If you are in the market for a guitar amp for classic rock, you’ll appreciate my picks which I have reviewed below.
What is classic rock?
Classic Rock and Roll is a genre of music that typically features electric guitars, drums, and bass guitars. It originated in the late 1950s and early 1960s with artists such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Over time, the sound of classic rock developed to include other instruments such as keyboards and horns, and the genre began to encompass a wider range of artists, including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Van Halen.
Amp effects are an important part of creating the right sound for classic rock. Overdrive, reverb, and delay are common effects used in classic rock.
The best guitar amp for classic rock will depend on your budget and the style of music you want to play. For example, if you’re looking for a clean sound, you’ll want an amp with less overdrive. Or if you’re playing heavier rock, you’ll need an amp with more power.
Factors to consider when picking the best guitar amp for Classic rock:
- -The type of music you want to play. If you want to play heavier rock, you’ll need an amp with more power. If you’re looking for a clean sound, you’ll want an amp with less overdrive.
- -Your budget. Amps can range in price from $100 to $2000. If you want one for practice, you can get a cheaper one. If you’re gigging, you’ll need to spend more.
- -The size of the amp. If you’re playing at home, you can get away with a smaller combo amp. If you’re playing gigs, you’ll need a larger amp head and cabinet.
- -The brand. Some brands are better for certain styles of music. For example, Marshall is a good choice for classic rock.
- Effects you want: If you want to play classic rock, you’ll need an amp with overdrive, reverb, and delay. Make sure the brand you pick has these effects.
- Footswitch and channels: If you’re playing live, you’ll need a footswitch to change between clean and overdriven sounds. Some amps have multiple channels so you can have different settings for different songs.
Effects to use when playing Classic Rock:
- Overdrive: This effect is used to make the guitar sound louder and heavier. It’s common in rock and metal music.
- Reverb: This effect makes the guitar sound like it’s being played in a large room. It’s common in all genres of music.
- Delay: This effect repeats the sound of the guitar after a short delay. It’s common in all genres of music.
Reviews of The Best Guitar Amps for Classic Rock
Marshall JCM800 2203 100W Tube Head:
My overall best guitar amp for classic rock is the Marshall JCM800 2203 100W Tube Head. It’s a great amp for heavier rock and metal music. It has 100 watts of power and two channels. The clean channel is great for playing clean tones, and the overdrive channel is perfect for heavier sounds. It also has reverb and delay built in, so you don’t need to buy any pedals. The only downside is that it’s a bit expensive, but it’s worth the money if you’re serious about playing classic rock.
Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb Combo Amp
The Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb Combo Amp is a 22-watt tube combo amp that delivers pure, clean power in a compact package. This all-tube amplifier has an 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speaker for incredible note separation and clarity. The Fender reverb and vibrato effects offer a special ambiance to your music.
With two channels, the Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb Combo Amp offers amazing versatility with its clean channel and overdrive channel. With 22 watts of pure power at your fingertips, this amp can be cranked up or used for more subtle sounds. This makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced players alike.
The only downside to this amp is that it’s not as powerful as some of the other amps on this list. But if you’re looking for a great-sounding amp that’s versatile and affordable, the Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb Combo Amp is a great choice.
Fender Blues Junior LTD Combo Amp
The Fender Blues Junior is a 20-watt combo amp that features a 12″ Jensen P12N speaker and EL84 power tubes to give you an authentic tube tone. A foot-switchable FAT option adds thicker tones and subtle overdrive while the onboard spring reverb provides a large echo effect. The Fender Blues Junior also features a lacquer tweed cabinet for durability and warm articulate tones.
Fender Super Champ X2 Combo Guitar Amplifier
The Fender Super Champ X2 Combo Guitar Amplifier is a 15-watt tube power amp with 2 x 6V6 tubes and 1 x 12AX7 preamp tube. It has a voicing knob with 16 different amp types, 15 effects, TAP tempo control for delay time/modulation rate adjustments, 1 x 10″ Fender Special Design speaker, external speaker output, and 1/4″ line output. It also has a USB output for speaker-emulated digital recording.
Solid-state vs Tube-based amps for Classic Rock: Which one is better?
There is no clear answer when it comes to which type of amp is better for classic rock. It really depends on your personal preference and what kind of sound you are going for. Some people prefer the sound of solid-state amps because they are more reliable and easier to maintain. Others prefer the sound of tube-based amps because they tend to have a warmer, more natural sound. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which type of amp is best for your needs.
FAQs
Q: What is the best guitar amp for classic rock?
A: Marshall JCM800 2203 100W Tube Head
Q: What are the effects needed for classic rock?
A: Reverb, delay, and overdrive.
Q: What is the difference between solid-state and tube amps?
A: Solid-state amps are more reliable and easier to maintain. Tube amps tend to have a warmer, more natural sound.
Q: How do I choose the best guitar amp for classic rock?
A: Consider your budget, what kind of sound you are going for, and whether you prefer solid-state or tube amps.
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.