Electric Guitars

[Blackface]

I think it probably does though since the absolute only thing I touch when doing this is the 50/100w switch. When in the 50 w setting, at practice/gig volume, I get a little power tube breakup, and I don't care for it.

That switch cuts the power somehow though. It either cuts some tubes out or turns on some kind of attenuator.

[Brian Krashpad]

I dunno, man. Dimebag Darrel was pretty damn loud and he was playing solid-state amps until not long before his death. LOL

Something on which we agree! That said, I'd note that the "Dime" model solid state amp currently being sold, despite it's "D100" model number, is actually a 120W amp, as was the "Krankenstein" model he developed with Krank. And at least one of the earlier Randalls he played, if it's model number can be given any credence, may've been double the wattage of a 100 Watter ("Randall Century 200"). Another Randall he used, the Warhead, is supposedly 300W. So I'll agree to your Dimebag example, but posit that it tends to prove my point instead.

[notjonahbutnoah]

That switch cuts the power somehow though. It either cuts some tubes out or turns on some kind of attenuator.

Right, it cuts the middle two power tubes, you can see them dim slightly when you flip it to 50. So it sounds different because of the wattage.

[koiwoi]

Another point I don't think has been mentioned is tube life. I like the fact that my amp isn't getting it's ass kicked by running at the limit constantly. I know that's the holy grail for many, but even at 1/4 volume the gain channel on my amp sounds great and I have lots of volume in reserve for bigger outdoor venues or really loud clean leads.

[xrleroyx]

Are you in a Dinosaur Jr. or My Bloody Valentine cover band? If so, it can never be loud enough.

This is mainly why I got my '71 Super Lead.

I love being loud. But it can also provide me the clean headroom that I require for playing jazz. I have never had as powerful of an amp as this, but it's an awesome thing to own.

[onelife]

Another point I don't think has been mentioned is tube life. I like the fact that my amp isn't getting it's ass kicked by running at the limit constantly. I know that's the holy grail for many, but even at 1/4 volume the gain channel on my amp sounds great and I have lots of volume in reserve for bigger outdoor venues or really loud clean leads.

Good Point. My Mesa Boogie Subway Blues eats EL84s. It is a 20W amp that I run on half power and turn it all the way up - the half power jack has a 8ohm 20W resistor in series so it provides no relief for the tubes. I can usually get a full year or more out of a set of 6L6s in a Fender amp.

[GilmourD]

Something on which we agree! That said, I'd note that the "Dime" model solid state amp currently being sold, despite it's "D100" model number, is actually a 120W amp, as was the "Krankenstein" model he developed with Krank. And at least one of the earlier Randalls he played, if it's model number can be given any credence, may've been double the wattage of a 100 Watter ("Randall Century 200"). Another Randall he used, the Warhead, is supposedly 300W. So I'll agree to your Dimebag example, but posit that it tends to prove my point instead.

I think the hard part about it all is that some tube amps are underrated. Like I said above a Plexi can actually put out 150 watts but it's rated at 100.

[Brian Krashpad]

I think the hard part about it all is that some tube amps are underrated. Like I said above a Plexi can actually put out 150 watts but it's rated at 100.

Again we agree. Ratings are notoriously deceptive, depending on the amp, in either direction.

[pathofspirit]

Why didn't you just turn it down?

Because there's a real thrill in being in my 50s and still being able to tork people up with an electric guitar! :cool:

[tlbonehead]

the main thing about tube amps is that they remain fairly clear and musical sounding well above their totally clean capability. SS amps on the other hand, well you know when they are starting to clip.

[koiwoi]

Because there's a real thrill in being in my 50s and still being able to tork people up with an electric guitar! :cool:

I get that, but that means the amp is loud enough for what you want to do with it!

[Darkstorm]

I'll agree with earlier poster who said 50 watts of tube power is plenty for anyone and 100 watts is overkill for tube power.

[notjonahbutnoah]

Obviously there's the whole thing where tube amps seem to sound better louder. That probably contributes to the perceived volume, but I have to wonder if it doesn't have a lot to do with the fact that most of the time tube amps are being pushed through nicer, more efficient speakers than the ones that are in solid state combos/matching cabinets. I'll tell ya there is a WORLD of difference between this cabinet: and this one: I reckon if you have that second one, you're not putting a solid state head through it.

[koiwoi]

I'll get an amp less than 80w when Reinhold Bogner makes a 20W Shiva...

[Sillypeoples]

Love my C30 and all it can do but there I'm considering a Jet City 100h that's available here locally. My band is playing the typical club and party type gig and the other guitar player is blasting out through a 150 watt Line 6 and 4x12.

I usually run the PV clean at about 8-9 to keep up even while using a CrunchBox and Fat Drove OD up front.

Would 100 watts of tubage be just too damn much or is volume less an issue than the tone that comes with the extra juice?

What's a boy to do?

Dude I played out with a Classic 30..only once did I get it UP to 5/6.

So yeah, maybe you need a half stack.

[benzem]

I feel were talking to ourselves....a little.

[koiwoi]

Love my C30 and all it can do but there I'm considering a Jet City 100h that's available here locally. My band is playing the typical club and party type gig and the other guitar player is blasting out through a 150 watt Line 6 and 4x12. I usually run the PV clean at about 8-9 to keep up even while using a CrunchBox and Fat Drove OD up front. Would 100 watts of tubage be just too damn much or is volume less an issue than the tone that comes with the extra juice? What's a boy to do?

Actually - it sounds like your other guitarist needs to turn down and work his sound better into the band. Why does he need to have his amp so loud if he's playing a modeller anyway? He should take a feed into the PA and keep his amp at reasonable levels. I've also found that Line6 amps can have a slight muddy lack of clarity conpared to the focussed mid goodness of tubes. Another thing is that he may be running too much stereo effect in his patches, which can make it hard for any other instruments to sit in the mix. Unless you're trying to run spanking clean sounds I can't see how you can't make your amp work. Definitely mic it and send it to the PA if you're not already.