Electric guitars , bass and even acoustic guitars instruments become impressive when they are complemented by an amplifier. Before you buy, you should consider the plan you have to use an amplifier. Some are more portable than others, some come with more bells and whistles ( or knobs and controls) and others simply raise the sound.
1. Settings
Amplifiers combination or “combo” for short, are autonomous units that include amplifier and speaker together. A variation to stack consists of a separate amp or amp , and cabinet speaker . With a stack can mix and match head amps and cabinets to fine tune your sound.
2. Types of amplifiers
The solid-state amplifiers use transistors for the preamp and power sections . Today, are the most popular for its soft colors , price and reliability even though sometimes the sound is considered cold.
valve amps require more maintenance because the valves wear out quickly. They are also heavy but are valued for their rich tone and the highest quality.
modeling amplifiers , the amplifiers market segment best-selling or most popular technology used for solid-state amplified sounds ; feel as traditional tube amplifiers offer many advantages for almost any application.
There are also hybrids , which have generated output transistors and a tube preamplifier that produces a basic tone .
3. digital modeling
It is possible to obtain maximum sound quality of a tube amp without having to be in the old school. digital modeling amplifiers simulate the sound through software, so you can get the sound from a variety of amplifiers at once. They also come with built-in digital effects such as tremolo , chorus , etc. . and a foot switch that lets you switch between tones .
4. Manufacture
The material which is made the amplifier can affect the quality of their sound. Because a thinner material may cause the speaker to vibrate and become loose , we recommend a thickness of at least 1 / 2 ” .
An amplifier with a closed back bass produce a better quality of a speaker.
5. Speaker Size
Size does not always fundamental. Much of the decision you make is based on the type of sound you prefer. Several small speakers in a low cabinet should produce a sound and tight, while a bigger speaker generally has a heavy sound . Again , it depends on your personal taste.
6. Watts
A more watts , the greater the possibility that the amplifier remains faithful to the tone in volumes higher. The amplifiers come with from 5 watts to 400 .
7. Equalizer ( EQ)
The equalizer settings allow you to emphasize specific frequencies or not to alter the tone of his guitar. In many instances the frequency of the equalizer settings are preset . In others, you have the ability to adjust the frequency, giving it control . Most preamps have three knobs on , some have five and some have even more.
8. Controls
Search the tone controls , those that include EQ Low, medium , high , presence , gain and resonance. And make sure the controls are a useful function and which are not only for the eyes.
9. Sound
Different amps have different sounds , so try an amplifier is essential to get the sound you want. It is also important to consider the genre that will probably touch. Does musical tastes , or planning to play softer rock? Often, some brands can adapt to a style rather than to others.
10. Price
No need to spend much to get decent sound. Amplifiers combination, or combo amps tend to be cheaper in comparison to settings separately purchased battery when the amplifier and speaker cabinet components . So if you are new , a combo amp is the cheapest and easiest option .
