How to choose the best amplifier for your Electric Guitars?
Introduction
As a student of electric guitar, the first question that comes to your mind is the best guitar to buy depending on your interest, price point, current skill level and the overall long term plan. You could be a hobbyist who loves to play during your break or someone who is a serious enthusiast. The next big question that follows the guitar purchase is selecting the best amplifier for your electric guitar. This depends on a number of factors. So it is important to understand the aspects of an amplifier before making the final purchase.
Choosing the Best Amplifier for your Electric Guitar
The market is flooded with tons of amplifiers from a variety of brands, each with its own pricing, quality and output. So choosing the best amplifier for your electric guitar also depends on how well you know the different kinds of amplifiers in the market and the features of an amplifier. This helps you make an informed decision, knowing fully well its pros and cons.
· Types of Amps: The types of amplifiers include the solid-state amp, modelling amp, tube amp, and hybrid amp.
Solid state amps are a great choice when you are touring. They are reliable and can withstand long tours, making them a sturdy choice. They get their name from the use of transistors for their pre-amp and power sections.
Modelling amps or digital amps get their name from the use of digital processors to produce sounds of tube amplifiers. They come with numerous built-in digital effects and can be programmed to produce the desired effect.
Tube amps are preferred over solid state amps by guitarists for its quality of tone and sound. They come with separate channels and hence have the advantage of being able to switch between distorted and clear tones.
Hybrid amps as the name signifies are hybrid amps that take the best of each type of amp to make it one hybrid version.
· Thickness of Wood: The quality of sound that is produced depends on the thickness of the wood used to carve the cabinet. A minimum thickness of ½ inch is a must to produce a solid sound. In contrast, a thin piece of wood is most likely to vibrate and become loose.
· Number of Channels: By default, majority of the amps in the market comprise two channels, one clean channel and another distorted channel. For maximum effectiveness, the channels should be separate and must come with their own individual controls. This will help you switch channels on the go.
· Watts: The amount of watts produced is directly proportional to the strength of the sound produced by the amp. While beginner model amps range between 10 amps to 30 amps, higher amp models go up from 50 amps to 100 amps, which is extremely loud.
In terms of price, there are a number of varieties and price buckets to choose from. From a creative standpoint, you are most likely to buy a guitar that evokes you and also fits your budget.