10 best combo amps for guitars
A combo amplifier is an amplifier and a speaker system in one device. Some modern combo amps are so compact that they can be carried on a belt. But it is not uncommon for professional guitarists to buy several large, powerful devices at once to fit certain songs, since they sound different.
There are three types of guitar combo amplifiers - transistor, tube and combined. Transistor ones are cheaper, tube ones are more expensive. But you shouldn't buy the cheapest combo amplifiers, it is better to consider models from the middle price range - they will have much higher sound quality. An important selection criterion is the purpose for which the device is purchased. For home use, a small device is enough; for concert venues, more powerful models are needed.
Top 10 combo amplifiers for guitars
Combo amplifiers of different characteristics work with acoustic guitars, electric guitars. There are a lot of options on sale, it is easy to get confused, so first of all it is worth considering the most famous brands - Vox, Fender, Ibanez, Peavey, Line6, Marshall and some others.
10 IBANEZ IBZ10GV2 GUITAR COMBO
Two-channel combo amplifier designed for electric guitar. Sound channels are switchable - Clean / Distortion. The model is recommended for musicians who need high-quality sound on a small stage or at home. The cost of the amplifier is low, the power is modest, but quite sufficient for the listed purposes.
Sound quality, blues tones are especially good. Speakers - 6.5 inches, there are line and guitar inputs, a headphone jack, a loop for adding effects. Despite the low price category, the brand is quite well-known, and is popular even among professional musicians.
9 IK Multimedia iRig Nano Amp
A portable combo amplifier suitable for connecting bass or electric guitar to loudspeakers. Appreciated by users for the ability to record tracks on iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. The device went on sale relatively recently, two or three years ago. The manufacturer presented it as a portable device with the functions of a guitar amplifier and an interface for iOS devices. The speaker is three-inch, there is a headphone output, a 3W class A / B amplifier.
The size is very small - the amplifier weighs only 250 grams and fits comfortably in your pocket, making it an indispensable device for guitarists who often have to move from place to place. Of the advantages, buyers are attracted by the compact size and the ability to record their tracks to an iOS device using the AmpliTube application.
8 Cort GE15B
Not a bad model for bass guitar. The power is small, but the rest of the characteristics are good. Features a tilt-back design, 3-band EQ, 8-inch speaker. The device is oversized, practical and convenient.
According to user reviews, in addition to the bass guitar, the combo amplifier can be used for electric guitar and acoustic instrument. The microphone sounds good through the remote control. The only drawback is that the device wheezes slightly at maximum volume, but in its price category it can compete for the title of the best amplifier. It is better to use it at home, in small rooms and uncrowded, quiet streets.
7 Laney LC15R-110
The English brand Laney is considered a real legend of tube sound. Despite many developments, innovations, tube combo amplifiers, according to musicians, are still the best. This particular model has a small power, but at the same time it gives excellent sound.
A guitar combo amplifier is easy to use, convenient, never fails - an excellent option not only for rehearsals, but also on stage. If necessary, more powerful models can be considered in the LC series, but they will cost more.Among the features of the series, one can single out a three-band independent equalizer, two inputs, Celesction speakers, an effects loop.
6 ROLAND AC-33
Designed for acoustic guitar. It is the world's first battery powered combo amplifier. The model is small, but powerful, due to the two loudspeakers in the design, it produces a decent stereo. There is a guitar and mic input channel, feedback suppressor, built-in looper. Minus one is additionally connected from an external source.
The ROLAND Guitar Amplifier is popular with street musicians or just non-professional musicians. Like any other model, there are advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages, users highlight independence from a stationary power source, good power with a small size. Of the minuses - the speakers and the body are small, so the bass is poorly worked out.
5 Yamaha THR5
A good combo amp for electric guitar. It features good stereo sound and good playback effects. At the same time, it is small in size, can be used in small rooms. In developing this guitar amp, the manufacturer focused on following the musician's playing style rather than stage loudness. Can sound very quiet if necessary.
Yamaha THR5 is the optimal model for the home. It sounds quite loud and harmonious in the room. Additionally, it is appreciated by users for its stylish design, good sound, hi-fi stereo playback and sound recording.
4 MARSHALL MG15GFX
A guitar transistorized four-channel combo amp delivers 15 watts of portable tone with reverb. There are additional sound effects. For a compact size, the sound is powerful. Easily switches between different sounds, overdrive channel. There are five digital effects to choose from.
The amplifier is universal, suitable for reproducing all styles of music. Pop and metal sound equally clean. A headphone jack is provided for rehearsals at night or in an apartment with good audibility. It is the perfect choice for developing guitarists looking for a portable but loud amplifier. The brand has been proven over the years, reliable and popular.
3 VOX VX50-AG
Compact amplifier for acoustic guitar. The device uses a new Nutube vacuum tube. The sound is very even, rich, covering all tones. There is a microphone jack for easy live performance.
Bass reproduction is rich and deep. High-quality effects and an independent equalizer help to shape the sound in detail. Musicians appreciate this combo amplifier for its characteristic warm sound and relatively low weight. Of the shortcomings, they note only a small hissing background of the amplifier itself, but it is so weak that it does not interfere with the game.
2 Fender Champion 100
Versatile for all styles of play, this very easy-to-use electric guitar combo is perfect for beginners, hobbyists, and professional musicians. This is a two-channel device with two 12 ”speakers. Differs in great sounding at any volume.
With additional effects, you can achieve the right sound for every style of music, from classical jazz to hard rock. There is an additional input for working with a media player. Thanks to the headphone output, you can play completely silently without disturbing others.
1 Acus One for Street Wood
High quality battery-powered acoustic guitar combo. Equipped with a rechargeable battery that provides seven hours of operation without connecting to the mains. Like the rest of the brand's devices, this model has an amazing sound - detail and balance of frequencies are always at their best. Responsive to EQ adjustments and dynamic nuances.
When working in the low range, there are no cloudy zones, as is the case with cheap devices. The upper range also sounds very clear. Thanks to the AUX input, you can play accompaniment in hi-fi quality and simultaneously reproduce low-frequency content.It is difficult to find flaws in this combo amplifier - the equipment is of high quality, reliable, assembled by hand in Italy.
