Tube Amp vs Solid State – What's the Difference?

Join Mitch Gallagher for a rundown on the differences between tube amplifiers and solid state amplifiers, and why you would choose one over the other in specific applications. After the video, shop amplifiers at Sweetwater at the link above!

0:00 - Intro
0:42 - What Is An Amp?
1:54 - Tube Amplification Process
2:55 - Solid State Amplification Process
4:00 - Tone Differences
5:31 - Tube Benefits & Disadvantages
6:20 - Solid State Benefits & Disadvantages
7:20 - Genre Considerations
7:55 - Rectifiers
9:10 - Thanks For Watching!

#Sweetwater #TubeAmpVersusSolidStateAmp

[sweetwater]

To each their own! If you have any questions let us know in the comments 👇 Thanks for watching, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

[mikezaite]

I don't believe I have ever heard a better explanation and comparison of tube versus solid state. Excellent job Mitch, a great video from someone who really is versed on the subject .

[jeffhodge]

Sweetwater does everything right. This video is a perfect model for everyone who posts videos. It's clear, articulate, and concise, without a stitch of annoying background music or obnoxious bass backbeat. Thanks, Mitch.

[CliveBarnesMusic]

I've been watching gear channels since the dawn of YouTube and Mitch is hands down the best. His videos are extremely informative, concise and delivered in a way that's easy to understand. The guy is a legend and a breath of fresh air. Long may you run Mitch Gallagher...!!!

[patrickcarroll]

I just love Mitch and everything he's about.

[correametal]

Mitch always makes me want to listen and watch the whole video. HIs clear and pleasant voice along with the obvious great knowledge and the way he manages to explain things are way beyond excellent!!! Thanks Mitch, thanks Sweetwater!!!

[KHolt]

I dont believe I've ever heard a more concise, in-depth, and too the point explanation of anything ever.

[johnabbottphotography]

What a brilliant, no bullshit, here's-what-you-need-to-know, explainer.
Thanks, Sweetwater. This is why I try to buy as much gear as I can from you.

[SynZ]

The difference between SS and tube these days is so marginal it's not even worth it for me to empty my bank for a tube amp anymore. I moved all of the internals of my Katana amp to an empty Marshall head and people always say how great it sounds
😂 Never got those kinds of compliments when it was in the Katana amp.

[herfamusic]

This video is perfect! Everything is extremely well organized and explained. Bravo & thank you! 👏👏👏

[cygnus-studios]

Without a doubt, the best comparison of tube versus solid-state guitar amplifiers I’ve ever run across. As always, kudos to Sweetwater and of course Mitch!

[HouseMerlot]

Wow...I was expecting a real snoozefest but that was a great video...jam packed with rapid fire info. Great job!!

[juanmelgar]

No one has ever explained me so well this differences.
I am going all in on solid state for my situation preferences.
Thanks

[lupo]

I have a Marshall DSL401 40w valve amp and a Marshall MG50w solid state and amp that I bend together.
Initially I hooked up both to my pedalboard so I could practice with the MG while I waiting on my valves to warm up but I found that blended, they sounded great together.

[peterjones]

Hi Mitch, the differences between the two was explained very well, the best I've ever heard. Great job and very well presented. Thank you Mitch.

[FoxHound-chyy]

I've been through three tube amps in my time. After the last one I owned crapped out on me mid song at an open mic night I was performing at with a friend, I am off the tube amp bandwagon for good. Took it to my local store, got it sent away to be looked at and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with Lucky it was still under warranty because god knows what it would have cost me...

Reliability is far more important to me now than outdated technology that is just destined to fail. I now play through a Fender Champion 100 and it's the best amp I've ever owned. Modelling effects in it are nice, can easily switch between the two channels with the foot switch and it's clean tones are beautiful and rich sounding when the eq is dialled in nicely. The tweed setting on it is magic to play with. Truly wonderful tone. I primarily play blues and the main pedal I use is the Boss BD-2, I put that pedal in front of the amp and i'm in blues rock heaven. It just concludes for me that tube amps aren't all they're cracked up to be. Modern day solid states are just as good and a thousand times more reliable.

In no way am I trying to tell any of you not to buy a tube amp if you want one, but for any of you that don't have any experience owning and using them, be warned, they can be a royal pain in the fuckin' ass. I'll never go back to tube amps as long as I live after what happened with my last one.

[alexmurphy]

Mitch is a legend. So articulate and a phenomenal player. Cheers man

[maakwatherrie]

I play in a new (loud) band. I have a mesa rectoverb 2x12 combo. Against my and the bassists advice the second guitarist purchased a bass katana 2x12 because it sounds great on internet and at home. The first time we played as a band with the Boss transistor transistor amp only some high hiss could be heard from the Boss. Didn't cut through the mix at all. Then he tried a fender hotrod (from the rehearsal room) and all was fine.

[Doggieman]

Wow fantastic, this was a much deeper dive than I expected

[adamdagosto]

This is MG's best video he's every made. Period. Mitch...drop the mic!