Top 5 Amplifiers Of The Past 15 Years (And 2 Worst)

[@SlobodaBalint]

I'm just gonna say that the Victory Kraken was my dream amp since highschool, now I bought it after looking at it for 7 years and it still exceeded my expectations. I knew the gain will be nice but it cleans up so well too. I will never sell that amo.

[@OliverBird-d3i]

I have literally been watching and following you since the “World Guitar” days and it’s been an absolute pleasure! I’ve always enjoyed your content and especially your humour and guitar skills, always been an inspiration and I hope you can do more with the Anderson’s guys in the future?! Keep up the great work Rob🎸👍

[@RobChappers]

Thanks man!! Really appreciate your support over these years ❤️🤘🏽

[@brettmarlar4154]

Nothing brings out the passion like heartbreak. Every manufacturer has their flashes of brilliance, and abject failures (or lemons, if you will). The first "proper" amp I fell in love with was the Peavy Bandit 112. The amount of saturation in the drive channel still has yet to be challenged in my opinion. Despite it being solid state, it still felt like carrying around an anvil. But you could beat the ever loving shit out of them and they'd never miss a beat. They were built like tanks.

[@RobChappers]

The Bandit was on of the first amps I played - awesome bit of gear

[@JackJD]

Insanely good chops to this day! Great job Rob! 🔥

[@jubei7259]

I've owned a Tiny Terror for 20 years now. It's my 'at home' amp (my missus banned me from playing my old OR120 indoors lol) & I love it. Not a pedals guy anyway but it does everything I like so damned well, just plug in & play!

[@tresixteen]

Hating on the spider is so much fun, but it’s also the amp I learned on and at the time I thought it was amazing!

[@jeffdrake429]

Line6 DT25 owner here. He's right, they are killer, and his is without the FW that added amps, cabs, and mics. The homegrown DT Edit app to tweak it is a great bonus.

[@Eliphas_Elric]

That solo at 5:16 is incredible. Wow.

[@IanNorsworthy]

Find yourself someone who looks at you like Lee looks at Rob during the Two Rock demo. Fantastic video and list!

[@timwhite5562]

The Machete has been one of the most criminally underrated amps ever. Ive been an amp tech for twenty years and have been doing warranty repairs for most major amp manufacturers for over 15 of those years. I was completely unaware it even existed until five or six years ago when someone brought one to be retubed. I very well could have heard about before then, but when he came in and threw it on my bench I was at a loss as to WTF it was. I must have said "Jesus, this thing sounds great" a dozen times over a ten minute period playing through it.

[@horrifyinggelatinousblob]

Boss Katana is great, being able to program a PRE or POST EQ per channel with the software basically turns it into whatever amp you want.

[@RobChappers]

Secrets

[@D.Miller]

I recall the video's with the matchless amps- must say the only place I've seen them used.

[@craigtodd8297]

I feel sad because I still have, use, and like my original Line6 Spider redface 1. It was 20 years ahead of its time. The Katana (whilst admittedly better) is virtually identical in its layout/set up.

[@thenovello-pugh]

Got to agree with you , Rob. The Boss Katana is amazing. I've been playing for 35 years and owned all manner of high end amps - and I am amazed by the sounds I can get out of my Mk1 Katana 100 1x12 . All for just £160 (secondhand).

[@BOBANDVEG]

The licensed boss plug-ins alone....I mean...

[@frossbog]

I've concluded that for me, the Katana is vastly overrated. I've tried 4 or 5 of them including that Artist and I just can't get past the fizzy distortion and it seems almost impossible to get rid of. Bought a NUX MG-30 and Headrush FRFR and it kills.

[@countzero5150]

The luthier at my local shop always plugs into a little katana artist combo to test guitars before he let's the customers know they're done. I'm always shocked by how good it sounds. Of course he's a fantastic guitarist but it really is shocking since the last time I had any experience with a modeler was when the peavey vypyr was still new.

[@Vivi_9]

@@frossbog I think it's because to get good tones out of the Katana you have to use the software on a computer, which gives you the customisation to sculpt the tones into actually being very good

[@muzerino]

⁠@@frossbogI too find the Katana overrated. It’s good for the price I guess, but I sold mine and put the cash toward a HT-5 and a 2x12 and love the sound way better. 😎

[@jonwanrocks]

played 200+ restaurant and bar gigs w the boss katana and can confirm. it takes a BEATING and CONSISTENTLY sounds GREAT

[@thenkindler001]

We need top 5 guitarists you've interviewed over the same time period.

[@countzero5150]

The Bad Cat Hot Cat came in with the first shipment of bad cat amps when my local shop became a dealer and EVERYONE that has tried it absolutely loves it.

[@SapperRJMorgan]

So happy to see Bad Cat on this list. Those amps are brilliant.

[@harshtruth9148]

My DSL 20 head and 2x12 cab kicks ass

[@Sonic_Axe]

Both the playing and the Two Rock sensor sounded amazing!

[@SteveHatzman]

I had a Line 6 Spider Valve back in the day that I loved.

[@leedouglass9636]

I have a line 6 mark iv,head ran through a 4x12 b52 cab and its awesome

[@tbfx9558]

It’s incredible how you could express your feelings and emotions with your guitar playing. Hope I’ll once have the opportunity to hear you life again like I did a couple of years ago here in germany. Never stop rockin’ 🤘

[@RobChappers]

That really means a lot to me my friend, I will be touring in 24 so hopefully I’ll get the chance to see you

[@adamekcar]

@@RobChappers Coming to the States?

[@RobChappers]

@@adamekcar I really want to my house, working on it at the moment

[@adamekcar]

@@RobChappers Hell Yeah! Keep us updated!

[@simonbeckford]

Laney Super Cub 10&12 ! Amazing amps and amazing pedal platform!

[@sparrowsblade]

I really miss my silverback I really had a connection to it especially since I was going through some really bad things at the time. I'm saving up again to get one. Just playing unplugged until then !

[@clarissaanaferreirasieiro2127]

I don't own any in this list but i was sure the Boss Katana would be one . I own the Fender Deville 4x10 made in USA 1996 and sounds incredibly good . My first tube amplifier was the Orange Micro Terror wich i love and i just bought few weeks ago the Orange PPC212 CB 2x12 cabinet to pair with it , really is a micro amazing amp . The Fender Machete i never heard about but i think after this video it will go up in price , may is better to see if there's any i can afford before they become more expensive than my car !

[@motoki1]

Deville 410 is one of my main amps. Orange micro amps are great through big cabs, as you’ve found. Plenty good for at home and I gig with one from time to time. My buddy has a Machete head and 412 and it’s a beast.

[@billybobhouse9559]

This is the first vìdeo ive watched of yours in a long time Rob, and it was great! I brought a DT25 after your Andertons vid and i still love it.

[@doug1274]

Damn. Your playing on that Two Rock was….powerfully beautiful, emotional. You’re always great, but that gave me the feels.

[@Lez325]

Nice to see you up and running Rob- we missed you

[@RobChappers]

Thank you sir, and also very interesting comment - I never stopped uploading, but KZbin stopped sharing my content, so if you are seeing me now, it’s because the algorithm has changed

[@Lez325]

@RobChappers oh I see you Rob. Keep posting as said. You were missed 😢

[@robertpurdy4452]

I remember when I went up to Riff City's grand opening of their Minneapolis store I wanted to get a Katana 100, and meet you, which I did get to meet you at, but the only one they had was the one they brought down for you to use, or was it the Katana 50 I ended up taking with me...? Anyway, I tried a Roland JC-40, a Marshall Combo, and the Katana they had there and I took home the Katana. I have a Mk I Katana Artist that I absolutely adore. I adore you too, but not in a weird way. Thanks for always being you! I still have both and I hook them up in stereo and it's just glorious.

[@RobChappers]

Great memories dude!! 🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@shanedaniels5191]

Great video!! I thoroughly enjoyed it with my morning coffee. I recall all those product demos you and Lee did. What a great ride down memory lane. I personally loved the Two Rock video. I agree with Lee, Gary Moore vibes. Have a wonderful day ☺️✌️

[@RobChappers]

Glad you enjoyed it dude, much more coming

[@GitShiddy]

Before it starts I'm going to guess. Boss Katana, Fender Machete, some version of the Orange Tiny Terror, Victory Ritchie Kotzen & Soldano SLO-30. Now lets see how many I got. Well the two I was most sure of. And many of the honourables. (Nearly said the Two Rock despite not remembering the name just the solo)

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

I picked up a Blackstar HT Stage 100 with matching 2 x 12 (v30's) for £450. Best sound I have ever achieved.

[@BillieSwift]

Completely agree with this list. Katana is still the best amp I owned mainly because it's priced right and the sounds I can get from it are amazing. Had to sell it during the pandemic but planning to get one soon.

[@carlosclaptrix]

Hi! Which model are you talking of?

[@t3hgir]

@@carlosclaptrix any of the boss katana combos are great practice amps for home. I worked as a tech at guitar center for a bit and a 2x12 Katana combo was my go-to amp on the floor to test customers guitars with different tones (IE not through the cheap Crate amp they gave me that sounded awful no matter what)

[@adolfoherrerat]

The first time I watched one of your videos was back then when you made the Marshall MG FX series review with the Subway Bandit, I still watch it from time to time as it's Sooo funny 😂 and great! You should bring that character back from time to time Been watching ever since, listening to your music (Holy fire 🔥) and will keep on doing it, keep rocking Rob!

[@PJSScotty]

Love the Blackstar 5w mention, regularly use it for pub gigs with the 2 cab stack with V30's. Love that Machete.

[@karmaandkerosene_music]

I was going to mention that matchless amp. I remember when you demoed it many, many years ago. Jeff really seemed like a sweetheart of a guy. I felt sad when I learned he passed - even though I never met him.

[@RobChappers]

He was an absolutely amazing guy

[@martydibergi5228]

John Jorgenson told me to get an sc 30 about 30 years ago I still have it and my 1964 Fender no logo BF DR still happy

[@Fergieguitar]

I made my katana into a Floor amp 3 years ago and it's still a monster amp, joy to play, so good. I couldn't think of a better amp to do this with

[@adeptgopnik]

I think the Fender Supersonic 22 or 60 needs to be on this list as well. It is a very slept on amp that does great fender cleans with 2 clean voicings and thick heavy dirt as well that you normally can never get from a fender amp.

[@angusorvid8840]

I absolutely love the Supersonic 22. I almost bought one a couple years back but opted for a Marshall DSL, which I regretted, once again reminding myself I am not a Marshall guy, but a Fender guy. I've owned five Fenders for every Marshall. My next amp will be the Supersonic.

[@chrishepburn1503]

Definitely a slept on amp. I have a Supersonic 60, and it's killer.

[@JimmiCottam]

I bought a Katana MKII 2x12 because of how highly Chappers and The Captain sang it's praises. It really is an awesome box of tricks, there's so much it can do! Stupidly versatile for live and studio. And affordable!

[@shanewalton8888]

Yngwie doesn’t screw around when it comes to gear. His autobiography was full of gear talk and he installs his own pickups.

[@Satchmoeddie]

A+ for Two Rock from an old repair tech and player perspective. Line 6 D+. Marshall D-. Fender D-. Boss Katana F. Repairing the Katana is also called replacing a Katana. I am one of the very few techs who will even attempt to fix Line 6 stuff, but the Katana is so cheap it's not worth fixing. Matchless B. Blackstar D. They are cheaply made. Orange C+. Victory C. Peavey imported amps D-. Peavey made some good stuff and used to have great support staff. Those guys could tell you how to bulletproof (no, bombproof) their Class D amps for less than $2 worth of parts. Labor? $50-$100. Two Rock is made by old friends and their amps are top tier.

[@doodcifer_]

My dad was looking for an amp awhile back and I mentioned the Katana to him and sure enough he bought it and it’s fucking amazing, I liked it so much that I bought one and recently got the Katana Artist Head and it’s the best amp I’ve played

[@glenproctor1999]

Agree totally about Victory, A great British company! Use the Duchess V4 every single day. I would go with Line 6 not always being the best company too. They have a habit of hugely promoting a product then dropping any support for it when their new 'best' thing comes along. In the worse category though, can I recommend (??) the Fender G-Dec. Didn't exist long and rightly so!

[@StormdriverOne]

Interesting selection. I knew the Katana would be in there but didn't think it would be the 2x12. I have always preferred 2x12 combos.

[@jules153]

Cracking video, some nice memories too

[@jt5326]

I forgot about the Fender Machette. What a cool amp

[@enthused7591]

LOL when you were about to say Boss Katana as the final of the 5, I screamed out "Blackstar HT5!" and you said Katana instead lol. So glad the HT5 got the honorable mention at the end, and that made me laugh out loud a little. I love the HT5 and the Bugera G5 head as well that copies the HT5. They sound immense for almost no money.

[@rondeveau7240]

My setup for many years now is marshall jcm2000 tsl and a carvin v3 on An a b y switch. More tone choce, and in y mode crazy good

[@YngveSkarphedinssoon]

My dream amps and l have them are the Steve Fryette amps UltraLead + 50ST and the 100CL

[@AutismRocksOfficial]

BEST SHIRT EVER 🙌🔥🤘

[@jvanb231]

Crying isn't a breakdown it's a breakthrough.

[@AuntAlnico4]

😂unless it's a break down of course !

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

Damn right. And when the amp sounds that damn good I reckon I'd cry as well, absolutely stunning tone.

[@gunnerman21]

Shot in the dark, is this a Jason Isbell reference??

[@jvanb231]

​@@gunnerman21Joybubbles

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

I thought for sure that one of the Bassbreakers would be on the list.

[@purpleryder]

I gig with a 20w silver jubilee mini & have a 50w katana just for home practice. The Jube is just too good 🤘I an Orange Dark for back up. Another fantastic amp.

[@ruffestneckaround]

Mini Jubilee is the best overall amp I've owned🤘

[@kirkwilson8738]

Sorry about the loss of your Dog.. I know how that feels and it never really goes away.. You sent that Pup off with a beautiful solo

[@RobSchauland1911]

That Machete has certainly aged well on the used market.

[@PeteVinniePlay]

great video Rob! Brings back great memories!

[@steveweilhart2359]

I have a DT 50 2x12 after I saw your video (way back then) I found a guy who had 2 on craigslist here in the Austin tx area I grabbed 1 of them - I use it in a stereo set up with my PRS Archon 50 v2 - Thanks Rob for all you do -

[@edeledeledel5490]

The Fender Machete costs £1600; not everyone has more money than sense. Two Rock Sensor £1900; even more so. Line 6 DT50 much cheaper, but all Line 6 amps go wrong with software faults sooner or later.

[@Im-sure]

I had the line 6 vetta years ago with the huge floor pedal, played in a band and the volume knob kept vibrating up immediately got rid of it.

[@nicktilliros9021]

Lovely list, I am the proud owner of a DT50 which I bought dirt cheap, but that Machete man... I wish I had one of those

[@dude_crush_]

I attended the Clinic you did in Phoenix AZ a few years ago. You used the Boss Katana and you sounded great!!!

[@yosephmcjoe9575]

How did I know the machete would appear on this list aha. It's great to revisit these old snapshots of time.

[@surfnorthwest1]

Haha, I have a YJM. I got to hear Yngwie demo it at NAMM with Santiago in the room back in 2012, I almost quit playing guitar after that 10- minutes in the booth. I paired it with one of the 50th anniversary cabs from Marshall's concert at Wembly which I went to from the USA. I found your list honest, good on you Chappers. I have a Kantana Mark2 head also and slave my Kemper rack into it, and my pedalboard using my Radial JD7 to switch and blend but I agree great tones by itself. Nice to have options man. Good video.

[@vladdyvansavage8760]

What an interesting list..just got the Blackstar ID 100 watt amp and i'm blown away by how awesome it sounds.

[@michaelgallegos8811]

Cool video Rob thanks man the Matchless sounded sick man..

[@sajisguitar]

I knew you'd select Katana as one of your favourites, and Spider as one of your least favourites!! Love that Glenfiddich though!! Cheers!

[@marvinthemartian6788]

I have the Boss katana 50 watt. Haven’t dialed in to my satisfaction, but I seem to have that issue with a lot of my gear

[@lehmusic2675]

Have you plugged it into tone studio? It makes it sing!

[@geraldbrown2875]

So sad to hear about the passing of your dog Cassie. R.I.P. Cassie ❤ 🐕

[@musick777]

DT50 owner here. Love that amp!

[@RobChappers]

It’s amazing! Always wished I owned one

[@musick777]

@@RobChappers The fact that I can go from a compressed Vox type tone to a high-headroom/spiky Fender clean using actual NFL and tubes is pretty crazy

[@soulsweet40]

Very interesting picks...now I will go to the guitar center website and see if I can find a deal on these...especially the Machete and DT50

[@Jeffelangelo]

I still have a Marshall SL-5, which has been a cool amp to mess around with. I also thought the Marshall Code wasn’t that bad for a budget bedroom/apartment amp.

[@ivorharden]

I like the Code. Once you get a good tone, you keep it.

[@ruffestneckaround]

SL-5 is SUCH a good low/moderate volume amp🤘

[@JanLawicki]

Such a cool video Rob. Agree 100% with your selection and appreciate it. I thought you were involved in katana design/development? Correct me if I’m wrong. Cheers

[@RobChappers]

Unfortunately, I can neither confirm, nor deny this

[@Dunkelzeitgeist]

Interesting a lot of us, me included have been pushed these recent nostalgic videos, I'm all for it! I have gone from a kid to an adult since you taught me all I know about music, I have re-subscribed, no idea when or why I became unsubscribed, but I'm back watching you again, like I was 15years ago

[@TheCoronaMortis]

And here's 5 amps that have just gone up in price haha Really hard to disagree with the Katana being in there. Honourable mention to the Cornford Oxblood!

[@ClassicalPan]

Despite the fact that I have rarely played electric instruments during my adulthood (I'm nearly 38 now), I bought the Katana based on your and Rabea's demos. Funnily, I struggled to become comfortable with it because I've been playing the same Fender Princeton Chorus since I was about 16 years old, and anything that doesn't sound like that sounds wrong to my ears after all that time. Regardless, I recognize that the Katana is excellent and I'll be keeping it. Maybe someday I'll put the acoustics down and plug in again.

[@mygabrielle7477]

Love the fender machete. Another outstanding amp that didn’t really take off was the Swedish made Elmwood Modena m60 head. I still own one and will never sell it. Your playing on the two rock was beautiful. Cap’s face was literally melting off

[@CindyToelle]

I love my DT50 especially when Line6 linked to the helix. I have had a few problems with this amp over the years. First problem was replacement of a transformer. the second problem occurred this year when it blew a capacitor. The technician said that there was a wiring problem that was the cause. He fixed the problem now and is back to my #1.

[@glennalansmith6390]

Thanks Rob! I've been following you since 2013 I believe on this crazy You Tube thing, I just bought my 1st Chapman this year! I ML1 Hybrid in stunning abyss fde. i love it! But now I find out I have the wrong amp?! A Line 6 Spyder IV 75? I do have a Yamaha THR5 and Fender DAC15 and use the Spider mostly with the clean channel and my assortment of Tone City pedals. My challenge to you sir, is to show us what we can do to make a SPYDER sound great! Is there any sweet spot, with or without the Line 6 footswitch? Are there ways to change up the sound with additions of a pedal or 2? I think I can make it scream, but then again I annoy a lot of folks with my playing. LOL Im looking at a Katana now. :) Thanks ROB!!! Happy Holidays from US in the US. and from Colorado!

[@RobChappers]

There’s no wrong amp dude… it’s all in the ear of the beholder! If you like it then that’s fine… I don’t have a Spyder, no will I do I’m afraid I can’t help with that.

[@donnybrook8051]

11:07 not second to none, they're.... Matchless.

[@draper858]

I am in the same boat as you Rob.,. I’m still kicking myself I didn’t sell my car to buy the yjm100 when they came out. 😢

[@calebwhitcraft1664]

My Katana 100w head is incredible. Want to throw it on a 4x12 half stack? Go for it. Want to throw it on a single 12" for a smaller venue? Sure, scale the power down. Want a practice amp? Use the built in 5" speaker (on quiet stages this puts out enough volume for a monitor), or the headphone jack with emulated speaker cab. Want to go direct in to an interface or PA? Use the emulated speaker output. Want a direct-in interface? Use the USB port. And that's setting aside the wealth of tones and effects that are built in, BEFORE you get to the secret options in the editor. I can't speak highly enough of the katana head, everyone should throw one under the backseat of the van as a backup or a swiss army knife.

[@rinkydinky-ob9pe]

I only bought 1 line6 amp ,a flextone11 way back in 2001, I had it for three weeks and had to bring it back to the shop and got a deluxe instead. I’ll say this much for them .

[@travisaus2689]

I bought the revv 100p mk3 head and quad box. Loving the revv very versatile.

[@glenn4810]

I love the sound of the Boss Katana in this video. But you're talking about the 100W 212 and it looks that the sound comes from a 50W (the one on the left with the mic) when you're gigging. Am I correct ? I'm looking to buy one, and I want to be sure of my choice (between the 50W, 100w and 100w 212). ;-)

[@RobChappers]

Yes, in this video clip, I am using the 50 W one by 12, the video was a long demonstration and it was practical to mik up one speaker and drive it really hard, however, later on I toured with a 2 x 12 and preferred using that - to be honest, either is great

[@glenn4810]

@@RobChappers Thank you for your answer Rob. It helps me because I was hesitating. Now I know that the 50W has a great sound, then I can go for it as it's more for a home/studio use. All the best. (PS : I love your emotional solo on the Two Rock)

[@hannibalbarkas1350]

These are some really weird choices. I respect it. Love the Yngwie amp, sounds really pissed.

[@dmac3316]

Solid video. 👍Playing a UAFX Lion into a Boss Katana right now😎

[@madsam7582]

Air? Air EX? 50? 100? Artist? That's the setup I want to get.

[@BasementGuitarSuperstar]

What perfect timing. I’m going to GC tomorrow to trade in an amp I’ve grown tired of to get a Boss Katana.

[@roimodeste]

I like my 2 amps: the Marshall JCM800 Studio and the Blackstar Fly 3. The Fly 3 is the best small portable amp and it's inexpensive.

[@AuntAlnico4]

😂The fly 3 !? Best little amp !??? The DSL 1 is the best little amp .

[@roimodeste]

@@AuntAlnico4 The 1w serie anniversary made in england (jcm1 /dsl1 etc...) not the ds1 made in asia

[@kiwidan2271]

I have a DT25 combo that I bought based on your videos with the DT series. Great amp

[@visualdragon]

The look on The Captain's face during that Two Rock solo says it all.

[@victorycrosby4896]

I got one of those line 6 designed by Bogner tube amps its usable I like it it was cheap and in stellar condition.

[@SpiritOfOrange]

One of the demos you did back in the day was an Orange Rocker 30. I'm surprised that beauty never made the Top 5.

[@ChrisBlackTV]

It's cool to see you still have that yellow Yamaha from Lee 🤘

[@uno1industries]

It’s a gift from a friend I’m sure that’s a lifer

[@RobChappers]

Of course man, I’ll never let that one go

[@GRANTKEEL]

I always wanted a Fender Machete. Was such a cool amp

[@lukehenderson436]

I remember being unimpressed with the Peavey Piranha, unit it got paired with the Orange Micro Dark, and the two of them together sounded really nice.

[@BenPritchard98]

Chappers!! If you love the Katana so much. Have you tried the Boss Nextone. Not digital, all analog, great tones. That amp blew me away with how close to a valve sound they got! Also, been watching you since the very first all natural ML2 proto. And i came across your videos because my uncle has a Vigier Excalibur and i was obsessed with that guitar and found your video at world music. Still a fan now. You rock 👍🏻

[@saucerfullofzepp4203]

Vox AC10 shud be on this list purely due to the comedy gold in that video. Smack it, smack it bro!!!

[@RobChappers]

Good call! Ha ha

[@Lowtech14]

Rocking the Glenfiddich. Nice.

[@LukeGreck]

This is sheer wisdom. Really like the way you explain the characteristics of each contender - it's really genuine 🙂Loved this one!

[@EyeballK1d]

Shame he's a massive bellend

[@jmonty2005]

For the Yngwie Marshall, are you playing through the stock paired cabinet?