Choosing a guitar amplifier is something that every guitarist has to do at some point. There are a lot of different options that you can go with and a lot of name brands to choose from. When you’re picking out your guitar amplifier, the main thing that you want to decide on is the wattage. If you’re choosing an amplifier to jam out with in your basement then you want to go with a smaller amplifier. If you have dreams of playing next to Slash on the stage of Madison Square Garden, obviously you will need something a little bit bigger.

Although the wattage of the amplifier is going to be the key factor in your decision, there are other things that must be considered. You will want to decide on buying a brand new amplifier, a used one, a head and a stack, or just a combo. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of these options, but you’re going to have to decide what is best for you and your situation. You will also need to take name brands into account and the features of each amplifier on the market. Here is how you can decide what amplifier is best for you.

The price range of your amplifier is going to determine how much wattage you will be able to buy. If you want a good solid guitar amplifier, you are looking at about a two hundred dollar investment. If you don’t want to spend that much you might want to consider buying a used amplifier. Websites like Craigslist and Amazon will have independent sellers who are willing to part with their used gear for a very cheap amount.

If you don’t see the model or a good deal, put an ad up on Craigslist.www.Craigslist.com There will be at least on person in your area that has what you are looking for within your price range. You can also browse some of the garage sales in your area to find a great deal on used gear. Always test the amplifier out before you buy it so you know that it’s in good working condition. If you’re still stuck, try some pawnshops or music retailers. Stores like Guitar Center and Sam Ash will have used amplifiers for a great discount.http://used.guitarcenter.com/usedGear/index.cfmwww.samash.com The best thing about buying your amp from a music store is that it will come a guarantee. You might not get this at a pawnshop or through Craigslist.

When you are looking at the different models that you have to choose from, there are several things that you must take into account. Since you have your price range figured out and all of your features in hand, you can start looking over the brand names and wattage that you will need. Always go with a brand name that is popular within the music community. Brands like Trace Elliot and Marshall are great for any guitar. Going with a third party or aftermarket amplifier could be a waste of money in the long run because it might not perform the way you would like.

If you’re just looking for something to play around with in your attic or bedroom, go with a lower wattage. Get something like a twenty or forty-watt amplifier and you’ll be fine. If you’re looking at getting some gigs and playing around your area, you might want to think about getting a cab and head or a combo.

When you buy a combo amplifier, you get the cab and the head together. When you buy them separately, you can mix and match your head and cab. This is great for the serious buyer, but very expensive. If you’re only looking for something to tinker around with, get a combo amplifier.

In order to effectively decide on the kind of amplifier you are going to need for your guitar, you need to go to a store to play through it. If you have a music retailer around your area such as Sam Ash or Guitar Center then you can head over and start playing through their selection. Since you have a specific model in mind you might want to call ahead and make sure that they have your amplifier available on the sales floor. Once you have determined that they have your model you can head over.

When you get to the store find your model and look through their selection of guitars. If at all possible, find the exact guitar that you own. If they don’t have your specific guitar then you should find one that is very similar by the same brand. If you play through an amplifier with a guitar that is better or worse than the one that you own you won’t how your own guitar will sound through it. Get a cable from a sales associate and start to play through the model of the amp you’re thinking about buying. Don’t be afraid to crank the volume up a bit so you know how it vies with large volume.