Tauriq
Well first off I've been playing on my dad's acoustic for about 2 about a half months but I want to get my own electric guitar. That 'm still contemplating but what I want to ask is what sort of amp I should get. I don't know anything about amps at all. All I know is they make your guitar louder(as far as I know ?).
Are there specific amps for different styles of play? I'm don't need something huge in all likelyhood I'm just going to be using it in my room to play with.
Any help would be great.
NorioDS
You'll get plenty mileage from a Marshall, Ibanez, Fender or Roland 15w amp. Perfect for practise and "getting into it". Then you can decide what style you like, etc.
AlanRatcliffe
Get yourself a modelling amp like a Roland Cube, Vox AD or a Line 6. They give you a good range of sounds, can be turned down for playing at home and give you some basic effects to boot.
Having the range of different amp sounds will help you decide on which of the "real" amps you like the type of sound of, so later when you are ready, you can upgrade to something bigger and better, but have a much better idea of what kind of sound you want.
FatBoy
Hi Tauriq
I am no expert, but I recently had to get my first amp as well, so I have done most of the research ?
First off, an amp does not only make your guitar louder, it add a specific "tone" to the sound, basically every amp you try will make your guitar sound different. On top of that, you have "effects" that adds a sound effect to the guitar sound, some of these are distortion, chorus, flanger etc etc. These are normally added in the form of pedals that you use to switch the sound effect on and off.
I decided to get a modeling amp, specifically a Vox AD50VT, because modeling amps can produce almost the same tone as a number of amps, albeit not 100% as good as the orginal, but more than good enough for you to start on. They also have all the major effects built in, so you dont have to fork out a lot of extra cash for pedals.
After a few years when you have decided what sort of tone you like, and which effects you need, you can buy your dream amp and a bunch of pedals.
As stated before, the Vox AD series, Roland Cube, and Line 6 amps are the most popular ones, I opted for the Vox, and I am so in love with it I can't really describe it in words!
Hope that helps
Tauriq
Thanks for the help guys much appreciated.
Will post pics as soon as I get my hands on my guitar and amp. ?
cain
I remember meir always used a cheap laney amp with some onboard effects. Pretty decent to start out on.
I think it was : Laney LX20D Guitar Amp (LALX20D)
Quote from site :
The LX20D is more than just a practice amp with its rugged metal grille, metal corners and tattoo graphics giving it the looks and strength to be taken to the extreme. Features include twin channels, 15 program digital effects, global 3 band EQ, a 1x8" Custom speaker, CD input (ideal for playing along to your favourite tunes) and headphone socket. Also check out the LX20 and LX20R non-reverb versions.
Retail price : R1595.00 ( bout 1200 with discount )
Tauriq
Thanks guys after much contemplating I've decided on a Cort EVL Z4 as the guitar I'm getting.
Its got EMG Pickups and I've heard(can't remember where though) that Line 6 and EMG is a good combo is this true?
Line 6 amps are slightly more expensive according to the sites I've been to than the Roland Cube I was looking at.
Is it worth the extra cash for that Line 6 sound?
NorioDS
Nope, definitely not! Get the Cube. What a coincidence, I'm selling one right now. Keen? ?
AlanRatcliffe
They are all pretty much of a muchness in the 30W range AFAIC. All decent sounding, flexible and easy to use. I'd try get to try them all and base it on which appealed to me more. Unheard, I'd probably go for the Roland just 'cos I know I can get it fixed easily if anything goes wrong.
Tauriq
I'm now the proud owner of a Cort EVL Z4 and a Roland Cube 15x.
Couldn't be more happier thanks for all the help guys and will post pics ASAP
FatBoy
Awesome news Tauriq! Now you will be stuck to your new toys for days haha! Enjoy!
Curmic
I started out with a 10 watt Laney Hardcore Max practice amp, for about R600. That's loud enough for home use. It had clean/crunch modes, headphones and equaliser. I sold it when I got a 30 watt Marshall a few years later for about R2000, which has 4 effects.
Ask the guys at the shops what brand would suit your playing style. Laney, I was told, has a good clean sound but not good overdrive. Marshall is great for classic or modern rock and has its own overdrive sound. I have seen metal guitarists in magazines using Peavey. Fender is like Marshall but more expensive, so not good for first amp, especially if you'll replace it soon.
Don't bother getting a tube amps for a first one. Go for solid state which is cheaper and more common.
I would recommend an amp with a couple or many effects built in. Like the Roland Cube or a Vox. Otherwise, you could get a "Zoom 505 II" like I did and plug that into an amp with few/no effects. It's about R800 and it's at the bottom of the range of multi-effects pedals. Not good for performing due to unwanted noise, but great for home use and discovering effects.
Oh, and 9V power adapters are the way to go for effects. It's not nice having to replace batteries.
Hope that helps.
azraelscorn
my first 2 years on an electric i used the Marshall mg10cd, its a fantastic little practice amp,n it only costs about R600 last i checked..hope that helps
