Learn more about beginner guitar amplifiers and software modeling. I also have my top recommendations. The sound of your guitar can be altered by amplifiers more than the actual guitar. Amplifiers today can be built for pennies, even tube amplifiers. Let’s find out everything we can about amplifiers.
5 Basic Amp Requirements
An amplifier is essential for beginners. These 5 items are essential for beginners and they will need a new amplifier soon.
- You get many different sounds with this versatile instrument
- Loud enough for others to play with
- It’s great value, so you can afford it even when you start.
- Additional features include a USB port, a USB jack and an aux port.
- Portability
Versatile Modeling Amps
In recent years, technology has revolutionized the market for beginner amplifiers. Amplifiers today can simulate the sound of high-end amplifiers. While this can be a great deal, not all amps are capable of modeling amps. A lot of beginner amplifiers only have two channels. One for clean sounds, and one for overdrive/distorted sound.
If you purchase a 2-channel amplifier, I guarantee you will want to upgrade it. You’ll always buy again if you buy cheap. This doesn’t help anyone save money. This is why I recommend budgeting to purchase a modeling amplifier.
Loud enough to play with others
The wattage of an amp is generally the loudest. For beginners, I recommend between 15 and 20 watts. This amp is loud enough for guitarists to play together. A 20 watt amp or more is required if you wish to play with a drummer.
The speaker size may increase with amp wattage. The typical amp size for guitar amps is 8, 10, or 12. A 15-20 watt amplifier should have an 8″ speaker.
Extra Features
These are some additional features that can be found on beginner amplifiers.
- Models of amps – I have seen amps with more than 20 amp models.
- This tuner is built-in and very useful.
- The Headphone Jack allows you to listen quietly while others are asleep!
- Aux jack: Plug your phone into your amp and use it as a backing track. This feature is amazing.
- USB connectivity – You can record without additional gear, or update amp presets.
- Effects – Some amps can produce stompbox-style effects.
- Foot pedal – Who wouldn’t love to tap a button and switch channels/models to make a big solo?
All these features are included because the price range at the top of the beginner pricing will include them all. You will get only two channels at the lower price range. Are these features worth the $50 extra?
Portability
It is essential that your amp can be easily transported so that you can play with your friends. If you are taking lessons, you will also need to transport your amplifier. All beginner amps are portable and weigh less than 20 pounds. More expensive amplifiers tend to be larger and heavier. These amps sound great but they are not meant to be loud enough for live performances. This amp is not recommended for beginners. With today’s model amplifiers, you can find a lightweight, portable amp for as low as $500.
Batteries can power some amps. These amps usually run at less than 10 watts. The battery-powered amp I have is the Roland Micro Cube, which has been discontinued. It’s a 6 watt amp. It is very portable. Although it isn’t loud enough for some situations, the sound quality is excellent out of the box.
Starter Amp Prices
A new beginner amp costs $50-150. 2-channel amps are $60-$100. Modeling amps are around $130 to $200+. The average resale value for beginner amps is about 50%. A $60 amp will sell for $30 if it is used. My preferred modeling amp was around $150.
Headphone Amplifiers
Because you cannot play with another person, I don’t recommend standalone amplifiers. Below are some excellent (and very expensive) options. I will tell you about wireless Boss WAZA Air (419) if you decide to go this route. I’ve heard Yngwie Malmsteen uses it. Although it is amazing, I wouldn’t consider it my primary amplifier. There are many great modeling options you can use with your phone, tablet, or PC.
Audio Interface with Software Modeling for Android, iOS, and PC
An audio interface is used to transmit your guitar signal through a computer (PC or iOS) or an Android device. One can be purchased for between $50 and $1000, depending on what features you need. You can get some amazing portable ones for as low as $100. This is a great option for beginners, as it’s extremely versatile. You can use your phone or PC to play, record, and even livestream.
Recommendations for Audio Interfaces for iOS and PC
The iRig HD 2, a portable interface that can be used with an iPhone or PC, is a great option. It costs just $79.99. You can use it as a guitar input or output for headphones or amplifiers. It can also be powered via the USB port. It can be used with iOS, Mac, iOS phones and iOS tablets. It also comes with Amplitube, my favorite modeling program.
Recommendations for Android Audio Interfaces
You will need to research your Android device if you plan to use it. Android audio latency can vary from one device to the next. The iRig UA is the best choice because it offloads some of the audio to the custom-made hardware device. This is only available with the Amplitube UA App. This interface has limited options but will provide you with some great models and consistent performance.
You can use your Android device’s audio jack with iRig 2, $39.99, with apps such as Tonebridge and Deplike if it has an acceptable rating. Amplitube does not support Android audio jack interfaces. This setup is what I use on my Android phone with Deplike (which has low latency). However, my android tablet has a noticeable slow latency.
Tube Amps
Although I still love tube amps, modeling makes them difficult for beginners. The amp’s intrinsic capabilities limit tones. They cost twice as much and are expensive to replace. It’s still a wonderful amp if it gives you the tone that you desire. My Marhsall JTM312 was a great amp, but I sold it to make way for a modeling amplifier. They would have a high price of at least $299 so I wouldn’t recommend them to beginners. Modeling amps are cheap and very versatile.
Head Units
Head units connect to separate speaker cabinets. These units are useful for live performances where you need to be loud. They are not recommended for beginners. They are expensive and can be too loud to practice by yourself.
My top 2 modeling amps
A 2-channel amplifier is worth the price. A few weeks ago, I recommended the Fender Squier Affinity Value Pack to a friend, which included a 2-channel amplifier. Although the value pack is more expensive than the guitar, it includes an amp, strap and gig bag, tuner, picks and many other items. Although the deal was too good to miss, he plans to upgrade his amp at some point in the future. This amp is great when paired up with the iRig HD 2 as you can output the fully modeled signal to the 2-channel amplifier.
1. Fender Mustang Series (Best Value)
Fender Mustang LT-25 ($149.99), is my favorite beginner amp. It’s a great value. It features timeless Fender amp designs, is loud enough to be played with people, and it’s affordable. You get USB connectivity and all the features that you would expect from a 25-watt amp. The Fender Mustang LT-50 is loud enough to play at gigs and costs $249.99. It also comes with a 12′” speaker.
2. Boss Katana Series
Simple controls make the Katana series very popular. The Boss Katana Mini is my favorite. Although it is only 7 watts, it produces some amazing tones. You can also charge it with batteries! It is not loud enough to be used with a full band, and does not support recording via USB.
The Boss Katana 50 MKII ($239.99) is a Katana that has more power and features. This amp can power 50 watts. You can connect to the internet via USB and get many other effects. This Mustang is more expensive than the Fender Mustang but has more power.
Conclusion
This article will help you decide what an amp beginner should buy. Because modeling amps weren’t yet available, I purchased a 2-channel amplifier when I first started in 1996. A year later, I paid $499 for a tube amp. Although I now own a $200 model amplifier, I prefer to use Amplitube on my laptop/PC. This article should have helped you decide on the best choice. Please use the links to this page to help Guitar Lesson World.