So, why is it that tube amphs cost more than solid state / modelers?

[cebreez]

Popularity of tube guitar amps, and competition seem to be affecting retail prices in favor of the customer (at least a little), with more models being offered, and more units being made and sold by major brand manufacturers.

A few years back when I first wanted to return to a tube amp I was highly disappointed by how expensive they were. I remember being but a wee lass and could build tube amps all day for pennies on the dollar. "Literally". Had boxes and boxes of tubes, caps, turret boards, testers... etc..etc..etc... Gave it all away in the mid 80's and moved headlong into the transistor world. Wish I had a fraction of it back. Here lately though I've noticed the prices coming back down at least to a halfway affordable level. Glad to see it but it's still not enough to make me get back into building them. A man only needs "ONE" tube amp!

[Eric***]

I remember being but a wee lass and could build tube amps all day for pennies on the dollar.

Really?? I always assumed you were a dude.