Types of Guitar Amps
When buying your first guitar, it's useful to know about the different types of guitar amps you can choose from. There are a few types of amps, and they each offer different pros and cons, as well as a slightly different list of features.
In this guide, I'll look at some different types of guitar amps, as well as offering some insight into the best guitar amps for beginners, novices and experts.
So if you're wondering what distinguishes a tube amplifier from a solid state amplifier, and which is best for your guitar lessons, read on and let's remove some of the mystery surrounding the different types of guitar amps on the market.
Tube amps (Valve amps)
Tube amplifiers, sometimes called valve amps, are one of the most common types of amps. The different names can sometimes cause confusion, but in fact tube amps and valve amps are the same thing. They get their name from the vacuum tubes or 'valves' that allow them to work. In the UK you're traditionally more likely to hear the term 'valve amp', while in the US 'tube amp' is the more commonly used option.
Features and uses
Valve amps are driven by small vacuum tubes, one of the oldest amplifier technologies still in common usage. They generate a warm, natural, analogue sound that is preferred by some musicians, compared with the more artificial electronic output of modern digital amps.
Pros and cons
Tube amps are a matter of personal taste. They can cost more than a solid state amplifier and there's more that can go wrong. Some genres, such as jazz, can actually benefit from the crisper sound of a solid-state amp. But valve amplifiers have a sense of history and heritage, which is perfect if you enjoy the more tactile and emotional side of learning to play guitar.
Guitarists who use tube amps
A solid state amplifier uses transistors instead of vacuum tubes, giving them the alternative name of 'transistor amps'.
It's more a question of which famous guitarists DON'T use valve amps. They're the go-to option for professionals, so unless your guitar hero is known for preferring a solid state amplifier, digital modeller or hybrid, it's a safe bet that they're rocking a tube amp on any normal day.
Features and uses
Solid-state amps work in a similar way to valve amps, in the sense that the transistors are a direct substitute for vacuum tubes, and work to amplify the volume of the audio. But because they use an electronic process to achieve this, the output is much crisper with a 'digital' quality.
Pros and cons
Solid-state amps are typically cheaper and more portable, as transistors are much smaller than valves. They are also preferable for genres like jazz, where a digital sound works well alongside other instruments. However, some musicians prefer the more emotive and tactile qualities of analogue valve amps and their warm, rich output.
Guitarists who use solid-state amps
Solid-state amps have a long list of famous fans, including BB King, Jeff Beck, David Gilmour and many more over the years - they're definitely not just for amateurs.
Hybrid amps
Hybrid amps are a 'best of both worlds' solution, rather than a compromise. They include a tube-driven pre-amp, followed by a solid-state power amp.
Features and uses
Because hybrid amplifiers contain both technologies, they can produce the authentic sound of a valve amp, but then increase its volume via the solid-state amplifier. This is a great way to get warmer analogue-style tones when performing in loud environments or to large audiences.
Pros and cons
The pros are in the name, as hybrid amps give you the best features of both solid state and valve amplifiers. However, they are complex and relatively expensive, adding to the total cost of buying a guitar.
Guitarists who use hybrid amps
Hybrid amps are sometimes known as combo amps, and they have their share of all-star supporters. One example is the Music Man hybrid amp, reportedly used by both Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton.
Digital modelling amps
Digital modelling amps are evolving rapidly as manufacturers work on perfecting the quality of the sound they produce. The basic principle is to produce a sound similar to that of a tube amplifier, but using an internal computer instead of actual valves.
Features and uses
Digital modelling amplifiers can be used to serve the same purposes as vacuum tube amps. Their onboard computers can emulate different brands and models of tube amps, as well as introducing effects without the need for pedals.
Pros and cons
The versatility of digital amps comes from their computer, which can make it easier for beginners to start using effects that would normally need a pedal. They are also typically cheaper, lighter and more portable than tube amps, but some people think the sound they produce is noticeably artificial compared with a genuine valve amp.
Guitarists who use digital modelling amps
A lot of work has gone into making digital modelling amplifiers sound more realistic. Over the years, this has seen them begin to attract professional guitar players, reportedly including Mark Knopfler and King Crimson.
Recommendations (brands and models)
For a small practice amp I often recommend the Yamaha THR series. Not only does this desktop size offer portability (it runs on AA batteries, too), it looks aesthetically slick and also has the functionality of various pre-sets, so you can go from a clean tone with effects like reverb to a harsh, saturated distortion with delays and a scooped mid for your heavy metal!
Another amp which is sufficient for small gigs is the Boss Katana 50 or 100. It is light enough to be moved around and carried to gigs, and loud enough to be played with a drummer. Watch this video of myself performing at a jazz gig.
For tube amps I recommend the Fender Hot Rods or Blues Junior. They offer a lot of headroom (the amount of clean tone you have before breaking up into distortion when turning up the volume), so you get pristine cleanness. These amps also take pedals very well, and are dynamically versatile that you’ll have to work on your touch and the attack on the right hand requires ever more control!
FAQs
What is the difference between a tube amp and a valve amp?
In principle there is no difference between a tube amp and a valve amp. The only difference in practice is where in the world you are. In the UK, you'll hear 'valve amp' more often, while in the US the preferred term is 'tube amp'.
Why do tube amps sound better?
Tube amps use those analogue vacuum valves to amplify the audio, and can introduce a smooth overdrive effect as the volume increases. Many players prefer this more 'natural' sound, although in some genres the crisp digital output of electronic amps is preferred.
How many watts guitar amp do I need?
It depends where you plan to play. If you're buying a used guitar to learn or practise at home, it's probably not worth spending the money to get an amp that offers 100W or more, as a smaller unit will be more convenient and plenty loud enough for home use.
If you'd like advice on the wattage of amplifier to go for, contact Bryan who will be happy to talk you through the best beginner guitar amps for practise, learning to play, and moving on to small indoor performances and outdoor busking.
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