What are electric guitar combo amps and how to choose them?

Surely everyone remembers that an electric guitar that is not connected to special equipment emits a very weak sound. The reason for this is the housing of the miniature thickness and the absence of the resonant drum cavity. Accordingly, without an additional device, or rather, a combo amplifier, it is almost impossible to hear how an electric guitar sounds.

A guitar combo amplifier is an electrical device that amplifies the signal of an electric guitar several times. Colloquially, it is called "combo", and some of its parts were dubbed comic names. For example, a preamplifier and amplifier are called a "head". And the place where the speakers are located is "kabom" (short for the word "cabinet").

Modern models of combo boxes, exhibited on the shelves of music stores, differ dimensional indicators and functionality. Devices with weak power can be used as a home amplifier. Professional devices have been developed for rehearsals and concerts.

Someone might think that modern models of combo amplifiers consist of many complex parts, which not everyone can understand. In fact, this is not the case. As mentioned earlier, the main elements of the apparatus are the preamplifier, amplifier and speakers. The operation of these elements is quite simple. In a preamp, a weak guitar sound is boosted to a certain level. Then the signal goes to the amplifier processing, and the finished sound is sent to the speaker for playback.

Today in music stores there are a wide variety of combo amplifiers, each with individual characteristics and specific features... First of all, the difference is in the power. The larger it is, the louder and richer the sound is. For home guitar playing, a 10W model is sufficient. Well, for rehearsals in a specially equipped hall, it is recommended to use 30W amps. For live performances, models with a minimum power of 50 W should be considered.

Portable combo amplifiers also differ in the way they are connected to power. The mini-combo is powered only by batteries, small devices are designed for combined power, and full-size devices are activated only after connecting to the mains.

In amplifiers home use there are several input and output connectors on the case. It is through them that an electric guitar is connected, and, of course, a microphone. It is impossible to mix up the microphone and guitar inputs, since they are signed. Thanks to the addition of USB ports, musicians can connect laptops and computers to the combo amplifier to complement the tunes with unusual effects.

The very first guitar amplifier was precisely the tube type. Similar technologies were used in televisions and radios. The musicians of the last century liked the tube amp samples, since they were distinguished by their high sound quality. Even today, there is a constant debate in music circles between older and younger generations about the superiority of warm tube sound over solid-state or digital sound.

The undoubted advantages of tube combo amplifiers are:

• purity of sound;
• sound volume;
• power.

The disadvantages include:

• difficulty in transportation due to the fragility of the lamps;
• large investments to replace failed lamps;
• the high cost of the device itself.

With the development of electronic technology, after tube amplifiers, transistor sound converters appeared. Due to the use of less massive filling, transistor devices have received lightness and small dimensions. Easy volume control makes this solid-state amp ideal for home use.

The advantages of a transistor combo amplifier are:

• low cost;
• compactness;
• reliability;
• no need for additional contributions to replace parts.

In an effort to combine the beauty of sound, similar to tube amplifiers, and the low cost of transistor amps, music equipment manufacturers have created a hybrid apparatus. Its principle of operation corresponds to that of lamp and transistor technology.

The advantages of this type of combo amplifier are:

• purity of sound;
• minimum weight;
• low cost.

The only drawback was noticed only by those musicians who had previously worked with tube amplifiers. Despite the fact that the specialists put maximum effort into creating analog sound, they failed to achieve an identical result.

Digital technologies dominate the world today.Accordingly, the manufacturers of musical instruments could not ignore this fact and developed unique digital combo boxes, the stuffing of which was a computerized system.

The main advantages of digital combo are:

• reliability;
• ease;
• mobility;
• low cost;
• great sound at maximum volume.

The disadvantages of connoisseurs of quality music include the fact that the combo produces digital sound, but not analog.

Thanks to the reviews of satisfied owners of modern combo amplifiers, it was possible to compile a rating of the best devices that transform the sound of an electric guitar. The top 6 includes both expensive devices and budget models, which, despite their low cost, are in no way inferior to high-tech devices. And you can be convinced of this by reading the attached reviews.

A unique example of a combo amplifier designed to work with acoustic guitars... It is powered by batteries. Despite its diminutive size, the device has impressive power and multiple speakers. The installation is designed to connect not only a guitar, but also a microphone. This combo amp is a huge hit with aspiring guitarists. Experienced musicians, only picking up the device, will determine all its advantages and disadvantages. The positive characteristics of this model include:

• diminutiveness;
• mobility;
• the presence of channels for input and output of sound;
• low cost;
• acceptable power.

The disadvantages are:

• a small number of effects;
• blurring of the purity of sound and voice.

A compact and at the same time quite powerful amp model with an individual processor. The combo system is full of a wide variety of effects, several modules for simulating guitar accompaniment.

The advantages of this model include:

• a variety of sound variations;
• the ability to simultaneously connect 6 effects;
• mobility;
• price.

The disadvantage is the lack of perfect sound.

The presented model of the transistor combo amplifier small in size, but equipped with a wide range of settings for sound special effects... The uniqueness of the device lies in in the purest possible reproduction of any music. There is a headphone jack in the body of the design so that the musician does not disturb neighbors and households with night rehearsals. According to the manufacturer itself, this device is ideal for guitar lovers and young musicians who are just starting their way to the stage.

The advantages of this model include:

• wide range of sound;
• compactness;
• mobility.

The disadvantage is the high voltage, which is why you have to purchase a transformer.

Multifunctional combo, ideal for young musicians and professional guitarists... The device has a unique filling, thanks to which the most gorgeous sounding of melodies is reproduced at any volume. With a wide variety of effects, the guitarist can achieve a sound that suits a particular style of music.

The advantages of this model are:

• compactness;
• strength;
• high build quality.

The only disadvantage is the high cost.

A compact combo amplifier in which the main filling element is a vacuum tube. She is responsible for creating a uniform and rich sound. With multiple effects and independent EQ musicians manage to work out every single sound in detail.

The advantages of this model are:

• high quality sound;
• strength;
• structural reliability;
• high power.

We could not find any drawbacks with this device.

Professional combo amplifier designed for live performances. This device is ideal for playing with a variety of melody styles. Due to the ease of operation, this device can be used even by beginners in the art of guitar. The combo system is equipped with 2 speakers that reproduce the purest sound regardless of the selected volume.

The advantages of this model are:

• high power;
• purity of sound;
• the presence of special legs, thanks to which the structure has a slight slope.

The disadvantage is the high cost.

There are several important parameters to consider when choosing an amplifier for your electric guitar. However, you should first decide on the purpose of the purchase. It is necessary to understand whether the love for the guitar is so strong or in a couple of months the music will recede into the background.

Next, you need to decide where the combo will be installed. More powerful models are suitable for the garage. If the rehearsal room will be located in an apartment, it is recommended to choose devices with a lower power rating. When choosing a amp, it is important to decide in advance which musical direction will be performed on the electric guitar. For example, heavy metal requires an overdriven amplifier.

Now you need to understand how much the musician is willing to spend on the purchase of a combo. Do not expect that for a minimal investment you will be able to purchase a fancy model. The better the device, the higher its cost.

It is very difficult for a beginner guitarist to choose the right amplifier. That's why they should seek the advice of experienced musicians to help them find a worthwhile apparatus. And here young guitarists face a dilemma between buying a new device in a store or a used amp from their hands. Unambiguously, such a serious technique should be purchased only at a specialized point of sale. There will be a manufacturer's warranty. It will be possible to check the device for a factory defect. If one is found during operation, the device can be exchanged. And when buying a used amplifier, in case of any problems, it will not be possible to return the money and break the deal.

The step-by-step connection of the combo amplifier is indicated in the instructions supplied with each model. The main thing is to do everything correctly, otherwise some elements of the amp system, electric guitar or gadgets may fail.

• The entire circuit must be de-energized.
• Jacks connect the wire between the amplifiers and the electric guitar.
• If necessary, connect an effects pedal.
• The combo amplifier is connected to an outlet.
• The necessary settings are made.
• You can start testing the equipment.