Electric guitar amplifiers were originally used to amplify an acoustic guitar. It wasn't until the 1930s and '40s that musicians began to use electric guitars. Now, of course, playing the electric guitar isn't so strange. Your parents just might find all that noise more annoying rather than strange. If you're playing a show for a couple hundred people or just playing for your grandma in your basement, you'll need a guitar amp to get your sound across. So let's get you plugged in and ready to jam.
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Types of Amps
There are four main types of electric guitar amps:
* '''Tube Amps''' state amps. Most professionals prefer tube amps. However, the main drawback is that they ''will'' deteriorate over time and you will need to replace the tubes. They also tend to be more expensive.
* '''Solideffects pedals. They work well for live or studio recording.
* '''Modeling Amps''' - Also known as digital amps, these use digital processors to reproduce sound. It uses software to mimic the sound of using a tube amp. You can program them and add digital effects too. This is a great choice for beginners and for those who need a "practice" amp.
* '''Hybrid Amps''' state and tube amps. These are a great choice because they combine the best of both worlds.
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Combo Vs. Head and Cabinet
As if your choices weren't difficult enough, now you have to choose between what is called a combo amp and a head and cabinet amp. A combo amp contains the electronics and the speakers in the same box. If you seek simplicity and just want to plug in your guitar and play, this is the choice for you. The downside is that small combo amps are not going to produce much power and sound. Also, the larger the combo amp you buy, the heavier it is.
In a head and cabinet set, the head is the amplifier and the cabinet is the speaker. This is also known as a stack. Stacks are very large and very loud. They are recommended for live shows, unless you can fit a stack in your living room and the neighbors don't mind the noise. No matter which you choose, the more wattage, the more sound you will get.
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