amps

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A blackstar HT20RH MK III head on a studio desk

“The best solution for getting big valve amp tones onto recordings and for home practice in a small, portable format”: Blackstar promises classic tube tones from compact amps with the upgraded MK III Series

By Janelle Borg published 23 April 24

Fully equipped with Blackstar’s patented CabRig technology, the MK III Series prioritizes tonal customization

“I was able to dial in tones that came damn close to Lifeson’s late ’70s/early ’80s sounds”: Lerxst CHI head and 1x12 cab review

By Chris Gill published 23 April 24

A lower-powered version of Alex Lifeson’s superlative Omega tube amp, the CHI could facilitate your guitar’s passage to Bangkok

“Raises professional bass amplification to the next level”: Boss has unveiled its first-ever Katana bass head – and it might have just changed the game for bass players

By Matt Owen published 18 April 24

The firm's flagship Katana bass head is its most advanced bass amp to date, debuting Cabinet Resonance calibration for optimum tone with any cab

“This bona fide bird can’t wait to elevate Gibson amplifiers to the stature they’ve always deserved”: Gibson debuts all-new flagship Mesa/Boogie-designed Dual Falcon 20 combo

By Matt Owen published 16 April 24

The Falcon family soars to new heights with a well-spec'd 2x10 that makes clear Gibson's intentions to claw its way into the amp market

“As guitarists, we’re used to looking at wood on our guitars, but its role in shaping the cabinet’s sound is as important”: How does guitar cabinet material affect the sound?

By Paul Gough published 16 April 24

Paul Gough of Zilla Cabs takes a closer look at cabinet materials – and asks: what’s more important to you, consistency or quality of sound?

Eric Clapton and a 1984 Marshall JCM800 half stack

“British rock ’n’ roll history”: Eric Clapton’s original Live Aid Marshall JCM800 amp has been put up for sale

By Phil Weller published 15 April 24

The 1984 amp head and matching 4x12 cab that Clapton used for his iconic Live Aid performance with Phil Collins is being sold by London’s Denmark Street Guitars

“Ideal first amps, loaded with features for hours of fun and inspiration”: Blackstar ID:Core V4 Stereo 10, Stereo 20 and Stereo 40 review

By Nick Guppy published 8 April 24

Blackstar has introduced a timely update to its award-winning programmable guitar amp range, but how do these combos stack up?

“A robust meat-and-potatoes amp that can survive daily gigs, performs well in the studio and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg”: Peavey Classic 20 Combo review

By Chris Gill published 27 March 24

Revamped and downsized in all the right places, the Peavey Classic Series delivers bluechip tube tones at blue collar prices

“Perform like traditional guitar amps, while providing the increased versatility of modern amplifiers”: Line 6 takes the fight to the Boss Katana once again with the upgraded Helix-powered Catalyst CX range

By Matt Owen published 19 March 24

Double the number of HX amps and improved effects functionality headline the latest Catalyst family, which starts at $299

“A just-right balance between pure, unadulterated vintage tube tone and modern conveniences”: Gibson Falcon 20 review

By Chris Gill published 19 March 24

This sweet-sounding tube combo puts Gibson's amp range back on its perch

Blackstar ID:Core practice amp on a wooden desk

Best practice amps 2024: 10 great picks for honing your guitar and bass chops at home

By Chris Corfield last updated 15 March 24

These are the best practice amps for enabling you to keep the noise down when getting in some essential practice time with your electric guitar or bass

“Is there an expanded one? Is there a smaller footprint version? Is there a native version?” Fender’s Justin Norvell teases next steps for the Tone Master Pro range – and confirms tweed FRFR speakers are “definitely on the list”

By Matt Parker published 13 March 24

The floor modeler has already established a firm ‘foothold’… but it seems Fender’s just getting started

Marshall Studio JTM series – complete with head, cab and combo options

“We think Marshall represents the rock and roll attitude”: Amp sales accounted for just 5% of the Marshall Group’s revenues in 2023 – but it looks like new digital amps could be on the way

By Matt Parker published 4 March 24

A recent Billboard report shows the Marshall Group’s home audio wing brings home the lion’s share of the newly merged firm’s revenues

IDLES guitarists Mark Bowen and Lee Kiernan

“I hate modeling, I think it’s wack. You can hear it right away”: IDLES explain why recording with an amp modeler risks messing with your tone, your head – and probably your dog

By Matt Parker published 1 March 24

UK post-punk heroes Mark Bowen and Lee Kiernan reckon modelers are best consigned to the role of live backups – and you shouldn’t let them near your recordings

“An exceptional amplifier with modern features and tone that can handle any gig”: Stage Right by Monoprice SB100 Reverb

By Paul Riario published 29 February 24

Don't be fooled by the generic looks: this super-affordable but super-powered new 100-watt tube head from Monoprice's Stage Right guitar amp series is a serious contender

Vox AC custom series classic vintage red

Vox’s AC Custom amps get a 2024 glow-up with new Classic Vintage Red range

By Phil Weller published 22 February 24

Continuing its tradition of releasing its AC10C1, AC15C1, and AC30C2 amps in limited edition colorways, Vox’s latest finish is complemented by black and gold diamond fret cloth and a vintage rectangle Vox badge

“Let’s be clear: this is not a bedroom amp. It’s designed to fill huge halls and stadiums with ferocious rock riffage”: PRS Mark Tremonti MT 100 review

By Nick Guppy published 20 February 24

Bucking the recent trend for compact heads, PRS goes large with its latest signature amp for the Alter Bridge guitarist

“A groundbreaking electric guitar amplifier that sets a new standard”: Ritter’s new Encore might just be the most luxurious guitar amp ever made – but it’s going to cost you $40,000

By Matt Owen published 15 February 24

18-karat white gold-covered tubes, sapphire-topped control knobs and laser engravings of famous guitar players can be found throughout the Encore, which takes sonic inspiration from the Fender Bassman and Dumble Classic

NAMM 2024: “A groundbreaking fusion of hardware and software technologies”: Positive Grid’s Spark LIVE is a four channel, multi-instrument amp that aims to replace your band’s backline – and, possibly, your sound engineer

By Matt Parker published 23 January 24

The ambitious new launch from the tech-savvy tone-makers is an all-in-one smart amp and PA system

“The message for tube nostalgists is clear: enjoy today what may not be here tomorrow”: Can the tube amp survive in the digital era?

By Jamie Dickson published 22 January 24

As digital guitar amplification continues to wow the market and guitar players alike, is it realistic to assume that it will be business as usual for the tube amp?

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