That’s the component that takes the signal from your instrument and, through the “Bass,” “Middle,” and “Treble” controls, processes it. Once the preamp has done its job, the signal is channeled into the power amp. Here, the ‘real’ amplification occurs; the power amp boosts the How to buy amp signal and sends it to the speakers, which in turn convert the signal into sound. In simpler terms, the preamp shapes your sound while the power amp determines its strength. A beginner’s guide to picking your first electric guitar amplifier for practice, playing in a band and keeping on good terms with the neighbors.
This is usually achieved through the use of a foot switch that allows you to toggle back and forth between the channels. Some single-channel guitar amps also have a foot switch that will turn the effects on and off. The wattage of a guitar amp is an important factor to consider when selecting the right one for your needs. Generally speaking, amps with higher wattage will produce louder sound and can be used in larger venues or outdoor spaces.
Solid State Amps
Most amps include EQ sections, generally in the form of several controls that each boost or cut a particular frequency range. The treble and bass controls on a home stereo are an example of a two-band EQ. Some amps have graphic or parametric EQs that divide the amp’s output into more frequency bands allowing for more nuanced tonal tweaking. Keyboard amplifiers replicate the sounds produced by the keyboard as accurately as possible with no coloration whatever from the amplifier.
Overdriven tubes produce a natural compression, meaning that relatively low signal levels end up sounding as loud as higher signal levels. This creates sustain, which allows electric guitar players to hold and/or manipulate a single note for a long time. The electric guitar sounds of hard rock and blues are built around distortion and sustain, so it was no surprise that tube technology didn’t go away when solid-state amps hit the scene. Many amps come with multiple channels, allowing you to switch between clean and overdriven tones.
SPEAKERS AND GUITAR AMP WATTAGE
These features can greatly enhance the functionality of your amp, especially for home recording and practice. Solid-state amps use transistors instead of tubes to amplify the signal. Solid-state amps are often lighter and more robust, making them ideal for gigging musicians who need a dependable workhorse. While they may lack the warmth of tube amps, modern solid-state amps have come a long way in replicating that classic sound. Buying your first guitar amp can feel like learning a whole new instrument. If you’re just starting out or buying a gift for someone who is, you don’t need to know everything.
Speakers: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
The rule of thumb here is that larger speakers issue out stronger bass notes, and smaller ones are better at handling the higher frequencies. When you see terms like “4×12,” it simply means the number and size of speakers in a cabinet—in this case, it’s four 12-inch speakers. The world of amplifiers, like most hi-fi equipment, is ruled by electric wizardry.
Acoustic guitar amps
For recording your electric guitar at home, you can use electric guitar amp simulation software. This also allows you to practice silently through headphones or through computer monitor speakers. Some bands even use the guitar amp simulator software in their live shows rather than using amps. Guitar and bass amps are two very different pieces of equipment; each is designed to optimize their respective instruments. A guitar amp can’t reproduce the very low frequencies generated by a bass guitar, and bass amps tend to make guitars sound lifeless and uninteresting. A dedicated guitar amp will produce tones that sound better and inspire you to practice more.
Recording in the studio
I don’t want to be a tire kicker of amplifiers and waste a private seller’s time, just to try one out. Don’t forget that accessories like cables, stands etc., are often necessary when setting up an amp setup, so be sure to factor those costs into your budget too! If buying online, look for retailers who offer free shipping or returns so that you can easily send back any items that don’t meet your expectations without having to pay extra fees. Some vintage amps also have tremolo built in, which rhythmically varies the volume. Multiple channels on a keyboard amp are typically used to accommodate the outputs of various keyboards, drum machines, etc. employed in the same performance. Finally, compare prices between different models and brands, so you get the best value possible!
When it comes to choosing the right guitar amp, there are a few things you should consider. Different amps are better suited for different styles of music, so make sure you’re looking at models that can handle what you want to play. One significant advance in guitar amps in the 1970s was the master volume control. By controlling the power to the output stage of the amp, separately from the preamp, this knob allows you to overdrive the preamp stage. This allows you to create natural distortion without blasting the house down. The Vox Custom AC30C2 guitar combo amp drives a pair of 12” Celestion Greenback speakers with 30W of all-tube output that delivers classic British vintage rock tone.
Modeling amps are perfect for guitarists who play a wide range of styles and need access to multiple sounds without hauling around a bunch of gear. They are also great for home recording and practice due to their built-in effects and software integration. Since distortion is so much a part of modern guitar playing, designers have worked hard to create solid-state circuits that replicate tube-style distortion. Some employ digitally-created distortion, while others incorporate a tube in the preamp section to warm up the signal.
Solid state amplifiers provide a clean sound with less distortion but more headroom than tube amps. They are usually cheaper than tube models and require less maintenance since there are no tubes to replace or adjust periodically. These amplifiers also tend to be lighter in weight, making them ideal for gigging musicians who need something portable yet powerful enough for larger venues. Tube amplifiers are the most popular choice among guitarists due to their warm sound with natural distortion when pushed hard.
- Welcome to r/guitar, a community devoted to the exchange of guitar related information.
- Most amps include EQ sections, generally in the form of several controls that each boost or cut a particular frequency range.
- They produce more power and drive larger speakers to get the job done right.
- If you crank up the gain but keep the volume low, you’re forcing the tubes to work harder than what they were designed to do.
With a Marshall amp, you’re ready to take the next step in your musical adventure!
The Musician’s Friend Team is dedicated to delivering musical instrument and pro audio industry news, performances, interviews, product reviews and more. Fortunately, if you are going to play in a very large hall or stadium, the venue will generally have a PA adequate to produce the sound needed for the space. You can just mic your amp or connect it via a direct injection box (DI) and run it through the house PA system.
Multiple channels
Playing the guitar is more than just making music; it’s a journey of self-expression, creativity, and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to relax with soulful blues or rock out with powerful riffs, the guitar offers endless sonic possibilities. Our music programs are taught by practicing musicians with the experience you need to learn to play.
- Generally speaking, smaller amps are better suited for practice or recording in small spaces, while larger amps provide more power and volume for live performances.
- If you plan on playing gigs or recording music, then a higher wattage will give you more headroom so that your sound doesn’t distort when played at high volumes.
- Some models also come with outputs for recording or for plugging into a mixer.
- If your guitar amp never gets turned up past 3, you should probably use a smaller amp.
- When choosing a guitar amp, consider your playing style, budget and where you’ll be playing.
- While they may lack the warmth of tube amps, modern solid-state amps have come a long way in replicating that classic sound.
Over the past 25 years, modeling amps have become very popular for beginners and guitar enthusiasts that mostly play at home. Combo amps tend to be smaller in size but packed with added features, such as headphone jacks and input jacks that will allow you to play along with your favorite recordings. The best way to do this is by trying out different models in person if possible.
With the right guidance, it can be an exciting step forward in your musical journey. We’ve simplified the amp buying process by breaking down the key considerations to keep in mind, including amp type, size, playing style and space. Fender is a GearSelect partner of School of Rock, and we use their amps extensively in our schools and recommend them to our students. Fender guitar amps are well-built and sound great, which makes practice a breeze.
If you plan on playing with a band or need more projection, look into an amp with at least 50 watts of power. Additionally, make sure to factor in features like reverb and effects when selecting your ideal amp size. Look for amps that have multiple channels so that each channel has its own set of tone controls, allowing you to create different sounds from one amp setup.
