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What Makes A Good Amp ?

M

Matt Lowe

Jul 20, 2009
10
0
Rainham, London, England
#1
Hey everyone:) I'm pretty new to the whole idea of what to look for in an amp. I currently have this Amp:

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I think it's got a nice sound to it, although i'm not extremely confident on how to use it to it's full potential, so i was wondering on what makes a good amp? and how to use an amp to it's fullest potential ? This would be a great help.

I'm running my Epiphone Embassy V standard through this amp id anyone wanted to ask :D

Thanks and sorry if a thread like this has been created already, but i couldn't see one xD :) cheers.
 
#3
A good amp is one that provides everything you need or want from it. Volume, clean volume, tone, and whatever features you need, like eq, balanced outs, (XLR) effects loops, etc. There's no right answer, it just all depends on the individuals needs and preferences.
 
#4
The important things in an amp, for me (in no particular order)...
1. Volume - enough to get the job done
2. Tone - whatever your definition of "good" is
3. Reliablity - failure is not an option
4. Transportablity - you got to move it, move it

For some people, 1000 watts and a couple of 810 cabs are what's necessary. For others, a 50 watt 110 combo is sufficient. Sometimes, just a DI into the PA gets the job done. It all depends on what your particular needs are.
 
#6
a good sounding amp is a good amp. but other aspects (as mentioned above) include power, features, and (IMO) the most important reliability. a good sounding amp that doesent have enough power for your needs isint right for you. a good sounding amp that isint reliable isint worth buying..ext.
 
#7
My P (Eric) is right on it. I would add that if you can get a single head and mix up the cabs it makes it easier. I use a BA115 for practice and an SVT III Pro for gigs. I am considering going to modular cabs (like the Mesa Boogie 10's or 12's) to have the same head all the time and expandable speaker (inches).

-richard
 
#8
StyleOverShow said:
My P (Eric) is right on it. I would add that if you can get a single head and mix up the cabs it makes it easier. I use a BA115 for practice and an SVT III Pro for gigs. I am considering going to modular cabs (like the Mesa Boogie 10's or 12's) to have the same head all the time and expandable speaker (inches).

-richard
Click to expand...

Agreed. My main gigging amp is an Aguilar DB750 (which gives me ridiculous power, fantastic tone, and reliability), but I have both 210 and 410 cabs. The 210 gets used for small clubs and rehearsals. The 410 comes out when the room size can handle it. It's all about the right tools for the job at hand.
 
#10
For me it's:

1. Sound- does it make my basses sound the way I want them to? That means it's pretty colorless and I don't need to jerk the EQ around to make them sound good.
2. Power- enough to do the gig without running the amp to its extremes.
3. Reliable- well made, sturdy, and intelligently designed.
4. Useful EQ. Doesn't have to be a lot, and I'm not intimidated by parametric EQ. But again, I don't want an amp that I HAVE to do a lot of EQ work to make it sound good in a neutral setting. That means if I have a weird room, I've got to do more EQ work to get a good sound, and that's not what I want.
5. Not too heavy- that can vary, but I don't see the point in lugging around an 85 pound amp head any more.
6. Good aftermarket service whether it's in warranty or not. That means nothing that comes from LOUD Technologies, or any of those other places where they only replace things, not fix them.
7. Good dealer representation. I'd love to check out Genz-Benz and Mark Bass. But there's no dealers, so I won't even consider them.

John
 
#11
By "regular amp", I believe you're referring to a "combo" where the speaker and amplifier are one package. It is very common, particualrly with higher-powered setups, to have the amp and speaker as seperate units. The term "cab" refers to a stand-alone speaker cabinet not containing an amp. Cabs come in a multitude of different sizes and configurations.

Generally speaking, the more volume you're looking to put out, the more speakers you'll need (although that's not the only factor). A common large cab is typically referred to as an "810" - eight 10" speakers in one enclosure. A "112" would be one 12" speaker.

You would do well to browse through some of the threads containing pictures in this forum, as well as the online product info from manufacturers (Ampeg, Gallien-Kreuger, Ashdown...) and retailers (Musicians Friend, etc.), and get familiar with different equipment configurations. Self-education is a powerful tool. :)
 
#12
to answer the title.... "What makes a good amp?"

If you like it and it suits your needs then it would be good for you. What may not be popular on TB for a season could show up in a video with someone like Geddy Lee using it and next thing ya know it becomes popular.
 

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