I have to agree with a tube amp. The only thing I would suggest is getting a low wattage tube amp if you are going to be playing in small rooms. I made the mistake of getting a 100 watt Triple XXX and Now I cannot turn it up past 2 or it makes me go deaf. I use my GNX4 to get the overdriven sound that I am not able to obtain by overdriving the tubes. The other option is a PowerBrake. These let you drive the tubes while keeping the volume low without damaging the amp. I am looking into some 10 to 50 watt tube amps right now to solve my problem. I am going to go and test drive a 50 watt Marshall Vintage Modern here soon. I had almost decided on a Randal when I saw that Paul Gilbert has switched to the Marshall Vintage Modern because of its tone. Anybody have one of these or has anybody played through one? Would be interested on some feedback.