Types of guitar amplifiers: tubes vs transistor vs modelling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Classic guitar amps were either tube or transistor based, but since 1996 there have also been digital modeling amps. They are all very different and suitable for different purposes, but they also have many things in common:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Tube guitar amplifiers:<\/strong> They use vacuum tubes (also called valves) to amplify the signal. They produce a warm, rich sound that is favored by many guitarists, especially those who play blues, rock, or metal. Tube amps are known for their natural compression and very nice distortion, which can produce a dynamic and (if desired) dirty sound. However, they tend to be more expensive, heavier, and require more maintenance than other types of amps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Transistor guitar amplifiers:<\/strong> They use semiconductor transistors to amplify the signal. They are lighter, cheaper, and require less maintenance than tube amps. They sound cleaner and have less harmonics than tube amps, making them popular with jazz, country and pop guitarists. However, transistor amps do not have the warmth and character of tube amps and can sometimes sound harsh or sterile in direct comparison.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digital modeling guitar amps:<\/strong> These use digital signal processing (DSP) to simulate the sound of various amps and effects. They can accurately reproduce the sound of anything from vintage tube amps to modern high-gain amps. Digital modeling amps often have built-in effects such as reverb<\/a>, delay, and chorus that can be easily adjusted and saved as presets. They are versatile, lightweight, and very convenient, making them popular with guitarists who play many different styles and value portability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nKeep reading: The 11 best electric guitars for beginners<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best guitar amps under 500\u20ac<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Marshall DSL5CR<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Marshall](\"https:\/\/woodandfirestudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/marshall-1024x678.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Marshall DSL5CR<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n\nTECHNICAL SPECS<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nType:<\/strong> Valve combo<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Output:<\/strong> 5W to 0.5W<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valves:<\/strong> 2x ECC83, 1x 12BH7\/ECC99<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Channels: <\/strong>2 (Classic Gain and Ultra Gain)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaker:<\/strong> 10\u2033 Celestion Ten-30<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weight:<\/strong> 12,7kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features:<\/strong> Emulated line output, FX loop, tone shift and bass boost, incl. footswitch<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\nMODELS \/ PRICES<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCombo 5W: <\/strong>Marshall DSL5CR<\/a> (429\u20ac)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Combo 1W: <\/strong>Marshall DSL1CR<\/a> (279\u20ac)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
With this modern guitar amp, Marshall delivers a great all-tube combo at only 5 watts, but it has an excellent sound comparable to more expensive amps - just a little quieter. Still, 5 watts is more than enough for an all-tube amp for rehearsals and small gigs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Marshall guitar amp features 2 tubes in the preamp and 1 tube in the power amp, a built-in 10\u2033 Celestion speaker, and 2 channels, a normal channel and a high-gain channel. These channels can be used to create sounds ranging from clean funk to dirty rock or metal. The distortion is very nice, very saturated and full of harmonics, with compression and sustain as you would expect from an all-tube amp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each channel has a volume and gain control for precise distortion and volume adjustment. There is also a global EQ with bass, mid and treble, a deep switch for more bass and a tone shift switch to adjust the frequency of the mids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Personally, I find it very convenient that you can use this amp with other external speakers-you can simply disconnect the connection between the guitar amp and the cabinet on the back and connect another one. This can be especially helpful for genres with a lot of distortion, as the 10\u2033 speaker reaches its limits and sounds a bit stiff and tinny. This does not happen with larger speakers, e.g. 12\u2033.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nKey Advantages<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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- Great all-tube sound for little money<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Handles everything from clean to really distorted <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Downsides<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- At very high levels of distortion, the built-in 10\u2033 speaker can reach its limits and sound a bit pappy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Vox AC10C1<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Vox](\"https:\/\/woodandfirestudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/voxac10-1024x678.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Vox AC10C1<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n\nTECHNICAL SPECS<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nType:<\/strong> Valve combo<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Output:<\/strong> 10W<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valves:<\/strong> 2 x 12AX7 preamp, 2 x EL84 power amp<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Channels: <\/strong>1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaker<\/strong>: 1x 10\u2033 Celestion VX10 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weight:<\/strong> 12,3kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features:<\/strong> Top boost sound, digital reverb<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\nMODELS \/ PRICES<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCombo 10W:<\/strong> Vox AC10C1 Custom<\/a> (549\u20ac)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
This guitar amplifier costs a little more than 500\u20ac, but this extra 50\u20ac is definitely worth it if you like vintage sounds. The Vox AC10C1 is a smaller version of the legendary Vox AC30 made famous by Brian May, the lead guitarist of Queen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Vox AC10 offers a similar sound that can be very clean and crystal clear, but can also produce a very nice vintage distortion, but at a lower volume than its big brother. The distortion is not as dirty as other guitar amps, but clearer and more dynamic, so if you are looking for a metal amp, this is not the one for you. But for genres like rock'n'roll, funk, blues, jazz or reggae, this amp is excellent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The guitar amp is loud enough to handle rehearsals and small gigs, but it should definitely be run through a PA for larger venues. It is nice that the Vox AC10 still sounds relatively clean at higher volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Setup and operation is simple because there is only one channel: There are gain and volume controls to precisely adjust the relationship between distortion and volume, a 2-band EQ with bass and treble controls, and a digital reverb control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vox guitar amps are some of my all-time favorites and I can highly recommend them to any guitarist<\/a> who plays clean to moderately distorted genres. However, if you are looking for AC\/DC or Metallica-style distortion, you should look at Marshall or Orange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nKey Advantages<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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- Clean sound with overtones<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Can sound clean even at high volumes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Moderate distortion with very dynamic sound<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Downsides<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Only 1 channel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Fender Champion 100<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Fender](\"https:\/\/woodandfirestudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/champion100-1024x678.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Fender Champion 100<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n\nTECHNICAL SPECS<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nType:<\/strong> Solid-State Amplifier<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Output:<\/strong> 100W<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valves:<\/strong> –<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Channels: <\/strong>2<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaker:<\/strong> 2x 12\u2033 Special Design Speaker<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weight:<\/strong> 18kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features:<\/strong> Reverb, Delay<\/a>, chorus, tremolo, vibratone, effect loop, incl. footswitch, amp simulations<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\nMODELS \/ PRICES<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCombo 100W:<\/strong> Fender Champion 100<\/a> (349\u20ac)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
With the Champion 100, Fender has brought a guitar amplifier to the market at a very reasonable price that is not usually seen at Fender. The lack of tubes saves a lot of money, of course, and in return there are some digital amp simulations in the distortion channel to create dirty sounds even without tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The amp has two channels, each with EQ (2-band in channel 1, 3-band in channel 2), FX select, FX level, and a gain control in channel 2. A handy tap switch allows you to set the delay tempo by tapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a total of two 12\u2033 speakers and 100 watts of power, this guitar amp is loud enough for all applications and can easily hold its own on larger stages. But thanks to the amp simulation, it can also be played at room volume and still deliver a fully distorted sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The amp simulations also sound very good and very close to the original, especially the emulations of the classic Fender models. In my opinion, the clean sounds are really great, but the distorted sounds could be better - but you should not forget the price of the guitar amp. For metal or rock purists it won't be very convincing, because of course the tubes are missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if you are just looking for clean tones with occasional overdrive, this is a very good choice, versatile with built-in effects, and unbeatable value. It also looks damn good!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nKey Advantages<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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- With 100W, loud enough for all applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Very versatile due to the amp simulations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Very nice, clean sound<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Downsides<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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- Might not appeal to rock purists, lacks tube character at high gain levels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Harley Benton TUBE15 Celestion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Harley](\"https:\/\/woodandfirestudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/harleybenton-1-1024x678.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Harley Benton TUBE15 Celestion<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n\nTECHNICAL SPECS<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nType:<\/strong> Valve combo<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Output:<\/strong> 15W<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valves:<\/strong> 3x ECC83\/12AX7 (preamp), 2x EL84 (power amp)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Channels: <\/strong>1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaker<\/strong>: 1x 12\u2033 Celestion speaker<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weight:<\/strong> 11,5kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features:<\/strong> True analogue spring reverb, power can be throttled to 1W, connection of an external loudspeaker possible<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\nMODELS \/ PRICES<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCombo 15W:<\/strong> Harley Benton TUBE15 Celestion<\/a> (259\u20ac)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Combo 5W:<\/strong> Harley Benton TUBE5 Celestion<\/a> (149\u20ac)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
This guitar amp from Thomann's own brand offers a purist, classic rock sound at an unbeatable price. With 15 watts of full-tube power, the amp is loud enough for smaller stages, but can also be turned down to 1 watt for the full distorted sound at lower volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Harley Benton Tube15 sounds really good, crisp and dynamic, and can distort very nicely, as you would expect from an all-tube amp. But it can also be played relatively clean with soft overtones. The tonal palette ranges from crunchy clean sounds to AC\/DC distortion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the tone control, you can also shape the sound very nicely, and thus make it more bass or treble accentuated. The sound is not only unbelievably good for the price range, but better than many expensive amps and is also convincing in the studio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A great feature is the built-in analogue spring reverb, which gives the sound a really nice vintage character. It is not too obtrusive, stays nicely in the background and makes the guitar sound like in the rock'n'roll of the 60s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The operation is quite simple: There is a channel with gain and volume control to adjust the distortion, a tone control, a 3-band EQ and a reverb control. You can also connect an external speaker - the built-in speaker is then switched off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A clear recommendation for guitarists who like all-tube amps but don't want to spend a lot of money - and yet this guitar amp makes no compromises in terms of sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nKey Advantages<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- All-tube amplifier at an unbeatable price<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Very good sound, full and rich<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Analogue spring reverb<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Downsides<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Nothing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Boss Katana 100 MKII<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Boss](\"https:\/\/woodandfirestudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Boss-1024x678.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Boss Katana 100 MKII<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n\nTECHNICAL SPECS<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nType:<\/strong> Modelling combo<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Output:<\/strong> 100W, reducible to 50W or 0.5W<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valves:<\/strong> –<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Memory locations: <\/strong>4<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaker<\/strong>1x 12\u2033 custom loudspeaker<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weight:<\/strong> 14,8kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features:<\/strong> 5 amp models, 60 Boss effects, power amp input<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\nMODELS \/ PRICES<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCombo 100W:<\/strong> Boss Katana 100 MKII<\/a> (389\u20ac)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Nothing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Might not appeal to rock purists, lacks tube character at high gain levels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Only 1 channel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- At very high levels of distortion, the built-in 10\u2033 speaker can reach its limits and sound a bit pappy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Transistor guitar amplifiers:<\/strong> They use semiconductor transistors to amplify the signal. They are lighter, cheaper, and require less maintenance than tube amps. They sound cleaner and have less harmonics than tube amps, making them popular with jazz, country and pop guitarists. However, transistor amps do not have the warmth and character of tube amps and can sometimes sound harsh or sterile in direct comparison.<\/li>\n\n\n\n