5 Reasons to switch to Modeling Amps - Yes or No?

[DetroitBlues]

I read an article this morning from Guitar World on MSN.

They provided some compelling information arguments stating five reasons why someone should switch (citing touring artists switched, so why not you?)

"While sound quality was once something that held modelers back, it is now a big reason to buy": Five reasons you’re better off with an amp modeler than a tube amp

1. Portable
2. Reliable
3. Price
4. Flexibility
5. Sound Great

Can't get myself to do it.  to me I find modelers to be finicky, prone to fail, and won't last in the long run.

• Tube amps are heavy, so digital modelers win there.  I started using a separate head/cabinet.  But really, I use a cart to move stuff around.  Hardest lift is in/out of the truck.  None of it is that heavy, its not like I'm lifting a 100w 2x12 Fender Twin.
• Reliability is subjective, digital modelers are great now, until the software becomes outdated, until fails, and there is no way to fix it.  Digital modelers are disposable items that do not retain value in the long run.
• Price is also subjective.  To achieve the high-end tube-like sound, you are paying way more than most tube amps.  Sure, there are cheaper alternatives, but they aren't as good.  Plus you still have to get a monitor system, my band asked me to look into going direct. I asked if they are buying me a monitor system so I can hear my guitar?  Going to front of house doesn't help me, if I can't hear anything beyond the vocalists monitor.
• Flexibility.  The right tube amp in combination with the right pedals, you can achieve nearly anything sound you want.  Even rolling back the volume on your guitar to clean up the sound makes a huge difference.
• Sounds great.  Tube amps sound great, modelers can, but you buy a modeler, then have to spend more on a monitor system for it.  

There are pros to modeling of which I won't deny, but I have yet to feel (yes, feel) a modeling amp that feels like a fire breathing tube amp.  There is something about the sound and the feel when you have a 50w/100w head pushing a 2x12 or a 4x12 cabinet.  

[fxdx99]

I've been considering this solely for weight.  A couple friends have recently went w/the blonde DR Tonemaster.  I had one at my house for a bit to a/b to my Allen (kinda DR).  Soundwise, it's impressive.  Works for me.  It's modeler at 23lbs/$1100 compared to DR at 42lbs/$1700(+) - save 19lbs and $600.  At some point, I'll likely get one.  Won't sell my tube amps right away, if ever (not all of them anyway), so it's not really a $ delta for me.  Just weight relief.  Like the option of lower weight at times and a lighter backup amp.  Also considering the Victory V4 paired w/a single 12 neodymium cab.  Few more $, even lighter.

[kennyv4]

Nice comparison.  I'm a tube amp snob.  When I have done solo gigs, I use a Princeton Reverb or Carr Rambler. With a group I use a modeling amp. IMO sound is not as critical when playing with other musicians due to different genre of the music that is played. 

[Gitfiddler]

Excellent analysis.  For me, my first choice will always be a tube amp, with a few pedals.

That said, the closest I'll get to a modeler, is my DV Mark Eric Gales Raw Dawg 250.  Connected to a 2x12 speaker cab, that tiny box can fill a small auditorium with great tone.

[DetroitBlues]

4 hours ago, fxdx99 said:

I've been considering this solely for weight.  A couple friends have recently went w/the blonde DR Tonemaster.  I had one at my house for a bit to a/b to my Allen (kinda DR).  Soundwise, it's impressive.  Works for me.  It's modeler at 23lbs/$1100 compared to DR at 42lbs/$1700(+) - save 19lbs and $600.  At some point, I'll likely get one.  Won't sell my tube amps right away, if ever (not all of them anyway), so it's not really a $ delta for me.  Just weight relief.  Like the option of lower weight at times and a lighter backup amp.  Also considering the Victory V4 paired w/a single 12 neodymium cab.  Few more $, even lighter.

This article was more about the direct to PA style systems.  I actually like the Tone Master series, although I don't know how long they'd last.  Most older tube amps can be serviced.  Can't say the same about a digital modeler like the Tone Master.  When I was in Nashville three years ago, I did a back stage tour of the Grand Ol Opry.  Because it was an early Sunday tour, it was just me and my wife on a tour.  I had noticed every single amp on the stage was a Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb.  Now the difference here really is, if an amp goes bad, they could easily get another and not think twice about it.  However, the average guitarist probably couldn't do the same thing....

[fxdx99]

34 minutes ago, DetroitBlues said:

This article was more about the direct to PA style systems.  I actually like the Tone Master series, although I don't know how long they'd last.  Most older tube amps can be serviced.  Can't say the same about a digital modeler like the Tone Master.  When I was in Nashville three years ago, I did a back stage tour of the Grand Ol Opry.  Because it was an early Sunday tour, it was just me and my wife on a tour.  I had noticed every single amp on the stage was a Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb.  Now the difference here really is, if an amp goes bad, they could easily get another and not think twice about it.  However, the average guitarist probably couldn't do the same thing....

Interesting that Opry back line has them. Thanks. The tonemaster series has direct to PA like most modelers so would think applicable for this discussion. They just include a speaker should us old school cats wanna use it as a monitor. They’ve run for 4.5 years so far without significant failure rates, but yeh, once fail it’d be replace rather than service (tho with $0 annual maintenance over it’s life).  

[TalismanRich]

THe only way I can see going direct to PA/FOH is if you have in ear monitors, which I don't.   If you've got high dollar, big time PA,  IEM, etc. then it probably can work.   You can have your roadie take care of all the particulars to make sure everything is up to snuff for the show.  U2 does it. 

When I get together at my drummer friend's house,  we use headphones,  no amps.   I tried using my old PodXT but it had some real noise issues.   I grabbed a Strymon Iridium from a local fellow, and it does fine.   It's not the same as having an amp, but it's just for a few guys jamming.

For actually playing on a small stage in front of people,  having an amp is still preferred for me.  

[bolero]

I like playing my tube amps. I like the sound, I like the smell, and I enjoy interacting with them. They're fun to use. They inspire me.

That said, if I were on tour and didn't have the funds to haul & maintain them, a modeller would be a good option.

Otherwise why waste my time trying to replicate something I already have? I have better things to do.