[Hooded Singer]

Vintage stuff seems to have value, collectibility, a different construction and has some has-been celebrity status but modern stuff theoretically has the latest advancements in technology/conventional wisdom and comes in pristine condition.

[Boydie]

The modern recreations/simulations of vintage gear is just so good nowadays I would have to go modern

I would never have the space or cash for a £90k SSL desk but for less than £150 I got 2 virtual versions, with the advantage of saving all settings etc. per project

Even the last bastion of tube technology is under threat IMHO - the review and demos of the KEMPER Profiling Amp have been very impressive

Having said that I will always have a soft spot for a real valve amp

[Ramshackles]

A mix of both....the only real vintage piece I have is a Revox B77, though I do have a few recreations of classic gear such as U87 mics and inductor-based EQ's.

Modern plugins are excellent at supplying a whole range of subtle distortions and tonal variations so that you can get the same kind of vintage sound without buying the old gear. This does work better if you have the most truthful sound possible which I guess is why many new, high end mics and preamps concentrate on most accurate possible capture and flatest response, rather than interesting tonal qualities.

The main advantages of getting vintage hardware these days is that playing with real controls and switches is fun and it looks cool . It is useful in a commercial studio where you are looking for any advantage over competitors. Some unique pieces can help attract the talent

For home recording...there is a big list of things to spend your money on first, starting with a good room and a good instrument

[The S]

Yeah, I'll always love anything vintage, the sound, craft and looks are just irresistible. The pricing I can resist. Having said that though, like Boydie say, the modern stuff today are getting closer and closer to the real thing. Soon they'll be just as good, look as good and sound as good, and will be more reliable in their performance and to a much more affordable price tag.

But still, they won't be vintage...

 

[Wicked Deeds]

Modern every time, even if money was no object.  It's great to buy a guitar from new then look after it knowing that no-one else has had it.  I want value for money.  I don't want to feel that I'm buying an extortionately priced instrument because it's vintage.  Modern instruments are incredibly well made. I've been looking at the classic vibe telecaster guitars lately.   It's a brilliant guitar and I bought it for £275 new.  I've since changed the hardware and it is even better. I also note that they are rapidly increasing in price now that people know how good they are.