Stewart Pinkerton wrote:

For performance rather than reproduction, I believe that Marshall do a
range of amps which have 'valvesound' simulators built in. OTOH, I'm
informed that they don't really sound the same as a classic valved
Marshall (shrug).

Probably because the classic sound of a valve guitar amp going into overload
is mainly a power amp and speakers thing. The 'chainsaw' sound of overdriven
preamp stages is a different sound, and perhaps easier to simulate in SS
than the o/p distortion.

I've used a few SS distortion boxes which have provided a good basis for a
heavy metal sound - not too far from the overdrive preamp in one of my valve
amps. Can't say I've ever played through a tranny power amp and got a sound
like a valve power amp on the edge - it's a sweet spot thing where the amp
is as much a part of the instrument as the guitar itself.


--
Wally
www.artbywally.com
www.wally.myby.co.uk