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the best guitar amp under $500 in 2023

Jamie-Lee
  Sep 24, 2023 8:39 PM

Of course, no guitar is complete without an amplifier. Previously, high-quality guitar amps required a significant expenditure, but those days are fortunately over. As a result, there are several good guitar amplifiers under $500. And here is our buying guide to find out the best guitar amp under $500.


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Buying guide

Budget

The specified budget is one of the most important considerations. This is the most important factor in narrowing down your options. For example, in this article, we discussed how to find the best amplifiers under $500. If you have a larger budget, define a price range and try to identify the finest solutions within that range.

Style of music

The next filter is based on the genre (or range of genres) you want to play. Because most guitar amps are developed and built with a specific musical style in mind, this is where you'll narrow down your options even more. It's normally for blues music that a tube amp has gentler distortion or overdrive. If you want something that can create a variety of tones, any of these amps with onboard digital amp modeling are a good choice.

Different types of amps

Another thing to consider is which technology is appropriate for you. Tube amplifiers, solid-state amplifiers, hybrids (which blend the two worlds), and digital modeling amplifiers are all available. Many of the amps in the lower price range now have integrated digital processing and amp modeling. Some of them can even approximate the sound of those pricey tube amplifiers. However, it's still a long way from the genuine thing, and if you want the saturated and organic tones of a tube amp, you should definitely wait a little longer, save up a little money, and then buy one.

Wattage

The overall power output is also critical in this case. There's no need for more than 20 watts for solid-state amplifiers or more than 5 watts for tube amplifiers if you're seeking a home amplifier. If you require something for live performances, a solid-state amp should have at least 30 watts and a tube amp should have at least 10 watts.

Your personal preferences

At the end of the day, it's all about your particular preferences. For example, it's not uncommon to see a pop, funk, or rock guitarist using an amp meant for crushing and chugging metal tones. At the same time, like with the majority of Orange goods, we have some really specific amplifiers. As previously said, these amps are known for their fuzzy and sparkly tone. It's not horrible by any means; it's simply not what a lot of guitarists anticipate from an amplifier. This is not something we can readily discuss, and you should try as many amps as possible to find one that meets your needs.

To be honest, you won't be able to find a fully professional amplifier for less than $500. This isn't to say that you can't have a good tone and a stable operation. Beginners, intermediates, practice sessions, and even some semi-professional gigs can benefit from the amps you choose based on our recommendations. It's up to you to make the best use of them.

Best of luck!


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