Burlap and Blues, The Blues Blog

New players often buy the wrong amplifier. Selecting the wrong amp is almost as bad as selecting the wrong guitar. Here is the New Player Manifesto - Amplifiers.

Selecting an amplifier.

New players so often select the wrong amplifier to start out and this can lead to not being able to play. I remember growing up at one point I had traded everything for a ½ stack that I had in my bedroom. This was totally impractical and I never was able to use the amp to its full potential.

Figure out what venue or venues are you going to play. Are you just going to play or practice in your bedroom for the next few years. If that is the case get a practice amplifier that you are comfortable with. Go to your guitar store that understands you and tell them where you are going to play (not where you WANT to play in the future.)

Again, if you are looking at playing at a club, a little practice amp will not be loud enough. I was involved in a blues jam in 2007. When I started playing, I had a 5 watt boutique tube amp that had a GREAT tone. No one miced amps. Although I had a great tone going on, no one could hear me because I was way to quiet.

Best summary:

The right amplifier for the right gig.