Apart from the guitar itself amplifier(English: Amplifiers, short Amps) the undisputedly most important tool of the (e-) guitarist. In addition to the pure amplification of the original signal offer guitar amp today tons of features such as equalizers, built-in tuners and switchable sound effects such as echo or reverb. Sometimes it is not that easy to find the right one guitar amp to find for yourself. Because depending on the preferred genre of music, the purpose and degree of professionalism certain amplifiers are better suited for some guitarists and less for others. So, when buying a guitar amp in today’s almost endless supply of amplifiers, do not lose your orientation, so some basic questions should be answered before purchasing.

Transistor or tube amplifier?

The first question that arises is the technical basis of the guitar amplifier. Here, a distinction is generally made between tube-based and transistor-based amplifiers. While a robust and easy-to-maintain transistor amp will suffice for most amateur guitarists who want to make music in the music school or at home, the tube amp is and remains the first choice for ambitious stage and studio musicians. The reasons for this are the richer sound as well as the unmistakable sound dynamics that characterize this type of amplifier because of its more straightforward design. Whether it eventually becomes a tube or transistor amplifier depends not only on the soundscape, but also largely on the budget, because while transistor amps tend to cover the lower price ranges, tube-based amplifiers are generally located in the higher price segment. Meanwhile, there are also so-called hybrid amps that combine the technologies of tube and transistor amplifiers and thus generate at least a tube full tube-like sound at a lower price.

Combo or top section and box?

Now that the choice has been made on either transistor, tube or hybrid amplifiers, the next question is how to assemble the amp. Here it is necessary to distinguish between the combo amplifier and the so-called stack (top section with loudspeaker box). The combo amp is, as the name implies, a combination of the mere amplifier of the guitar signal and a speaker box inside a case. The stack, however, describes the sharing of two or more separate components: a top that acts purely as a signal amplifier, and one or more speakers – the so-called Cabinets. When using only one box is in this context colloquially referred to the half stack, while two cabinets used by the full stack is mentioned. While combos score with ease of transport and, on average, lower prices, stacks offer a wider tonal spectrum, higher potential volume, and the ability to recombine headsets and speakers to create different sounds each time.

Rock amp or jazz amp

In the final selection of the appropriate amplifier, the preferred style of music can help. Because, of course, all guitar amp can be used for any genre of music, trends in the direction of various styles are in the alignment of many amplifier brands as well as the amp preferences of well-known guitarist. Accordingly, for example, Peavey or Engl brand amplifiers, as well as the legendary Marshall brand, are more likely to be behind rock guitarists, while jazz lovers tend to source their amps from Fender or Roland. If you still can not really decide on an amplifier, you may be best served with a modeling amp. These innovative devices are equipped with pre-programmed amp models, allowing them to mimic a variety of different amps and sounds. The most well-known modeling amps (both tube- and transistor-based) spring from the „Spider“ series from Line 6.