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How To Find The Right Guitar Amp

Choosing the right amplifier for your guitar is by no means an easy task.  Usually a guitarist will think of style, as well as price first, when considering options.  Assuming you have bought a guitar recently, this guide will suggest a few tips, for buying a new or used amplifier.  There are dozens on the market – with low to “sky’s the limit” prices.  Assuming that you are a beginning or aspiring guitarist, this guide should give you some guidance.  Perhaps you have just bought a Fender, Epiphone, Gibson, Dean, Ibanez, Kramer or other guitar, of fairly good to good quality, you will need a good amp to compliment your style.

One cannot think of a guitarist performing live, without thinking about their guitar to some extent.  Visualizing Jimi Hendrix’s “Stratocaster” with a wall of amplifiers behind him, — yes the much emulated and desired Marshall Stacks, which are quite expensive.  Eric Clapton, in his early years, preferred Marshalls as well, though he did also prefer to play a Les Paul, or his legendary “The Fool” SG, before he switched over to a Stratocaster as well.  Speaking of “The Fool’s” current owner, Todd Rundgren, who prefers an old Fender Mustang, is known to like the crispness of Peavey amplifiers.  I have owned several Peavey amplifiers, including a P.A. and must admit, they are really hard to beat for clarity of sound.  I also owned a Marshall Stack 100 Watts at one time, and attribute much hearing loss from it.  Honestly, I think the same classic sound, with less decibels can be achieved, through smaller amps.

Really you must ask yourself, in relation to the guitar you have, what kind of sound are you wishing to project?  Will this be acoustic?  Straight ahead Rock and Roll?  Country?  Blues?  Heavy Metal?

What kind of budget are you on?  If you are like me, I would rather start with a smaller amplifier to get a feel, for how I like the sound and how it sounds with the guitar.

SOLID STATE VS. TUBE AMPLIFIERS

There are many guitar purists who swear by tube amplifiers over solid state.  They want that warm crunch or presence of vintage tube analog sound.  The cost of a vintage amplifier is expensive.  One can also emulate or simulate the sound of a tube amplifier, from effects pedals, such as Ibanez Tube Screamer, which is quite popular, for this purpose.  Behringer and Peavey have smaller amps which sound fairly good, with trans-tube technology, in relation to the vintage Fenders, Vox, and Marshalls.  But for our purposes, we shall focus on solid state amplifiers due to cost for the beginner, versatility, and the simple fact, that digitally the sound can be reproduced, to an extent, only a professional would notice.

$100 Budget

Let us assume that you have $100 to spend on an amplifier at this time.  Note, you can always add effects pedals.  In addition, due to digital technology, you can also purchase pedals which will simulate all the classic and vintage amplifiers.

There are inexpensive practice amplifiers out there ranging from $30-80, but it would be safe to say, that the bedroom, backstage or den is the only context you will be able to use them in.  Usually they are about 10 Watts of power, although good in tone, you may want to consider something that can be used in other atmospheres, such as jamming along with friends, or even having enough power for small clubs, or coffeehouses.  Among those smaller amps for practice:

Rogue, Peavey Audition, Rocktron, Ibanez, Behringer V Tone, Kustom, Fender Frontman 15G

Behringer Ultracoustic, Pignose, even a 10 Watt Marshall

These amplifiers may be what you are seeking if you are considering to mic them through a P.A. System, or you really just want an amplifier, to jam along with songs in the comfort of your bedroom, but it is best to consider amps starting in the 15 watt range and going up from there.

By the way, don’t feel embarrassed by the use of pedals and effects you will find that most guitarists use them.

Lastly, you may want to get a custom handmade amp built for you by someone like Jack at jacksaxe.com. Custom amps have the advantage of being built to your desires and needs.

Whatever you do, make sure that you have done your research before buying an amp. You will be glad you did.

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Electric Guitar Amp Demo

Fender Pro Reverb Guitar Amp 1970’s Silverface $1.00

Fender Mustang V HD 150W Guitar Amp Head Black $260.99

Fender Guitar Amplifier AMPs Manual Wiring Diagrams PART SCHEMATIC BIGGEST SET! $9.98

Fender Guitar Amp 14″ Tilt Back Leg Kit W/ Hardware NEW $33.00

FENDER BULLET 15 DSP ELECTRIC GUITAR AMP WITH EFEECTS NO RESERVE $19.99

Fender Acoustasonic Sfx Ii Guitar Amp $450.00

FENDER PRO JUNIOR BLACK TOLEX HOT ROD SRS GUITAR AMPLIFIER tele jaguar strat amp $349.99

FENDER ACOUSTASONIC JUNIOR DSP ELECTRIC GUITAR AMPLIFIER tele jaguar strat tolex $349.99

Fender Vintage Reissue ‘65 Twin Reverb Guitar Amp Regular 886830366710 $895.99

Fender Frontman 15G Guitar Amplifier! $0.99

Guitar Amp FX Schematics & Manuals: Fender Gibson more $14.95

Fender G-DEC 3 Fifteen – Guitar Amplifier Trainer w/ Effects GDEC, NEW! $129.99

Fender 65 Twin Custom 15 Guitar Amp, 4 Inputs, 85 Watts into 4 Ohms, $9.99

FENDER SP 10 PR 367 GUITAR AMPLIFIER $22.99

Fender Blues DeVille 410 Reissue Guitar Amp Regular 886830329791 $671.99

Fender Blues Junior Type PR 295 Guitar Amp $76.00

1964 Pre CBS Black Face Fender Vibro Champ Guitar Amp Amplifier $525.00

Fender Mini Tonemaster Guitar Amp $25.00

Fender Squier SP 10 6” Guitar Amp 10 watt Guitar Amp Combo VG Conditon $0.99

Fender Frontman 15R Electric Guitar Amplifier w Aux In and Reverb $29.95

BIGGEST Collection Manuals SCHEMATIC Fender Guitar AMPs Wiring BEST SET! $14.85

800+ FENDER Guitar Amps Amplifier Diagrams WIRING SCHEMATICS Parts MANUALS BEST! $10.84

Fender Starcaster Strat Electric Guitar & Amp Pack $99.99

6V6 GTY VACUUM TUBE FENDER CHAMP NOS USA VINTAGE GUITAR AMP TUBE CBS Hytron USA $49.99

Fender Princeton Chorus 210 Stereo Electric Guitar Amplifier – DSP EFFECTS!!! $199.00

26 Ramp A12619A19 Size: 26″ x 240″ Features: -Ramp.-Perfect solution for wheelchair and scooter access.-Use it to get out of your home, into and out of the vehicle and finally at your destination.-Just roll it up or fold it and go.-Ramp holds 1000 lbs.-Has built in safety rails. Construction: -Constructed from aircraft-quality aluminum. Dimensions: -26” W x 36” D.-26” W x 48” D.-26” W x 60” D.-26” …

Gama-Go- Guitar Spatula 50-Percent rock, 50-Percent roll, 100-Percent silicone. This guitar shaped spatula makes quick work of cooking double sided fare. Safe for temperatures up to 446 degrees F. Dishwasher safe. The Flipper is turning heads as well as toasty sandwiches….

Fender Salt And Pepper Shakers $24.99 Fender Limited edition collectable Salt & Pepper Shakers. p.n.#0990235000…

Easy Stick 3 Piece Electric Guitars – Vinyl Wall Art Decals $21.95 Electric Guitars – 3 Shaped Pieces Easy Stick Theme Set on a 16 x 22 Sheet. Made in the USA….

Electric Guitar and Amp, #2 – 72H x 48W – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $107.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…

World Tour GBELEC Padded Electric Guitar Gig Bag $24.90

DEAN DIME RAZORBACK 6 STRING ELECTRIC GUITAR – METALLIC WHITE! $199.99

NEW 39″ PINK ELECTRIC GUITAR WITH 10 WATT AMP $89.95

LUNA Fauna Phoenix Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Select Spruce Top, FAU PHX BLK B $299.00

B.C. Rich Zoltan Bathory Signature Assassin Electric Guitar Natural Quilt Maple $949.99

※ELECTRIC “12-52″ GUITAR STRINGS – MED. FAT – 6 Sets $29.90

★-ELECTRIC “12-52″ GUITAR STRINGS – MED. FAT – 6 Sets $29.90

ESP LTD V300 Electric Guitar – Black $0.99

BIRDSEYE MAPLE/ROSEWOOD FRETBOARD ELECTRIC GUITAR NECK FOR FENDER STRAT 4041 $139.99

1 set of Start Style Electric Guitar Single Coil Pickup 3IN1 M450 $12.99

New! Vintage Icon V100 MRTSB Distressed Electric Guitar LP Style – Killer Axe! $499.00

BIRDSEYE MAPLE/ROSEWOOD FRETBOARD ELECTRIC GUITAR NECK FOR FENDER STRAT 4038 $139.99

Roland GC-1 GK-Ready Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar $899.00

Roland GC-1 GK-Ready Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar $899.00

B.C. Rich ASM Pro Electric Guitar, Shadow $899.99

B.C. Rich C.J. Pierce Signature Pro X Eagle Electric Guitar, Shadow $2,035.80

B.C. Rich ASM -1 Electric Guitar, Pearl Black $199.99

B.C. Rich Metal Master V2, Black w/ Tribal Graphic Electric Guitar $279.00

B.C. Rich Warlock One Electric Guitar, Black $200.51

B.C. Rich Jr. V Standard Electric Guitar, Metallic Red $399.99

B.C. Rich Steve Smyth Signature 6 Bich Electric Guitar, Onyx $999.99

B.C. Rich ASM Standard Electric Guitar, Transparent Black Cherry Burst $399.99

B.C. Rich Masterpiece Bich Electric Guitar, Tobacco Sunburst $349.99

B.C. Rich NT Warlock Electric Guitar, Blood Red $599.99

B.C. Rich Bich Pro X Electric Guitar, Shadow $899.99

B.C. Rich Jr. V Standard Electric Guitar, Onyx with Painted Bevels $399.99

B.C. Rich Guy Marchais Signature Assassin Electric Guitar, Onyx $2,329.92

B.C. Rich Trace Warbeast T Electric Guitar, Onyx $399.99

B.C. Rich Masterpiece Mockingbird Electric Guitar, Onyx $349.99

B.C. Rich Red Bevel Warlock Electric Guitar Pack, Black with Red Bevels $299.99

B.C. Rich Warlock Pro X Electric Guitar, Shadow $799.99

B.C. Rich Jr. V 7 String Electric Guitar, Transparent Purple $699.99

B.C. Rich Zoltan Bathory Signature Assassin Electric Guitar w/Maple Top $499.99

Fender Squier Telecaster / Standard Series Electric Guitar / Blonde / Used $199.99

BIRDSEYE MAPLE/ROSEWOOD FRETBOARD ELECTRIC GUITAR NECK FOR FENDER STRAT 4036 $139.99

Coral Electric Sitar Vintage 60’s Danelectro Guitar Art $9.95

HISTORIC ELECTRIC GUITAR PATENT ART PRINT COLLECTION $19.95

TRANSPARENT BLACK AMERICAN ASH ELECTRIC GUITAR BODY FOR FENDER STRAT 2615 $149.99

Vintage Early to Mid 80’s Seymour Duncan Humbucking Electric Guitar Pickup $5.99

OFF WHITE 3PLY ELECTRIC GUITAR PICKGUARD 4 STRATOCASTER $24.99

BIRDSEYE MAPLE/ROSEWOOD FRETBOARD ELECTRIC GUITAR NECK FOR FENDER STRAT 4031 $149.99

TRANS GREEN ASH REAR ROUTED ELECTRIC GUITAR BODY FOR CHARVEL FENDER STRAT 2623 $159.99

Crescent NEW REDBURST Electric Guitar+15w AMPLIFIER+ACC+ Guitar STAND $109.99

Zoom G1N Multi Effects Electric Guitar Pedal $27.00

FERNANDES MIJ 1950′S RI ELECTRIC GUITAR WITH FENDER UPGRADES $850.00

NEW OSCAR SCHMIDT OE20TS TOBACCO SUNBURST CLASSIC LP STYLE ELECTRIC GUITAR $209.00

NEW OSCAR SCHMIDT OE20B JET BLACK BEAUTY CLASSIC LP STYLE ELECTRIC GUITAR $209.00

3 SETS DR Tite Fit Extra Heavy 11-50 Electric Guitar Strings (EH-11) $17.14

Spider 6 Electric or 3 Acoustic Guitar Stand And Flight Case $94.28

SCHECTER 006 DELUXE ELECTRIC GUITAR SATIN BLACK $200.00

LEVY’S PC17ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 2 1/2″ $171.45 TEAL $98.00

LEVY’S PC71ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 1 1/2″ YELLOW $69.00

LEVY’S PC17ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 2 1/2″ $187.13 BROWN $110.00

ROTOSOUND ROTO YELLOWS R10 10-46 ELECTRIC GUITAR STRINGS 12 PACK $59.90

Behringer ULTRA ACOUSTIC MODELER AM400 Electric Acoustic Guitar Modeling pedal $47.95

ROTOSOUND ROTO GREENS R8 08-38 ELECTRIC GUITAR STRINGS 12 PACKS $59.95

LEVY’S PC17ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 2 1/2″ $171.45 BURGANDY $98.00

HAGSTROM SUPER SWEDE ELECTRIC GUITAR GLOSS WHITE BRAND NEW !! BLEMISHED !!!!!!! $475.00

LEVY’S PC71ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 1 1/2″ $100.62 BURGANDY $69.00

LEVY’S PC17ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 2 1/2″ $171.45 RED $98.00

ROTOSOUND ROTO BLUES RH10 10-52 ELECTRIC GUITAR STRINGS 12 PACKS $59.95

SCHECTER SHAUN MORGAN SIGNATURE SERIES ELECTRIC GUITAR SUNBURST $450.00

LEVY’S PC71ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 1 1/2″ $100.62 NAVY $69.00

LEVY’S PC71ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 1 1/2″ $100.62 RED $69.00

LEVY’S PC17ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 2 1/2″ $171.45 YELLOW $98.00

LEVY’S PC71ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 1 1/2″ $100.62 BLACK $69.00

LEVY’S PC17ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 2 1/2″ $171.45 NAVY $98.00

SCHECTER ROBIN FINCK ULTRA III ELECTRIC GUITAR SIGNATURE MODEL NINE INCH NAILS $650.00

STEINBERGER , SPIRIT, HOHNER HGC HEADLESS ELECTRIC GUITAR CASE BY TKL $75.00

LEVY’S PC17ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 2 1/2″ $171.45 PURPLE $98.00

ROTOSOUND ROTO GREYS R13 13-54 ELECTRIC GUITAR STRINGS 12 PACKS $59.95

LEVY’S PC71ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 1 1/2″ TEAL $69.00

LEVY’S PC17ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 2 1/2″ $187.13 TAN $110.00

LEVY’S PC71ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 1 1/2″ $100.62 BROWN $69.00

NEW GIANNINI GF-1CEL DREADNOUGHT CUTAWAY ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR 3TONE SUNBURST $130.00

LEVY’S PC17ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 2 1/2″ $171.45 BLACK $98.00

LEVY’S PC17ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 2 1/2″ $187.13 green $110.00

SCHECTER DAN DONEGAN ULTRA DD ELECTRIC GUITAR SEYMOUR DUNCAN PICKUPS CHERRY $700.00

HAGSTROM SWEDE ELECTRIC GUITAR GLOSS WHITE BRAND NEW !!!! BUT BLEMISHED $455.00

LEVY’S PC71ES ELECTRIC SNAKE FINISH LEATHER GUITAR STRAP 1 1/2″ $100.62 PURPLE $69.00

Gotoh SDS510 Electric Guitar Tuning Machines with All Kinds of Bushings (Nickel) $70.72

1 set of Electric Guitar Black Humbucker Bridge & Neck Pickup M258/9 $15.79

New Archtop Electric Guitar $199.00

~Sale New Crescent NATURAL Electric Guitar+Strap+Gigbag and WARRANTY $69.99

NEW OSCAR SCHMIDT OE20FTPB FLAMED TRANS PURPLE BURST LP STYLE ELECTRIC GUITAR $229.00

Line 6 JTV-59 James Tyler Variax Electric Guitar (Tobacco Sunburst) $1,499.00

Oscar Schmidt Requinto Acoustic/Electric Guitar with Gig bag, Cedar Top, OH30SCE $283.00

Oscar Schmidt Acoustic/Electric Bass Guitar, Black, Select Spruce Top, OB300B $227.77

1982 IBANEZ AE450 & AE405TV ELECTRIC ACOUSTIC GUITAR PRINT AD $7.99

3in1 LCD Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar Tuner Generator Metronome Chromatic $12.99

Guitar Bass Acoustic Chromatic Digital Electric Auto String Tuner $9.99

6 DUNLOP TORTEX FIN GUITAR PICKS .88 Electric Acoustic $2.59

Austin AA40-OEC Acoustic/Electric Folk Guitar $129.99

Gator GC-335 Deluxe 335 Style Electric Guitar Case New! $99.99

Dean 12 Gauge Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar w/Aphex $229.95

ARIA ELECTRIC GUITAR LATE 1960S EARLY 1970s Excellent Plus Original Gig Bag $189.99

Gretsch Electric Guitar 6120 Nashville 1/8 Scale Official Set Gretsch Licensed $99.01

Grover Style 3R x 3L Chrome Acoustic or Electric Guitar Tuners with Black Keys $14.95

Cort Electric Guitar *LOCAL PICKUP ONLY* $80.00

Vintage Kent Electric Guitar $69.99