How to choose a guitar amp (amplifier)

A combo is a guitar amplifier in which the sound amplifier itself and the speaker from which we hear sounds are located in the same case. Most amps can have a variety of guitar effects built in, ranging from simple overdrives to very sophisticated sounding processors.

In this article, the experts of the store “Student” will tell you how to choose a guitar combo amplifier that is right for you, and not overpay at the same time.

combo amplifier device

Most guitar amps have the following controls:

• standard input socket for jack 6.3 format , for connecting a cable from a guitar to a mobile phone
• power switch/switch
• overdrive effect controls
• headphone output jack
• knobs that change low, medium and high frequencies
• volume controls

Types of combos

There are several types of combo amplifiers:

Transistor – this type of combo is the most inexpensive and common . If you are a beginner guitarist, then this device should be enough for you.

The advantages of transistor amplifiers are as follows:

• Pretty inexpensive
• No need to constantly replace parts (as in tube amplifiers)
• Very tenacious and can be carried with you (I do not advise dragging the lamp regularly)

Minuses:

• Sound (inferior to tube ones in terms of pure sound)

Transistor combo MARSHALL MG10CF

Tube – similar amps, somewhat more expensive than transistor ones. This is explained very simply – the sound of tube amplifiers is much better and cleaner . If you have a budget, then preference should be given, namely, tube combo amplifiers.

Pros:

• Pure sound
• Easy to repair

Minuses:

• Quite expensive
• Lamps need to be changed from time to time (additional cost)
• You need to handle it much more gently than a transistor combo
• Would you like to record guitar? Be prepared to spend money on an instrumental microphone , because without it there is no way (the sound is removed precisely by an instrumental microphone )

FENDER SUPER CHAMP X2 Tube Combo

Hybrid – respectively, lamps and transistors are combined in such devices.

Pros:

• Reliable and quite durable
• Allows you to emulate many different amps
• Various effects available

Minuses:

• Guitars connected to this type of amp lose their personality.

VOX VT120+ Valvetronix+ Hybrid Combo

combo power

The main indicator and characteristic of the combo is power, measured in watts ( W ). If you are going to play your electric guitar at home, then a 10-20  watt combo will suit you .

If you can’t wait to play with your comrades, then this will obviously not be enough. If you play something like this – guitar + bass or guitar + guitar + bass, then a 40 W transistor amplifier will be enough for you .

But as soon as the drummer joins , this will be terribly missed! You will need at least a 60  watt combo. If your priority is team play, then take a powerful amplifier right away.

Manufacturing firm

After you have decided on the characteristics of the combo that you need, you should pay attention to the manufacturer. A certain brand’s model may provide better sound when playing a particular style.

For example, Marshall devices will suit you best if you are going to play heavy (rock) music. If you decide to choose Fender amps , they are distinguished by a clean and soft sound, such models are best for you if you are going to play: folk , jazz or blues .

Ibanez devices will also give you clear and good sound. Also in Russia, combo amplifiers of the company are very popular – Peavey . The devices of this company are inexpensive and quite high quality.

Tips from the Apprentice store on choosing a combo

Going to the store for a guitar amplifier, it makes sense to study in advance the main parameters that characterize the combos. Let’s highlight the criteria that will help resolve the issue:

• circuit diagram: tube, transistor or hybrid
• power
• manufacturing firm
• nature of music
• the presence of effects and additional devices (for example, tuner a)
• design
• price

Choosing a guitar amp

Popular Models

Transistor combo FENDER MUSTANG I (V2)	Transistor combo YAMAHA GA15
Lamp combo ORANGE TH30C	Lamp combo PEAVEY Classic 30-112
Hybrid Combo YAMAHA THR10C	VOX VT80+ Valvetronix+ Transistor Combo