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About guitar amplifiers (combo type)

About guitar amplifiers (combo type)

The electric guitar is a tool to convert the vibration of the string from the pickup part into an electrical signal and to amplify and output it with an amplifier. It works as an instrument only by connecting it to a guitar amplifier. If you've got an electric guitar but don't know what to choose for an amp, first of all, a small combo amp is recommended. As the name suggests, the combo type amplifier is an integrated amplifier head (amplification section) and a speaker cabinet. On the contrary, units that have a separate amplifier head and speaker cabinet are called stack type. Here are some common selection criteria when choosing a combo-type amp, so please use it as a reference.

Select by transistor amplifier

Transistor amplifier (solid state amplifier)

Many transistor amplifiers (solid-state amplifiers) that use transistors for amplification circuits are inexpensive and small, and are ideal for practicing at home. First of all, if you want to start electric guitar, this type is recommended.

Transformer tube

Recently, there are models that can produce rich and fat sounds like tube amps, even transistor circuits.

Select by tube amplifier

Tube amplifier

The tube amp has a unique thick sound, tenacity and a sense of sound pressure, and unique models are available from each company. If you have a larger budget and commitment, we recommend that you try a lot of different amps.

Small tube amplifier

A small vacuum tube amplifier of about 5W for the purpose of practicing at home has caused a little excitement in recent years. Recommended for those who want to get tube sound easily.

Select with modeling built-in amplifier

There are also amplifiers that simulate various amplifier types with digital technology. It is an excellent choice for anyone who needs variation, as it is easy to choose different types of amps at a low price.

Select by number of channels

There are models with 1 channel type only for clean, and others that have a 2nd channel with combined distortion, and others have yet a 3rd channel with crunch / lead. The criteria with which you choose also depends on whether you are creating distortion with an amp or with an effector.

Select whether there is an external sound source input or headphone output

The headphone output terminal is absolutely necessary when practicing at home at night. It is more convenient if there is an external sound source input terminal such as when you want to play while listening to a CD at the time of practice. Tube amps and amps with large outputs often do not have a headphone out, so if you're looking for a practice amp, this is also a point to check.

Select by the size of the speaker unit

The sound quality and sound pressure also change depending on the size of the speaker unit. Basically, the smaller the speaker unit, the finer the graininess and the clearer the high region, and the larger the speaker unit, the higher the low range and the higher the volume. The size of the speaker unit is also a criterion for selecting an amp depending on the location and application. The 12-inch type is often used in live situations, and the 6.5-inch or 8-inch type can provide sufficient sound pressure for home use.

Combo amplifier list