solid state or tube?

[Asa Samuel]

i was just wondering what the majority of people use, i have personally always used solid state amps but i guess i've just not had the time to explore tubes so i may find i prefer tubes one day.

but what about all you guys and gals?

Thanks.
Bass_Junkie.

 

[alangoldstein]

tube for recording. mostly. solid state live and loud tho.

depends i guess. but this seems right for me and the band.

i do not even use preamps now live .

bass into ebs multicomp pedal, and into DBX rack 31 band EQ into power amp stereo into 2 cabs at 800 watts each 4 ohm.

LOUD and CLEAR

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I mainly use my SVT-II for bass, but I do have a peavey firebass aswell.

For guitar i use a trace elliot speedtwin H100 custom shop, which is 100 watt tube (switchable to 50 watt, and now modded to drop it to 25 watts if wanted). And a Peavey Classic 30, 30 watt all tube combo.

I just prefer the sound you tend to get with tube amps, but thats all it is, personal preference

 

[cnltb]

It#s solid state for me.
I can always add hat tubey colouring if I feel the need to do so. If I had a tube amp ,I couldnt get rid of it,in case it wasnt called for in a given situation.

 

[ROON]

Where's the option for hybrids? I use a hybrid SVT-3PRO.

 

[Timi]

All tube for me.

Too many bad experiences with solid state amps breaking down, and I've never played a SS that sounded or responded right for me.

I know that its meant to be SS amps that are more reliable than tube, but it just hasn't been my personal experience. Even if I found a great sounding SS head (or hybrid) I would be too paranoid to use it live.

 

[oddio]

Where's the option for hybrids?

My thoughts exactly. I guess the OP is looking at it from the perspective of "all tube" or "everything else", or perhaps if it has any tube content or not?

Personally I use either SS, tube or hybrid depending on a number of factors: the type of music played, venue, levels needed etc.

 

[Reefer]

I've been a solid state guy for many years having tried all the hybrid stuff(Eden, SWR, etc), but having recently acquired a SVT II my opinions having totally changed. Not only is the SVT II fat sounding, but it is very quick, punchy, and articulate, something I did not expect from this amp. I used to complain about hauling around my DB750, but the SVT II sounds so good that I don't care about the 85 lbs. I voted TUBE!!!

 

[ShirazBop]

SS Thunderfunk w/tube emulation (the switch) + Accugroove Tri-115L main rig.

SS Ampeg PB250 with a SVT DI (tube) in the front end + PB-112H for the practice/backup/fit in my trunk rig.

 

[Longhorn]

Tube pre, solid amp

 

[shooter_mi]

After switching the tube I don't think I'll play a solid state amp again. I really like the tubes a lot.

 

[matrok]

Tube pre, solid amp

+1000 My Trace Elliot V-type is awesome.

 

[tallbassguy]

Been a while since I've posted here...
but
I have had 2 really nice tube amps and sold them both.
The Sunn 300T and the Peavey Classic 400.
Both were just to darn heavy to haul around.
They do make good space heaters though.

I typically use my GK 700 RBII, small i9n size, big in power, and great on tone.
and I have my hybrid Yorkie 800 .

I prefer small and light although I must say I like the tone of an all tube amp very much.

 

[Dave W]

I play a variety of them. I have an all tube, a hybrid, and all SS. Right now I'm playing the hybrid, but I think the all tube sounds the best. The SS is just for bedroom stuff and small gigs really...but it'll handle anything I throw at it. I might be getting rid of it in favor of another SS head though...one that I think will suit my needs a little better...and that would probably become my main head for everything.

 

[bassbrock]

I tend to have a preference for Solid State. But with that being said, I prefer the preamp tone of my tube-emulating SansAmp RBI.

 

[Risen Ashes]

I have to agree with I got a Mohawk, and other s on the all-tube , SVT II. It is unbeatable the 85 lbs suck, but the tone and the juice you get from it is unmatched. I also like Mesa/Boogie's hybird amps that have a tube pre and solid state power section. In terms of solid state, I am biased towards Gallien-Krueger. I like their tone, lighter weight and everything I've heard about them for reliability.

 

[bassteban]

I love my D-180, but my tastes change now & then.

 

[stedtale]

I like soliditubes.

 

[svtbass]

I love my D-180, but my tastes change now & then.

And when that happens I just dial in another tone on my D-180. I've got a Skunkworks SVT too, but the 180 is the many-toned monster. If you can't take the weight, go back to guitar.

In my subjective 40 year bass playing experience, SS amps run the gamit from having one tone to having none. And the hybrids have a solid one tone.

A lot of them have a good tone, and you can add your various pedals to try and trick the ears, but it's kind of like an aural vascectomy.

 

[seamonkey]

Modeling is amazing.