Microphone Heaven.
Tube amp tone from a solid state amp
When using a solid state guitar amp, you can
use a tube
mic preamp to get a really great tube distortion sound.
Basically any tube mic preamp (especially a number of the
smaller inexpensive ones) that has a tube blend and/or
tube drive level can be overdriven. A favorite of mine
is the Studio Projects VTB1. With the output on your
guitar turned all the way up, and the input level on the
preamp cranked all the way up, as well as the tube blend
level all the way up...tube amp tone in a small,
inexpensive package. You can then adjust the output level
relative to the volume levels on your solid state guitar
amp.
This idea was tested using a variety of stock pickup
humbucker guitars going through a Randall RG75, although
it should work equally well with other combinations.
Guitar players often scoff at non tube power sections,
but bass players have been using tube preamp with solid
state power with great sucess for years. Some very
expensive, very professional bass amps that employ this
are widely used. *cough* David Eden *cough* Before you
write it off, try it on a solid state amp. You will be
amazed at how much of a difference it makes.
