Comparison Table
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Last update on 2023-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Choosing the correct wattage for a guitar amplifier is a challenge for everyone, not just novices. Guitarists of all ability levels, even those who perform in bands, face this problem.
Being a rookie removes some of the factors that confound experienced players in some respects. When you're initially starting, you shouldn't consider a tube amp, for example. A good solid-state amplifier is the best investment you can make. They're less expensive, more dependable, and some of them sound fantastic.
If You're Going to Be in a Band
The true question you should be asking yourself is how soon you anticipate being in a band. If the answer is soon, you should choose an 80-100 watt solid-state amplifier. This is the kind of power you'll need to drown out a drummer without maxing out your amp.
If You're Only Going to Practice?
Fortunately, most inexperienced musicians won't have to worry about joining a band anytime soon. They only need something that sounds well and has enough loudness to practice in their bedrooms. Look for amps with a power output of 20-30 watts. These are essentially practice amps, and you can use them for low-volume performing even after upgrading to a larger amp for performances.
Is it possible to get bigger? Yes, and there are a lot of wonderful amps in the 30 to 80-watt range that are suitable for both the bedroom and the stage. Several big brothers in increasing wattage increments exist for several small-wattage practice amps.
Many veteran guitarists utilize these "in-between" amps since they're perfect for playing at home. Always keep in mind that an increase in wattage usually indicates an increase in features and a commensurate price rise.
Speaker Size
Guitar speakers are usually twelve inches in diameter. Larger amplifiers do not have larger speakers; instead, they have more of them.
When people talk about guitar amps, they often mean an amp that includes everything: the electronics, including the knobs and lovely lights, as well as the speaker. Combo amplifiers are what they're called. The amp and the speakers, on the other hand, are two distinct components that are frequently physically separated in ahead and cabinet combination. To put it another way, there are two basic setups.
Combo: When the guitar amplifier and the speaker are both housed in the same box, it's known as a combo (cabinet). They are single-unit, self-contained units. Combos are usually equipped with one or two twelve-inch speakers (1x12 or 2x12). As a novice, you'll want to opt for an amplifier like this.
The amp and speakers are housed in two separate cabinets in this setup. One, two, or four twelve-inch speakers are usually included in speaker cabinets (1x12, 2x12, 4x12). Pro players use powerful rigs like these. For home use, however, some players may combine a low-wattage head with a compact 1x12 or 2x12 cabinet.
I can assist you in determining what sounds nice and what does not, and I will offer some suggestions below. Finally, it's a matter of trusting your hearing, reading reviews, and making an informed decision.
Enjoy!