Since the electric guitar has become a cornerstone of modern music, the guitar combo amplifier has been the guitarist's essential instrument. These amplifiers range from small models that are ideal for training sessions in the bedroom to high-wattage power plants capable of producing stage shaking volumes. With so many essential elements to consider, the Musicartist guitarists look for specific details when they consider their next combo amplifiers, and so you should do it too.

The first of the list is the type of amplifier. It is a tube amp, solid state or a hybrid between the two. Tube amplifiers are classic and, although they vary considerably in tone, they share some notable sonic characteristics. There are some combo amplifiers to choose from that have so much headroom that it's unlikely you'll send them in saturation, but for the most part, tube amplifiers are set to break.

The overdrive obtained from tube amplifiers is highly dynamic, starting with a little grit and becoming progressively heavier as you hit it with more gain. This allows you to control much of the overdrive character of your guitar combo from the volume knob on your guitar, rather than on the amp itself.

Solid state amplifiers tend to be much more stuck in their sound. They can be incredibly versatile, allowing you to compose a wide range of tones, but your gaming dynamics will affect them much less than tube amplifiers. There are two ways in which amp manufacturers bypass this limitation.

First of all, digital modeling has progressed marvelously in the last few years, and many 100% solid state amplifiers do a fantastic job mimicking tube amplifiers.

The other is putting together solid state amplifiers and tube amplifiers, normally including a tube preamplifier with a solid state power amplifier. The result is a more natural saturation and a lot of power, without the power amplifier tubes.

The total power of your guitar combo amp is an approximate indicator of its volume. It's just an approximate indicator, since the volume of a 30-watt solid-state amplifier will not be in the same volume range as a 30-watt tube amplifier. However, as long as similar amplifiers are compared, the relative wattage can provide indications on the volume that can be expected from the amplifier.

The most sophisticated models can even have switchable circuits, allowing them to operate at low and high power. This makes them ideal for both training sessions and performances. In the same way that wattage is just a relative indicator of the volume you can expect from your guitar combo amp, the speaker size gives you an idea of ??the tonal range of your amp. The general rule is that the bigger the speaker, the deeper the minimum you can get from it. While, in theory, the smaller speakers deliver higher, the high impedance guitar circuits notoriously underestimate the frequencies above the upper mids, so the quality is generally lost.

By far the most popular cones configuration is 1 x 12 ", with 2 x 12" and 1 x 10 ".

How many channels do you need? If you want to quickly change the tone of the amplifier on the fly, you need a multi-channel amplifier. Two channels are by far the most common configuration, with the high-headroom configuration acting as a "clean" channel and the gain phase with a low headroom provides the "distorted" channel. In general, each channel also includes its own equalizer section, which allows you to compose completely different sounds. By the way, while two channels are the most common, there are amplifiers with many more channels, often that you can configure between a number of different valve combinations to create an entire collection of valuable amplifiers that you can access to the stage.

Finally, your guitar combo amp could have integrated effects. In general, there are only a large number of onboard effects on smaller practice amplifiers in which they serve as convenience, since the effects on board rarely compete with the guitar effects pedals. There are two exceptions common to this rule: tremolo and reverberation. Traditionally, the amplifier tremolo is driven by valves and adds a long-standing vibration to the sound, while the onboard reverb uses a true spring reverb tank driven by a valve circuit. Both of these effects tend to have a particularly dynamic quality, making them popular among experienced musicians.

These are just a few general rules on guitar combo amplifiers, and there are many other nuances to consider. If you do not know where to start, call us. Your dedicated tuttostrumentimusicali sales manager will be happy to help you find and maybe even fund the perfect amp for you.

Guitar combo amplifiers which one to choose.

The guitar combo amplifiers unlike the amplifiers head and cashier are a single element and do not have a separate speaker. This means that they require less space and are easier to transport. How it works: in a combo amplifier you can already find the integrated cones that reproduce the sound directly without needing anything else. If you are looking for advice then let's see together these topics in particular:

The valve combo amplifiers.

The digital combo amplifiers.

How to define the power of sound.

The valve combo amplifiers.

A tube guitar amplifier is a compact instrument that contains everything you need to play in a single element. Although the combos are a little less powerful than the amplifiers tested and cashed, they still have enough for all situations. The combination of power and convenience make the combo amplifiers a substantial part of the equipment of many guitarists. Another great positive feature is portability, you can take it, put it in the car, download it and play it.

Valve amplifiers are a classic element and vary their sound according to the brands that produce them. Some have clean sounds like Fenders, others can be better on overdrive like Marshalls. However they are made to play at maximum volume. They have a lot of dynamics to the touch, which starting with sound up tend to become more and more full-bodied and with more distortion as it strengthens.

Which one to choose? Perfect for the clean sound is the Fender Bassman, a tweed model that made history, available in reissue '59 LTD. The Vox AC30 for a fantastic sound from British Invasion.

The digital combo amplifiers.

If you have an electric guitar you will not be able to do without an amplifier. These amplifiers can range from smaller models that are ideal for playing in tight spaces and practicing, to high-range models capable of volumes suitable for live performances. It is important to choose the best model based on the sound you prefer and the brand you like. Do not worry if it seems too difficult a choice, we can give you all the info you need, as well as having ready for delivery a lot of amplifiers ready to be played.

Digital combos amplifiers generally have less dynamics in their sound. Instead of the valves they can have transistors or be completely digital. In recent years, the digital modeling of real sounds has taken giant steps closer and closer to the original ones. They are however very versatile and can be used in various musical styles.

For example, a cheap combo amplifier could be the modern and portable Fender Mustang, with effects and USB connectivity. Ideal for exercising.

How to define the power of sound.

10W, 30W, 50W indicate the various sound powers. The power of your combo amplifier indicates how strong it will sound. Although the power of a transistor amplifier can not be compared to that of a valve of the same value in watts. Some models even have the ability to change their power, increasing or decreasing the wattage. This allows you to practice at home or play in a room with a single amplifier.

From tuttostrumentimusicali you can buy a guitar combo amplifier with zero-installment payment and trade in your used one. If you do not want to buy a new model you might think about choosing a used guitar amplifier. Ask our guitar department now for all the info you need.