Thanks for your in-depth responses guys, it's very much appreciated.

I wrote the questions making the assumption that tube amplifiers were largely considered to be the benchmark of a quality guitar sound, and that other amp designs essentially emulate the tube sound and response. If you think that's a false assumption than that's fine, and useful info for me. I certainly overlooked the fundamental differences in opinion amongst different forum communities - apologies for that.

Once again this is very useful info and I'll keep you all posted as the project progresses.

If anybody else has any opinions, I'd love to to hear them - thanks!

Hi guys,



I'm a final-year Product Design Engineering student at Loughborough University, UK, and I'm undertaking some market research for my major project. I will be designing and building a new amp modelling product for guitarists, and would like to ask everybody a few questions.

With your answers I hope to piece together a detailed and concise snapshot of the thoughts of my target consumers of existing products on the market, and see whether there is indeed a need that has not yet been fulfilled.



There may be more questions in the future, but at this early stage I have just 10. You can answer them in as much or as little detail as you like. I'll be posting this on a few different forums, since I imagine needs will vary from group to group.



When answering the questions, please consider all devices that you are familiar with, both analogue and digital, that offer an amp-modelling solution (even if it is perhaps not it's primary purpose). Examples include: Consider POD, Sansamp, Axe-FX, Tonelab, PC/Mac Plugins, BOSS Multi-FX, etc.


1. In what areas do you believe amp modelling surpasses real tube amps? This might be in sound, convenience, versatility, I/O options, price, and so on. If there are features specific to a single unit only (e.g. An Axe FX or POD feature) then please state that. Also, if some of these advantages apply specifically to the kinda of venues or types of music you play, please comment on that also.

2. Likewise, in what areas to you believe tube amps are still superior?

3. In your experience it is possible to achieve an modelled sound that is indistinguishable from the original amp? (Of course there will be differences, but are you able to perceive them?) If only a certain product, or a number of products is able to achieve this, please state which.
(Please do not confuse this with the quality of the sound - please just comment on whether you can tell the difference).

4. Regardless of how similar it is to the original amp, can you achieve a sound using modelling that you enjoy as much as a sound shaped by a real tube amp? Again, if only certain products achieve this, please state which.

5. To what extent do you believe that DSP modelling devices sound 'digital'. Can you describe the sound, or tell-tale signs? If this only applies to some products and not to others, then please state which apply.

6. To what extent do you find the number of options available to the user overwhelming? Might this prevent you from purchasing a particular product? If so, please state which products you find overwhelming. (e.g. number of amp models and effects, I/O options, buttons, flashing lights, or other features)

7. Do you believe that price of amp modelling devices is restrictive for most? Which products specifically are pricing themselves out of the market?

8. As a performing musician, are you willing to sacrifice a degree of sound quality for convenience and simplicity? Or will you not compromise on sound, regardless of how much gear you need to lug about on public transport, or in your car?

9. Clearly the more you pay, the higher-spec hardware you get, resulting (usually) in better models and more complex algorithms in the case of DSP devices, or more complex circuitry in the case of analogue products. Which product do you believe offers the cheapest professional-quality solution, that achieves an acceptable sound?
To rephrase that, where is the price threshold, where modelling becomes acceptable for professional use?

10. In your rehearsals or live performances, do you regularly switch between clean and overdrive sounds within the same song? If the answer is yes, are floor-based modelling systems with built-in foot switches more attractive to you, or do you prefer a rack-mountable/other system, with an optional foot controller? Are you aware of any advantages or disadvantages with either design?


Thanks very much for your answers, and I'll keep you posted as the project progresses.

Tom