Your amp determines the general nature of your tone more than anything else in your signal chain. To get your ideal guitar tone, even with the priciest custom shop guitar and all the boutique stompboxes you could ever want, you’ll still need one of the greatest guitar amplifiers.
In 2024, there will be a plethora of amplifier options available; ultimately, it will depend on your preferences and what works best for your specific arrangement. Having said that, we at Guitar World have reviewed a ton of guitar amplifiers, so we think we have a decent idea of what is genuine and what is just marketing speak. We’ve methodically tested the amplifiers in this guide by using them in our homes, in our practice spaces, and on stage to determine how suited they are to the task. We’ll try them with single coils, humbuckers, and P90s to see how they react, as well as using a variety of stompboxes to determine how well they handle effects.
Since purchasing an amplifier can be difficult due to the often high cost, our team of knowledgeable writers has categorized all of our top picks into certain areas to make your job easier. If you have any additional questions before choosing a new guitar amp, we’ve also put together a comprehensive buying advice section with lots of answers to frequently asked questions.
1.Boss Katana-50 Gen 3
Any guitarist would benefit from selecting an amplifier that will let them play around with various sounds, and the Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 offers you plenty of options. Not only is it an excellent low-cost guitar amplifier, but its integrated effects and networking capabilities also make it a viable choice for experienced musicians.
For most people, the Boss Katana is still the ideal “first” or backup amplifier with this update. With the addition of a new amp model and the traditional array of Boss effects, it can effortlessly transition from practice to a small-scale performance.
Deep parameter manipulation is possible when the Katana modeling amp is connected to a computer. We also really liked that the amp can record straight into a digital audio workstation via USB. With two channels, you can quickly recall your favorite tones, and a variety of connecting choices guarantee that it will blend in well with your current setup.
It always seemed like the ideal name for this state-of-the-art practice amplifier: Katana. When this feature-rich combo first hit the market in 2016, it easily outsold its rivals and quickly rose to the top of the list of amps ever sold. Boss redesigned the series for its third generation in 2024, promising better sound quality, a new “pushed” amp type, and an expanded function set. However, can it live up to the hype of the previous versions?
While the entire Katana range is receiving the Gen 3 treatment, only the 50, 100, and 100 212 models are available to purchase at launch. Today, we’ll examine the Katana 50 MKIII to see how it compares to the prior generation.
Alright, it’s safe to say that this new Katana version is a minor progression of the previous edition rather than a total overhaul of the series. Though with noticeable improvements in overall clarity, the MKIII feels and performs just like its predecessor thanks to its smart Tube Logic technology and reactive Class AB analogue power section.
Even though we liked the earlier versions, it’s clear that Boss made significant efforts to enhance the Katana MKIII’s overall sound quality. The amplifier now sounds more alive, with richer midrange harmonics, sweetened highs, and a tighter, more defined low end.
This becomes more clear when you use the new Pushed setting. Physically and stylistically positioned halfway between Clean and Crunch, this amazing preset produces the bright, lively, and incredibly responsive sound of a modestly powered valve amp that is on the verge of breaking up. Together with our favorite ’54 Strat reissue, it was the perfect combination. Single notes were as distinct as a bell, and the vigorous playing and deep breathing brought back just the right amount of gritty detail—a very remarkable accomplishment for a reasonably priced modeller.
Pros
Excellent amp tones
World-class effects
Cons
Bluetooth is an optional extra
2. Fender Tone Master Twin
Few guitarists haven’t salivated over the idea of owning a real Twin, but most are unable to afford one due to its weight and the need to crank it. Introducing the Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb, designed to deliver all that badass tube sound without breaking your back or blasting your windows with volume.
Similar to the genuine thing, you get the well regarded slightly scooped, spacious, clear tone in the first half of the volume knob. The chime of overdrive begins to sneak into the tone once you’ve gone past the halfway point. When combined with the volume attenuation switch, this one can truly be turned up to ten, unlike a tube-driven Twin.
Though it’s technically a modeling amp, there’s not much in the way of editing, and certainly no companion app here. There is a cab simulation that can give you the sound of a Shure SM57 on the cabinet or a ribbon microphone, which will please sound engineers everywhere. It’s an incredible piece of digital tech, and while the tone isn’t exactly the same as a vintage Twin, it’s close enough for us.
Fender’s “Blackface” series of guitar amplifiers, which debuted in 1963, has come to symbolize the pinnacle of vintage American guitar amp design.
Due to Fender’s hegemony, two amp models in particular—the Deluxe Reverb and Twin Reverb combos—became indispensable pieces of gear for venues, recording studios, and clubs worldwide. Numerous times, Fender has reimagined the Deluxe and Twin, including digital versions with the Cyber-Twin and Cyber-Deluxe, which were originally released about twenty years ago.
Since then, digital technology has advanced significantly. Today, we’re accustomed to incredibly lifelike amp and effect models, countless cloud-based presets, Bluetooth audio streaming, Wi-Fi, and much more—many of which were made possible by Fender.
The Tone Master Twin Reverb and Deluxe Reverb, Fender’s newest digital products, shocked everyone when they were unveiled at the Nashville summer NAMM Show this year by abruptly deviating to the left of the digital mainstream and revealing themselves as modeling amplifiers with a significant difference. The two Tone Master amplifiers have a façade that is nearly identical to those from the 1960s. But since there are no presets to display, neither LED displays nor preset buttons are present.
Pros
The Twin has heaps of headroom
Handsome vintage styling
Cons
A few basic user-definable parameters would widen the appeal without spoiling the Tone Master’s single-model ethos
3.Fender Mustang LT25
In the end, all you really need in a beginner guitar amp is something that sounds fantastic and is simple to operate. For this kind of work, a modeling amp such as the Fender Mustang LT25 is an ideal tool because it offers a wide range of options without overwhelming newcomers.
There are lots of sounds to choose from, ranging from high-gain metal mayhem to classic Fender clean tones, thanks to the 30 onboard presets. Beginners may easily customize their unique sound with the abundance of premium effects available, ranging from pitch shifters and auto wah to compressors, reverbs, and delays.
Because it’s small, you can bring it along to jam sessions with pals, and it has enough power to play with another amplifier guitarist, although it won’t outshine a drum kit. Add to all these features a rather modest price point, and you’ve got yourself a killer beginner guitar amp.
There is no lack of devices that we can connect to in order to practice playing the electric guitar: from rackmount modellers to tiny headphone guitar amplifiers.
The sheer variety of options—interfaces that can take the place of your amplifier, your amplifier that can also function as an interface, and pretty much everything you could possibly need—may be a little intimidating.
Fender has a long history in the modeling amp industry; we have always been pleased with the amount of features, sound quality, and use of their Mustang amps. What then is the purpose of the LT25? It’s a modeling combo, then, with an auxiliary input, USB connectivity, twenty amp models, and twenty five effects. The eight-inch speaker is included.
You’ll understand that, in a time when everything seems to be connected to everything else via Bluetooth, requires smartphone integration, and turns off lights when you press the wrong button, we’re feeling a little rejuvenated as we hook up our guitar to a jack cable and start experimenting with sounds.
That’s not to imply the Mustang lacks accessories; thirty on-board presets are meant to get you started and showcase the range of sounds available. Using the huge encoder to the right of the screen makes it simple to scroll between each one.
It’s simple to adjust the setup by switching up the amp models or effects by just pushing the encoder and navigating through each category.
Once you’ve finished adjusting, you may either store your sound or simply switch between presets to undo your modifications. From an operational standpoint, it’s great since we hardly ever have to set down our choice, allowing us to play continuously.
Pros
Easy to use
A variety of excellent tones
Cons
You might find more feature-packed amps in this price range
4.Positive Grid Spark 40
The amp world is in full swing thanks to the Positive Grid Spark. It was always going to be a wonderful thing to combine the already highly regarded BIAS tone engine with some fairly amazing smart technology, and it didn’t let us down.
There are forty effects and thirty amp models on board. Both ⅛” aux and headphone inputs, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming, are present. When you need to record that next brilliant idea, you can use your Spark as an audio interface because it has USB inputs and outputs.
The Spark is the ideal practice amplifier since it is brimming with educational resources that will both help you grow as a player and have fun while doing so. Among these functions are “Auto Chords.”which will find chord charts for any song you choose – and ‘Smart Jam’ – which will generate an authentic backing track to accompany you, whatever you play.
Twenty-five thousand preorder sales is a big deal in the world of guitar amps. How then did the Positive Grid Spark persuade so many people to purchase one before they could give it a test? And what, in just a year after its introduction, has drawn in over 100,000 players to the Spark?
Perhaps the tone engine holds the key to the answer. Positive Grid’s BIAS modelling software and heads are excellent, as anyone who has used them will attest. That’s actually the big event here.
However, it goes beyond that. Positive Grid acknowledges a fundamental reality about guitarists: the majority of us practice at home. Additionally, this desktop amplifier is equipped with every feature you could possibly need for a stay-at-home amplifier.
Pros
Modeling technology keeps the tube amp tones convincing
It makes a great practice tool
Cons
None
5. Line 6 Catalyst 200
The all-conquering Boss Katana is rumored to have inspired the creation of the Line 6 Catalyst 200, a modeling amp with a ton of features that comes in just under $500. This amp is the best available at this price range if you’re searching for something that can provide high-quality tones and be used for live performances.
The six amp styles that make up the Catalyst 200 are clean, boutique, chime, crunch, dynamic, and high gain. When you turn up the volume, the two 12-inch speakers—which are based on vintage designs from Fender, Marshall, Vox, and other manufacturers—allow it to produce crystal-clear tones with exceptional clarity and raw power.
The effects in Line 6 have always been fantastic, and this is a terrific pick from the HX series with delay, chorus, reverb, phasers, and many more. One criticism is that you can only have two at one time, and one of those must be a reverb, so if you like making crazy effects chains, this might not be the one for you. If you’re using your own pedals though, that won’t be an issue.
Pros
Superb amp sounds
High-quality effects
Cons
Effects aren’t the most flexible
Why should I consider an acoustic guitar amp?
You could be asking yourself, “Why do I need an acoustic amp if I already have an electric amp?” if you play both electric and acoustic guitars. – a valid query! Though certain modeling amps have an acoustic preset—the Boss Katana, for instance, has a setting specifically for acoustic guitar—most electric guitar amps aren’t designed with acoustic guitars in mind.
An acoustic amplifier’s job is to faithfully reproduce these at louder volumes with a flat response, so it doesn’t color the sound. This is in contrast to electric guitars, where you want the guitar and amp to compliment each other and accentuate each other’s qualities. An equalization feature is a must for good acoustic amplifiers in order to attenuate specific frequencies that may be too prominent when amplified, however unlike a classic tube amplifier where you want all of its lovely harmonic characteristics, the main driver of your tone should be the guitar itself.
Do I need an acoustic pickup to use an acoustic amp?
Similar to an electric amplifier, an acoustic amplifier also requires a signal to be supplied to it in order to amplify. If you already own an acoustic guitar, you can purchase an aftermarket pickup and install it yourself. A lot of acoustic guitars come with pickups already installed.
Your acoustic guitar may include a variety of pickups, but most of them will be active and need an extra battery. A piezo pickup, which creates a bright, unique sound and rests under the saddle, is a popular alternative. A tiny condenser microphone that can be blended in with the pickup is sometimes paired with more intricate pickups. Lastly, there are acoustic guitars with more “conventional” magnetic pickups that create a warmer sound.