Think it’s time to level up your electric guitar skills? Nothing will make your sound better than a new guitar amp. You’ll find plenty of options for the best amps for every budget, so it’s up to you to figure out which model matches your style.
As your amp guide, we’ll walk you through a detailed compilation of the essentials you need to consider when making this investment. Are you ready to discover what a good amp can do to your music? Let’s go!
Basics of a Guitar Amp
To make the right choice, every beginner must learn the basics of a guitar amp. As your first amp, it is a great idea to begin practicing with a combo amp. A combo amp is a combination of speakers with a preamplifier and power amplifier.
A preamplifier shapes the guitar tone, and the power amplifier pushes the tuned sound to the speaker. These contain an integrated box and are the simplest ones to set. Also, it considers both size and portability. Make sure to choose an amp with a digital-to-analog converter to match all your digital files.
How To Choose a Guitar Amp for Beginners
A lot goes behind good music. With the decision to buy an amp comes the considerations you need to have when choosing one. Here are the things you should ask yourself to help you decide on the right amp for you:
What Type of Music Do You Play?
Are you looking for an amp to pair with acoustic guitar or bass? Do you usually produce solo music or play with a band? Is there any specific genre you prefer and plan on producing? All the answers to these questions should be clear before you even begin looking for an amp.
An amp has a huge impact on instruments’ sound. Some produce soft and smooth tunes that indie or jazz guitarists prefer. On the other hand, some amps create buzzing, metallic sounds preferred by rock, pop, or punk artists.
Before making a decision, try many amps to find the one that best suits your style. If you are not sure about your preferred genre yet, get an amp that can produce a versatile sound portfolio.
How Loud Do You Want to Play?
Are you planning to practice music at home, or are you preparing to perform on-stage? Knowing the answer to this question will help you decide on the max volume of your amp and the watts and sizes you may choose from.
A small amp most probably runs on a 10- to 30-watt power. It also often has eight- 10-inch speakers suitable for at-home jamming sessions. For rehearsals or small venues, you may need a medium-sized amp with 50- to 70-watt power and 12-inch speakers.
For hosting large crowds and loud performances, you may need 100+ watt power and a 16+ inches speaker amp. For beginners to practice at home, a 20-watt amp with one eight- to 10-inch speaker should be enough.
How Much Can You Carry?
Knowing this will help you determine the size of your amp. Do you travel often and are not a fan of carrying around heavy equipment? If yes, you may need to look for a small amp with lightweight and easy portability. Generally, for beginners, a small amp is best to get started with.
Solid-state vs. Tube Guitar Amps
Solid-state amps use transistors in their configuration. As such, you will find that they are famous for their clean sounds, along with their durability and reliability. Musicians often prefer solid-state amps for long-term use and soft tunes.
In comparison, tube amps use vacuum tubes for boosting volumes and are famous for producing heavy music. They are often larger and require extra maintenance, though. In that case, solid-state amps are a better plug-and-play option for beginners.
How Much Should You Spend on Your Amp?
Beginner or not, picking the right amp will make music more enjoyable for you. For that, you need not spend anything less than $300. However, any amp around the $1,200 range will guarantee you the best sounds. For beginners, focus on buying a portable and inexpensive amp. The key is to make sure that it offers a wide range of sounds and a variety of customization features.
A Must-Have for All Electric Guitarists
An audio amplifier is the pivot of sound production. Basically, it helps strengthen the weak electronic signals from musical instruments. Plus, it also makes more vibrant, loud, and profound tunes. Available in many sizes and types, each amp serves a different set of needs.
In a nutshell, an amp possesses the power to make or break your music. Hence, as a beginner, you should consider all the essentials when buying one. After all, your choice will take your musical journey a long way.
