5 Solid-state Amps With Tons of Tube-like Vibes

Many of today‘s most reputable amp manufacturers are pumping out solid-state models to rival their tube-equipped siblings at wallet-friendly prices. In this video, Sweetwater‘s Mitch Gallagher takes a selection of these solid-state amps for a spin, with incredible offerings from Fender, BOSS, Quilter Labs, Orange, and Blackstar to deliver any sonic flavor imaginable.

#Sweetwater

[jeddak]

The Quilter amps always seem like the most toneful choice in the world of solid-state. And the straight-ahead (no digital emulation) is very appealing to the purist in me, who values simplicity and maintainability.

[themomentkiller]

Gigged with my Roland jc40 last night. So loud it can peel the paint off the wall (I was on 4 and it’s loud!) and takes overdrive and any other type of pedal like a champ!

[Herfinnur]

Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:51 Fender Tonemaster Twin Reverb
2:13 Boss Katana
3:14 Blackstar
4:20 Orange Crush
5:10 Quilter Aviator Cub
6:03 Conclusion

[TwistedIdentity]

Wow that Quilter amp sounds fantastic. Never heard of them but now I want to try one.

[richfiryn]

This past New Years Eve i had my BOSS Katana MK II Head parked on top of a 2x12 with V30's in it and went full blast out the front door to say hi to the neighborhood. Nobody was bitching about solid state amp tone you can bet that.

[lowercase]

My favorite all time solid state is a Fender Champion 100. Simple to use and a HUGE sound. So sad I got rid of it. But hey they only go for about $250-$300 so you’re not breaking the bank.

[TheToneLounge]

I grew up hearing how solid state amps were inferior to their tube counterparts. I had very little experience with them and always believed what I heard was true.

When I tried a Randall head back in the early 90's, I was floored. What were all these guitar players talking about? This amp head sounded fantastic.

From that day forward I made it a goal to test gear and forge my own opinion. Solid state has it's place, and it isn't a lesser product.

[correametal]

Like I always say "When Mitch speaks, we listen". Wow Mitch that is some great riffing right there!!! I am going to be honest, I am a Solid State amp freak. I have never been a fan of tube amps. I think it's just a matter of taste. Great video like always...Sweetwater rules!!!

[TheRosswise]

I would also recommend the Peavey Transtube and Marshall Valvestate amps. They used to be dirt cheap, but the cat has been let out of the bag and the prices have climbed quite a bit. Good deals may still be out there. But these amps sound amazing.

[Ufozoo]

I have the orange pro crush 120. The louder it gets the better it sounds. If you’re into playing Jimi Hendrix or Robin Trower that is a great amplifier

[AutismRocksOfficial]

Don't have a need for a new amp. Just here to hear Mitch play. 🤘🤘

[trentc]

I bought a Katana 100 Mark 2 back in the fall. I was planning to trade in my Mark 1 soon, but then the tube situation came up and I figured I'd better keep it just in case.

[ro]

The Blackstar sounded real good. I have the 100 watt Katana head, and other than squealing feedback when using the boost, I like it a lot.

[precbsfender]

The 1980s solid state Peavey Bandit 65 has the epitome of tube like tone.. it nails the JCM 800 to a T.

[travislecount]

Wow. All of those amps sound really fantastic.

[LivingstonWard]

For decades, I was a serious tube snob. I have owned Mesa Boogie, Marshall, Fender, Matchless, Bad Cat, Ampeg and others. I spent many hours discussing the virtues of EL34 vs 6L6. These days, I don’t even own a tube amp. My main gigging amp is Fender Deluxe Tonemaster, and I love it.

[jamesmarcin]

Great video, would have been cool if you also played a Roland Blues Cube. They are also great.

[phillippitts]

Boss katana. every time I think about getting something else, I think why bother!

[rort]

VOX Pathfinder 15R from the earlier 2000s is the best SS amp. Real spring reverb too.

[mr.d.]

I've always had Solid State amps. Finally wanted to try a tube amp and the tube crisis hit 😕. But that Quilter sounds like a good substitute. 👍