• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Do you use Tubes or Solid State?

What type of Amp do you use?

  • Total voters
    510
Geezer Brown

Geezer Brown

Guest
Dec 6, 2012
726
53
41
Santa Rosa, California
#1
So after the awesome turnout of my last poll, I got even more curious as to what type of amp you guys use. So tell us what type you use for your PRIMARY rig and why! I want to hear everyone's opinions :D
I'm a tube-lover myself, but have been considering solid state and hybrid stuff lately.

Thank you for voting! :bassist:
 
#3
I use solid state. I am not not anti tubes but I like to streamline my rig for load-in/out since I like to gig. My MarkBass head weighs 8 pounds and fits in a backpack, so it is much better to carry than a 100 pound SVT-CL I used to gig. Tonally I much prefer the MarkBass but that is all subjective. At the end of the day only one person on a gig truly cares what your tone sounds like, yourself, everybody just wants to hear the bass they could give two ***** what it sounds like unless it sounds REALLY ******. This applies to guitar as well, contrary to what guitards think.

I get the praise for tubes, there is a certain warmth to them, but cost vs return is how I view it and the cost of lugging a giant amp around is not worth my personal return. I also think I can get a fantastic SS sound, I have no tonal needs.
 
#4
I have three all-tube rigs:

  • '91 Ampeg SVT-II nonpro into a Berg NV610 cab
  • '73 Ampeg V4B into a matching Fliptops sealed 4x10 cab
  • '73 Ampeg B25B into a matching LDS sealed 4x10 cab
I also will be obtaining a Trace Elliot V4 head next week.

I would say my main rig at this time is the SVT-II/NV610 rig. Why? Well, for me, it provides the tone, the feel, and the oomph that I like!
 
#5
I use SS now due to weight; I used hybrids before that. Recently I was charged to repair an ART Tube MP unit and I discovered in research that it can be used for a pedalboard preamp. I'm thinking that this might make me a bit happier with my SS micro head. Whaddya think?

My primary rig is a TC Electronic BH250 micro and a Hartke 410 cab.
 
#6
I split usage 50/50 between a Peavey VB-2 and either a GK 800RB or 400RB. Depends on the gig and music being played. I like ss for my P with flats and tubes for the roundwould J, 6 string and Turner RB-4 fretless.

I also have a blackface Showman (85 watts) for certain small gigs as well if I need a vintage-y sound.
 
#10
Well, I'll use what's most appropriate to maintain my feel and tone across a variety of acts and venues. Couple of examples...

Tubes: VT-22

SS: Carvin MB10

Pre/power: SVT-BSP -> QSC USA 850

Hybrid: Add my Hughes and Kettner BATT in front of any of the SS amps above.

And that's not even getting into the 300w tubers... :D
 
#11
Used a hybrid Eden for years and years, but currently using a GK 1001RBii and it sounds great with my Spectors.

I would love to try tubes sometime, but I don't know that I want to deal with the maintenance aspect.
 
#13
Tube amps for live gigs + a spare SS micro top (never needed to use it).

Why ? Sounds , looks and feels good. After having used graphic EQ's, preamps and stuff, all I need is a simple tone stack nowadays to get the preferred sound. Weight ? Not an issue. Maintenance ? Not an issue.
 
#15
I <3 TOOBZ. In all seriousness, I just like the sound and feel of my Mesa 400+ over every other amp that I've tried. I don't push it into power tube drive though. The amp on stage is for my personal pleasure and the sound guy is there for everyone else. I just prefer hearing my Mesa behind me.
 
#17
Tube for me. Love the tone and feel. But the weight is inconvenient, especially for the load-ins with lots of stairs. For those who switched from tubes to SS, which heads most closely got you to the tone/feel that you loved in your old tube amp?
 
#19
Solid State. I dialed my RPM to a tone I'm really happy with. I find the absence of tubes satisfying because there's little to no worry regarding my tone being consistent from rehersal to gig to gig to studio to gig to gig. I don't feel like I've sacrificed anything in my tone. I'm sure if I went out and spent the money on a high end tube amp it'd sound great, but for the price, weight, maintenance, I certainly am not worried about what I'm "missing"
 
#20
Thor2 said:
Tube for me. Love the tone and feel. But the weight is inconvenient, especially for the load-ins with lots of stairs. For those who switched from tubes to SS, which heads most closely got you to the tone/feel that you loved in your old tube amp?
Click to expand...

I don't know that you can get that from a totally SS amp. Some claim the Aguilar ToneHammer amps can. But, I've used a lot of hybrids. The Streamliners from Genz Benz do a good job of sounding "old school" when you need it to. Currently, I use GK Fusion amps that have a 6 stage (3 12AX7 tubes) for the preamp. It is a nice blend of modern and old school for me.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back