY impressed with those amps when I worked in GC. Made a quite a few "all tube" believers buy that amp. Many came back and raved about its lightness, rugged construction and touch sensitivity. Also took pedals very well.

[@GuitarMav]

I still have mine. Many transistor and valve amps have come and gone but I still keep my blues cube hot.

[@jtguitartv]

I think the Vox AC15 is truly one of the best amps ever made. They really nailed it the first time around!

[@chuckdriver8269]

💯 % agree.🎸🇺🇸

[@MrBossei]

Agree. World class amp but at a bargain price.

[@ZRJZZZZZ]

Among the qualities I like about you guys is that you are patently objective. As you are such good players, you do not need equipment to mask your inadequacies. Plus you are fair. You don’t have any agenda besides educating yourself and your audience. Good show again. Thank you very much.

[@jnh73]

I've used solid state amps for years for their consistency and lighter weight. It's clear that many current and upcoming solid state amps are also now becoming grin-inducing tone generators in their own right. Great video, gents.

[@rileyioacura]

For me personally it was you guys and also Henning who converted me to valves because before I was using a boss me 80 pedal for everything but now I have a 60 watt Marshall head and 4x12 cab and couldn't be happier!! I have started hearing things about my playing that I couldn't hear in the pedal but you feel the interaction between you and the amp and it's strange to say but it's true!! You feel it just like it's apart of your hands so thank you so much again now all I need is pedals

[@JamieClark]

Thank you so much for coming back to transistors - I play an electric cello through a Roland Blues Cube, but have been really liking the sound of VOX AC amps lately, almost bought one last year, until I heard the Nextone comparison on the Anderton's channel. Didn't realize how many more possibilities there were out there for me (someone who can't afford the cost or weight or volume of an AC30!)

[@craigthomson3621]

A Roland Blues Cube with a New York Blues Tone Capsule will give you a good “Vox” sound.

[@justingarcia7722]

I remember watching a video on Scott Henderson breaking down his wet dry rig and he showed how he used his Suhr amp as the “dry” amp and a garden variety hot rod Deville as a true “wet” amp. The advantage of his rig was being able to eq/control the wet effects on the fly via the Devilles preamp. He also used the Deville for no tone reasons outside the functionality of that eq. It dawned on me that this could be replaced by a good solid state platform which would also likely be more reliable, like Larry Carlton splitting to a mixer. This lead me to using a Quilter powerblock as my “wet” amp in conjunction with my valve amp. Thanks guys, there are so many uses for having a good transistor amp, great video!

[@adamscottv]

You guys really put that Nextone through it's paces. Very thorough. Appreciate the deep content.

[@MrPodvig]

Thank you for relieving my feelings of guilt and stupidity for remembering my 197? Roland JC-60 so fondly. I recently came across some old recordings that made me realize what a great amp it was for what I was doing at the time. Thanks for all that I've learned from you blokes.

[@MrPodvig]

My signal chain consisted of Gibson ES-335 direct to amp. Perfect for the jazz, gospel, singer-songwriter shtick I was doing.

[@MrPodvig]

Now? I'd need some pedals to be happy. And DAMN I miss that 335.

[@martynkentfrancis]

Mick “Tremendous amount of Gain in The Dude” Dan “YES” 🙏

[@gilmarriner3011]

Watching this I’ve just realized that I have managed to buy and trade 4 amp within the last 4 years in the search for my sound. The first 3 were transistor modeling amps, Blackstar, Fender and Roland Bules Cube (close, but no cigar) but I finally settled on a tube amp and the difference for me was amazing for my ears. The H&K 40w was just what I needed for 1w practice and 20w for a gig. Your show is breaking my wallet! Nice show guys.....keep em coming.

[@AlbusBand]

I think the big thing to takeaway (from this and all TPS shows) is there is no right or wrong, only what you like (and thereby, what you think sounds good). I mean, I’ve been playing on a Jazz-Chorus from the 80’s that we have in my shop and I’m seriously considering picking it up because it just sounds epic. I’d actually like to pair it with my Vox or Fender (or both) and see what magic happens. Great show as usual, hope NAMM was fun, glad you made it back safe. -Aaron

[@LEgoiste]

Same revelation here too recently, I love my tube amps and experimenting with vintage tubes. My music listening is tube powered but recently out of curiosity from info online I bought a vintage 70’s Carlsbro Stingray Super on the bay. Pristine condition apart from some scratchy pots that were duly rectified and holy moly what a sound! I know it sounds crazy but it sounds tube like and reacts as if it’s tube driven. It even weighs a ton like a tube amp! I now will TRY to never pass judgement until I hear with my own ears. It’s not tube snobbery just preference. Great episode guys.

[@jamescull8047]

Plenty of classic rock guitar tones were recorded with solid state amps. That includes The Beatles, and notably Creedence Clearwater Revival.

[@paulstacey1938]

Beatles amps in the Revolver/Rubber Soul were actually hybrid - SS pre-amp, EL84 power amp.

[@chrishepburn1503]

Guitar tone for me is all about uniqueness. Take for example Josh Homme. He uses cheap solid state amps ( Peavy, Gorilla) to get his unique tones in the studio. It might not work for everyone but how boring would it be if everyone used the same amps. I play tube amps myself but but like you guys I have recently enjoyed the transistor sound. I find it refreshing hearing something new that I have been missing out on. Great episode! Cheers

[@WoodchuckJim]

One of my absolute favorite channels to watch! I love seeing you guys explore and experiment with the vast sea of gear out there. The enjoyment that comes through in your expressions is always genuine and brings many smiles. I'm just a bedroom player who sucks but am trying to learn and improve. I bought a Fender American Special strat, Boss Katana 100W 1x12 about a year ago after much deliberation, and few fun pedals: A Timmy, Tumnus, Love Pedal Super Six Stevie mod, and Wah and I just get lost in the amount of tweaking you can do with all of that, including the Boss Tone studio software which is immense. I think as long as you are getting a sound that makes you excited, you have chosen well. That's not to say we don't endlessly chase other sounds and want to find some magical unicorn of tone....which is where I live vicariously through you guys, lol. My list of dream gear continually grows watching this channel unfortunately. Thanks for bringing me motivation to play when I'm feeling defeated at learning this stringed contraption and all the laughs and enjoyment I get from watching you guys together. Cheers! ps: I'd love to see you guys explore the Katana and software one day, but I know its just a peasant solid state amp ;)

[@guitarsimon1]

I swear with every TPS episode Mick teaches me a new word or phrase, this show is educational in ways I never envisaged! (On the subject have to say I’m a long time fan Mr Taylor, loved your work in Guitarist and learnt a fair few licks from your demonstrations!)

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you sir!

[@diwa2012]

A well balanced and fair comparison. Thanks guys. You did it extremely well.

[@magicdaveable]

Back in the early 1970's Sunn Amplifiers built a discrete point to point hand wired transistor amp that rivaled most 100 watt tube (valve) amps either 6L6 or EL34 powered. I have forgotten the model but borrowed one for a short 10 show tour. The amp performed spectacularly and offered excellent tubelike natural compression and tone.

[@Rolf_D]

There is no better or worse! Hear Dave Simpson, he gets great sounds out of an Orange CR120 Transistor Amp!!

[@fatherno5721]

Listen to Her Palace by Ty Tabor crushing orange crush tone!

[@calebtylershepherd21]

Rolf Dinter Exactly! There are amazing amps that are solid state and valve. Also bad ones of each category too. The difference is so minimal between a great solid state and a valve that it’s insane. It’s just sad they don’t make many true analogue solid states anymore. I’ve got two amps that are the best I’ve ever owned, and they’re both solid state. So much more reliable. Not to mention I’d put my Kustom Quad Jr. Special 100 watt head against any tube combo. That thing just is amazing for blues, and will scream for metal as well. It’s so loud it shakes the studio walls if I turn it up to 2 1/2. lol. They don’t really make em like they used to. They only really make valve, or digital stuff. Honestly, I don’t like digital at all. I just don’t feel they sound authentic like a true solid state. Though, they’ve gotten better overtime. You’re so right! The CR from Orange sounds just like the Rockerverb for like a fourth of the price. I love Mr. Dave Simpson btw! Such a great guy, and gives the most honest opinions on KZbin. He really is a gem though, and such an incredible player!!

[@colinmortimore218]

@@calebtylershepherd21 Bluguitar Amp1 is analogue. I'm fairy sure the Orange stuff is too.

[@internetselling]

Part 1 of an hour show starting at 30 minutes in. Classic Dan and Mick TPS... love it ❤️!!! You be you Dan and Mick. You be you...

[@Guitar_Ted]

Schwangrila! That needs to be your next t-shirt! Also- so much of this is awesome sounding. It really just comes down to preferences. I could live with much of what I've heard here.

[@kariabspoel2483]

Thomas has done his magic of matching tones of tube amps so many times that it is simply amazing... and pretty convincing as well. For home practise and as the second amp in a live setup, I can completely see it doing its job much more so than any modeling thingy. It has been on my ”to-be-tested” list for a while but getting your habds on one is not easy - unless you buy nline and trust the return policy works. So, thanks for showcasing it one more time - solid stuff :)

[@billrand4138]

not a back up ,,a board mounted amp that replaced many a full size tube amp head

[@kariabspoel2483]

Bill Rand I would not be too surprised to see that happen, honestly - and the second amp in my setup is not a backup (unless the other dies) but an equal sonic offender :) The pnly thing I am weary of is the reaction to different pedals I have grown to like a lot. But that I can only find out by trying the blugamp out. I would love to have the portability with all the tones of a back breaking tube amp!

[@n.m.5723]

Great video, thanks. One practical advantage of these types of amps versus tubes is that they can also do low volume better than majority of tube amps, which is handy around family. I run an HX Stomp into the effects return of a Katana, to get a vox clean, and better effects through it. I think the nexttone cleans sounded better than the Katana. I know there is an editor but it makes me not play, instead messing around on laptop, i find the stomp easier to use, more like a pedal, and less distracting.

[@baileyarango]

What timing, you tonal wizards! I made the switch to a Quilter a few weeks ago and am so, so excited for this - thank you!

[@2Plus2isChicken2013]

I love my Quilter amps. I have a Tone Block 201 and an Interblock 45. It's great to be able to place them directly on my pedalboard. The Interblock is especially amazing because it has all the major features you need in a pedal platform amp and is the size of some pedals. You could even use it as a power amp for a preamp pedal since it has an effects loop.

[@CaptPostmod]

I've gigged with a Quilter 101 for a few years now. Best amp I've ever owned in terms of usability. Just sits on my board and I never have to worry about backlines again. My favorite amp I've owned in terms of playability is also a solid-state-a Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet from the 80s. Johan Segeborn does amazing demos of the Marshall 80s solid-state stuff and those amps are fantastic!

[@TheBigGuppy]

Where I like solid state is utility gigs where I'm covering multiple instruments. I have the Katana 100. I prefer my tube Mesas and Fenders for guitar but the strength of the Boss is covers does acoustic instruments and pedal steel really well. Its weak spot in my opinion is the electric guitar stuff. It doesn't like all pedals. It hates the Russian Muff but these are gigs where I would never use the muff. Before getting this solid state amp I was carrying three amps. Solid state seems great at being a jack of all trades. Versatility can be critical if you are a jobber. You see the Katana in Nashville on Broadway all the time now.

[@michaelbelloni2447]

You are 100% right. I have a katana 100 2x12 that I use for my country band and the other guitarist uses a vibrolux. It’s always funny because I can plug in and sound awesome but as soon as he turns the fender on it’s just beautiful. It’s probably mostly in the fingers if I’m honest, but still it sounds great. The two amps actually complement each other well though because he’ll sit a little higher in the mix (live) and I’ll have that open sounding thing going on because of the 2x12 and I’ll be sitting in the background of the mix. But back to your point I saw multiple bands on broadway in one night and it was one of a few things- a variation of helix (sounded great), boss katana (sounded great), or a back line amp like a hrdlx or an ac15. All sounded superb.

[@Furtheronmusic]

Every time I see Thomas demo/explain the Amp1 the more impressed I am. The boss is impressive given the price as well. I'll look forward to hear you guys demo/Compare the Quilter

[@cmdrsocks]

I wish someone who does gear reviews would test amps using a standard speaker cab (so the speaker efficiency is the same for every test) a calibrated sound pressure level meter at 1m and a recording of a guitar played back at a fixed level for every amp (matched to the actual guitar signal level) - forget the Watts, just tell us how loud they all go when dimed. That way we will see which manufacturers rate their amps in RMS and which use BS instead.

[@katfishrick1600]

I bought a Boss Katana 50 last spring, and it's a damn good little amp imo.

[@eanroad]

Thanks for doing this fellas! I know Tubes are home. However, making a video of trying different kinds of products (solid state amps; maybe digital amps in the future) gives us a perspective on the different sounds and "feel" that TPS (The Posh Sound masters) can achieve. Cheers!

[@frankfionn]

I bought a blues cube hot this year mainly as my living room amp. I am quite happy with it, because I get eventually a proper sound with low volume.

[@CarstenGoeke]

It´s so interesting. And i like the part with Thomas very much. So much knowledge around here. So thanks for this guys! 🖖🏼

[@lance134679]

I have four giggable amps, three of them traditional tube amps and the Roland Blues Cube, and the Blues Cube hold its own, especially for 'grittier' sounds, as the other three are non-master volume amps, and are very clean at the reasonable volumes I use (before stepping on a pedal, of course). The Nextone definitely intrigues me as it has a bit more versatility, and no messing around with the tone capsules. Looking forward to the Quilter episode. Thank you for the video.

[@drSwan77]

Tube snobs? Biased.....? Yes 32-34 mA in my case.

[@SCOREWIZARDSMUSIC]

I am tube biased myself

[@cesmcmyth]

@KC awesome. Now listen to a fine transistor tone in a mix. The difference gets reduced. Further, give your samples to the general audience. The difference gets even less noticeable. Transistor amps now sound gorgeous, and bring many advantages over tubes. Plus, fine transistor amps not cheap anymore. Value ways, that differences can actually be a great compromise over the difference in tone

[@cesmcmyth]

@KCI know nothing about science. You may think I deny it. But you, you deny life. And business! Why you think transistor amps exist? How you think companies which sell them continue to exist? Maybe because someone -a lot of "someones" - buy it? Furthermore, to be an educated person, with your MSc degrees and your journals-published papers, you behave pretty much like a big asshole. 👍👍

[@cesmcmyth]

@KC you did watch my videos? Haha... yeah, I don't get "carried out" because I play more acoustic and music is just for the absolute pleasure of having fun. -even if as a frustrated person you will tell me I couldn't do it for a living.- Just on thing, in you MSc you didn't learn about reference journals. What is the year of these life changing - world saving papers you cited? Lets start there you Gilmour.

[@Newnodrogbob]

KC citations, please. What journal, specifically? Who was the author and what was the page number? Also, for the record, there is literally nothing scientific about referring to frequencies as “objectionable.” Not only that, but taking your quotes at face value, they indicate that tube powered amplifiers may have an advantage when high stage volumes are the goal. For the most part, this is dumb. Most guitar amps are being mic’d through the House PA system anyway. You sir, are a walking example of “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” There are inherent difference between the way vacuum tubes and transistors work. This can produce audible differences in sound production. This is why engineers continue to invent new circuits and configurations. Unless you think every tube amp sounds identical to every other? Anyhow, the very idea is silly. You can’t scientifically prove something sounds “better.” That is a subjective judgement. Stop being a prat.

[@robbieredball]

he should pay you, it sounds amazing. I don't understand how it can be done in a large pedal size - side by side with the matchless id go for his blu amp. You lot are costing me a fortune!!! Keep up the good work, thank you!!!

[@jasonbaker5430]

I have to admit that those vintage Fender amps sound incredible. I've spent the last 25 years playing through solid state amps, and where I feel at home is with my pedalboard plugged into the low gain input of my USA made Peavey Studio Pro 112. Not saying that it's better than anything else, but that's where I can get lost for hours

[@sid35gb]

Jason Baker nothing wrong with solid state amps when you’re happy with the sound. Sometimes I wonder if solid state amps came out before tubes and all the greats were recorded on solid state would people be turning their noses up at tube amps.

[@jasonbaker5430]

@@sid35gb Probably so. I'm happy with anything I can get a good sound out of. I picked up a little solidstate fender amp a while back. It's a Frontman 25r 25 watt 1x10 made in 2001. I had to replace the power switch and I swapped the factory speaker for a Celestion Ten 30. I'm absolutely loving that little amp.

[@sid35gb]

Jason Baker I don’t know what it is with the small fenders but they do seem to work well with a good quality 10” speaker. Have fun 👍

[@cgmxtreme70]

As much as I want to crank a nice tube amp, I live in a small house. I use a Boss Katana 50 and I think it's pretty awesome with some nice pedals to run through it. Thanks for some other great options guys. Our ambassadors of tone !!!!🤟🤟

[@johnmundt7834]

Looking forward to an episode of “That Multi Fx Show” Cool that you guys are willing to branch out, try different things

[@mark7166]

Man, I love Thomas Blug. I was first introduced to him when he was doing Hughes & Kettner promotional videos, and I was just awed by his playing. I think the Amp1 is a fantastic device. I really need to try one out!

[@jamescull8047]

I would wonder how much the different speaker cabs and drivers affects the end tone. It would be very interesting to compare those combo amps by sharing the same speakers.

[@gcvrsa]

I had to go back and watch the intro a second time just to hear that epic tone. :D My first amp was my 1990 Ampeg VH-140C stereo chorus 2x12 combo, quite similar in concept to a Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120, but with 70 W per channel into 8 Ohms (or 100 W per channel into 4 Ohms), and loaded with Celestion G12M-70 Modern Lead drivers. That amp has headroom for days. I still have it, but it has been replaced as my main amp by a 2002 Mesa/Boogie F-50 1x12 narrow chassis combo. I really didn't understand that the Nextone amps were not modelling amps, and now that I know they are not, I am very much more interested in them. The magic words are "discrete analogue".

[@leftienigeblank4320]

I remember seeing the 1st incarnation of Thin Lizzy . On "Whiskey on the jar" the lead guitarist Eric Bell had a Strat thru a HH 100 watt ( all tranny )and it sounded GORGEOUS ! A few years later someone sold me a HH 100 watt combo , a single 15" speaker , built-in "fuzz" button on the front (on or off , no way to modify it ) I gigged thru it for 2 years , no complaints at all , until I had an offer of a swap for an old brown AC30 . Happy days !

[@samhainlimon]

BLU 1 is an amazing musician who also happens to be a genius when it comes to analog tech (which i love so much..) His overall guitar and TECHNOLOGY related knowledge is so vast and that is why his amp sounds so good

[@Elevantband]

Now do one on vintage solid state amps, stuff with their own sound that isn't trying to emulate a specific valve amp or even a valve amp in particular. The Roland JC stuff is the most known, but stuff like HH, Randall and the Peavey Standard are all incredible.

[@benbutterworth7584]

I have a two amp setup with my G2, a Mark V and an Amp 1. I have to say the Amp amp 1 more than holds its own. Single amp gigs, it’s the Amp 1 I take. Thomas is a bit of a genius and it just sounds good and very punchy.

[@fenderjeff]

I never thought I could miss another man’s guitar until I saw Thomas playing Dan’s LP. We need more of that guitar on TPS. Maybe it needs to get the Johnny Kinkead treatment for Dan to get it back in the rotation?

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

I stood in front of Thomas at his booth at NAMM, just a few days ago, and heard him play the Amp1. It sounds great, and Thomas is a very cool guy. He’s a hell of a guitarist too. When he was playing the Matchless and the Amp1, though, I could really hear the improvement in clarity and tone with the Matchless. I think, for the size and the price, it doesn’t get any better than the Amp1 in the transistor world. I still prefer a tube amp over it, despite how much more convenient the Amp1 is.

[@Pantalooj]

A great episode! I'm enjoying spending time with a Katana Artist at the moment, having had a few mid priced tube amps for the last couple of decades. Observations from this show ... Amp1 sounds amazing ... to my ears, the EL84 setting on the Nextone, despite the tweaking, had a "cocked wah" overtone, which I sometimes observe with my Katana ... the 6L6 tones that Mick was getting from the Nextone sounded stellar. I think I am going to have to try a Nextone some time soon ... that Fenderish vibe is just too appealing, and the Katana doesn't really get as close

[@TristanBarnettUK]

I own a Lab Series guitar amp, which was also BB King’s amp of choice on tour. His second choice amp was a Fender Twin. Amazing to think one of the kings of tone chose a transistor amp as his main ‘go-to’ amp.

[@houldeyj72]

Sure I have said before, get Dave Simpson on with his orange cr120

[@ennobunger9286]

yes please!!

[@JemMusic.]

He loves his Katana too.

[@houldeyj72]

Jem Charles Music Lovin the brown sound myself!

[@JemMusic.]

@@houldeyj72 Yeah. Me too.

[@russellives6069]

I may be the exception, but while I love his playing and videos, I've never been a fan of his tones. It'd still be cool to have him on though!

[@russellraymer9679]

LOL. After a half hour into the video to say "part one of this video is going to be..." Love you guys.

[@shadowulf]

I had a go with the Nextone not long after getting my blues cube. For what and how I play, my cube does fine. Not enough of a difference to make the move over, but nice and useable. I'm very interested in the Quilter evaluation. Portability/space management has moved up my list of gear requirements.

[@LeighWesleyMusic]

I can't wait for the next part with the quilter! I am so keen for a quilter amp in my future.

[@shadowsong1]

I have tube amps and solid state amps. I agree that tube amps do a thing, that solid state amps don't do. The opposite is also true. Let me tell you when my solid state amps come out. At home for practice, a small blackstar id core, katana....that kind of thing..can be great. they sound great quite and you don't have to work hard to make that happen. No one is saying any transister amp sounds just like a tube amp. its not about it sounding just like anything. It's about being able to get great sounds in their own right that work. Another time when solid states come out and get used are at gigs when either my tube amps would have to be too loud, or my i'm having a problem with my tube rig....and i just don't have time to resolve it. bad tube, some other thing. It's not about sounding just like a tube amp. It's about getting usable sounds that will get me thru the gig when the show must go on.

[@Matthew_Scan]

J

[@TheDogPa]

I've never had a problem with a big tube amp down low or a small one...or any with a reactive load. If all my tube amps were stolen I'd buy more. I will never have a need for a SS guitar amp...ever, for any reason. I guess if it was all I had I'd make it work. But why on earth would I try...other than being stranded on a mountain that has an electrical output...? McDonald's is actually considered food, so have a Big Mac if you want...I'll be glad to starve first.

[@shadowsong1]

@@TheDogPa thats cool.

[@Travis-pf3gt]

Mark Shields well said. Nothing will replace my tube amp but I also have a solid state Marshall with a Boss power stack on the clean channel for home practice and I'm a pretty happy camper with it.

[@shadowsong1]

I actually have no problems with how other people might run their rigs or what amps they might choose to use. I was just speaking from my perspective and why i use what I use.

[@nitemunky76]

So, I just bought and received an Amp1 based mostly on this video. I have to say, thus far I am blown away. I'm running it into a Zilla 2x12 with Neo Creambacks and it sounds amazing. The clean channel is perfect for pedals, the OD channels are as good as any Marshall I've played.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Nice! Thomas Blug I hope you're reading this. Glad you love it!

[@nitemunky76]

@@ThatPedalShow I saw the TPS episode with the Amp1 a few years back and was a bit sceptical. But honestly this is the amp I've been looking for. Fender style cleans, Marshall overdrive, sounds great, ultra portable. The stuff like the recording out is also very good, I could see myself using it live instead of faffing with mics. I don't know how Thomas did it, it's some kind of witchcraft.

[@lucianos1990]

the immediacy of some transistor amps are next to none. The transients are just something else next to the sag from a tube amp. Not always for the better nor for the worse but very much different

[@hoboroadie]

I always wondered if someone could have an adjustable mix of full and sagging voltage from valve and diode rectified power.

[@OtherTheDave]

hoboroadie Sure. I _think_ it’d be fairly straight-forward to combine the outputs. Actually, come to think of it, some of Mesa’s amps can switch between SS and tube rectifiers... one of those might be able to blend them (and if not, it’d probably be easier to mod one of those amps since they have both kinds of rectifiers in them already).

[@utopia_effects]

Regarding rectifiers, I prefer the response of a diode rectifier.

[@shaft9000]

the core question is does an increase in the slew response of an amp affect the aesthetic reponse of guitar to any real benefit, and if so, how. based on my limited experience of owning a early 90s dual-rectifier, the rectifier would 'pop' the bass end noticeably quicker. to what extent that was due to the extra 20+ watts of the rectifier output vs the 6L6s, or it was due to character or rectifier vs pentode, I can't tell.

[@darenanderson4961]

Dan the Man, good grief brother-you sounded freaking amazing on that intro! Love the show, and your willingness to explore things that you guys didn’t find interesting in the past.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Cheers Daren, that’s very kind :)

[@z.s4371]

You guys should look in to when mark lattieri is in the UK, could make for a yet another great episode

[@ThatPedalShow]

We hung out with Mark a bit in the US. He's totally up for coming on the show. Would be awesome!

[@xthexadvantagex]

That Pedal Show I look forward to that. A great player, great tones, and a good guy! Those seem like the three requirements for coming on TPS

[@ericcarpenter3263]

Mark is my favorite guitar player as of late. Please work out a way to have him on. So amazing and underrated.

[@mateuszmadej]

Oh yes, make a FUNK episode!

[@thesoundpurist]

That Pedal Show what do you prefer for overall tone Nextone or Amp1?

[@olemartinholter6039]

I’m probably one of the first norwegians to adopt the Nextone, as I ordered it the same day I saw Danish Pete and Chris Buck demo it on the Boss channel. Even though I still like certain tubeamps, that Fender really sounds like a boxy crapamp in comparison. So, thank you guys for validating my early adoption!

[@ThatPedalShow]

More bass, less vocal mid. That's what most people prefer in isolation. It would make a great video actually.

[@olemartinholter6039]

That Pedal Show TPS tries amps in a band context? That would be a great show!

[@mikeyjhn]

Great to see a Nextone sounding good. I have the 40W version and really like it. Try some external speakers like a V-Type, opens up the sound and detail a bit. Always a pleasure to watch you guys.

[@mattgilbert7347]

Thanks for the tip - I have a couple V-Type loaded cabs and am looking at a deal on a Nextone (probably gonna sell my Blackstar, it's too big and heavy), could be fun.

[@neuk01642]

Surely Dan can work out some electric trickery so on a patch change on the G2 the disco lights come on??? Come on Dan, pull your finger out ;oD

[@saint-cetacean]

As the proud owner of a JC40, glad to hear that amp helped open you two's eyes (ears?). Truly a special piece of gear- all the magic of the vintage Jazz Choruses with all the modern trappings I could want in a portable and deceptively loud package 🙏🏼

[@saint-cetacean]

Plus for dirt I use a smallsound/bigsound Mini, which has a lot of "tubelike" qualities, imo. That, combined with the way I use comp and EQ makes for a pseudo-preamp at the front of my board, which means the flatter response of a transistor pre is actually a huge boon

[@subjectt.change6599]

I play a JC40 Wet/Dry with an EHX Dirt Road Special. I can get Drone Doom sounds with that combo (and a few choice pedals). Team JC!

[@RMosack]

Another great episode. Thanks! A highlight to every Friday. And by the way, very nice running into you guys at NAMM last week. I was the tall guy by the SGs in the Gibson booth with the wife that asked you for a picture.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Aesome! Hello - great to meet you!

[@nickwilson9210]

The vox patherfinder actually sound really good handles pedals really well and when miced feels like a tub amp it’s really remarkable. I play a vox ac30 and I had to get it fixed one weekend and last min I used the pathfinder and I was really shocked. Because I have used fender solid state amps and they were terrible. Anyways give it a try if you ever

[@philspill6854]

I have 2 and just picked up the 2x10 Pathfinder Smr😲

[@marcusjones1082]

Wow, all of them are gig worthy. Very nice compare and contrast guys.

[@ront8270]

The ac 15 is the bomb!!!!! In small venue to larg SOOOO I wonder if the boss could pull that off with that throaty sound

[@grega1207]

Dan and Mick (hellooooo!!). Very interesting show, thanks. While AC30 is not my favorite amp, that AC15 is wicked good to my ears, both by itself and when mixed. All of those SS amps could work in a mix (wet/dry, wet/dry/wet), however each SS by themselves just couldn't get me to smile. So congratulations gents, you have just medically confirmed that I must indeed have tubes in my head since those valve amps just "resonate" more in me! Probably biased tubes as well :-) Cheers

[@michaelgrove3595]

I have always had tube amps until last year when I bought a Boss Katana. The Katana is my favorite amp now! I actually combine it w/ one of my smaller tube amps for a wet-dry thing. Thanks for doing this video guys!

[@Overworkt]

Dry into the tube I assume?

[@robertprice5039]

I friend brought over BluGuitar Amp to my house yesterday. I was impressed. It got a great Marshall Sound without fussing about that much. I tend to play with a bit less gain than him, so I will still be using my 65 Amps, but for the LA Hair Metal, that my friend’s band plays, the BluGuitar Amp is ideal. He stopped using his Marshall JCM 800 for gigs in favor of the BluGuitar Amp.

[@ProbablyTooLoud]

It's hard to describe but I think players who stick with it, eventually experience what i call a "covergence". It's when you realize YOU are part of tone and no matter what, you sound like you and you come to accept it, and embrace it. Then all the gear you use thereafter is chosen to enhance your real guitar voice. A few of the great classic guitar gods discovered this early, some by pure accident, some because their talent required it. Think back to the 60's where technology had to catch up to some of these players. Now it seems we have players trying to catch up to the technology. I'm not refering to anyone in particular either. It's the modern age of endless choices with mass marketing pounding us over the head. Morale of the story: Don't give up on sounding like YOU, no matter what equipment you currently have. That being said, good equipment does make a difference, that and hours upon hours of just playing for the pure enjoyment of it. If it takes one day or just a lifetime, it's still all the same. Rock On !!!

[@ThatPedalShow]

It's something I realised many years ago Pat, but the realisation for me made me even more picky about my own personal gear. Interesting! Mick here.

[@WarrenPostma]

@@ThatPedalShow Ok so I have only been lucky enough to play through a big boy Guitar Amp once in my life. I am looking forward to the next time like Christmas. There's something you can't feel as a player until you stand in front of a big cab. I have never owned such an amp. SOME DAY.

[@stevennewman4778]

I have a Lab Series L5 and an ISP Theta amp. Both solid state, both fantastic amps. But both were very expensive when they were released. And that was always the problem; to get an SS to sound as good as a tube amp, you had to pay a premium. I never figured out why, my guess was all the R&D involved. But now builders are making great SS priced on par with tube amps. I have a friend with an Amp1 and it sounds soooo good. If I ever start playing gigs again, it’ll be my amp of choice.

[@darwinsaye]

I've always used both tube and solid state amps. I find it easy to get a great tone from SS. The thing those amps lack is the natural compression you get from a tube amp, so they have a very immediate and trebly attack; as soon as you touch those strings you hear the sound, sharply and with some amps, unpleasantly. All you have to do is set your treble a bit softer than you would be used to doing with a tube amp, and add very light compression with a pedal. Also, SS amps shine when used with no more than a slight overdrive setting, so get your heavier dirt from good pedals. One thing I can't stand though is digital technology in an amp. With a modelling amp you're basically running a computer software program but in a hardware cabinet. No thanks. If you're going to sell that, it should be dirt cheap like a program would be for your PC. I also don't want to deal with virtual crap glitching out. I started watching a video about the Nextone when it came out , but as soon as they said you can get more out of it by hooking it up to your computer I was out. It's bad enough that so many synthesizers nowadays require an app to use to their full potential, I don't want that situation with my guitar stuff too.

[@brianrollins7275]

Totally agree with you. I’m just a home player but I started with a katana mk2 100 and just couldn’t stand having to plug it into a computer so I thought okay I’ll try my pedals instead. It was just okay sound wise even with the pedals. Long story short, I sold the katana and ended up with a Roland blues cube hot. No more computer crap and I it sounds a lot better than the katana did. Definitely the right choice for me to be able to play at bedrooom volume.

[@LewisDavieMusic]

We're getting ever closer to 'The Kemper Episode' ;) Great work as always, gents! Some lovely tones from all amps.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Somebody send us one. We're not buying one. :0)

[@jonathanyork3636]

AC15 really kills that nextone thing. The back and forths really reveal - at least for me- why an amp like the ac15 is awesome. Boss amp seems merely ok. BUt then again I'm "biased" because I play an AC15 and have really gotten used to loving that sound.

[@jonathanyork3636]

However, with lots of gain either amp seems fine- and maybe more lowend from the boss.

[@Chandlerbingeling]

On the Andertons video the Nextone sounded much better than here though. Maybe it's not dialed in right?

[@skittlybeepbop13]

Vox av60 did this in a sleek package amp sounded great tbh I giggled it for like 2 years before selling to my buddy and I miss it. It was a beautiful living room piece

[@cmck1777]

You know you've had an amp1 too long when you think at 18:30 " Hmm, turn down the boost amount and change the voice of the clean channel"... and that's what he does...

[@1961jscofield]

All bow before your Class D masters!

[@Bealzeebozzo]

Here is a thing though. Since the late 60's maybe, but certainly by the mid 70's almost every single live performance was put through Solid State amplifiers. Yes the guitars might have been initially put through our beloved valve/tube amps but after that, everything that the punters have heard out there has been driven by silicon baby. Just a thought.

[@PFDarkside]

Kman Krautzman True, but those solid state amplifiers shouldn’t be coloring the tone at all, in theory. The guitar amplifier is creating and shaping the tone, and for some reason historically we tend to prefer the way tubes do it over solid state technology. Definitely moving in a great direction though. Same argument for diodes in OD boxes into amps. We like the way those boxes push the tube amp, it sounds different into an older transistor amp. (And sometimes that sounds is great too)

[@Piplodocus]

What they said. Also we’ve all played through a shit underpowered or cheap PA that’s massively coloured the sound for the worse sooner or later too. 😂

[@joemanez5290]

Also, I would argue that in many cases it’s the feel that is hardest to reproduce and in turn how the player reacts to the feel of a particular tube amp, more do than merely the sound itself. The PA doesn’t change that part.

[@frankgeick3641]

There was a period where the Grateful Dead played live concerts through about a 1/2 $M of Macintosh class A tube audiophile amps. A crazy insane thing to do, but their sound through Berkeley's John Meyer's custom speaker arrays was nothing short of altered reality, and no I wasn't on drugs. In the early 80's I lived in Mill Valley CA, and if you dropped into the Sweetwater Saloon (now sadly replaced by some stoopid ass 'bootique) after 12AM you got to hear Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jerry Garcia, Jorma Kaukonen, Steve Stills, Neil Young, and on and on, playing through small tube amps, and that my friend is real music.

[@domcole1859]

I'm only into the video 1 minute and that tone is incredible!!!!

[@jayd9707]

I think there's more "bedroom only" players now more than ever. The days of needing my 100 watt half stack are over. People can easily save some money on a solid state amp, put some money into some really good pedals, and get a great sound. If it sounds good to you, it is good

[@TheDogPa]

"I'm, OK, You're OK"? Destroyed a couple generations of kid's minds. If "it sounds good to you, it is good" were true, there would still be good music. Self-centered non-original talentless music stealing jerk-off generation - deserves solid state amps.

[@saint-cetacean]

@@TheDogPa Who hurt you?

[@calebknott8021]

And a lot of the guys who could actually be getting all the utility out of a high wattage full stack are choosing to get good in-ears and go digital, like the Kemper and AXfx units. It's saving so many peoples ears! And now they can play cleaner and in tighter sync because of in-ear monitoring systems and digital amp and cabs. It's pretty awesome, where things are going. These days, seems like those old 100-150 watt heads belong in the studio really. Unless you're Zakk Wylde or something, idk.

[@saint-cetacean]

@@calebknott8021 the thing is those 100-150 watt tube amps are less than ideal in the studio UNLESS you're Kevin Shields and blowing out the mic is a part of your technique. Many players tend to reach for a smaller amp in the studio, especially for tube amps, so you can push the pre a little harder without distorting mics

[@calebknott8021]

And now we have reactive load boxes to do those high wattage amps at way lower decibel levels.

[@jaybirdgoody]

I recently did a session and I brought a Fender Princeton and a Peavey Rage 158. I didn't want them to sound the same, the Princeton was clear and filled the track with verb and tremolo, the other was growly and punchy. That along with using my CR120 as my main gigging amp for a few years I've been able to change some minds about solid state amps

[@cowbellstudios6326]

it was actually quite nice wathcing a TPS episode that did not make me want to buy something.

[@fredtaylor9792]

Haha

[@BluesLicks101]

I felt the same way!

[@JoePerkinsMusic]

That BC183 Sun Face though....! :P

[@cowbellstudios6326]

Already on the board, :D

[@JoePerkinsMusic]

@@cowbellstudios6326 Haha! Yeah, my NKT Red Dot is stopping me GASsing for that one too bad also :P

[@onehotrocker99]

Best kept secret in amplifiers is my Crate XT120R. A solid state, 3-channel 120 watt amp with reverb. Clean channel is EXCEPTIONAL with excellent note definition and clarity. The two gain channels are geared more towards the metal sound, but you can achieve the right Classic Rock crunch tone by tweaking the gain controls. All the guys in the band I'm in are amazed at how good a solid state amp can sound. Plenty of bottom end in both the clean and gain channels that gives it a great overall presence that I cannot duplicate in other 100 watt tube amps. And believe me I've tried quite a few and I always go back to my Crate XT120R. Sure, go ahead and laugh. But nothing cuts through the mix better than this amp without sounding harsh or thin like the Marshall DSL Super Lead or the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe or the Marshall Blues Breaker combo amps I've tried. I've also tried an Orange amp, Marshall JCM 2000 100 tube watt head and a Peavey ValveKing 100 watt tube head. My Crate amp tops them all in terms of tone, power, versatility and convenient compact size.

[@SwirlyWhirlyXYZ]

This was great! Both were awesome, looking forward to Quilter. Of course I want to hear you play ZT Lunchbox & vintage Sunn too (because you have infinite time and resources). Boss tube amp expander vs other attenuators/DIs at some point? Can you make an hour long ambient album with just the horn, an echo chamber, delay, reverb, harmonizer, etc...

[@dekleinebozewolf]

As always, very informative. Can't wait for part two.

[@terryswanson3373]

I enjoyed this episode very much. I've been using a Tech 21 Trademark 60 for almost 15 years. Hope you include it, in part two. I've recently switched to the Roland Blue's Cube Hot. Not quite the Fender sound, like the 60 but smaller and lighter. Old age has it's requirements. Their's a great demo of the Quilter vs Trademark 60 on thearoom. Check it out

[@kevinjohnbetts]

Sadly my Trademark 60 broke down and getting it repaired wasn't economically viable. I really liked the clean/edge of break-up tone it had although the onboard distortion was pretty vile. Tech 21 make some nice gear.

[@JetAV8]

Everybody hates on people playing the burning room intro, or sweet child o' mine. Personally, those are two tones that I love. When I'm considering buying gear to try to get those tones, I want to play them. I don't own a music store, so I don't hear it 10,000 times a day. And I don't really watch many different youtube channels, so I don't hear it their either. I know what tone I'm going for, and those intros are how I measure how close I am to it.

[@houldeyj72]

How about setting up the nextone to sound great, then see if you can get the tube amps to match it!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ha! Yeah, we like that!

[@houldeyj72]

That Pedal Show can you thank Dan for introducing me to Devin by the way. Not literally, I can't honk him, but to his wall of sound that I now (and my kids who seem now to be metal heads) am listening too lots.

[@EdwardKowalski]

Dang I can only like your post once. :( Pet peeve, all comparisons should be done with both items setup to their best and then checked to see how close the other can match. Welcome to Two Hour TPS!!! :)

[@houldeyj72]

Edward Kowalski the use of "dang" more than makes up for it!

[@TheMudman01]

That's the best comment I've read.

[@davidkieltyka9]

Being a Vox nut I own some of the US-made Thomas Organ era amps too, including a pair of Pacemakers. One is a tube amp, with two EL84s in the power section, while the other is solid state with germanium power transistors. Both amps sound terrific! Not the same, of course, but for sure in the same family. Both amps also have killer Celestion 10” Alnico speakers, original equipment, which doesn’t hurt. If someone told me, “You can only have one of ‘em,” I’d honestly have to flip a coin to make my choice.