Table of Contents
Introduction
There is a wide variety of guitar amplifiers available at a broad range of prices.
The aim of this guide is to explain the basic types and their different features so you can decide what type of amp would suit your particular needs.
The Different Types Of Amplifier
Combination Amplifier/Speaker
Combination amplifiers and speakers (known as combos) match an amplifier to a suitable speaker and enclose them both in one cabinet (e.g. Marshall MG15). Combos can deliver power ranging from under 10 watts to over 100 watts, so they are not necessarily weaker than other setups.
The advantages of combos include;
- Portability
- Ease of use
- No chance of overloading the speaker (less distortion)
- Simple, all-in one design
- Good for home practice
- Can be run through a P.A. system for performances
- Can be used as a stage monitor at gigs
Musicroom recommends...
Line 6: Spider IV 30 Watt Combo Amplifier
Our Price:
£159.00
Spider® IV guitar amps redefine what is sonically possible from modeling amplifiers. Spider IV 30 delivers a perfectly distilled collection of celebrated American and British amp tones, the unprecedented control of Line 6 Smart FX, and a truly evolved playing experience.
Line 6: Spider JAM Amplifier
Our Price:
£379.00
Spider Jam is the ideal partner for any level of guitarist who wants to perfect their skills. With its revolutionary Endless Jam engine and on-board multi-track loop recorder, Spider Jam is always ready to back you with over 100 built-in grooves laid down by top L.A. session aces.
Head & Cabinet
Head and Cabinet setups are aimed more at the touring/professional musician, who needs a big sound that doesn’t rely on in-house P.A. systems. The head contains the amplifier and controls for tone, volume, etc, and the cabinet houses the speakers.
The advantages of Head & Cabinet amplifiers include:
- Higher volume is usually feasible
- More or larger speakers for powerful sound
- Higher quality output
- Interchangeable components
- Option of adding a second cabinet on some models
- Head can be used as a preamp without the cabinet for recording
Solid State vs. Tube/Valve
On the whole, Solid State amps make easier and better as practice amps and are more convenient for transporting around. Valve amps are better for studio use and large gigs. Valves have to be driven hard to get the best sound from them, whereas Solid State amps deliver optimum performance after a few seconds. In the end, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Solid State amplifiers first appeared in the 1960s, as a replacement for the existing valve amplifiers. They use only solid electronic silicon-based circuitry, and modern versions can easily integrate additional effects and tones.
The advantages of Solid State amps include:
- Instant-on sound, no warming up required
- Can take bumps and knocks without breaking easily
- Great clean sound
- Easy to use, digital-based amplifier
- Lighter than valve amplifiers
- Better for clean country tones and distortion heavy music
Valve amplifiers are an older technology. They require valves (also known as vacuum tubes or tubes in the U.S.) to get their distinctive sound. These tubes are present at two stages on a full valve amp: the preamp and output. They run at a lower wattage, but deliver more volts.
The advantages of tube/valve amps include:
- More efficient use of power (over twice as efficient as SSA amps)
- More natural control of overdrive
- Warmer tonal response, analogue-based sound
- Changing to different valves can totally change the tonal qualities
- A 30 watt valve amp is loud enough for most gigs
- Better for blues, jazz, overdriven tones
Musicroom recommends...
Line 6: Spider IV 15 Watt Combo Amplifier
Our Price:
£79.00
A wolf in sheep's clothing, Spider IV 15 sounds ferocious at low volumes as well as cranked to 11. Plus, value-packed, it puts pro sounds and into a lightweight box that's small enough to tuck under your bed or desk.
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Tube Amplifier
Our Price:
£549.99
The world standard for a portable, powerful, full-featured tube amp, the 40-watt Hot Rod Deluxe features a pair of 6L6 Groove Tube output tubes and three 12AX7 preamp tubes.
Modeling Amps
Modeling amps are typically solid state, although some use pre-amp valves. Modeling amps use digital circuitry to add effects and large tonal adjustments to the sound. Line 6 amplifiers are famous for their modeling amps. They model a range of different tones that can often be found on other amplifiers, mimicking, for example, a Fender Blues Deluxe or a Vox AC-30TB. Effects on these amplifiers can include phaser, flange, reverb, echo, tremolo, distortion, overdrive, chorus, and delay. Also you will often find a built-in tuner.
This works along the same lines as having a multi-effects pedal, but built in to the amplifier.
If you’re looking for an amplifier that you can get the most out of for home practicing, these are a tempting option. The downside is that the effects are not as easy to trigger on and off or to change, however a lot of modeling amps have an optional foot pedal available, which makes them a viable option for stage use.
Musicroom recommends...
Line 6: Spider III 15W Modelling Amp
Our Price:
£79.00
Spider™ III 15 delivers detailed amp models based on some of the greatest guitar sounds ever created in a compact and versatile 15 watt combo. Instantly access hundreds of killer sounds designed by the world's most famous rock stars.