Amp Reviews

“It can get loud enough to annoy my partner, which is good enough for home use”: Laney Prism-Mini review

By Matt McCracken published 2 April 26

This mini practice amp doesn't tether you to your smartphone, but there are some growing pains

“It’s the same, loud, high headroom amp but with a more open-sounding clean tone that boasts a little extra life”: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 30th Anniversary review

By Pete Emery published 27 March 26

Fender celebrates 30 years of the ubiquitous Hot Rod Deluxe with an Anniversary edition that boasts a speaker change and a classy aesthetic

“It’s clearly had a lot of thought put into making it as flexible and useful as possible”: Laney Digbeth DB-EAST review

By Connor Flys published 17 March 26

Over a long, distinguished career, Nathan East has never had a signature amp. Until now…

“Will appeal to high-gain players without unlimited budgets”: Victory MKX Lunch Box Head review

By Martin Smith published 15 March 26

Victory’s most advanced compact amp to date promises huge tone-potential in a lunchbox-sized package. We’re feeling hungry…

“A cost-effective way of accurately amplifying your modeled tone, which is exactly what many guitar players need”: Blackstar Artist FR Special review

By Pete Emery published 10 March 26

Bypassing some of the fancy features of other FRFR cabinets, Blackstar gets straight to the point with a no-frills solution for amplifying your modeled guitar tones

“It may not have the same EQ options as other FRFRs, but the Laney LFR-110 amplifies your digital tone in a way that will easily get you heard on stage”: Laney LFR-110 review

By Pete Emery published 5 March 26

Laney introduces its most compact FRFR guitar cabinet yet, in what could be the perfect on-stage companion to your carefully curated modeling tone

“In a world where streaming is king and few people own the music they listen to, the BandBox Solo’s ability to conduct stem separation from a Bluetooth source is incredibly useful”: JBL BandBox Solo review

By Pete Emery published 25 February 26

With the ability to separate stems from a streamed audio source over Bluetooth and a host of useful tools, the JBL BandBox Solo could be a game-changer for home practice

“A match for boutique offerings from smaller high-end manufacturers”: PRS DGT 15 Combo review

By Martin Smith published 20 February 26

The latest in the DGT family is this handsome 15-watt combo. And its sounds match its good looks…

“Delivers surprisingly good amp models and one of the best AI practice tools I’ve ever used”: JBL BandBox Trio review

By Matt McCracken published 13 February 26

The first foray into guitar amps from JBL combines room-shaking volume with the ability to dismantle your favorite tracks in real-time

Leo Fender’s favorite amp, recreated? Fender ’62 Super Amp review

By Martin Smith published 26 January 26

The original, ’62-era Super was said to be Leo Fender's favorite amp. Let’s see if this exacting recreation captures the original magic