An electric guitar needs an amplifier for its sound. It consists of an acoustic system and an electronic unit that converts a previously collected electrical signal into sound vibrations. This device is sold in specialized stores separately from electric guitars. You can also assemble it yourself, but you can only use such an amplifier at home.
What categories are amplifiers divided into?
According to its structure, a guitar amplifier can be of two types:
The first are a single box, which houses both the audio system and the signal converter. As a rule, combo amplifiers have low power. However, among them a large number of options capable of delivering high-quality sound. Stacks belong to professional equipment: in them the speakers are located separately from the amplifier itself.
If you buy equipment for rehearsals at home, then just buy a combo. For performances and recording studios, stacks are more suitable. They are much more expensive, but produce high-quality sound. Buying them for home is pointless, as they show their capabilities only at a volume level of half the nominal. For example, if it is stated that a guitar amplifier is capable of delivering 100 watts of power, then you can see all its positive qualities at a volume of 50 watts.
Differences of guitar amplifiers according to the scheme
The electronic unit consists of a preamplifier (it is responsible for collecting the incoming sound) and a terminal (it amplifies the collected sound vibrations). A guitar amp circuit can be one of the types:
- Fully lamp-shaped. They are considered elite and are most suitable for training. With the help of such an amplifier, you can notice any mistake made during the game.
- With transistor tip and tube amplifier. The most common option, since it belongs to the middle price category and produces good sound quality.
- Completely transistor. These are lightweight and inexpensive models that beginners can afford. It is not so difficult to assemble this guitar amplifier with your own hands , since parts can be bought in almost any radio parts store. On sale you can find ready-made kits for those who want to try themselves as a designer.
Choosing an amplifier according to its scheme is based on your tastes and budget. All of them differ in sound quality. Another point to consider when buying is repairing tube-type guitar amplifiers is much more expensive than other options.
What effects can be created
Many amplifiers are capable of producing the sound effects that are needed for studio recordings or house rehearsals. Most often there are two of them: clean sound (similar to an acoustic guitar) and oredrive (gives the instrument a rocky sound with an overload).
The switch from one effect to another is most often very inconvenient, so it’s best to purchase an additional guitar processor. It is a pedal with which you can change the sound settings right during the game. With it, you can get even more effects.
Control Panel Key Features
Modern guitar amp has a fairly sophisticated control panel with a large number of controls. The main ones are three:
- volume level
- degree of overload (if this effect is built-in);
- sound frequencies (there may be several: bass, treble, middle).
Using the controls, you can adjust the sound to your liking: make it softer, change the timbre of the instrument or set a significant degree of overload. It is best to choose amplifiers that include all of the listed tuning options.
Is it possible to assemble an amplifier yourself
If you want to save money and assemble a guitar amplifier with your own hands, then you need to have a large number of tools on hand: drills, an oscilloscope, a tester, a soldering iron and a drill on a tripod. In addition, prepare radio components (based on the selected circuit), material for the board and case. Be prepared for the fact that in the end the amplifier will cost you more.
Most schemes suggest assembling tube amplifiers. This is true, because they are of better quality than transistor ones. However, if you want to assemble a high-quality model, you have a long search for materials that are not available for sale. It is best to assemble a transistor version for the sample first.
Best guitar amp
In the music store you can present many types and brands of amplifiers to choose from. Each musician chooses a suitable guitar amplifier for himself, based on their tastes. Rating of the best brands and models includes:
- Combo Blackstar ID: Core Stereo 10. It features stereo sound, three power options, several effects and a built-in tuner. This is a fairly budget model, which is comparable in quality to more expensive counterparts.
- Peavey Vypyr VIP 3 is a semi-professional combo amplifier that is suitable for implementing any ideas. They are made with the latest digital technology and received high marks not only from musicians, but also from sound specialists.
- Tube Marshall C5-01, which, despite its small power, produces high-quality and loud sound.
- Fender Mustang III V2 - a mobile option suitable for use in small rooms and rehearsals at home.
- Roland CUBE Lite with the ability to play at home with headphones, which is very important if you live in a city and do not have a room with soundproofing.
All amplifiers in this rating are combo type and are suitable for beginners and amateurs. Among the assortment of stores you can find other worthy options. Modern amplifiers have stepped far forward in sound quality and have a large number of useful functions.