Guitar Amps Unplugged: The Different Types!

Guitar amplifiers are about as easy to understand as rocket science. There are as many types of amps in the world as there are guitars. It is important to realize that while there are many types of amps (bass, keyboard, guitar, etc.), it is best to use one that is designed for your specific instrument.

Amplifiers are designed to work with the frequencies produced by certain instruments. For example, if you plug your electric guitar into a bass amp, it will not produce a pleasing sound, especially in the higher ranges.

This is due to the fact that a bass amp is designed to enhance the deep booming sounds of the bass guitar. It will not process the mid-range and treble elements that an electric guitar makes. Before you select an amplifier, it’s important to understand the basic components inside.

Basic Amp Components

Amplifier systems consist of three key elements. First, the preamp, which receives the signal from your instrument, allows you to adjust and control the treble, bass and reverb.

Next comes the power amp, which takes the sound generated from your instrument (and any adjustments made with the preamp), and supplies a boost of power that will allow it to pass through the speakers. The power amp is responsible for the overall amount of sound produced.

Finally, the sound reaches listening ears when it passes through the speakers. The larger the speaker, the more prominent the deeper tones of the instrument will be. Some amps include more than one speaker.

Now that you understand the basic elements of an amp, consider the diverse offerings of systems available.

Tube Amps

Tube amps are extremely popular because they create a much more pleasing tone than other varieties. They contain a series of tubes in side that contribute to their deep rich sound.

Unfortunately, tube amps tend to be quite heavy, much more so than other types on the market. The tubes contained within this type of amplifier are seriously prone to breakage upon impact, and if left in the cold, the amp needs warm up prior to sending any sound through it.

A small amount of maintenance is necessary for tube amps, as the tubes periodically need to be changed. Despite the complexities, guitarists still favor it as it produces the most coveted thing in the music industry - a great sound.

Solid State Amps

Unlike tube amps, solid state amps normally contain transistors, which are more durable than tubes in the long run.

Hybrid Amps

Hybrid amps are perhaps the best of both worlds. They offer low-maintenance durability, like a solid state amp, as well as the pleasing sound of a tube amp. Most often, hybrid amplifiers are made with a tube preamp component and a solid state power amp component. The reverse is also possible, with a solid state preamp and a tube power amp.

Digital Amps

Digital amplifiers generate sounds that are developed from data of other amplifiers such as tube, solid state, and hybrid amps. Through a complicated mathematical process, the sounds collected from various amplifiers are recorded and programmed into a digital format. Some digital amps have effects built right into the unit, eliminating the need for some pedals.

Given the variety of amps available, it is important to experiment with different options in order to identify what best fits your needs. Be sure to try amps with your own guitar, as different amps will generate different sounds, based on the instrument plugged into it. There are also several configurations for amps that you may want to consider, prior to making a purchase.

Combo Amps

For beginners and professionals alike, combo amps are by far the most common. They can be used for at home enjoyment, studio or stage settings. Combo amps contain everything you need in order to start jamming - the preamp, the power amp and the speaker.

Practice Amps

Practice amps are basically tiny combo amps, perfect for practicing in a college dorm room, or taking along on the road because of its small size. It does not hurt to own one of these, as they allow you to practice without disturbing others.

Head and Cabinet Amps

Professionals enjoy this type of amplifier because it allows them to experiment with different combinations of speakers and the other two components. With this system, the preamp and power amp are housed in a separate unit, called the head. The head is portable and detachable, and can be connected to a separate speaker system.

This configuration is perfect for those who like to try different sounds, but it can be cumbersome since there are more pieces of equipment to carry.

Whatever type of amp you decide on, make sure that you are pleased with the sound it produces. Plug in - rock out.

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