Start your journey in guitar playing by learning the fundamental details about one of the basic sound equipment for guitarists. Learn more about tube amps here.
An amplifier is one of the basic sound devices you’ll need as you start playing guitar. Tonal coloration is the primary function and purpose of a guitar amp. You aim to enhance the sound your guitar creates and make sure it matches with your style of playing rather than producing crystalline sounds – that is when the guitar amp comes into play. It helps you produce better sounds that suit your music genre and playing style.
Tube Amplifier; Definition
There are two basic categories of guitar amps: tube amplifier and solid-state guitar amps. Among these two classifications, the best option for electric guitars and basses is a tube amplifier. Though the remaining two can work with such guitar types, rookies are advised to begin with a tube amplifier to discover more about their sound and style of playing.
A tube amplifier has two or more vacuum tubes or valves to amplify the electric signals of a musical instrument.
The Sound it Creates
Tube amplifiers are well-known for producing ‘warm’ sounds. Each musician has a different perspective of a ‘warm sound’. Hence, there is no solid way to describe such sound; however, musicians easily recognize it. A warm sound is more spacious and open-sounding. It has a good mix of minimal bass and mids response. It happens when the vacuum tubes are overloaded, thereby creating an overdrive in the tubes.
This unique sound of tube amps is the reason why it sounds ‘vintage’, like oldies music you hear from recorders. It also produces sweet treble, less aggression, looser lower-end, and minimal compression, which results in sounds from classic 60’s music.
The Difference between Class A and Class AB Tube Amps
Tube amps fall into two types, which are Class A and Class AB.
Class A tube amps distort sounds quickly as you increase the volume when playing. The distortion also enhances the coloration of the sound giving it a more classic retro and rock vibe. An example of well-known Class A tube amps is VOX AC30.
The famous Marshall and Fender tube amps are examples of Class AB amplifiers. This guitar amp produces overdrive when the volume is maximized. It has more headroom and does not distort cranking up the volume, unlike Class A tubes.
Class AB amps are also known for their ability to project bass easily compared to Class A tube amps. The former can produce a clearer and stable bass because it efficiently manages power. However, Class AB tubes don’t quickly burn like Class A amps.
Inasmuch, professional musicians prefer having both Class A and Class AB tube amps. Having these two will let you can alternate each one based on the music you are playing.
Is Tube Amp Affordable?
You can find a wide variety of tube amps in the market; one example is the monoprice tube amp. This tube amplifier is budget-friendly and possesses great quality. It is durable and portable. You can use it for both indoor and outdoor playing. Furthermore, it enhances your sound and allows you to experiment with your music.