Guitar Amps: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Amp.
If you’ve been looking to buy a guitar amp, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about guitar amps; from the different types, to the various features and what is the best amp for you. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision when it comes to buying an amp.
Firstly, let’s talk about the various types of guitar amps. There are many different amp styles, made to provide different sounds and levels of amplification, so it’s important to know where to start. Combos amps are perhaps the most common type of guitar amp. These electric guitars with built in amplifiers combine both a preamp and a power amplifier into one unit. These are usually a good choice for beginners, as they are fairly affordable, easy to setup and use, and come in different wattage sizes so you can find the right size of amp to suit your playing style and sound.
Another type of amp is a head and cabinet combo. This type is more common amongst experienced players, as they produce a bigger sound and offer more customisation and control. The head unit of this type contains the pre-amp and power amp, whilst the cabinet contains the speaker. This type of amp offers more flexibility than a combo amp, such as being able to alter the cabinet and the speaker to change your sound.
Next, let’s consider the sound quality you can achieve with both types of guitar amps. Combos amps usually offer great sound for affordable prices, usually around 15-30 wattage size. They are perfect for practice and home recording, as you don’t need overwhelming volumes of power. Head and cabinet combos however produce a much bigger, full-bodied sound, often more than enough to fill a live venue. Generally, the more power your amp has, the bigger the sound and the more control you have over the sound, such as with the EQ and various effects you can use.
When choosing a guitar amp, there are also plenty of features you can look out for. Some amps come with built-in effects, such as distortion, reverb, chorus, delay and so on. There will also likely be various control knobs on the unit, such as volume, treble, bass and midrange, which will allow you to customise your sound even further. Some amps also come with removable faceplates, allowing you to switch out the look of your amp for something more interesting.
There are many other features you can find on guitar amps, depending on what you’re looking for. But before you make your purchase, you should also consider how much you’re willing to spend. The cost of an amp is largely determined by its wattage, so your budget should be the main deciding factor. Generally, if you’re just starting out with guitar playing, a 5-15 watt amp will be more than enough for home practice and recording. For live performances, you’ll need a higher wattage amp, in the region of 30-50 watts.
To conclude, there is no one ‘best’ amp, since each guitarist has different requirements and preferences. However, we hope that this article has given you enough insight to make an informed decision. Make sure to look out for features you need, consider your budget and make sure the amp you get is the right size for your sound. Good luck!