Best gigging guitar amps in 2023

We've got you covered if you're looking for the greatest combination amp for gigging that won't take up too much space at home. We're musicians ourselves, so we know that when you're looking for the best combination amps, you want one that sounds great, isn't too heavy to transport on and off stage, and can also be used at home. As a result, we've compiled a list of the best gigging guitar amps!

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Valve/tube amps

These are the kind of amplifiers that have been around for a long time. Amplifier valves/tubes (Europeans call them valves, Americans call them tubes) resemble lightbulbs and glow when heated. Although valve amplifiers may not endure indefinitely and must be replaced from time to time, guitar enthusiasts argue that valve amps offer authentic sounds and tones that are impossible to duplicate. Modern solid-state amplifiers show that this is not the case.

Solid-state amps

The tone is provided by circuit boards in these amplifiers. To reproduce the sound of valves, they employ a technique known as digital modeling. In the last decade or two, the technology for these types of amplifiers has advanced significantly. They used to get chastised for sounding false, and they still do. Modern ones, on the other hand, are so good that major stars are even employing them in performances. The main advantage of solid-state amplifiers is that you can acquire a good one for a low price that will give you all the sound you need.

Amp types

Amplifiers in pairs

These are the standard amps you'll see: single units that combine the pre-amp (the section with the control knobs), power amp (the component that converts the electrical voltage from the instrument into a louder noise), and speaker into one unit. It's ideal for transport or as a little unit that won't take up too much space in your home. All of the amps we recommend are combination amps.

Stacks

A separate amplifier head perched atop a speaker cabinet (or cabinets). This was once the only way to make a lot of noise. Because of developments in digital technology, this is no longer the case, although some individuals like the sensation of a cabinet of speakers shattering the airwaves.

For their tones, blues and jazz musicians typically use tiny or medium-sized valve combination amplifiers. Those interested in rock and metal will need a more powerful amp.

Important note: Don't fall for the more watts, the louder fallacy. Decibels are a unit of measurement for sound. Power provides a 'cleaner' sound at higher volumes, which is referred to as 'headroom.'

It can be more difficult to find the correct guitar amp than it is to find the right guitar. All of the varied features, technologies, and costs are all different. There are a plethora of amps to choose from, but some are better suited to certain guitars or guitar genres than others. However, as amp technology has advanced, this is no longer true — especially when it comes to practice amps for gigging.

Good luck!