Tube vs solid state rectifier

Locrian99

Locrian99

Well-known member
Alright so ive never had an amp with a thbe rectifier and I’m sure they are all different.

Do the tube rectifier tend to break up easier? Im messing with this bandmaster reverb right now which to my understanding has kind of an undersized ot so they break up a little earlier, would using a solid state rectifier have any impact there? It breaks up super early if i hit it say all three single coils on with my s1 switch. Or my bridge humbucker. Havent gotten my lp out with it yet.
 
Not sure I’d describe it as earlier breakup as much as the feel of the amp. Tube rec’s tend to sag or compress the power amp a bit. So perhaps the break up is more perceived? Diodes are quicker and tend to sound punchier, especially the low end.
 
Gordo said:
Not sure I’d describe it as earlier breakup as much as the feel of the amp. Tube rec’s tend to sag or compress the power amp a bit. So perhaps the break up is more perceived? Diodes are quicker and tend to sound punchier, especially the low end.
Click to expand...
Hmm. I always have a hard time when im not used to something on whether its right lol.
 
They have more sag. When you hit a single note very hard it makes a thuuump kinda sound. SS is VERY tight, no sag.
 
Well i think my expectations on where it should be breaking up was just a bit off. I knew it’d break up earlier but thats earlier than i was expecting. And with my strat mid position with s1 on hitting it with all three single coils it makes sense i guess.

AI Overview



A Fender Bandmaster Reverb typically starts to break up around the "4-5" mark on the volume knob, depending on the specific amp and playing style, with the reverb models generally breaking up slightly earlier than non-reverb versions due to the gain stage in the reverb recovery circuit.

Key points about Bandmaster Reverb breakup:
  • Volume range:
    Most players will notice noticeable breakup around the mid-range of the volume knob (around 4-5).

  • Factors affecting breakup:
    Playing technique, guitar pickup selection, and the overall settings of the amp (tone controls) can influence when the breakup occurs.

  • Reverb circuit impact:
    The reverb circuit in a Bandmaster can slightly lower the clean headroom, causing earlier breakup compared to a non-reverb version.
 
What Feral says, it depends on the bass style but all tube amps tends to mush out the attack of the notes a bit like a compressor does.
 
How are you using this? A Bandmaster would likely be my last choice for a gainy sounding amp but if you're looking for high headroom cleans then a diode rec would be a nice choice. The copper cap rec's from Weber might be a nice choice if it was plug and play.
 
Gordo said:
How are you using this? A Bandmaster would likely be my last choice for a gainy sounding amp but if you're looking for high headroom cleans then a diode rec would be a nice choice. The copper cap rec's from Weber might be a nice choice if it was plug and play.
Click to expand...
getting more break up than i expected, just curious if id get less with a solid state recifier in the tube socket
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top