My Axe(that means guitar, posers)

[nichomachean]

Originally Posted by Brysenjg [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

If you're going to be playing metal..or anything with a heavy use distortion I would recommend a solid state amp.

If you were to use a tube amp for metal, you would absolutely need a distortion pedal. They aren't known for the use of heavy distortion. They are known for their warm, full bodied clean sound and natural break up as you turn it up. (I'm not suggesting you can't use a tube amp for metal, but I wouldn't recommend it.)

There are plenty of modern tube amps with high-gain stages, running everything from EL34s to 6L6/6G6s with plenty of gain. Check out ENGL, Diamond, Diezel, Bogner, Krank, Mesa...the list goes on.

Granted, they're pricy (I think Kranks are the cheapest, and still run around 1200). Furthermore, there then comes the argument of voicing (British versus modern, etc. etc.), as well as pairings with speakers (Celestions still seem to be some of the most popular).

Bang for buck you can't beat solid state, but I don't think you'll ever get the same distortion out of the MOSFET circuits as you would from pushing valves.

Just my opinion. [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]