Choosing an amplifier based on your budget
Affordable transistor amplifiers
A great advantage of going for more affordable transistor models is that they lend themselves to many digital possibilities. These include effects, sound banks, USB connectivity, and built-in practice options. A lot of units are modelers. This means that they reproduce the sounds of in-demand amplifiers digitally. Nowadays, you can find these amps with an app or on-board navigation. This adds a lot of value to an already inexpensive product.
Traditional amplifiers
The most famous and widespread builders are Fender, Marshall, and Vox. They are responsible for an incredible amount of recorded music throughout the years, and they’re highly revered. Some amplifiers are versatile, while others offer awesome gain possibilities. Marshall’s history is synonymous with rock music, and a Marshall plexi-style model will take you to the Nirvana of tone.
Musical style considerations
It’s really important to align your amp choice with the musical style you prefer. For example, if you get a high gain amplifier, you won’t have the proper tool for your country or jazz playing. These two styles require a rich, clean tone, which isn’t the main focus in highly distorted amplifiers. Every style has its go-to amplifiers, so it would be wise to read up on what your favourite players are using.
Amplifier power requirements
Depending on your environment, you’ll need to consider the amount of volume you’ll need. Back in the day, tube amplifiers came with preposterous power ratings that have slightly skewed guitarists’ perception of what is necessary. PA systems weren’t very refined for a certain period, and bands were doubling as the PA with their on-stage equipment. There are many ways that the wattage affects the playing experience. For example, the more powerful a unit is, the more headroom it has. This means that you’ll need to crank it to high volumes (intolerable is the right word in reality) to get the proper sustain, gain structure, and reciprocity in your unit.
Tube power
This is why I don’t recommend high power ratings in tube amplifiers, even if you play with a “loud drummer”. You’ll be hamstringing your own playing and basically never using the amp as it was meant to be used. For home practice, anything from 5 to 15 watts is good. If you plan on performing at any venue short of arenas and huge outdoor stages, the 22-watt concept popularized by Fender presents a lot of versatility.
Transistor power
For transistor models, the perceived volume is usually lower, and you’ll need more wattage to properly hear yourself in rehearsal and on small to medium stages. My Marshall was 50 watts, and it was a good balance for any situation. Don’t shy away from going for a higher output, because companies usually correlate higher power ratings to bigger speaker sizes. A 12-inch speaker is great for guitar amplification and really adds to the tone in a pleasant way.
Hopefully, this article helps you narrow down your options. It’s no secret that guitarists end up amassing a lot of gear. It’s just a part of the journey. A bittersweet reality is that you’ll eventually grow and change as a player, and you’ll refine your preferences and needs. My advice is to keep an open mind, keep playing and exploring all the wonderful options that are available to us nowadays. When you look back, you might surprise yourself at how much you’ve learned through musical experiences.
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