ROAR Like A Lion: What You Need To Know About Guitar Amplifiers.
A guitar amplifier is an essential piece of a guitarist’s setup. In its simplest form, an amplifier is an electronic device that takes the sound created when a guitar is strummed or plucked, and then amplifies it so that it’s loud enough to be heard over a speaker. It’s an essential device when performing in a band and though it can be used to create a variety of sounds, many players love the ‘crunch’ created when hitting a distorted amp.
Like everything else in the music world, choosing the right amplifier can be confusing. With so many varieties on the market, from combo amplifiers to solid-state power amps and more, how do you know which one to get? Here, we’ll explain the different types of guitar amplifiers, their basic features, and how you can use them to create great sounds.
To start, let’s look at the two main types of guitar amplifiers – combo amps and stacks. Combo amplifiers are usually portable and made up of two parts – the pre-amp and the power amplifier. The pre-amp is where the audio signal is first processed and it is responsible for the sound shaping. Pre-amps come in both tube and transistor varieties and each has its own unique sound and characteristics. The power amp then takes the signal and adds power to it, allowing it to be heard through a speaker. While combo amps are generally inexpensive and easy to transport, stacks require more space and have more features.
Stacks are made up of a pre-amp and power amp, like combo amps, but instead of both being housed in a single unit, they are segregated into different units. This allows the user to use a variety of pre-amps, power amps and speakers to customize their sound. Though stacks require more space, they are highly customizable, allowing you to shape your sound exactly the way you want it.
Next, let’s look at the different types of amplifiers available.
For the clean and classic tones, solid-state amplifiers are a good choice. These amplifiers use transistors to create their sound, meaning they are more reliable and cheaper than tube amplifiers. They offer a warm, clean tone and are a great choice for practice settings. For those looking for more of a classic rock tone, tube amplifiers are the way to go. They use vacuum tubes to create their sound and offer thicker, warmer tones with more character than their solid-state counterparts. However, they are much more expensive and require more maintenance than solid-state amps.
For the higher gain metal tones, digital modeling amplifiers are a great option. Digital modeling amps are like having a bank of vintage amps in one box. Modeling amps use algorithms and software to replicate the sounds of classic tube amps, giving them an authentic vintage tone. These amps also feature a variety of effects and settings that can be tweaked to create any number of sounds.
Finally, there are hybrid amplifiers that offer a blend of both solid-state and modeling technologies. These amps combine the best of both worlds, allowing for a full range of tones with the convenience of a single amplifier.
No matter the type of sound you’re looking for, there’s an amplifier to fit your needs. The most important thing is to find one that suits your playing style, not just because it’s what everyone else is using. There’s no right or wrong amplifier to use, and only you can decide which one is right for you. After all, it’s all about playing what you feel.