Burlap and Blues, The Blues Blog

PART III - Here is part three of the 2012 thoughts on the single coil manifesto

11. When used with a decent power amp, a good solid state preamp or high quality solid state stompbox can sound as organic as good tube preamp distortion. That's just the way it is.

Yes, now more than ever. Look at a HIGH END boutique effect to really make this a true statement. A Pedals By Tone OD can make a tube amp sing. That is really how it is in 2012.

Follow up:

12. Digital modeling is not just a fad. Transistors will continue to sound more like tubes. They will continue to gain more market share. That's just the way it is.

You are right, digital modeling is here to stay. Unfortunately, the larger manufacturers are focusing on newer or number of effects. The newest Boss modeler has 200 user assignable patches with 44 possible effects. From the user manual, there are about 130 million different possibilities. Are you kidding boss, 130 million possibilities? 200 presets, that is overkill and then some. The most that anyone uses practically is 20. That is really how it is in 2012.

13. Tube amps will always be around. Vintage gear will continue to increase in value. Guitar players are inherently conservative about equipment. That's just the way it is.

I agree that tube amps will always be around. In the past 3 years, steadily vintage gear has GONE DOWN in value. Right now we are in a buyer’s market. According to Vintage Guitar Magazine, the average value of a pre 1965 Gibson Les Paul has gone down 15% in the past 3 years. Other vintage equipment has gone up, That is really how it is in 2012.

14. Most jazz guitarists and the better country guitarists can smoke most rock guitarists. Playing through the chord changes is a good thing. That's just the way it is.

Yes, still agree with that, That is really how it is in 2012.

15. Heavier gauge strings sound bigger and fuller. That's just the way it is.

Yes, still agree with that, That is really how it is in 2012.