Guitar amplifier: device layout and features

An electric guitar requires an amplifier of its sound. It consists of an acoustic system and an electronic unit that converts the previously collected electrical signal into sound vibrations. This device is sold in specialized stores separately from the electric guitar. It can also be assembled on its own, but it can only be used at home.

What are the categories of amps

On the device the guitar amplifier can be of two types:

• Combo;
• Stack.

The first are a single box, which houses both the audio system and the signal converter. As a rule, the combo amplifiers have low power. However, among them there are a large number of options capable of delivering high-quality sound. Stacks refer to professional equipment: in them the speakers are located separately from the amplifier itself.

If you buy equipment for rehearsals at home, then it's enough to buy a combo. For performances and recording studios stacks are more suitable. They are much more expensive, but they give out a quality sound. Buy them for the house is meaningless, since they show their capabilities only at a volume level of half of the nominal. For example, if it is stated that the guitar amplifier is capable of delivering 100 watts of power, you can see all its positive qualities at a loudness of 50 watts.

Differences of guitar amps according to the scheme

The electronic unit consists of a preamplifier (it is responsible for collecting incoming sound) and a tip (it amplifies the collected sound vibrations). The guitar amplifier circuit may be of one of the following types:

1. Completely lamp. They consider elite and are most suitable for training. With the help of such an amplifier you can see any error committed during the game.
2. With a transistor tip and a tube amplifier. The most common option, as it refers to the average price category and produces a good sound quality.
3. Fully transistorized. These are light and inexpensive models that are affordable for beginners. This guitar amplifier with your own hands is not so difficult to assemble, since parts can be bought in almost any store of radio parts. On sale, you can find ready-made sets for those who want to try themselves as a designer.

Select the amplifier according to its scheme is based on their own tastes and budget. All of them differ in sound quality. One more thing to consider when buying - repairing the guitar amps of the lamp type is much more expensive than other options.

What effects can be created

Many amplifiers are able to create sound effects that are necessary for studio recording or rehearsals at home. Most often there are two of them: pure sound (similar to an acoustic guitar) and often (it gives the instrument a fatal sound with an overload).

The switch from one effect to another is most often very inconvenient, so it's best to purchase an additional guitar processor. It is a pedal, with which you can change the sound settings right during the game. With its help, you can get even more effects.

Main Control Panel Functions

A modern guitar amplifier has a fairly complex control panel with a large number of controls. The main ones are three:

• Volume level;
• Degree of overload (if this effect is built in);
• Frequency of sound (there can be several of them: bass, treble, middle).

Using the knobs, you can customize the sound to your taste: make it softer, change the timbre of the instrument or set a significant degree of overload. It is best to choose amplifiers that have all of the above settings.

Can I assemble the amplifier myself?

If you want to save and assemble a guitar amp with your own hands, then you need to have a large number of instruments at your fingertips: a drill, an oscilloscope, a tester, a soldering iron and a drill on a tripod. In addition, prepare the radio components (based on the selected circuit), the material for the board and case. Be prepared for the fact that in the end the amplifier will cost you more.

Most schemes suggest assembling tube amplifiers. This is true, because they are better quality than transistor ones. However, if you want to assemble a quality model, you will have a long search for materials that are not available for sale. It is best to collect a transistor version first.

Best Guitar Amplifier

In the music store you can imagine a variety of types and brands of amplifiers to choose from. Each musician chooses for himself a suitable guitar amplifier, based on his tastes. Rating of the best brands and models includes:

1. Combo Blackstar ID: Core Stereo 10. It features stereo sound, three power options, several effects and a built-in tuner. This is a fairly budgetary model, which is comparable in quality to more expensive counterparts.
2. Peavey Vypyr VIP 3 - semi-professional combo amplifier, which is suitable for implementing any ideas. They are made according to the latest technology and received high marks not only from musicians, but also from experts in sound.
3. Lamp Marshall C5-01, which, despite its small power, produces a high-quality and loud sound.
4. Fender Mustang III V2 - mobile version, suitable for use in small rooms and rehearsals at home.
5. Roland CUBE Lite with the ability to play at home in headphones, which is very important if you live in a city and do not have a room with soundproofing.

All the amplifiers in this rating are of the combo type and are suitable for beginners and amateurs. Among the assortment of shops you can find other worthy options. Modern amplifiers have stepped far ahead in sound quality and have a large number of useful functions.