How to choose an amplifier

Do you already have your electric guitar and want to enjoy it to the fullest with the best amplifier? To take full advantage of your instrument and produce a quality sound, you must choose carefully the most appropriate complement for it. We will give you some guidelines that will guide you during the process of choosing and purchasing your ampli, so that you can stay during time!

one

The power. Before buying an amplifier, think about what objective you want to achieve and the power you will need. If you want to play outdoors, you will need between 50 and 100 watts, although you should not confuse power with quality.

two

The compatibility with your guitar. Although in principle any amplifier can work with any guitar, as long as it is capable of amplifying a signal, it is better to take your own instrument to test it. This is the only way to know if the sound really convinces you. It is clear that some combinations work better than others .

3

The accessories Beware of amplifiers that offer many additional effects; make sure you really need them and better avoid them when you start . Like guitars, some of the best amplifiers are very simple models designed in the fifties. Start with a reduced model, and you see adding accessories as you need them.

4

The size. The amplifiers can vary a lot, both in size and weight; If you buy an amplifier with a large independent speaker, make sure you have room at home to store it. It is not good for electrical equipment to have them in a wet basement or in the garage. Also, if you have to carry a "four for twelve" up and down, you may regret the purchase.

5

The state. When buying a second-hand amplifier, pay attention to the blows, since it can mean that it is very used, that it has traveled a lot or simply that it has been mistreated, so its duration could be affected.

6

Silent background. If before connecting the guitar, or even connected but not touching, background noise is heard, it means that some of its circuits may be damaged.

7

Loudspeaker. If possible, remove the screen that covers and protects the speaker and check the cone thoroughly, not forgetting to observe its periphery and make sure it is not damaged (breaks, dents), as the sound could be affected.

8

The switches. Check the switches and volume and tone buttons, and make sure they work properly without making strange noises. If you have actually got a real bargain and the only problem is this, it is worth fixing it because it is easy to solve.

9

Possible maladjustments. With the amplifier plugged in but not connected to the guitar, tap the feet on the ground near the device and check that you do not hear any electrical noise, which would mean that there are mismatched parts that could cause you problems in the long run.

10

They are very good brands of amplifier: Marshall, Fender, Peavey, Mesa Boogie, Orange or Soldano.

• An amplifier not only increases the volume of the guitar, but also gives color to the sound. Do not be in a hurry to buy the first device you find; try several and soon you will be able to notice the differences.