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I would always recommend you go out and try as many amps as you can and get a feel for what might suit you. This is great fun but don't get carried away with all singing all dancing amps with zillions of effects. You're better off putting your money into a quality little amp rather than spending your cash on amps with cheap effects which actually sound bad anyway. You can always add sweet sounding effects pedals at a later date when you know a little more about styles you want to play.
Try asking yourself these questions:
Will I be mainly playing at home and practising?
If you are playing at home and need a guitar amp for practice sessions, then a low power guitar amp with a built in speaker normally referred to as a 'combo' is what's needed.
Most practice amps have a power output in the region of 10 to 20 watts which is more than sufficient for home use and is more than capable of producing enough volume to drive your neighbours mad. In fact I came across the smallest and cutest valve amp head (no speaker cabinet) I have ever seen the other day made by ZVEX which is only half a watt, but what a brilliant sound – quite expensive though.
If you're playing at home then it's great to have a headphone socket on your amp but not all amps have them. Don't play too loud with headphones, you can easily damage your headphones and ears!
What style of guitar will I be playing?
Your style of guitar playing will influence the type of amplifier you buy. Maybe if you're just starting you're not about your style yet, but if you're into rock you'll undoubtedly want some great sounding distortion and sustain, so look for an amp with an 'overdrive' facility.
If you want to play acoustic, jazz or folk style then 'overdrive' probably isn't for you, you'll be looking for a good clean sounding amp.
Which Effects are worth considering?
Which ever style you play, a guitar amp with 'reverb' (echo) is worth having. It'll add some extra warmth and depth to your sound. You'll come across two main types of reverb though, digital reverb where the reverberation is produced electronically by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) which is ok, but can sound harsh, or 'spring reverb' where the reverberation is produced by springs and pick-ups which gives a much cleaner and pleasant sound.
Another nice effect but not essential by any means is 'Chorus' or 'Delay'. This effect gives a very full sound as though there's more than one guitar playing. If you're a beginner then this will add quite a boost to the sound you make, not to mention your confidence : )
How much money do I want to spend?
Well this is slightly tricky. practice guitar amps start from about $40.00 or so but I would always recommend a recognized make like e.g. Fender Frontman 15GR at $79.99 or the Marshall G10CD at $67.00. It's best not to go for some unheard of make which turns out to be unreliable, uses poor quality components and speaker, and is impossible to fix should the need arise. Most cheap amps are made in Malaysia or China but if it's a good brand then at least the build quality should be ok.
There is a special offer on a LIne 6 Spider IV at the moment at Amazon. I don't know how long this will be around? Line 6 Spider IV 15 15-watt 1x8 Modeling Guitar Amplifier
  
Should I buy new or second hand?
You can buy used or second hand guitar amps, but there are problems related condition and reliability involved. You'll find a useful article on buying a used guitar amp which I suggest you take a look at before parting with your cash.
Important
If you're a beginner or not confident to play in the shop, then ask one of the staff to demo it for you, then buy the amp you like the sound of. By all means take advice from other people, it would be silly not to, but it's your amp and your sound.
It's a personal thing so trust your ears.
I hope this helps you find the practice amp for you! Check the article about the completely powerless personal practice amp. |
