Guys, it's already a niche market. I'm amazed that a couple of new tubes have been developed. I still like 'em though.
steve
I agree with you that solid state amps have come a long way. The modeling ones especially sound way better than they used to. A lot of players I know use them now because they're lighter, cheaper, and you can get a ton of different tones without hauling a bunch of gear around.
That said, I don't see tube amps disappearing anytime soon. There's still something about the way a good tube amp feels under your fingers and reacts when you dig in. It's hard to fully copy that, even with the best solid state stuff. A lot of guys just prefer the real tubes for recording or playing live when they can.
I figure both will stick around. Solid state will keep taking more of the everyday and budget side of the market, but there will always be people who want the tube sound and are willing to pay for it. The market for pure tube amps might get a bit smaller, but I doubt it ever becomes tiny. There's just too much history and feel tied up in them.
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