Product FYI: Tube vs. Solid State
Tube vs. Solid State
- by Albert Le, Open Labs Staff Writer
Since the creation of the guitar amplifier, the quality of sound has evolved through several technological advancements. Among those advancements is the transition from the old school vintage tube amps (or valve amps) to the more advanced, solid-state amps. This transition can be contributed to the low-cost/low-maintenance advantages of the solid-state amp, which nearly obliterated the costly and inefficient tube amp market. But most professional guitarists still prefer the old school tube amp for its signature “warm” tone and solid reputation. If you are in the market for an amp, the age-old question will always present itself: tube or solid-state? Explaining the differences of the two types of amps can often be complex and cumbersome, so we’ll try to break things down a bit. Here are a few key points to consider before venturing out to buy your next amp.
The original guitar amplifier was created in the 1930s using tubes to modify and amplify the sound coming from the guitar. The years spent using tube amps helped build its reputation of a signature warm sound with an undeniably unique “feel”. The mids and highs coming from the amp are softer, and come with a more solid bass response. Distortion of the guitar amp was later experimented on in the 1950s, with the tube amp creating a more natural or “organic” distortion than a solid state amp. More commonly called overdrive, it can be achieved by pushing the vacuum tubes beyond their normal limit to amplify a signal. The more you drive the signal beyond its limit (hence the name overdrive) the grittier or dirtier the tone becomes. The downsides of the tube amp can pile up if you are just a casual guitar player with a budget. The initial purchase of a tube amp is quite costly, and the vacuum tubes have to be replaced periodically. Additionally, the tubes are also less reliable than solid-state amps while on the road or when being transported due to fragility. In some cases, you may have to re-bias your amp every year or two, although some amps do not need re-biasing as long as you use proper tubes. However, there are many types of tubes which create a different sound, leading to a more customizable tone for each guitarist. And keeping to a regular maintenance schedule can lead to a longer tube life with increased reliability.
The invention of the semiconductor spurred the creation and widespread popularity of the solid-state amp in the 1970s which threatened to wipe out the production of the old, tube amp. The semiconductors reduced its weight and heat radiation, and made the amplifier more reliable. Most low-end amplifiers are now produced using solid-state technology because of such advantages. Distortion can also happen at lower volumes due to its electrical production. As if that wasn’t enough, the solid-state amp also came with a reasonably lower price tag compared to its predecessor. With all of these advantages, why not switch to the more logical solid-state amp? Because there will always be die hard tube amp fans that will swear by its tone and feel.
The bottom line when purchasing an amp is the sound it produces. Every guitarist has their own unique sound they prefer, so try out many amps before purchasing one. Just because John Mayer uses a Fender Vibro King doesn’t mean you should invest in one. Find a specific amp that produces the tone you prefer and purchase it.
