Most guitar aficionados will be easily able to recall the excitement of buying their first guitar amplifier. Bringing home your very own amplifier is one of the most intense experiences that a budding guitarist can go through. In todayâs music world, the range of guitar amplifiers available in the market, and the different varieties of amps on offer can leave you a bit confused as to which amplifier you should buy. Here is a checklist of the most important questions you need to ask and get answers as you go buying a guitar amplifier.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Time required: 4 hours
Resources required
1. Your electric guitar and cable.
2. Patience to work your way through different amps.
Instructions
1. Determine the primary purpose of the amp
- The primary use of your guitar amplifier will decide what kind of an amp you should buy. If your objective is to learn and practice, where you will largely be playing inside a room and for yourself and your tutor, you can go with the lower end solid state amps with about 5-15 watts of output.
- However, if you are going to use your amplifier for performing with a band or in a large hall or open spaces, you will want to go with a higher power output in the 50-100 watt range. If you are going to use the amplifier to play bass guitar, you will need more power, and you will want to look at the 50-100 watt range even if you are using it as a practice amplifier.
- The same problem will arise if you are intending to route more than just your guitar through the amps. A lower powered amp will give you a muddy midrange if you try to add a second input channel. In such instances, it is better to go for a 100 watt (or higher) amp. For bass guitar amps that will be used in a large space while playing with other instruments, 200 watts is needed.
2. Decide on your budget
- If you are starting out playing the electric guitar, it does not make sense to go for the more expensive amps. If you are going to go on to become a serious guitarist, it is likely you will end up acquiring not only expensive amps, but also a variety of them for different guitars, different feels, and different uses.
- Most middle-of-the-road solid state combo amps in the 15 watts range come for about $100 or less. Even with all the bells and whistles, you will get a good first-time amp for under $300. For a first amplifier, a solid state makes sense, as it will save you the headache of having to keep replacing burnt out tubes. More on that later.
- Be prepared to invest in a better and more powerful amp as you polish your guitar skills, taste and sound preference. For younger people, you may need to prepare your family too to get you another amp as you progress.
3. Check the controls available
- Most amps these days give you at least two input channels. The basic amps will come with a master volume, master bass and master treble, with individual controls for each individual channel.
- In addition, you may want to look at models that allow you greater control over gain, reverb, and midranges.
4. Your first amp is your first amp
- Given the price, the power, and the features available on amps these days, many people suggest making your first amp your last amp. Amps come in different forms. It is likely that you will develop and evolve your preferences as you go along. Guitar playing is not about amplification, but about technique.
- It would be a shame to invest thousands of dollars in a digital modelling amp only to realize that you prefer the warmth of a tube amp a few years down the line. Go with a solid state combo amp that gives you the maximum power and control within your budget. As you mature as a guitarist, you can consider buying the amp of your life.
5. Listen to all the amps
- Even in solid states, different amps process sound differently, partly due to the circuitry and default settings, and partly due to the acoustics of the speaker box shape, size and material. Plug your guitar into each amp, and keeping your guitar volume at about 3 on a scale of 10, listen to how the amps sound at low volume, medium volume and close to full volume.
- The output should not lose depth or sound weak when played at low volumes, and should not distort when pushed close to max. Now increase your guitar volume to 8 on 10, and check the sound again. A good amp will handle both levels of signal power equally well. Also listen to the sound with both amplifier output and guitar volume set at high.
- Ideally, you should hear no sound, or at best, a barely audible hiss. Now unplug the jack and listen to the amps again at a high volume. Now there should be no audible sound. Try this with all the amps that you want to consider, till you are able to shortlist the ones that meet up to your sound expectations.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of guitar amps available?
There are two main types, the ones with solid state circuitry built with transistors, and the ones with valves or tubes. In addition, you can have a hybrid, that uses a combination of valves and solid state, one at a signal preamp level, the other for the main sound amplification. In recent years, with the advances in digital technology, you have modeling amps, that digitally recreate the sound picture of specific brands or types of valve amps and let you choose from these profiles, virtually giving you access to a number of valve amp sounds.
What is the difference between valve amps and solid states?
Solid states are easier to maintain, but more prone to variability. Many guitarists prefer valves because of their fuller and rounder tones, and the less harsh overdrive effect they deliver. As distortion has become a mainstay of contemporary guitar work, valves tend to give clearer and more focused output when processing distortion. Valve amps are much more expensive than solid states, and need more careful handling and maintenance. In addition, valve amps need constant attention as valves or tubes tend to burn out frequently and need to be replaced. Unavailability of the right make and model of valve can be a problem as substituting it with another equivalent valve by another manufacturer can actually change the sound output.
Quick tips:
- If you have a friend who is knowledgeable about guitars and amps, take him along when you go to buy your guitar amp. If not, take a friend along who can give you feedback about how the amp is sounding.
Things to watch out for
- Most stores will try and push you towards buying more expensive and powerful amps. If you are not certain with what you are getting into, stick to the familiar brands and the basic models.
- You can always go for the fancier stuff once you have greater understanding of the way sound amplification for a guitar works.
