Guitar Amplifiers - Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to guitar amplifiers there are a lot of common questions that arise from beginner and experienced players alike. In this article we'll take a look at the current state of the guitar amplifier market and clear up any confusion where we can.

Q. What's the difference between a solid-state guitar amplifier and tube amplifier?

A. The short and sweet answer is this: solid-state amplifiers get their name from the "solid-state" electronics they use to amplify guitar signal. This means that electrical current passing through the system is confined to solid circuitry, whereas tube amps utilize glass vacuum tubes to increase the power of the guitar signal.

What does this mean for you, the guitar player? Well, tube amplifiers and solid-state amplifiers produce two different sounds. Most audiophiles and experienced guitar players tend to opt for tube amps, which provide richer, warmer, and more musical tones with an authentic edge. However, with recent advances in solid-state amps, especially modeling amps that are designed to mimic tube tones, the difference in sound quality is less pronounced than it once was.

Each type of amplifer has its pros and cons. Tube amplifiers are typically more expensive - both from initial cost and maintenance cost standpoints. Since the tubes can wear out or break, they require professional servicing to replace. Tube amplifiers are also heavier and more delicate, making them more difficult to transport. Despite these shortcomings, tube amps are still admired for their loud, saturated, and vibrant tones.

Solid-state amplifiers on the other hand are cheaper, lighter, and more durable. They also don't require warm-up time like tube amps do. However, the tones they are capable of producing are much colder and more sterile when compared to the warmth and vibrancy of tube amps. Although they can try to emulate the tube sound, emulation is never as good as the real thing. Distortion is another area where solid-state amps are easily out-performed.

If you're looking for something a bit more versatile, or if you're on a budget or don't really need professional quality gig sound, a solid-state amplifier will fit your needs. However, if you're an experienced guitarist who wants to get the absolute richest and most vibrant tones possible, there's nothing like a tube amp.

Q. What is a modeling amplifier?

A. Modeling amplifiers are designed to bridge the gap between tube amps and solid-state amps. By emulating the tones of classic tube amps, they provide the benefits of a solid-state amp with the sound quality of a tube amp. Although the tone may not be identical, it's certainly an adequate compromise for the average guitar player. 

Modeling amps also allow for extensive effects to be built directly into the amp. With the turn of a knob you can switch from a clean and thick bluesy tone to a razor-sharp, dirty, overdriven hard rock tone. Throw in compatibility with footswitches and you completely eliminate the need for dozens of pedals and stompboxes. Modeling amps can save money, space, and time.

Q. Do I need a seperate practice amp beyond my main amplifier?

A. In the past many guitarists had a smaller, less powerful practice amp that they could use when they didn't need huge sound. However, with the advent of the modeling amp these practices amps are becoming less and less common. Nowadays a single amp can usually produce a variety of tones at a wide range of volumes and still sound good. If you buy the right one, your gig amp and your late-night bedroom practice amp will be one and the same.

Q. How do I know which guitar amplifier is right for me?

A. First, deterimine what your intentions are. What type of music do you play? Are you looking for optimal sound quality, or do you just need enough sound to fill a room? Are you an effects junky looking to cut down on your pedal collection? Are you on a tight budget or did you just win lotto? All of these questions will help you narrow down your choices.

As with all guitar equipment, the best way to find the perfect gear is to take a trip to your local music shop and start experimenting first hand. Bring your own guitar with you so you can see exactly how your instrument sounds in conjunction with potential amplifiers - most stores have absolutely no problem with this. Playing different amplifiers first hand is the quickest and easiest way to find something you like.