When choosing a portable guitar amplifier, there are a number of things which you need to take into account. There are many, highly persistent, myths around about amplifiers in general, and their performance, which beginner guitarists are prone to believe. Always choose items with caution, and beware of sales techniques, as buying guitar equipment is rarely a cheap pastime.
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.
A 30 watt amp is perfect for most of the types of place you are likely to begin playing gigs at. It can also be transported easily, fitting into a car or van, along wit h your instrument. A 30 watt amp can also be miked up through a public address system, if more volume is required.
It is also a misconception to believe that simply by increasing the number of watts your amp can output, you will be raising its volume by a similar percentage. In fact, doubling the number of watts does not double the volume, even though it doubles the sound pressure levels. This doubling though, only produces an increase in actual sound which is very slight.
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.
Lesser known companies often work harder at making budget gear better than top rank names do. So a cheaper model can often be a better choice, especially for a beginner, and you can gain a good sound without having to fork out for a big name brand. The important thing, as with anything musical, is what it sounds like to your ears.
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.
Selecting the right portable guitar amplifier is an important step in any musician's career. The best thing to do is try out as many models as possible, and rely on your ears rather than a brand name, as well as avoiding any aggressive sales techniques. Ask an experienced musician who you trust, if you are any doubt at all, and always play your instrument through an amp before buying.
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.
A 30 watt amp is perfect for most of the types of place you are likely to begin playing gigs at. It can also be transported easily, fitting into a car or van, along wit h your instrument. A 30 watt amp can also be miked up through a public address system, if more volume is required.
It is also a misconception to believe that simply by increasing the number of watts your amp can output, you will be raising its volume by a similar percentage. In fact, doubling the number of watts does not double the volume, even though it doubles the sound pressure levels. This doubling though, only produces an increase in actual sound which is very slight.
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.
Lesser known companies often work harder at making budget gear better than top rank names do. So a cheaper model can often be a better choice, especially for a beginner, and you can gain a good sound without having to fork out for a big name brand. The important thing, as with anything musical, is what it sounds like to your ears.
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.
Selecting the right portable guitar amplifier is an important step in any musician's career. The best thing to do is try out as many models as possible, and rely on your ears rather than a brand name, as well as avoiding any aggressive sales techniques. Ask an experienced musician who you trust, if you are any doubt at all, and always play your instrument through an amp before buying.
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