“Get the Strum On: The Low Down on Guitar Amplifiers.”
For aspiring guitar players and even the more experienced amongst us, the guitar amplifier is a piece of equipment that we can’t go without. Acting as the bridge between the guitar and the PA, the amp gives a guitar its signature and allows us to break through the noise and be heard over the drums, keys and other instruments.
Over the years, there has been plenty of debate over which amp is best and what type of sound they are able to achieve. While every guitar player has their own taste and preference as to what combination of tone, power and effects an amp should provide, there are some standard types of guitar amplifiers that can help you make a decision. In this blog we will look at some of the main types of guitar amps and what they are able to do.
Tube Amps
Tube amps, also known as valve amps, are popular amongst experienced guitar players as they are known for their ‘warm’ sound. Many tube amps also sound particularly good with pedals, as the tubes add additional ‘warmth’ to any pedal’s peddled signal. They also have a reputation for being able to accommodate higher voltage which in turn allows for improved clarity and definition.
The downside to these amps is their price. Tube amps generally come with a higher price tag than their solid state counterparts, and they tend to be on the heavier side with regards to durability and portability. They also require regular maintenance to ensure optimum performance.
Solid State Amps
Solid state amps provide a very clean and ‘dry’ sound that has become popular amongst bands who want to capture a purely digital sound without the ‘warmth’ of a tube amp. Despite the cost-effectiveness and portability of these amps, they are often viewed by players as ‘sterile’ and some of the tonal qualities and resonance that tube amps offer can be lacking.
Hybrid Amps
Hybrid amplifiers are a combination of tube and solid state components that are designed to provide the best of both worlds. Although they can often be more expensive than tube or solid state, they can offer the player the best of both worlds with regards to tone. Hybrid amps typically have a tube preamp that can produce a warm, saturated sound and a solid state power section to ensure reliability and maximum output.
Modelling Amps
Modelling amps are a digital alternatives that rely on digital modelling of a particular sound. They take the sound of classic tube amps and model it digitally, allowing for what has become known as ‘virtual’ tone. Many of these digital variants have become popular with younger players as they can often replicate the tone of classic tube amps, but are known to be more reliable and less expensive.
These are just a few of the different types of guitar amp available and there is something for everyone out there. If you’re looking for something that can provide a full and rich tone with excellent dynamics, then a tube amp could be the way to go. If you’re looking for something that is more cost-effective but still provides a great sound, then a solid state amp or a modelling amp could be the way to go. Ultimately it all depends on personal preferences and what type of sound you are looking to achieve.