Amp Sims and software

Hello, I started playing guitar a few years ago then quit due to time restraints. However I'm back on it and joined GuitarTricks so that I could stick to it.

I'm a few months into learning electric guitar. I've always wanted to play it since I was a kid. This past year my wife gave me "permission" to get one. I did a ton of research on amps, and listened to 100's of clips online.

For my needs and to keep peace in the house, I needed one that sounded good through headphones or low volume. There were several amps that I liked, but I didn't know exactly what tone I was really after, or what genre I'd most likely end up playing. I'm into 90's grunge to post rock to alternative, to electronica.

Not knowing which amp to settle on I decided to go with amp modeling software. I'm a front end developer and have used Macs since the early 90's so it was not difficult to get it setup for music. Right now I'm tinkering with Garageband and several others like: Guitar Rig 5, Amplitube, and S-Gear. I using a Presonus AudioBox iOne for the interface.

I've read several of the "it doesn't sound as good as a real tube amp" posts and that's fine. But for a newbie who wants to experiment with different sounds and tones and get a feel for what;s all out there, it's pretty amazing. There is no way I could afford to have all the amps and effects that come with the software. Additionally, I get a great sound through headphones. This alone is great for practicing without bothering the wife and kids.

I guess this post is more rhetorical babble than asking any specific questions. I would like to know if others have gone this route.

Welcome to the forums and congrats on picking up the guitar again!

I think the path you are taking is great. Amp sims have come along ways. Many of the lessons done here use them!

For what you doing now, it is perfectly fine. If you find that you hone in on a particular amp or particular effect pedals, you can go check out the "real" versions. If you find that the "real" versions sound better to you, then you can take the plunge.

This way you avoid the box of pedals you never use and an amp you aren't happy with.

I've heard recordings made by a variety of these simulations and am always amazed at the quality! Personally I'm using the Boss GT-100 at the moment and am constantly discovering new sounds and uses for them.

Hi ryentzer
I am in the same situation, hobbyist who needs to play with headphones. I used a lot of different modelling gears and they are very good at reproducing sounds from professional amps. Anyway, as for your post, you know everything about what is good in them. In the long run I got tired from them since I wanted to create my own sound instead of having many and confusing sounds. I tried some tube amp with emouleted headphone output but did not work either. So I am now using a studio tube amp (class A amp with 3 tubes in the pre and 2 in the power amp) and I finally understand "the magic" of the real tube amp.

Regards
Carmine

Thanks Maggior for the encouragement. I most definitely want to spend wisely when I do decide to go the amp and effects route. And as you and Carmine elude to, until I discover what my tone is, this is a viable option.

CarmineMarotta, I'd like to know what amp you went with? I lean towards an AC15 personally.

Originally Posted by: ryentzerCarmineMarotta, I'd like to know what amp you went with? I lean towards an AC15 personally.

Ryentzer
it is a Laney Ironheart IRT studio (http://www.laney.co.uk/products/product_details/156)
Among other things, it just works with headphone, no need of dummy load. I was keen on Vox amps (the real tube, not the Valvetronix that I have and love) but need to be connected to something like a Mesa Cab Clone to play with headphones and to a mixer to jam along backing track, not the best for a bedroom player. I read many time that simulated amps lack the dynamic of a real tube amp and it is really true. I also have a Blackstar HT5R, good one but not great with headphones.
Regards
Carmine

There is something to be said for a "real tube amp". I was amazed the first time I played into one. I had walked into the store to buy a Line6 spider amp with built in sims and effects. I wasn't impressed. The sales person walked me over to a Peavey ValveKing and suggested I try it. The price was the same as the Line 6 amp. I was completely blown away. I walked out of the store with that amp.

Usually I use the crappy amps in the rehearsal studio, but last week I had to bring my amp. It was nice to bring it out for a spin...sounded soooo much better. It responds much better to my playing...it's the only way I can think to describe it.

The amp sims give you an approximation of it, but there is no substitute for the real thing.

for whats its worth , I think the ht5rw sounds amazing through headphones....like the boss js10 sounds great with headphones.....

Great info everyone. I hope that once I'm a better player I'll be able to get a nice tube amp. I'm currently working through the second half of the Core Learning system, Outshined in songs, and picking up some licks of my favorite songs off of YouTube. I've got a ways to go, but I'm digging the ride.

There is so much to learn with electric guitar! Effects, amps, cabinets, order of effects, but it's awesome. With S-Gear I was able to get a sweet sound out of a "Marshall" style amp. It's so nice to be able to explore the different sounds and
find the ones that most suit me.

I'd imagine once I start playing with others I'll be looking for a nice amp. Thanks for the input!

Originally Posted by: ryentzer

I'd imagine once I start playing with others I'll be looking for a nice amp. Thanks for the input!

This will change everything because so much more factors are on the equation. . You have to consider many things from the style of your band to how loud will be the drummer, from not affect the bass player to the PA in the venue you are playing and more and more.

Carmine