So you have your instrument be it a guitar, bass, saxophone or whatever. You are all hyped up to be a rockstar, now you just need to learn to play a little. Remember that reverb, feedback and distorsions of your sound are not good if you want it to be loud so choose the best amp for your instrument.

Which musical instrument amplifier should you get? Do you go for a big brand name or are you happy with a more modest outlay as long as the amp comes highly recommended? There are three main considerations you should make; how will it be used, what power output you require and your level of ability.

Firstly, you need to know how you will use your amp. Let’s say you have a guitar amplifier. Do you want some minor jam sessions with friends or are you practicing alone? Do you live in an apartment and don’t want to annoy the neighbours, or even to annoy the neighbours as they do you! Will you be rehearsing in an old church with high ceilings where the sound will get lost. For more power you usually need more watts. A five watt dual speaker may not be enough.

Secondly, is this issue of the power. If you are jamming with friends and their amps are much higher powered than yours, maybe they even go up to 11, then you might be like a church mouse compared with them. Do you want that? Would that “small” feeling bug you?

Thirdly, you should think about how good you are. Really if you are a total beginner there is no point in buying a high end Fender amplifier because the value for money equation comes in. If you are going to be practicing for 10 hours a day for the rest of time maybe but most people’s interest drops off after the first couple of weeks and practice sessions do not last as long as before.

You should also consider other things when deciding. Which accessories are available for your amp? Is the amp of a much great quality than your guitar? When you decide to upgrade will there be a second hand market for your old amp?

Buying an amp is not just a case of looking at the first one that comes into your head and getting it. Careful consideration should be given to this. After all, the musical instrument amplifier you buy should give you years of excellent service.

My “You Rock Guitar” from Inspired Instruments finally arrived. Demonstration.

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