Which Amplifier is Best for Classic American Rock
Getting the right guitar amplifier is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when playing music. It’s also one of the most fun parts of the job, especially if you’re a music lover. Aside from the sound quality, choosing the right amplifier also involves a lot of factors such as price, performance, and durability. In this guide, we’ll talk about the 21 best guitar amplifiers to make classic American rock currently available on the market. They’re grouped in price order so that you can easily find the right one for your needs. There are also a variety of formats and models in this guide, so you can find something that’s right for you.
One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to choosing a great guitar amplifier is the type of music that you’re planning on playing. Aside from sound quality, choosing the right amplifier also involves a lot of factors such as price, performance, and durability. A good amplifier can help you achieve a great sound, but it can also clip the wings of the most expensive guitar.
We’ve also included some helpful buying advice at the end of this article to easily learn more about the various features and functions of a great guitar amplifier.
There are so many great guitar amplifiers that it can be hard to find the right one for your needs. This article will share my picks of the best classic rock amplifiers available today. I also included a wide range of budgets and tastes to find the ideal fit for each individual.
The Best Amps for Classic American Rock
When choosing a guitar amplifier, it’s important to know who you can trust. For decades, some companies have been known for producing high-quality products. These are the ones that you need to look for when choosing a new amplifier.
While some companies are known for making powerful rigs ideal for professional musicians, others also produce great-sounding and affordable amplifiers for novice and intermediate players. This ensures that you’ll get the best possible sound from your new amplifier.
The beauty of guitar amplifiers is that they have varying characteristics and tones. Before you buy one, it’s crucial to figure out what you like. Having a good idea of what you like will help you make an informed purchase.
For clean players, brands such as Yamaha and Sony are known to produce great guitar amps. While they are tube amps, these types of products tend to produce a warm and harmonically rich tone. On the other hand, those who focus on the bright and crisp sounds of a Vox or Fender amplifier might want to consider a brand such as Victory.
If you’re a metal player, then look no further than the likes of Hughes & Kettner, Peavey, and Mesa Boogie. Also, some players are starting to go digital.
If you’re a music lover interested in digital, then the Neural DSP Quad Cortex is a must-have. This new addition to digital guitar amplifiers can deliver a wide variety of tones.
If you’re a classic American rock player, look no further than the Marshall JCM800. This is a classic for those who are looking for a good alternative to the traditional tube amplifier.
Various companies make amplifiers, but I’ve decided to put together a list of my favorites. In this article, I’ll talk about the top guitar amplifier brands for making classic American rock known for making great-sounding rigs.
The Best Amps for Classic American Rock | 1. Marshall
Marshall is a well-known manufacturer of guitar amps. They’ve earned their reputation for making some of the most powerful and versatile valve-tube amps. Pro guitarists have relied on them for years to produce some of the most booming sounds in the music industry.
The combination of a Marshall stack and a powerful head has become an iconic part of rock music. If you need a powerful head and a 4×12 cabinet, you can get the best of both worlds with the JTM45, the 1959SLP, and the JCM800. These are some of the most popular model parts of the company’s Vintage Reissue Series.
Marshall also makes various types of guitar amplifiers for different levels of players. When I was looking for a new combo, I decided to go with the DSL40C. This model is incredibly versatile and has all of the classic Marshall grit and tone.
The upgrades and improvements that have been made to this model have made it even better. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly combo that can be used as a home amplifier, the DSL40 is for you.
Marshall also makes various models of solid-state amplifiers. Some of these include the MG Series and the Code Series. These are designed for beginner and intermediate-level players.
Marshall JCM800 Vintage Reissue Guitar Amp Head
The JCM800 was one of Marshall’s first models to feature a Master Volume. This was a natural evolution of the company’s well-known “Plexi” design. Before the Master Volume was added, players had to crank up their amps at loud volume levels to get the best possible distorted tones.
This new design allowed the JCM800 to deliver the signature grit at a more reasonable price. Aside from a single channel, this model also lacked various features, such as reverb and an effects loop. Despite its lack of features, this model still managed to deliver a legendary tone.
It was one of the most popular heads during the 1980s and 1990s. Despite its lack of features, this model still delivered a legendary tone. The Vintage Series reissue of this model adds a Series FX loop, though this feature can be bypassed.
2. Fender
When it comes to classic American rock, I love the sound of the Fender line of amplifiers. They’re great for the country, blues, and classic rock players. They have a clean and buttery sound that’s ideal for these genres.
For decades, some of the best guitarists have been using the tube combo amps made by Fender. Some of these include Princeton, Bassman, and Twin Reverb. Due to the popularity of these amps, the company continues to produce various variants of these classic models.
The Hot Rod Series is a great choice for those who are looking for a powerful yet affordable tube amplifier. This model is ideal for players who are into classic rock. It features a warm and smooth sound that’s ideal for playing this genre.
For me, the Hot Rod Deville was my favourite model. However, if I were to choose today, I would go for the Hot Rod Deluxe. It has a powerful output and is less expensive than the DeVille.
Aside from the DeVille, I also recommend the company’s Mustang models. They’re great for playing with modern instruments. Since their introduction, the company has continuously upgraded its digital modeling line.
Fender Blues Junior LTD Combo Amp
The Blues JR LTD is a great choice for those who are looking for a more modern take on classic rock. While it might not have the same features as some more expensive setups, it still delivers a rich and warm tone. Its 12AX7 tube and EL84 tubes deliver warm and fat mid-tones.
The Blues Junior LTD features a more British-sounding tone than the 65 Deluxe. Its 15-watt power section and a vintage-voiced C-12-N speaker give it enough power for studio and stage use. If you’re looking for a more versatile option, the Blues Junior also comes with an external speaker.
The Blues Junior LTD was designed with the classic rock guitarist in mind. Its combination of a vintage look and a warm tone makes it ideal for playing classic American rock.
Fender Super Champ X2 Combo Guitar Amplifier
It’s no secret that tube-driven amplifiers are commonly used in classic rock. However, with the rise of the middle class and the low cost of tube amps, it’s no longer as expensive as it used to be. The Super Champ X2 is an excellent example of how you can get a quality tube guitar for less than $400.
The Super Champ X2 features a rich dual-channel tube tone and plenty of modern features. It also comes with 16 speaker voicings, all designed for classic American rock. These include Hot Rod, British, Blackface, and more. This versatile amplifier is a great choice for looking for a more modern take on classic rock.
With the FUSE software, you can control the Super Champ X2’s tone and effects through your computer. Its great tone and budget-friendly price make it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a more modern take on classic American rock.
The Best Amps for Classic American Rock | 3. Peavey
Although I prefer to use metal amps, I highly recommend using a Peavey for classic American rock music. They produce some of the best amps for both metal and rock genres. During my time in bands, I used the 5150 and later the 6505.
The 6505 is available in several models, including the combo, mini, and powerful 120-watt models. It has become a popular choice for metal players due to its powerful sound and thick, rich tone. However, it’s also a great rock machine. If it weren’t for the popularity of metal instruments, more people would probably appreciate the 6505.
Over the years, they have produced some of the best tube amplifiers in the world. The 6505 is also part of the company’s Classic Series, which is a more blues-oriented model. They also have other models such as the ValveKing Series and the invective Series.
For those looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the 6505, I highly recommend the Bandit, which is part of the company’s TransTube Series. Although it’s not as powerful as the 6505, it’s still capable of producing great tube-like sounds. I’ve been using this model for over 15 years, and it’s still one of the gems of the guitar world.
Check out this 5150 modeling by Deplike Guitar FX virtual guitar rig:
4. Mesa/Boogie
American manufacturer Mesa/Boogie is known for its impeccable reputation for making great metal and rock amplifiers. The company’s Rectifier Series has become a must-have for guitarists looking for powerful yet affordable gear. The dual and triple-rectifiers are great for everything from classic American rock to extreme metal, and they can be paired with a variety of other instruments.
The Best Amps for Classic American Rock | 5. Orange
British manufacturer Orange is known for its big tube sound. During the 60s and 70s, the company was a major player in the industry, and it’s seeing a resurgence now. Some of the company’s popular products include the Rockverb 50 and the Micro Terror. The company’s new Crush Series is an affordable solid-state line ideal for beginner and intermediate players. One of my favorite Orange products is the Dual Dark.
6. Blackstar
Although Blackstar is known for its impressive products, I always think of them as a dark horse in the industry. However, with the hundreds of positive reviews they’ve received, I don’t think I’m wrong. The company’s new Venue Series is an excellent choice for guitarists looking for great-sounding tube amps at an affordable price. The Blackstar Fly is another great choice for looking for a clean and crunchy sound.
The Best Amps for Classic American Rock | 7. VOX
British manufacturer of amps, Vox, has a long history of making great sounds. Some of the most prominent brands that have used its products include the Rolling Stones, Queen, and the Beatles. The company’s AC30 is a legend and continues to build on its legacy. For more information about the company, please visit its website.
A 20-watt Valvetronix is a great choice for a small, affordable guitar or bass player. It can produce some impressive sounds. There’s also a 100-watt version that can be used by players who need a louder sound.
Final Thoughts
Although I firmly believe that these are my favorite brands, it’s important to note that these are only recommendations and that you should also form your own opinions. It’s also a good idea to learn as much as possible about the various companies that make these types of amps. Having a good understanding of what these companies can do for your sound will help you make informed decisions about buying a new guitar amp.
Now, how to get the guitar tone you want?
Advancing your way throughout the guitar journey is a wholistic process which includes two main pillars: 1. Improving your playing skills; 2. Tweaking the guitar effects and amps to shape your guitar sound.
We all have a guitarist idol that we dig the sound of, right?
Getting the guitar sound of your favorite guitarists/band can be very costly and frustrating. It can require years of expertise to achieve your desired guitar tone.
Don’t worry, you don’t actually have to spend that much money and effort to get any guitar tone you want. Deplike Guitar FX Amp Sim suite plug-in got you covered on all Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. All you have to do is plug your guitar and play!
