THE ANSWERS
There’s nothing quite like having your trousers flap in the wind as a result of a massive G chord ringing out. But things move on and we either have to adapt and overcome or give up altogether… I’m a fan of the former approach.
01. The term ‘solid-state’ refers to the technology of the electronics used in the pedal, namely semiconductors instead of valves. Semiconductors were first featured in effects pedals in the 60s and have remained ever since. Obviously, the circuitry changes but the devices remain broadly similar.
A valve-based pedal, such as the Kingsley Jester, uses one or more valves to yield its overdrive, distortion, compression or modulation and so on. The valves can run in starved plate mode (lower than optimal voltage for use) or at voltages more akin to those found in valve amps (hundreds of volts).
Nutube is a device developed by Korg and Noritake Itron Corporation. In theory, it’s a low-voltage miniaturised valve in a form that can fit into a small effects pedal. Ibanez released a Tube Screamer that featured the Nutube as its distortion circuit in 2018.
02. Starting with solid-state pedals, the primary advantages are small size, lower voltages, lower current draw and very little heat production. Consequently, they’re easy to use, cheaper to make and have a longevity way beyond those of valve pedals. The main criticism is that they don’t sound like valves – but it really depends on the circuit they’re used in and how the designer has voiced the pedal.
Valve pedals sound more like the preamp in your amplifier, especially if they’re running at similar voltages as those in your amp. If in starved plate mode, they sound more like a solid-state device but can have their own amplification as an in-between design. The negatives here are related to increased bulk, awkward power requirements and the need to replace valves as the pedal racks up the hours of usage. With modern power supplies this often isn’t a problem, especially as many valve-preamp designers build internal powering circuitry that allows a standard nine-volt input supply.
Nutube pedals seem to offer the best of all worlds in theory with small physical size, valve distortion and sensible power requirements. However, the technology hasn’t widely been implanted and the designs using the device thus far have been at the premium end of the price scale.
03. Can they get close to the sound of your amp? Yes and no. A big part of an amp’s feel and response is down to the volume of air moved and the way the low-end carries. A pedal can do this, too, going through a loud, clean amp but that defeats the purpose in your scenario. Still, the gain structure, feel and response of the right pedals can achieve what you want and be more flexible and versatile than your current setup.
How many pedals you need will be down to experimentation, so learn as much as you can. Oh, and when you get back to gigging, please nudge the volume up whenever you can. It’s important to test the sound guy’s patience…