Amps with distortions can provide a great boost to your sound, giving you more volume and power. But what is distortion? How do you pick the best amps with distortion? Let’s take a look.
What is amp distortion?
Distortion is an effect that alters the sound of an electric guitar by clipping the signal. This results in a “fuzzy” or “crunchy” sound that is often used in rock and metal music. There are many different types of distortion, each with its own characteristic sound.
Types of distortions
- Overdrive: Overdrive is the most common type of distortion. It is typically used to give a guitar a “dirty” or ” gritty” sound.
- Fuzz: Fuzz distortion is characterized by a “fuzzy” or “hazy” sound. It is often used in psychedelic and experimental music.
- Tube: Tube distortion is created by using a tube amplifier. It is often used in blues and rock music.
Choosing the right amp with distortion
- Type of music: When choosing an amp with distortion, you should consider the type of music you want to play. For example, if you want to play metal music, you will need an amp with high-gain distortion. If you want to play blues, you will need an amp with low-gain distortion.
- Gain: Gain is the amount of distortion an amp can create. The higher the gain, the more distorted the sound will be. Go for an amp with high gain if you want a very distorted sound.
- Tone: Tone is the overall sound of an amp. Some amps have a brighter tone, while others have a darker tone. Choose an amp with the tone you prefer.
- Volume: Volume is the loudness of an amp. If you need an amp that is very loud, you will need one with high volume.
- Size: The size of an amp is important if you need to be able to transport it easily. If you need a small amp, look for one that is compact and portable.
- Volume: Volume is the loudness of the amp. The higher the volume, the louder the sound will be.
- Power: The power of an amp is measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the amp will be. If you need a powerful amp, look for one with a high wattage.
- Price: The price of an amp will vary depending on the features and quality. If you need a high-quality amp, you should expect to pay more.
- Headroom: Headroom is the amount of space an amp has to increase the volume without distortion. The higher the headroom, the less likely the amp will distort at high volumes.
Benefits of using an amp with distortion
Distortion can add a lot of power and volume to your sound. It can also make your guitar solos stand out more. If you’re looking to add more distortion to your sound, an amp with distortion is a great option.
Drawbacks of using an amp with distortion
Distortion can make your sound very loud and harsh. If you’re not careful, it can also make your guitar solos sound muddy and unclear.
Reviews of the Best Amps with Distortions:
Orange Micro Terror
My overall best amp with distortions is the Orange Micro Terror. I love the aggressive sound it produces and how easily it can be transported.
This powerful 20-watt guitar amp from Orange Micro Terror is perfect for home practice, studio work, or small gigs. It features a single channel with hybrid – valve preamp and solid-state power amp, plus an aux-in for MP3 or CD players. The top panel has Gain, Tone, and Volume controls, plus a 12AX7/ECC83 valve in the preamp. The finish is white high tensile steel, and the amp measures 6.5 × 5.31 × 3.7″ and weighs 1.87LB.
Blackstar HT1R Series Guitar Combo Amplifier with Reverb
The Blackstar HT-1R is a compact, all-tube guitar amplifier that delivers a surprisingly big sound. With just one 8″ speaker, you’d expect it to be limited in volume as well but the clever design gives it surprising punch and projection for such a small combo amp.
The patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) circuit lets you alter the sound from British to American tone simply by flipping a switch so you can get classic rock tones or authentic blues sounds out of this little beast.
Peavey Vypyr VIP 1 Guitar Modeling Amp
The Peavey Vypyr VIP 1 guitar modeling amp is a 20-watt, all-tube amp with a single 12″ Celestion speaker. It has an acoustic guitar simulation and bass guitar simulation for the ultimate in versatility. The patented TransTube technology provides authentic tube tone, feel, and response. It also features an acoustically ported semi-closed back design that provides both power and tone while keeping noise levels to a minimum.
Fender Champion 20
Fender Champion 20 amp is the perfect practice amp for guitar players of all levels. The Fender Champion 20 offers a variety of tones, from clean to mean, and with 17 different amp models you are sure to find the sound you are looking for. With an Auxiliary input jack and 1/8th headphone output jack that also mutes the speaker output, jam along with your favorite tunes by simply plugging your MP3 player into the Auxiliary input or practice privately with the 1/8th headphone output jack that also mutes.
Marshall MG50CFX MG Series 50-Watt Guitar Combo Amp
Marshall MG Series 50-Watt Guitar Combo Amp with MP3 Input, Black. The Marshall MG50CFX is a 50 watt combo amplifier that has been designed to deliver the classic Marshall tone and feel for players of all levels. It features four programmable channels, two switchable inputs, an MP3 input, an FX loop and an effects loop. This amp also comes equipped with a 12 inch speaker which gives it a huge sound that can be heard over other instruments in a band setting. With its great distortions and effects this amp is perfect for any style.
Kustom KGA40R 40-Watt Guitar Amplifier
The Kustom KGA40R is a 40-watt, 1×12 combo amplifier that features two channels, reverb, and a three-band EQ. The clean channel has its own level control, and the overdrive channel has its own gain and level controls. The Kustom KGA40R also has an effects loop and a headphone jack.
So there you have it, those are my top five best amps with distortion. I hope this gives you a better idea of what to look for when shopping for your next amp. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
Q: What is distortion?
A: Distortion is an effect that can be used to make your guitar sound louder, fuller, and more aggressive. It is achieved by overloading the amplifier’s input stage so that the signal is “clipped.” This clipping produces a distorted sound that is often described as “fuzzy,” “crunchy,” or “dirty.”
Q: What are the benefits of using an amp with distortion?
A: Amps with the distortion can provide a number of benefits to your sound. They can make your guitar sound louder and fuller, which can be especially useful in a live setting. Distortion can also add a sense of aggression to your sound, which can be useful for certain styles of music.
Q: How do I choose the best amp with distortion for my needs?
A: When choosing an amp with distortion, it is important to consider the type of sound you are going for. If you want a classic rock sound, you will want an amp that has a British flavor to its distortion. If you are looking for a more modern sound, you will want an amp with American-style distortion. It is also important to consider the power of the amp, as this will determine how loud it can get. Finally, make sure to try out different amps in person so that you can hear the difference in sound for yourself.
Hi there! I am Jack Musau, the founder of this Best Guitar Amp Review site. I am an avid musician with several years using both traditional and electric guitars and created this site to assist others looking to find the best guitar amplifiers in the market today. I also offer private coaching and training on how to use guitars and guitars amps of all kinds. You can reach out to me using my email, jack@soundspros.com.