Blindfold Amp Test - Modelling vs Solid State vs Tube

[MikeD]

I wasn't exactly sure where to post this so mods can move it if necessary

Rob and The Captain do an interesting test...sorry no PRS content.

I've always assumed that I could clearly tell/hear the difference between amps but this video seems to show that it is much more difficult if you don't know which amp you're listening to.

 

[Orange Tiger]

Awesome, I'll check it out when I can. The blindfold tests are always interesting.

 

[László]

I have done these over the years, and have found them interesting.

One does have to be familiar with a good recording of the real amp to make the test meaningful. Usually there are differences, but most folks don't really know what to listen for.

There are times that modelers are actually nicer sounding than the real deal.

 

[AP515]

SS stuff is getting better. I liked all 3. Still heard the difference though. I picked out the HRD without looking.

 

[CoreyT]

I saw that in my subs this morning at work, but did not watch it yet.
Will be on my list tomorrow.
I really enjoy their videos.

 

[jfb]

Looking forward to watching this. I wonder if I can tell?!

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I like SS, tube, and modelers, and use and own 'em all... but the Mustang is really one of my least favorite amps of all times. I tried really hard to like it as most people rave about them, so I wasn't the least bit surprised by the guys assuming the 'Cube was the'Stang while blindfolded.

Cool video though, use your ears and lest the best tone (for you) win.

 

[CoreyT]

Here is one with all of PRS's Custom 24s.

Published on Jan 15, 2015

What is it with Capt & Chappers when it comes to getting blindfolded?? Too much 50 Shades of Grey maybe?

Anyway - we try 4 guitars from PRS. All are Custom 24 models, but they range from Indonesia (SE Standard), Korea (SE), and the USA (S2 & Full Custom 24).

 

[Raymond]

The PRS are easy to tell just by touch.

1 - the Core has a different carve top
2 - The blade switch is 5 way vs 3
3 - The strap locks are different
4 - the knobs are different
5 - the tuners are different

 

[CoreyT]

Yep, I think I could have got them all correct.
For a real test I think they should not have been allowed to touch the tuning gears, volume/tone pots, pickup selector, or feel the carve.

 

[Jazzedout]

The best test IMHO, would be with Chapman in one room playing the guitars, and Captain in the other room with the amp cabinet next to him.... after this was done they should switch positions...

The one listening should try to recognize he guitars... Even by not looking it easy to tell some quality differences by touch alone....

 

[CVS]

I have a Fender Mustang 2, a Fender Blues Jr, and a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. When I play these amps clean, I think (I have never done a blindfold test) that I have no problems telling them apart. I admit that a better test would be to compare the Mustang 3 to the Hot Rod Deluxe because of speaker size quality but I do think comparing the Mustang 2 to the Blues Jr is a valid comparison and I prefer the clean sound of the Blues Jr, assuming you can get the reverb on both amps to sound similar. Once you introduce pedals, my guess is that I would have trouble in a blindfold test

 

[gwardealy]

here are three clips. which one uses a Boogie 50 watt combo?
Which one used a Sans Amp, plugged directly into the board?
and which one used the Fender Mustang III?

In the first clip ignore the amp on the floor, it's always in that spot but doesn't mean it's being used. I have all three set up all the time.

No pedals are being used other than a wa in the second clip i a couple of spots.

clip one

clip two

clip three

 

[CVS]

I can't tell which one is the Mustang 3 - BTW - how are you getting the distortion in clip 1 given you are not using a any pedal? Clips are fantastic and I have already stolen a few of your riffs from the 1st clip.

 

[gwardealy]

I can't tell which one is the Mustang 3 - BTW - how are you getting the distortion in clip 1 given you are not using a any pedal? Clips are fantastic and I have already stolen a few of your riffs from the 1st clip.

thanks. The distortion is from the amps...gain/master volume....and EQ. The Mustang has 'pedals' in it, but I'm using the gain on the amp and by selecting the 'amp type'. I just tired of pedals and having to click them on and off...being tied to that spot. So I find the sweet spot of the pickups and EQ it on the amp, using the gain of course also. then control the distortion and volume on the guitar. I like the feeling of being more in touch with the guitar.

Which is the main thing I love about my PRS,.,,,the response to using the volume control and approach to how strings are played. And the natural sustain of the guitar. With PRS it's way more than the pickups. I like to be able to stop playing and not hear fuzz noise...it allows space between the notes also. Its like a clean distortion.

 

[CVS]

Thanks for the advice. I assume that means that clip 1 was the Mustang 111 amp??

 

[CoreyT]

A new video:

Published on Feb 17, 2015

After the fun of the clean amp blindfold challenge last month, we decided we'd do the same but with some driven amps.

Blindfold Challenge - Driven Guitar Amps - Modelling vs Solid State vs Valve

 

[NomadMike]

I remember tests from back when I was in the IEEE.
Generally it's hard to tell the difference when you run both kinds of amps clean (given they are good quality amps to start with), and somewhat hard to tell when both are in the super fizzy zone.
It's that place where blues guys and classic rockers live that show the most difference. I'll have to dig up the article.

http://www.co-bw.com/Audio_Vacuum_Tubes_Vs_Trans_Guitar.htm