‘Everything You Need To Know About Guitar Amplifiers: The Definitive Guide.’
Guitar amplifiers are an essential part of any guitarist’s setup – they are the ‘Voice’ of the electric guitar and help to shape the tones and sounds you create. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and it can be quite overwhelming if you’re beginning the journey of finding the right amp for you and your needs. From tube amps to modelling amps, there are a lot of factors to consider and we’re here to help make that journey easier.
The basics:
Let’s start from the beginning. An Amp is essentially a device that takes the low-level electrical signals from the instrument (in this case, the guitar) and increases their power to drive loudspeakers and make sound. We can categorise amplifiers in two main types (analog and digital). Analog amplifiers use vacuum tubes for its electrical amplification whereas Digital amplifiers use transistors and integrated circuits.
Tube amps:
Tube amplifiers, also commonly known as ‘Valve’ amps, were the first type of amplifiers and were first used commercially in the 1930s.
Tube amps are known for their classic warm tones due to the tubes they use, which can often be swapped out to add more variety and depth to the sound. They are also known for their ‘sag’ (which is the more gradual and softer ‘distortion’ that’s added to the sound) and natural compression. Most tube amps require a lot of care and need to be maintained regularly, but generally the sound quality is well worth the effort.
Solid-state amps:
The other type of amp that’s commonly used is the ‘Solid-State’ amp. It was first mass-produced in the 60s, and since then have undergone a lot of advancement. This type of amp does not use tubes, but relies on transistors and integrated circuits for its electrical amplification instead.
These amps are known for their ability to withstand greater power than tube amplifiers and often have far more features and settings to play around with – from digital reverb, chorus, distortion and delay effects, to eq settings and more.
However, they are otherwise not known to be as warm tonally compared to the tube amp – because it produces a very pure, clean sound.
Modelling amps:
The last type of amp is the ‘Modelling amp’. These are essentially a combination of both analog and digital technology – they use digital processing to simulate the sounds of a range of different tube and solid state amps and effects.
This type of amp offers the most convenience and options, although they are not known to have the same rich sonic qualities as a tube amp.
So, which one is best for you?
Ultimately, the best amp will depend on your individual needs and what tone you’re looking for. If you’re after a full, rich, warm sound – the tube amp is likely to be the best choice for you.
If you’re after convenience and the ability to easily tweak settings and simulate other amps, a modelling amp may be a better option. And if you want a cleaner sound, the solid-state amp could be the one for you.
It’s best to try out different types of amps to get a feel for which one is best for you, and don’t be afraid to ask experienced guitar players and shop assistants for advice. That, coupled with your own personal preference and experimentation should leave you with the perfect amp for your own needs!