Modeling amps use digital processing to simulate the sounds made by classic amplifiers. Many modelers come with more than 100 amp and effect sounds, including many that approximate the setups of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and other guitar heroes. While inexpensive modelers might not deliver a precise imitation of a classic ’60s ax singing through a vintage tube amp, these amps can produce amazing sounds, come in relatively small packages, prove invaluable in home-recording projects, and inspire new avenues of creativity with each setting you select.

Modeling amp interfaces and controls tend to be pretty user-friendly—a must when you’re navigating through so many options. You can easily add digital simulations of nearly every kind of effect to your sound, almost as if you had a $1,000 pedal board at your disposal.

PROS: Many classic amp sounds in a single unit. Versatile and useful for exploring and approximating various playing styles.

CONS: Tones may lack the warmth and nuance of their real-life counterparts.

Behringer V-Tone GMX110 Combo
With 30 watts driving a ten-inch speaker, the GMX110 is as loud as any amp in its price range. The 27 amplifier models and smorgasbord of effects gives even the most adventurous player plenty to explore. $219 list/$149 street. www.behringer.com.

Roland Cube 60 Guitar Amp
Surprisingly powerful for a compact amp (60 watts of power pushing a 12-inch speaker), the Cube 60 delivers rich bass tones and authentic amp simulations. It’s an ideal solution for jams and home-recording projects. $449 list/$349 street. www.roland.com.

Line 6 Vetta II
Designed to see a guitarist through nearly any conceivable recording or performing situation in any musical style, the Vetta II has 74 great-sounding amp modeling presets, hundreds of preset effects, 150 watts, and twin 12-inch speakers. $2,399 list/$1,699 street. www.line6.com.

WATTAGE AND SPEAKER SIZE: Get the power you need


Wattage, the measure of an amp’s power, doesn’t always affect volume and output in a uniform way, but a few guidelines will help you determine how much wattage you need.

Too much power makes it difficult to play within an amplifier’s ideal operating range or obtain the sweetest tone without frightening the neighbors. Amps are like high-performance cars in that way: Ferraris aren’t built to cruise in first gear; you need to wind one up to reveal its real virtues. If you’re just practicing at home, fairly low power, anything from five to 25 watts, will work well.

You have to be more careful to select an appropriately powered amplifier when playing with a band. If you’re a rock player and don’t have enough wattage, your sound could be completely overpowered by a thundering bass and drums attack. Jazz and country players often require less power and as little as 15 watts can do the trick, but most rock players will want at least 20–25 watts and may need 30–50 watts to play in louder ensembles or larger venues.

Most low-wattage practice amps have eight-inch speakers, but more powerful ones need bigger speakers to avoid break up and distortion. Larger speakers also have better bass frequency response, which is why many jazz and rock players won’t use a speaker smaller than 12 inches.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT AMP FOR YOU

Though you might understand how an amp is supposed to sound, you may be surprised by how it reacts to your playing style, pick attack, and guitar. So spend some quality time with the amps you’re considering. Bring your ax to the store when you shop, and plug it in. First and foremost, make sure they sound good together without effects or processors and that the tone will suit the conditions under which you’ll use it. When you’ve found the ideal amplifier partner for your guitar, you’ll have a sound platform on which to improve your playing and explore the thousands of tones and colors available to an intrepid electric guitar explorer.