Guitar Amp Buying Guide for Beginners

If you are a new guitar player, you may be wondering what kind of amplifier to buy. This guide will explain what an amplifier is, the benefits of using one, and the different types of amplifiers available. Having played guitar for years, I’ve had the chance to try out many different amplifiers. In this guide, I’ll share my experience and knowledge so that you can choose the best amplifier for your needs.

What is a Guitar Amplifier?

A guitar amplifier is an electronic device that increases the level of an audio signal. This increase in level allows the signal to be heard more clearly. Guitar amps date back to the early days of radio, when they were used to amplify the signal of a guitar so that it could be heard over the noise of a radio broadcast. Today, guitar amplifiers are used by musicians for a variety of purposes, including practice, performance, and recording.

It is important to note that an amp is different from a speaker in that a speaker just produces sound, while an amp also adds distortion to the signal. This is why you will often see amplifiers advertised as having “clean” or “dirty” channels – the clean channel will give you a pure, unaltered signal, while the dirty channel will add distortion.

Important Guitar Amp Terms to Understand Before Picking an Amp:

• Distortion: Distortion is an effect that alters the waveform of an audio signal. When an amplifier distorts, it takes the clean signal from your guitar and changes its shape. This results in a “fuzzy” or “crunchy” sound.
• Gain: Gain is a measure of how much an amplifier amplifies the signal from your guitar. It is measured in decibels (dB). A higher gain setting will result in a louder, more distorted sound.
• Overdrive: Overdrive is a type of distortion that occurs when an amplifier is pushed beyond its limits. This can cause the waveform to become clipped, resulting in a “crunchy” sound.
• Effects: Effects are electronic devices that are used to alter the sound of an audio signal. Common effects include reverb, delay, and chorus. Reverb is an effect that simulates the sound of a room, while delay creates an echo-like effect. Chorus adds a “wobbling” effect to the sound.

Why are these terms important when getting an amp:

These terms are important when choosing an amplifier because they will help you determine the type of sound you want to achieve. If you are looking for a clean sound, you will want an amplifier with low distortion and high gain.

If you are looking for a distorted sound, you will want an amplifier with high distortion and high gain. If you are looking for an overdriven sound, you will want an amplifier that is pushed to its limits.

Finally, if you are looking for a particular effect, you will want an amplifier that has that effect built in.

Guitar Amp Settings to Guide your Purchase Decision

There are a few important settings that you’ll need to know about when using a guitar amplifier. These include:

• Volume: The volume setting controls how loud the amplifier will be.
• Gain: The gain setting controls the amount of distortion.
• Bass: The bass setting controls the level of low frequencies.
• Treble: The treble setting controls the level of high frequencies.
• Reverb: The reverb setting controls the amount of simulated room sound.

If you are playing different gernes such as Blues, Country Music, Classic, Metal or others, you’ll need to adjust the settings to fit the style of music you are playing. For example, if you are playing country music, you’ll want to dial back the distortion and turn up the reverb. Conversely, if you are playing metal, you’ll want to max out the distortion and turn off the reverb.

Below are example of setting you’ll need for Metal, Blues and Rock music;

• METAL: Drive 10, Bass 10, Mid 1, Treble 7, Vol 8
• BLUES: Drive 3, Bass 2, Mid 5, Treble 2, Vol 6
• ROCK: Drive 7, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 7, Vol 7

Should settings influence type of amp to get?

Now that you know the basics of amplifiers and how to set them up, you might be wondering if the settings should influence the type of amplifier you purchase. The answer is yes and no. If you are a beginner, it is probably best to purchase an amplifier with a clean channel so that you can get used to using an amplifier without distortion. Once you are more comfortable with using an amplifier, you can experiment with different types of distortion. If you know what type of music you want to play, it is also a good idea to purchase an amplifier that is designed for that genre of music. For example, if you want to play metal, it is a good idea to purchase a metal-specific amplifier.

Factors to Consider when Picking a Guitar Amp:

Now that we’ve gone over the different types of guitar amps, let’s talk about what you should look for when choosing a guitar amp. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Purpose: First, you need to determine what you will be using the amp for. If you’re just practicing at home, you won’t need a very loud amp. However, if you’re playing live shows, you’ll need an amp that can produce enough volume to be heard over the drums and other instruments.
• Type of Amp design: Second, you need to decide if you want to buy a combo amp or a head and cab amp. If you’re just starting out, a combo amp might be the best option as they are less expensive and easier to transport. However, if you’re looking for more flexibility and volume, a head and cab amp would be perfect.
• Can get a used one: You can often find good deals on used amplifiers. However, you need to be careful as it can be difficult to tell if an amp has been damaged. If you’re buying a used amp, make sure to have it checked out by a qualified technician before making the purchase.
• Features you need: As you can see, there are many different features that amps can have. Decide which features are most important to you and look for an amp that has those features. If you want a model with built-in effects, make sure to get one with the type of effects you want. You’ll be better off with a simple amp that has the features you need than an amp with a bunch of features you’ll never use.
• Price: Obviously, price is a factor to consider when purchasing any piece of equipment. However, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. A more expensive amp will usually give you better sound quality and durability than a cheaper model. With that said, there are some great budget-friendly options available, so don’t be afraid to shop around.
• Distortion: One last thing to keep in mind is that most amps will add some distortion to your sound. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as many guitar players prefer the sound of a distorted signal. However, if you’re looking for a clean sound, make sure to get an amp with a clean channel.
• Tones: When you’re shopping for an amplifier, you’ll want to pay attention to the type of tones it produce – metal, blues or rock. For rock music, go for an amplifier that has a British sound. If you’re into metal, look for one with a high gain channel. And if blues is your thing, make sure to get an amp with a warm clean tone.
• Size: Another thing to consider is the size of the amplifier. If you’re just practicing at home, you can get away with a small amp. However, if you’re playing live shows, you’ll need an amp that’s big enough to be heard over the other instruments.
• Type of amp(Solid-state vs tube amp): If you want a clean sound, go for a solid-state amp. If you’re looking for a more vintage sound, go for a tube amp.
• EQ control( treble, mid, and bass): Go for models that give you treble if you want to emphasize the high frequencies, mid if you want to focus on the midrange frequencies, and bass if you want to emphasize the low frequencies.
• Effects loop: If you want to use effects pedals, make sure to get an amp with an effects loop.
• Headphone jack: If you want to be able to practice without disturbing others, make sure to get an amp with a headphone jack.
• Digital effects: If you want to use digital effects, make sure to get an amplifier that has them.
• Reverb: If you want to add reverberation to your sound, make sure to get an amp with a reverb effect.
• Speaker size: If you’re looking for a powerful sound, go for an amplifier with a large speaker. If you want a more portable option, go for an amp with a small speaker.

Benefits of Using a Guitar Amplifier

• Amplify electric guitar sound: The most obvious benefit of using a guitar amplifier is that it amplifies the sound of your guitar. This is important for both practice and performance, as it allows you to hear your guitar more clearly.
• Control over volume: Another benefit of using an amplifier is that it gives you more control over the volume of your guitar. This is especially useful when practicing, as you can set the volume to a level that is comfortable for you without disturbing others.
• Effects: Many amplifiers come with built-in effects, such as reverb and delay. These effects can add a lot of depth and character to your sound.
• To shape the tone of your guitar: The tone of your guitar is the overall sound that it produces. When you plug your guitar into an amplifier, you can shape the tone by adjusting the EQ controls. This allows you to get a wide range of sounds from a single guitar.

It is important to note that an amplifier is not strictly necessary in order to play electric guitar. However, it will greatly improve the sound of your guitar. If you are serious about playing electric guitar, I highly recommend investing in a good amplifier.

Drawbacks of using a guitar amplifier:

There are a few drawbacks to using a guitar amplifier.

• First, they can be expensive. A good amplifier can cost several hundred dollars.
• Second, they are large and heavy, which can make them difficult to transport.
• Finally, they require an AC power source, which may not be available in all locations.

Types of Guitar Amplifiers

There are a few different types of guitar amplifiers, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Solid-state amps:

Solid-state amps are the most common type of amplifier. They are relatively inexpensive and are widely available. Solid-state amps are known for being durable and reliable. However, they can sometimes sound harsh and sterile.

How they work:

Solid-state amps use transistors to amplify the signal. Transisors were invented in 1947 and they quickly became popular in amplifiers due to their low cost and high reliability. Models made from 1960s utilized this new technology and had the advantage of being much lighter than their tube counterparts. They are also very reliable and rarely needs to be repaired.

Pros:

1. Solid-state amps are very affordable – their parts are readily available as well.
2. They are widely available.
3. They are known for being durable and reliable.
4. Less fragile
5. They are lightweight.

Cons:

1. They can sometimes sound harsh and sterile – lacking the warmth you get with tube amps.
2. They cannot cope with heavy amp distortion effects: so if you play metal or other genres that require a lot of distortion, a solid-state amp is not ideal.

What to look for when picking a solid-state amp:

Look for an amp with a clean and dirty channel. This will give you the flexibility to get a wide range of sounds. If you plan on using distortion effects, make sure to get an amp that can handle them.

Who is this amp ideal for:

Solid-state amps are a good choice for beginner and intermediate guitarists. They are also a good choice for those on a budget as well.

Tube amps:

Tube amps are the original type of amplifier. They were first introduced in the 1930s and were quickly adopted by jazz and blues guitarists due to their warm, natural sound. Tube amps are known for being loud and expensive. They are also very fragile and require more maintenance than solid-state amps.

How they work:

Tube amps use vacuum tubes to amplify the signal. Tubes were invented in 1904 and quickly became popular in radios due to their high fidelity sound. In the 1930s, guitarists began using tubes in their amplifiers. Tube amps are known for their warm, natural sound.

Pros:

• Tube amps have a warm, natural sound – they are often described as sounding “fat” or “full”.
• They can achieve a wide range of sounds, from clean to distorted.
• They are very loud.

Cons:

• Tube amps are very expensive.
• They are very fragile and require more maintenance than solid-state amps.
• They are large and heavy, which can make them difficult to transport.

What to look for when picking a tube amp:

Look for an amp that has a good range of sounds. Note that wattage of tube amp don’t mean as much as with solid state amps as it doesn’t accurately give you info on how loud it can be. Make sure you try it out before you buy it to see if it’s the right sound for you.

Who is this amp ideal for:

Tube amps are a good choice for intermediate and advanced guitarists. They are also a good choice for those who want the best sound quality.

Hybrid amps:

Hybrid amps are a combination of tube and solid-state amps. They were introduced in the 1970s and have become increasingly popular in recent years. Hybrid amps offer the best of both worlds: the warm, natural sound of a tube amp with the affordability and durability of a solid-state amp.

How they work:

Hybrid amps use both vacuum tubes and transistors to amplify the signal. The tubes are usually located in the preamp section, which gives the amp its warm, natural sound. The transistors are usually located in the power amp section, which makes the amp more durable and affordable.

Pros:

• Hybrid amps have a warm, natural sound.
• They are more affordable than tube amps.
• They are more durable than tube amps.
• They are lighter than tube amps, making them easier to transport.

Cons:

• Hybrid amps can sometimes sound sterile and harsh – lacking the warmth you get with tube amps.

What to look for when picking a hybrid amp:

Look for hybrid amp models that feature 12AX7 preamp tubes. These tubes are known for their warm, natural sound.

Check the reviews to see what other guitarists have to say about the amp’s sound quality.

Make sure to try it out before you buy it to see if it’s the right sound for you.

Who is this amp ideal for:

Hybrid amps are a good choice for beginner and intermediate guitarists. They are also a good choice for those who want the best of both worlds: the warm, natural sound of a tube amp with the affordability and durability of a solid-state amp.

Modeling amps:

Modeling amps were introduced in the 1990s and have become increasingly popular in recent years. They use digital technology to imitate the sound of different amplifiers and effects. Modeling amps are very versatile and can be used for a wide range of styles. Its profiler is able to capture the sound of your favorite amplifier and recreate it exactly. This ‘profiler’ feature has made it super popular.

How they work:

Modeling amps use digital technology to imitate the sound of different amplifiers and effects. The amp contains a computer chip that allows you to select different sounds.

Pros:

• Modeling amps are very versatile – they can be used for a wide range of styles.
• They are more affordable than tube amps.
• They are lighter than tube amps, making them easier to transport.

Cons:

• Modeling amps can sometimes sound sterile and harsh – lacking the warmth you get with tube amps.

What to look for when picking a modeling amp:

If you choose to go with a modelling amp, you’ll be able to get everything from Fender-type tones to more aggressive Marshall high-gain sounds and everything in between. Look for a variety of effects, including reverb, delay, phaser, flanger, and tremolo.

Who is this amp ideal for:

Modeling amps are a good choice for beginner and intermediate guitarists. They are also a good choice for those who want a versatile amp that can be used for a wide range of styles.

Types of Guitar Amp Designs:

There are three main types of guitar amp designs: combo, head, and cabinet.

Combo Amps:

Combo amps are the most popular type of amplifier. They combine the amplifier and speaker into a single unit, which makes them more portable than other types of amplifiers. Combo amps are available in a wide range of sizes, from small practice amps to large amps that are suitable for live performances.

Unlike stack models (head and cab), combo amps have everything built into a single unit, making them more portable

The size of the combo amp will determine how loud it can get and how much low end you can get. Smaller amps are good for practice and home use, while larger amps are better for live performances.

Below is an image of combo amp compared to a stack amp;

Benefits:

– Portability: Combo amps are more portable than other types of amplifiers because they combine the amplifier and speaker into a single unit.

– Wide range of sizes: Combo amps are available in a wide range of sizes, from small practice amps to large amps that are suitable for live performances.

-Inexpensive as you are buying one piece of equipment

-Beginners would appreciate the simplicity and low pricing of combo amps.

-Compact

Drawbacks:

• – Limited flexibility: Because combo amps only have one speaker, they are not as flexible as other types of amplifiers.
• – Can be expensive: Some combo amps can be quite expensive, especially the larger ones.
• They produce less volume as cabinet in combo amps are smaller than external cabinets.
• There are a limited number of tones available on combination amps; you’re stuck with the tone produced by your built-in cab.
• It’s not ideal for performing on stage since it lacks versatility and volume.

Head and Cab Amps:

Head and cab amps are the most expensive type of amplifier. They consist of two separate units: a head unit, which contains the amplifier, and a cabinet, which houses one or more speakers.Head and cab amps are usually the loudest type of amplifier, making them well suited for live performances.

Head and Cab amps are the most expensive type of amplifier.

They produce the most volume of any type of amplifier. They are the heaviest type of amplifier, which can make them difficult to transport.

Below is an image showing a head and cab amp by Boss Katana

Benefits:

– Loudest type of amplifier: Head and cab amps are usually the loudest type of amplifier, making them well suited for live performances.

– Most flexibility: Head and cab amps offer the most flexibility, as you can mix and match different heads and cabs to get the sound you want.

-Can produce a wide variety of tones

Drawbacks:

• – Expensive: Head and cab amps are the most expensive type of amplifier.
• – Heavy and difficult to transport: Head and cab amps are the heaviest type of amplifier, which can make them difficult to transport.
• – Requires more setup: Setting up head and cab amps can be a bit more complicated than other types of amplifiers.

Cabinet amps:

A cabinet amp is a type of amplifier that contains one or more speakers in a cabinet. Cabinet amps are usually the loudest type of amplifier, making them well suited for live performances.

Cabinet amps are the heaviest type of amplifier, which can make them difficult to transport.

Below is an image showing a Marshall 4×12 cabinet amp.

Benefits:

• – Loudest type of amplifier: Cabinet amps are usually the loudest type of amplifier, making them well suited for live performances.
• – Most flexibility: Cabinet amps offer the most flexibility, as you can mix and match different heads and cabs to get the sound you want.
• Can produce a wide variety of tones

Drawbacks:

• – Heavy and difficult to transport: Cabinet amps are the heaviest type of amplifier, which can make them difficult to transport.
• – Requires more setup: Setting up cabinet amps can be a bit more complicated than other types of amplifiers.

FAQs

Q: What is an amplifier?

An amplifier is an electronic device that increases the strength of a signal. In the case of a guitar amp, the signal is the sound of your guitar. The amplifiers takes the sound of your guitar and makes it louder so that it can be heard through speakers.

Q: What’s the difference between an amp and a speaker?

A: A speaker is a device that converts electrical energy into sound. An amplifier is a device that increases the strength of a signal. In the case of a guitar amp, the signal is the sound of your guitar.

Q: How do I choose a guitar amp?

A: There are many factors to consider when choosing a guitar amp. Some of the things you’ll want to think about include:

-How much power do you need?

-What type of music do you play?

-How loud do you need your amp to be?

-Do you need any special features?

-How much can you afford to spend?

Q: Are guitar amps worth it?

A: Guitar amps can be a great investment, particularly if you play live shows or gig regularly. They can make your sound louder and help you to create a wide variety of tones. However, they are not essential for practicing at home or for recording.

Q: Does it matter which amp I buy?

A: The type of amp you buy will have a big impact on your sound. Different amps are better suited for different styles of music. For example, a clean sounding amp is going to be great for country music, but may not be ideal for metal. Conversely, a high-gain amp will be great for metal, but may not be what you’re looking for if you’re playing blues or jazz.

Q: How much should I spend on a guitar amp?

A: There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in an amp. If you’re just starting out, you may want to buy a lower-priced amp so that you don’t have to invest a lot of money up front. As you get more experience, you can upgrade to a more expensive amp that will better suit your needs.

Q: What are the best guitar amps?

A: The best guitar amps are the ones that best suit your needs. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

Q: What’s a good size amp for a beginner?

A: A good size amp for a beginner is one that is powerful enough to be heard but not so powerful that it’s overwhelming. A 20-watt amp is usually a good place to start.

Q: What’s the difference between a tube amp and a solid state amp?

A: Tube amps use vacuum tubes to amplify the signal, while solid state amps use transistors. Tube amps are generally more expensive and require more maintenance, but they are also considered to produce a warmer, fuller sound.

Q: What’s the difference between an acoustic amp and an electric amp?

A: An acoustic amp is designed specifically for amplifying acoustic guitars. They typically have features that allow you to control the sound of your guitar, such as EQ controls and feedback filters. Electric amps are designed for amplifying electric guitars. They typically have more power and fewer features than acoustic amps.

Q: Do I need a combo amp or an amp head and cab?

A: A combo amp is an all-in-one unit that includes the amplifier and speakers in one package. An amp head is the amplifier portion of the combo amp, while a cab is a separate speaker cabinet that must be matched with an amp head. Combo amps are more convenient and usually less expensive, but they may not offer as much flexibility in terms of sound as an amp head and cab.

Q: What amp wattage do I need?

A: The wattage of your amp will determine how loud it can get. If you’re playing small shows or practicing at home, you can probably get by with a lower-wattage amp. However, if you’re playing larger venues or gigging regularly, you’ll need an amp with more power.

Q: Do I need an effects loop?

A: An effects loop is a special feature that allows you to connect your effects pedals in between the preamp and power amp stages of your amplifier. This can give you more control over your sound and allow you to create a wider variety of tones. However, it’s not essential, and many amps don’t have an effects loop.

Q: What’s the difference between a digital amp and an analog amp?

A: A digital amp uses digital signal processing (DSP) to shape the sound of the amplifier. An analog amp uses analog circuits to shape the sound. Many guitarists prefer the sound of analog amps, but digital amps are becoming more popular.

Q: How long will a guitar amp last?

A: A guitar amp should last for many years if it’s well-maintained. Solid-state amps can last for up to 30 years. However, vacuums tubes will eventually need to be replaced, and solid state amps may eventually need new transistors. Expect to replace the tubes after every other two years.

Q: Do I need a footswitch?

A: A footswitch is a convenient way to turn your amplifier on and off without reaching behind it to flip the switch. It’s also useful for switching between clean and dirty sounds, or activating effects. Many amps come with a footswitch included.

Q: What’s the difference between an amplifier and a PA system?

A: A PA system is designed to amplify sound so that it can be heard by a large audience. An amplifier is designed to amplify sound so that it can be heard by a smaller audience. PA systems are typically more expensive and have more power than amplifiers.

Q: What’s the best way to clean my amp?

A: The best way to clean your amp is to use a vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment. Vacuum the dust off of the exterior and interior of the amp. Be careful not to vacuum up any loose parts or vacuum too close to the tubes. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the amp.

Q: My amp is making a buzzing sound. What’s wrong with it?

A: If your amp is making a buzzing sound, it could be a sign that the tubes need to be replaced. It could also be caused by a loose wire or bad connection. Try troubleshooting the problem by checking all of the connections and replacing the tubes. If the problem persists, take your amp to a qualified technician for repair.

Q: Can I use my amplifier for my home stereo?

A: No, you should not use your amplifier for your home stereo. Amplifiers are designed for amplifying guitar signals, and they will not provide the same quality of sound as a stereo receiver.

Q: Can I use my car amplifier for my guitar?

A: Yes, you can use a car amplifier for your guitar, but you will need to make some adjustments. Car amplifiers are designed to run on a 12-volt DC power source, so you’ll need to use a power supply that converts AC to DC. You’ll also need to adjust the input level so that the amplifier doesn’t clip the signal.