When choosing a portable guitar amplifier, there are a number of things which you need to take into account. There are many, highly persistent, myths around about amplifiers in general, and their performance, which beginner guitarists are prone to believe. Always choose items with caution, and beware of sales techniques, as buying guitar equipment is rarely a cheap pastime.
The first thing to remember is that the size of an amp does not necessarily mean that it is a suitable for your needs. Many beginner guitarists think that they will need a huge amp to just be heard in public. This is a very mistaken view indeed, as most guitarists will rarely need an amp which is bigger than 30 watts or so.
You are unlikely to play any venues which require a larger amp than that for many years. A 30 watt has the advantage of being easy to mike up through a PA system too. It is also relatively easy to carry around yourself, without a professional road crew, and can fit in the back of your car or another small vehicle too, along with your instrument.
Another common misconception is that by doubling the watts output that your amp has, you will also double the level of volume. This is, in fact, incorrect, as doubling the number of watts doubles the sound pressure level. This produces an increase in volume for our ears to hear which is actually very slight, and a 100 watt amp will not sound twice as loud as a 50 watt amp.
It is also a fallacy that the only gear to buy is that which is made by the best-known, top of the range brands. While the music industry's most famous names will often make wonderful amplifiers for the top-priced end of the market, their budget gear can be terrible. That is why it is a good idea to try out every manufacturer's products in your price range, or as many as possible.
Many lesser known companies also put a whole lot more effort and resources into making their cheaper models sound good, and you can pick up some real bargains by looking at lesser known brands. Always make sure that you try out as many amps which fall within your price range as possible. The sound quality is what you are looking for here, not the name nailed to the front.
It is also wise to avoid amplifiers which have in-built effects, such as chorus or delay. An in-built effects unit is unlikely to be able to create the same sound as a separate effects pedal or unit. The time and resource a manufacturer puts into fitting an effects unit could probably be better used by building a better amplifier, so beware.
When it comes to choosing a portable guitar amplifier it is always wise to pay attention to your ears. If what you hear as a musician sounds good through an amp, then it is probably the best amp for you. The key is to listen to as many as possible, and ask advice from an experienced musician you trust, who is not trying to sell you anything.
The first thing to remember is that the size of an amp does not necessarily mean that it is a suitable for your needs. Many beginner guitarists think that they will need a huge amp to just be heard in public. This is a very mistaken view indeed, as most guitarists will rarely need an amp which is bigger than 30 watts or so.
You are unlikely to play any venues which require a larger amp than that for many years. A 30 watt has the advantage of being easy to mike up through a PA system too. It is also relatively easy to carry around yourself, without a professional road crew, and can fit in the back of your car or another small vehicle too, along with your instrument.
Another common misconception is that by doubling the watts output that your amp has, you will also double the level of volume. This is, in fact, incorrect, as doubling the number of watts doubles the sound pressure level. This produces an increase in volume for our ears to hear which is actually very slight, and a 100 watt amp will not sound twice as loud as a 50 watt amp.
It is also a fallacy that the only gear to buy is that which is made by the best-known, top of the range brands. While the music industry's most famous names will often make wonderful amplifiers for the top-priced end of the market, their budget gear can be terrible. That is why it is a good idea to try out every manufacturer's products in your price range, or as many as possible.
Many lesser known companies also put a whole lot more effort and resources into making their cheaper models sound good, and you can pick up some real bargains by looking at lesser known brands. Always make sure that you try out as many amps which fall within your price range as possible. The sound quality is what you are looking for here, not the name nailed to the front.
It is also wise to avoid amplifiers which have in-built effects, such as chorus or delay. An in-built effects unit is unlikely to be able to create the same sound as a separate effects pedal or unit. The time and resource a manufacturer puts into fitting an effects unit could probably be better used by building a better amplifier, so beware.
When it comes to choosing a portable guitar amplifier it is always wise to pay attention to your ears. If what you hear as a musician sounds good through an amp, then it is probably the best amp for you. The key is to listen to as many as possible, and ask advice from an experienced musician you trust, who is not trying to sell you anything.
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