Getting your first portable guitar amplifier is an important step in any guitarist's career as a musician, and so it is important that you get it right. There are a number of myths and half-truths which surround buying amplifiers, and this article will seek to undermine some of those. As you become a more experienced musician, you will learn that the best thing to trust is your ears.
One of the first myths to deconstruct is the one which states that you need a huge amplifier to be able to be heard in any kind of venue outside of your bedroom. This is far from being true, and many small amps do a fantastic job, even in quite large venues. Indeed, most guitarists will never really need an amp which is bigger than 30 watts, and you need to be able to transport it easily too.
An amp that size is perfect for most venues, especially as it is unlikely that you will be playing at Wembley Stadium or Madison Square Gardens at the beginning of your career as a musician. A 30 watt amp can also be miked up through a PA much more straightforwardly than a larger amp. It can also be carried around much more easily.
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 looking for a portable guitar amplifier, your ears are the best judge that you have. Try out as many amplifiers within your price range as you can, and do not be beguiled by big name brands, or mesmerising sales techniques. If you are any doubt, ask the advice of an experienced musician, whose judgement and knowledge you know you can trust.
One of the first myths to deconstruct is the one which states that you need a huge amplifier to be able to be heard in any kind of venue outside of your bedroom. This is far from being true, and many small amps do a fantastic job, even in quite large venues. Indeed, most guitarists will never really need an amp which is bigger than 30 watts, and you need to be able to transport it easily too.
An amp that size is perfect for most venues, especially as it is unlikely that you will be playing at Wembley Stadium or Madison Square Gardens at the beginning of your career as a musician. A 30 watt amp can also be miked up through a PA much more straightforwardly than a larger amp. It can also be carried around much more easily.
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 looking for a portable guitar amplifier, your ears are the best judge that you have. Try out as many amplifiers within your price range as you can, and do not be beguiled by big name brands, or mesmerising sales techniques. If you are any doubt, ask the advice of an experienced musician, whose judgement and knowledge you know you can trust.
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