Upgrade Your Amp Before Your Next Guitar

Baxter and Jonathan talk about why your amp needs upgraded next!

[@ronniewilliford3449]

1975: I mowed lawns for an entire summer to get my first electric guitar, an Electra Les Paul copy for $200. Like Baxter, I plugged it into my JC Penny stereo till I could afford a real amp. A girl in school overheard me talking about it and said that her dad was selling his amp. I followed her home to talk to her dad and he said he was selling the amp, guitar and wah pedal as a package for $300. It was an old 60s Fender blackface Twin Reverb, a Gibson Les Paul Jr with a single bat-wing P90 and a Fender pedal that was volume, wah and fuzz combined. I payed him cash and had to bum a ride home. I couldn't carry any of it on my bike. I almost never touched the Electra copy and sold it pretty soon after that. The LP Jr was outstanding. I will admit, 85 watts it too big of a blowtorch for a 15 year old, but that rig sounded amazing and made me enjoy learning and playing so much.

[@charlesrense5199]

You are a true guitarist. Forget the girl, it's all about her dad's guitar and amp.

[@qua7771]

That story is like going back in time. Those were the days. Thats a good price even for that era. I scored a Vox AC-15 for $50 but it wouldn't keep up with my drummer friend, so I ended up with an Ampeg VT-40 that I never really liked the time of, but I dealt with it because I couldn't find, nor afford a Marshall. I also didn't know much about Fender amps. The only internet was word of mouth. We would learn by watching local bands play.

[@Irkennalpha]

I just need you to say that the girl was supper pretty and soon after she became your first girlfriend. That will make it a complete fantasy

[@cmel714]

I got lucky my dad was a musician and bought a new Fender Deluxe Reverb amp in 1965 and when I started playing guitar in the 70's I got to use his Deluxe Reverb as my first amp. Still have it and use almost every day. Great videos thanks guys!!!

[@jackstraw522]

I got lucky too, learned to play on my Dads 78’ super reverb. I got myself a Mesa Boogie Studio Caliber it does everything I need

[@lethrbear32]

Fender makes the best amps in my opinion, and they're LOUD when you need them to be.

[@jackstraw522]

@@lethrbear32 ever owned a Mesa Boogie?

[@lueysixty-six7300]

Awesome! I was lucky to have piano lessons as a kid - but I only stuck with them got about a year. I don't remember actually quitting, but how ever it stopped , I lost a golden opportunity. I didn't know it at the time, but the grand piano we had in the large main room was worth 6 figures! (Google it. Whatever the brand! And this was medium size - not a baby, but not concert either. Those concert grands are mammoth!). Dad plays bass, so his killer thru-neck walnut/maple Ibanez bass, his double bass, and the handmade fretless bass he had in the same violin/cello/double bass shape were all on this little raised section at one end - like a mini stage, I guess. There was also a nylon string acoustic guitar...plain to look at, but so nice to play. Within the house m, there was also a saxophone and a flute. Oh, and my $70 second hand Strat copy! Yup, that's right, even with all that opportunity, I only learned guitar off my own bat...buying said👆"Strat" with money I earned in a summer painting a factory.

[@qua7771]

I wasn't lucky. My dad played bluegrass. I spent a ton of money over time finding the right gear.

[@anthonyvalerio2866]

I upgraded to a Mesa Boogie California Tweed. Now I LOVE my guitars.

[@martin-1965]

1977 Marshall Bluesbreaker went with me everywhere for 20 years. Got borrowed by every band I knew. Then had to be sold in 2010 to pay debts. Just got a cute Marshal Origin 5 for that simple classic Marshall sound but not quite the same but neighbours appreciate it :)

[@edpetrikk2027]

I put 15 pedals in front of my Pignose amp and I get every tone I could ever want . I’m spending a bunch of bucks on 9 volt batteries though . I might have to sell my Dumble amp so I can afford more batteries 👍😎🎸

[@seanc.5310]

Power supply bro, power supply

[@autistichead8137]

I demoed everything in the 900-1500 price range and went with the Fender Twin Tonemaster. It loves pedals, the attenuation allows me to not be too much of a bother to my neighbors. It’s a great amp.

[@williamalderman2651]

¹¹233³is a great place

[@BensonOfD]

To be honest, I still can't get a great pedal drive tone out of my Twin Tonemaster. Any tips or advice?

[@autistichead8137]

@@BensonOfD Inexpensive fizzy overdrives won’t go well with the twin, I went with the Walrus Audio 385 bell and Howell overdrive. I pair it with the JHS whitey tighty compressor. It sounds amazing. For awesome stoner Fuzz I use the Walrus Audio Jupiter. My other pedals are a Morley Classic Wah, MXR Phase 100 and Univibe. Walrus ARP 87 Delay, Strymon El Capistan Tape Delay, and lastly Being a Progressive rock guy, the greatest invention since the wheel, the electro harmonix Mel9 mellotron pedal.

[@BensonOfD]

@@autistichead8137 Maybe I'm just setting the eq or something wrong then? I use a Prince of Tone, Nordland ODR1, Wampler Tumnus, and a Friedman BE-OD, so I'd say my drives are all pretty solid. I could have just gotten a dud too I guess.

[@autistichead8137]

@@BensonOfD I can’t imagine you getting it died of the twin is the king of clean

[@michaelriffey2372]

I love the Saturday videos! I don't have to leave for work when its over, I can grab my guitar and have a play!

[@CasinoGuitars]

That just made me real happy thanks for sharing that thought!

[@matthewh6119]

My wife has commented on some vintage amps “that would look better in the living room that that black box!” I say cool I’ll buy a vintage fender tweed, her story quickly changes to the living room is no place for a guitar amp! 😧

[@charlesbolton8471]

My wife doesn’t understand my obsession with amps either. I’m fortunate that she’s got nothing against a nice looking guitar, but amps are just ugly boxes to her. Out of the nine amps that I own only two of them are black, and both of them are black tweed. So my amps vary a bit in appearance.

[@kitten-whisperer]

@@charlesbolton8471 get a hughes and kettner. It has pretty lights and everything and it slaps.

[@whiterose7055]

Hey now... I'm in my 80's and started playing guitar in grammar school. You guys are absolutely right, the amp is very important. I started with a Fender Champ and got a used Tweed Deluxe in high school. Both of these amps have served me well the rest of my life, even though I have other amps (Mesa Mk IV, Vox AC's Marshal Blues Breaker) these work best for me and the rooms I actually play in now a days. BTW I spent four years near Fayetteville NC (Rented a trailer on an old tobacco farm) in the 1970's, and Myrtle Beach is indeed a great place. Have a good one!

[@VidMashUp]

First amp you need is the Fender Mustang GTX-100 modelling amp. It's better than the Spark in that you can actually use it to gig. And it will give you a feel for all kinds of other amps so you can decide what else you want. It also comes with a foot switch to change effects.

[@mikeomatic9905]

Had a Hot Rod Deluxe while in a band in college. Such a great sounding amp. But then I graduated and moved into an apartment. And then the noise complaints came in. Also: you still need a wall of guitars. They create a better natural reverb.

[@smelltheglove2038]

Get a blues jr. it’s what I rocked in my apt. I think it sounds pretty damn good.

[@mikeomatic9905]

@@smelltheglove2038 My buddy has a Blues Jr that I like, but it's a little bit heavy compared to the 5w Supro that I ended up going with. The 12" speaker probably sounds a little better, but the Surpo still sounds great, and at around 20lbs it's a lot more portable.

[@smelltheglove2038]

@@mikeomatic9905 weight isn’t so much of an issue for me. Those Supros sound great too though! My little brother is rocking the 10 inch version of the blues amp, pretty sure it’s the same one you have. They make a 12 inch speaker version of the 5 watt as well right? Either way they are cool amps and well made here in the US. Good choice.

[@mikeomatic9905]

@@smelltheglove2038 I actually got the Supro 64. It's a bit pricier (the same as a Fender Champ reissue), but sounds really good for an 8" speaker, and I could take it out to a 12" cab in the future if I want. Plus the blue denim-like cover looks good in the living room, something Jonathan's wife would appreciate :P

[@joshdickens8281]

You can’t go wrong spending the money on quality amps. I want a TWO ROCK!!

[@CasinoGuitars]

They ruined me! They’re so good it’s frustrating:)

[@caiusmadison2996]

Fun story, I once lost a Mtchless Chieftan, first year, for 6 years. To clarify, my father sold it, while I was away, and it took about thatong to locate it again. About 5 grand more than I should have had to pay for it, it sits guarded, in the closet, by way of guard Chihuahua. I'd say guard Dane, but Great Dane are not guards, if anything, they're the tour guide. The Light up front still works perfect and the sound is mighty, as one might expect. Lost a battle of the bands on this amp, it's going nowhere.

[@ehiracheta]

@@CasinoGuitars The frustration will be over once you pull the trigger and sell off some dusty amps if any and buy one. Buying it will no doubt create more dusty amps.

[@alandunn4459]

@@CasinoGuitars I played an R8 though a TS-1 and 4x12 cabinet. It was so loud my bones were rattling.

[@theHAL9000]

Keep going back to my 5 watt Swart Atomic Jr head. Majority of my experimenting goes towards trying different speakers. Have 5 different DIY speaker cabs in the house which offer a wide range of phenomenal sound options at a modest cost.

[@jimgroce9487]

I keep thinking about the 5w swart stereo amp....would be fun to have in the house I think. Plus they look very cool.

[@scottketterer1672]

Those are fun, the reverb on them is hilariously good.

[@davegallagher7428]

I’ve had a Blues Junior and some of the other amps that you mentioned but I’ve had a Tone King Imperial now for about a year and for me this two channel with an attenuator that really works amp is giving me everything and more that I had hoped for. I also have an Orange Rocker 15 and a Mesa 5/25 Express ( I like combo’s) so I can really cover a lot of ground. I’ll l never “need” another amp but what I will “want” in the future will be a different story let’s not kid each other. Great video guys!

[@kellinash6392]

Hi from Vegas I wake up at 430 am and your video is uploaded at the same time I do enjoy your blog with a good BM. Thank you for helping my digestive system Really like you guys

[@BasementGuitarSuperstar]

Lol so hard at this

[@jimmyfrombrooklyn8550]

I have a 4 watt Vox. It makes all my guitars shine. Use it for gigs too. Low hernia risk and tube tone that commands attention. Done!

[@mikenisbet9011]

Baxter, I love it when you talk about your old "red knob" twin with this reminiscent look in your eye. The first "real" amp I bought was a Super 60 from that same ilk. Still have it and, despite what the internet may say, I think it's awesome! I also have a 1983 Deluxe Reverb II and a Vox AC10 for the bedroom. All of them are great in my humble opinion! Keep up the awesome videos guys!

[@paulsimpson7751]

I did the same thing last year and got the Matchless laurel canyon reverb . Absolutely blew my mind . Is versatile enough to cover what I need as I play a Rickenbacker , strat and les Paul . You guys are always spot on with your advice.

[@legomasterthe3rd240]

I came to you guys to get a new guitar and ended up with a Super 15. I fell in love with it immediately and am very happy with it. Thanks for introducing me to magnatone

[@coopr168]

My first amp was a Fender GTX50 Mustang which I got for Christmas last year when I started playing electric. Fast forward one year and I just placed an order at my local shop for a Marshall 1987x 50 watt plexi and I couldn’t be more excited!

[@joeyvanostrand3655]

I recently got a Synergy tabletop unit and the Fryette Pitbull and Friedman BE/BB modules. They are absolutely phenomenal!! As long as you have a good tube amp with a clean power section you are all set! It's taken the place of many of my amps. I'm finally getting closer and closer to having the sound come out of the speakers that is just like the sound that I hear in my head!

[@charlesbolton8471]

This video is right my alley. I’ve been amp obsessed since my first guitar back in 1986. The first ones were just inexpensive solid state amps, but I got an early 70s Bassman head as my first tube amp and then a tweed Pro Junior when they first came out. Sold the Bassman in 1999 for double what I paid for it, and kept the Pro Junior until it was stolen in 2014. I have bought several amps (and still own them all) in the last 15 years or so. My collection includes Fender Champion 600 Reissue, Fender Pawn Shop Greta with the matching special run SC112 cabinet, Relic Tweed Special Run Blues Junior, 59 Bassman Reissue, vintage 1960 Fender Champ, vintage Silvertone 1484 in mint condition, Mojotone Blackout Tweed (one channel is like a tweed deluxe with more tone control and the other channel is a higher gain Marshall style), Victoria Ivy League (their version of the Harvard) and my only solid state amp a Fender Acoustasonic SFX. My current amp wish list includes a vintage Ampeg Reverberocket, a vintage Blackface Vibrolux Reverb, and a few boutique amps including Tone King Gremlin, Black Volt Trem-O-Hawk, Amplified Nation Wonderland Overdrive, Magnatone Panoramic Stereo, and pretty much everything that Victoria makes especially the Club Deluxe. It will probably be awhile before I add any of these to the collection though.

[@JiminTennessee]

I had a Blues Jr. then a Hot Rod D'Ville with 4x10's It was soooooo loud, but awesome. It also weighed around 80lbs! I sold it and bought a Mesa Mark V, which I have also sold. Now just play through a Mustang 1, which is pretty good for home use. I miss my tubes and am itching to get a new one. Thanks for this video!!

[@stevenheath741]

Absolutely….Great guitars NEED. Great amps….Milkman ,Tone king ,THD .vintage tweed

[@morganghetti]

I'd take a Princeton over any overpriced boutique brand.

[@JaiHighVibes]

Guys are spot on, I started with a Katana MKII which is cool then I upgraded to a DSL40CR and settled. I'd still like to get a vintage Fender but extremely happy with Marshall for sure.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Love my Tubes... but at the moment I am having a blast with a Core Series Blackstar 10W modeling amp. I have literally gigged with it as a plug and play into the house sound. I can get the tones & effects at my fingertips without enraging the sound guy or rolling eyes from our drummer waiting for the guitar players to adjust pedals. 😄

[@ChristTiger]

This, is the story of my life.... I spent a long time guitar and pedal hopping. I changed amps, and the skies opened. I've pretty much settled on my '62 Princeton Chris Stapleton, and the Revv D20. The Revv a better pedal platform as it has an effects loop plus the alt cab sims. Guitars are another story.... Thank you both for highlighting this subject, wise words.

[@arn999]

Started out with a tiny Fender amp in the 90s, then a 100w Marshall Valvestate also in the 90s to be heard by the people I played with. Stopped playing electric guitar for a long while, and now have a Vox Ac10c1 and a Mesa California Tweed, really happy with these.

[@matthewedwards1089]

Cornell Amps are my starting and end point. I've had loads, Mesa, marshall, fender, Gibson amps but my small Cornell Romany never ceases to make me smile.

[@hkguitar1984]

100% agree, the amplifier is where your tone takes its final shape. I'm currently using a two amp setup which I feel allows myself to best cover most all of the material I play. I've a '76 Fender Twin Reverb and a vintage Marshall Plexi half-stack that have both been reckoned with custom speakers to fine-tune my tone to what I imagine I should sound like. I'm blessed in that a very close friend is a "Tone-Freak" and re-cones speakers to support his GAS affliction.

[@timharrington4470]

I used to live in North Carolina and you guys remind me of the best things about living in North Carolina. I really enjoy your videos

[@charliewesley94]

Germino, Carr, Swart - NC has fantastic amp builders. This video is dead on. Spend your money on a good amp!

[@rw6100]

Love my Magnatone Super 15 from Casino my wife surprised me with! Thanks again for your help Jonathan!

[@frostheev]

I just picked up a Roland Blues Cube Stage and love it!

[@danielchavez85]

Great video! Investing in a good amp that has a range of tones is everything. I have a Victory VC35 Deluxe with the alnico golds and it changed everything for me. I used to have an extensive board and I would just make sounds and twist knobs and play fewer songs. With this amp, I haven’t really used any pedals. I have a delay and just use onboard reverb and trem- that’s it. Setting it to its sweet spot, I just reach for a different guitar for different gain textures. It really taught me to use the volume and tone controls and I’ve never been happier with the tones I produce and getting a pedal board out of my brain has freed me to play more songs. I actually use practice time to learn instead of creating textures or ambient sounds, you know? Finding the sweet spot of a good amp and learning to use volume and tone on your guitar is transformative - it’s everything.

[@jedisparky]

Guitars, amps AND Star Wars! You guys really are my heros!

[@jdeanmusic]

Absolutely 💯 truth. I have a small practice amp. A super champ xl and a late 60s twin after years of owning many amps. Tone is in the amp.

[@dreamscuba]

My first amp was a jerry rigged stereo amp from the 1970s. It was my brother's. I cannot remember the make, but it was made of wood with two wooden speakers. I had to solder a 5 pin DIN to the other end of my guitar cable for the input. Clearly, it had no reverb or overdrive...but it was a step of from the record input int my mono radio cassette player with the guitar cable going into the mic input, which only worked when I put the table player into record mode.... Great video guys.

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

I speak from experience, no toilet watching & I learned 45 guitars too late about the importance of better & more diverse amplification. (On a side note speaker upgrades DO make a huge difference & for less $$$$$)

[@tylerdominey7110]

I have a magnatone varsity reverb ordered up now! Thanks guys!

[@ldenskyify]

Great video. I started with a line 6 spider modeling and didn’t know tone until I got my blues jr. Ready for my next. I’ve played Dr. Z and they are amazing

[@brucer261]

its definitely a journey. I have 15 electric guitars and now I have 5 tube amps and tweaking an amp you just bought and trying different guitars in it back to back is so much fun. my amps are combos with exception of 1 which is a 100 watt Marshall head and I have a 4 speaker Marshall cab with green backs. So I a lot of options and its fantastic! and I am going to keep collecting and playing with the combinations

[@craigwilliams3719]

fully agree, different amps can invigorate your love of the guitars you already own. I have some great guitars (vintage & Custom Shop), and started down the vintage amp path with an early metal face Superlead, tweed deluxe, Brown Pro, Blackface Vibrolux Reverb....then I got into a Magnatone Stereo Twilighter reissue which is still a core to my multi-amp set up and very into Kendrick amps, different circuits and speaker configurations. Suddenly my pedal board shrank down to a few select boxes, because the amps sound amazing on their own.

[@clovergrass9439]

I like the idea of a handful of guitars and lots of amps. I recently picked up a used Fender Pro Jr mostly for my Tele and that thing is amazing, and it gets fairly loud. I use a Spark Booster to get a little crunch at lower volumes. The Marshall DSL line is great, got the 20 watt combo and the 1 watt head. I've had pretty bad Marshall GAS the past few years...8 cabs, 6 heads, 4 combos...some of it vintage. Absolutely love it all and I already know I'll have more Marshall GAS in the future!

[@nathanielvargas3863]

I don’t care what you guys say my Line 6 Spider III will never be replaced

[@mikeomatic9905]

McCarty 594 into a Line 6 Spider is the new meta

[@eighttz]

This needed to be said to the masses, and pay attention to the speaker choice for the amp

[@desimonenoah]

I've always been a fender guy but recently discovered how awesome a clean marshall sounds with scooped mids, high treble, and high bass. It's like a super punchy fender with a little less sparkle and spank.

[@nurk_barry]

I just finished building yet another 2x12 Marshall-style cab with a v30 and a celestion neo-creamback. There’s nothing sexier to me than a rippin head/cab combo sitting behind you on stage. I’ve always been infatuated with amps and cabs and find them unbelievably sexy. My first tube amp was a red-knob super 210 reverb. God I miss that amp. I then bought a JCM 900 100 watt dual reverb and it was such a great amp, but it kept breaking down on me. I also had the matching 1960b cab, which I still own. Nowadays I play pretty much exclusively orange, I have two orange 20 watt hybrids that I run I stereo with stereo effects, and my most recent purchase is an orange rocker 15 terror, which is my first all-tube amp since the JCM900. I had forgotten how amazing real tubes can sound. The orange just blows me away. Hence, I’ve been building custom cabs for these orange heads, because cabinet/making is a fun hobby in itself and the bonus is that I get to try and keep any cab I can imagine. My newest strategy is to go small and mimic the look of a Marshall 412 by doing a diagonal speaker layout and going 2x12. In addition, mixing celestion speakers seems to be the best way to beef up the overall response. I’ve got the best rig I’ve ever had, and building my own cabs makes it all the more fun. I also watch you guys on the toilet quite a bit! Thanks guys! (If you click my KZbin profile you can see my rig)

[@earle4370]

I gigged for a couple years with a 5 watt Valco and microphone for it. Small amps sound huge through a good PA. The load in and load out were super easy and it doesn't destroy your back. What am I using for a practice tonight? A late 50's Premiere Twin 8. Maybe 15 watts. What I'm getting at is there are great vintage amps (new ones too) and they don't need to be big wattage to get the job done.

[@cowtowncustoms2110]

You are so right about the amps! I have a James Brown design USA built Kustom 72 Coupe 2x12 combo amp that is amazing! I still have my "beginner" Blues jr that I bought new, a 4x10 very loud Fender deVille and a great little Marshall Class 5 amp that is an unbelievable 5 watts of that Marshall tone you need! I recently bought the Boss Katana 100 because of the acoustic amp setting and it is a fun amp. But there is nothing like tube sound and power! Next will be a Fender Dlx Reverb.

[@b2tall239]

Recently bought my first stack (Orange Crush Pro 120 and matching 4x12 cab) after decades (off and on) of using nice single-speaker practice amps. Amazing. It's like I have all new guitars.

[@vorpalblades]

Swap speakers first. That makes the biggest difference.

[@SlainteMhath]

Matchless DC-30 is the holy grail for me. I've never heard an amp with more "brick wall" chunky gain. Unbelievable. One day ...

[@troycollins6069]

Thanks Gentlemen, very insightful, I've decided to go Vox AC 15 cream. I'm using 2 MXR A/ B boxes, a line 6 Jam 75 mic into a boss acoustic singer and a Mark Bass 250, a fender champion xl50, and a vox Valvtronix Mother board and a Tung-sol tube in a Hughes and kettner V30 cab, Troy from Alantic City 🌆

[@lundbergbv]

You guys crack me up. I agree. I have found my sound with Frenzel. Jim's builds are amazing. All true point to point. Built to long out live me. It needs no pedals, however you can use them in all their glory. They build them to order so you better know what you want. I have a 25 watt and 50 watt. Keep on rockin!

[@ChuckBoris3]

My grandmother left me some money when she passed. I knew I wanted a guitar and amp, but it's a huge world out there... For the guitar, after much deliberation, I bought a Brian May Red Special. Don't regret it. It's been my main guitar for 15+ years. For the amp, I knew I wanted a half stack... But again, so many options. I could have afforded the Marshall, but damn, I just couldn't justify spending that much... I ended up buying a Kustom 200watt hakf-stack. I don't regret it. It's an amazing amp. It took me months to get because literally days after I ordered it, it was discontinued. They had to go find one left to send to me. Best two investments I ever made. They gigged with me for years.

[@wrobinson1702]

I started (many moons ago) with a Silvertone amplifier from Sears. My parents got it as a Christmas gift for me in 1970. I've had many different amps over the years. I still think the best sound I ever got was from an early 70s Fender Bassman 100-with either guitar or bass. Currently, I've got a Fender Deluxe Vintage Reissue, which sounds great, and a Marshall MG50FX, which also sounds good, but very different from the Fender.

[@francispower1418]

I agree. The amp comes first. Whilst we’re giving a nod to Myrtle Beach and talking amps I’m going to say out loud that it is the home town of my favorite amp tech and builder, Jesse Hoff at Lazy J Amps, who builds boutique 57 Tweed knock offs that are worth committing serious crime for. He builds them in the UK these days but ships worldwide. The waiting list is about six months. The cost of a fully loaded 20 (valve term, full spring reverb tank and attenuation dozen to 5 watts) shipped to the east coast? About $3,300. Well I did say it was going to have to be a serious crime. But play one and you will very soon realize how he managed to assemble his client list, which includes Mike Campbell, Joe Walsh, Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa and Jeff Beck…

[@nicoladolby2154]

Totally agree. For me, as a predominantly strat player, I’d love a new Marshall. I currently use a 40 watt studio pro, but would love a JCM 800 . My dream amp though would be a Hiwatt DR103, but I haven’t won the lottery yet😊

[@jasonmagyar1643]

I picked up a Marshall Studio Classic (20-watt JCM800) and absolutely love it!! I finally found my tone. I know there are plenty of other great options out there, but this one just works for me. And it's black and red snakeskin tolex.... so there's that too.

[@scottstetzer]

I did the same Baxter-rigged up a JC Pennys stereo, then moved up to a Mighty Gorilla 25!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Long live the gorilla!!!

[@jeffalfred5785]

Have to say, I love my Boss Katana MK2. I know I will catch flack for it but i have nailed so many tones with the built in effects. Everything from EVH to Vai, SRV and even my own tone. The built in effects taught me so much about tone shaping. I am a product of the 80s hair bands. My first amp...was a Peavey Renown. Also had a Crate 15 watt amp I still have to this day. I upgraded to a Line 6 Spyder 150 watt and was able to learn about the modeling amps, still have it. But loving my Katana. I have tried several amps and could not get what I was looking for but by tone shaping with my Katana I found my sweet spot. I don't gig at the moment but I know the katana 100 watt head would do what I need it to. I make a lot of custom patches and my Van Hagar patch is in a Facebook group. Made it to cover all 3 channels of the 5150 III amp Ed used.

[@REM1956]

In 1976 one of my first amps was a 1972 Marshall 50 watt small box head I plugged into a '70s Sound City 4x12 cab. I was learning how to get sounds, and learning to play, and didn't really know what I had. I sold that setup and special ordered a 1979 Boogie MkIIb combo so I could carry it around to jams. I spent the next 20 years buying and selling amps, looking to recapture the sound of that first Marshall. A real case of not knowing what you have 'til it's gone.

[@SirVicc]

I've become more of an amp collector than a guitar collector lately.

[@flybynight1929]

An no frills tube amp that works great with pedals is my favorite is the way to go IMO. A good tube amp can be made great with some great speakers and the right tubes, which can take some time and work to find. I learned to bias my amp because I was re-tubing it a lot to find the right tubes, and I finally found ones that are perfect for mine, and sound absolutely amazing.

[@dicksonduran2167]

got stucked with Jet City 20W head and custom 2x12 cab w/ weber speakers 👌🔥

[@dsholt]

I played a Peavy Envoy for 15 years and finally went Blues Jr last year and it has been a huge improvement. Of course now I want to take that next step to a Princeton.

[@ManlyMcBeardFace]

Just got a Revv G20 and was blown away by how versatile it is. Kept my Katana MkII and sold my Deluxe Reverb Tonemaster. I know I’ll want more amps but I’m so content with what I can get out of the REVV.

[@mikecorey8370]

Glad to see you make this video because it's so true. A cheap guitar can sound great through a decent tube amp. This isn't talked about because we're such guitar nuts. A great guitar is not going to sound good through a crummy amp. Great video for newbies. Another good video you should do is explaining why someone starting out, especally on acoustic, should not by a cheap guitar.

[@kevinnasky771]

Started with a fender Mustang modeling amps, tried Vox AC10, JC40, and Nextone Stage … sold all those … now I have a Revv G20, Bassbreaker 15, and a Tonemaster Twin, and I’m pretty happy with the range of tones I get from those three.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

My first rig was a first act guitar and amp from Walmart. Now I'm happy with Gibson Marshall and Magnatone. The MAGNATONE super 15 is a game changer for me

[@robertwillett4122]

Had an expensive modeling digital amp. Got it when they first came out some 25years ago. Took me about that long to use all the gimmicks. It was for home and l thought l had a decent amp, till last week. My daughter, which I taught, her birthday is coming up and she loves that amp. So l gave it to her. I replaced it with a all tube Marshall head, DSL20 thru two egnater 1×12s. Holy crap. My life is complete now.

[@benbutterfield1]

Would be interested to hear your guys opinion on Victory amps?

[@kcd2120]

Definitely! I have a Victory Sheriff 22 with one of the matching Victory cabinets. I think it’s very versatile and has great initial break up around 12:30 on channel 1. Plenty of bass on tap, too which is good for me as I love Strats (but not a lot of treble).

[@cpainyourass]

My first amp was a Fender Blues Deluxe 4x10. I got a great deal and got it for $250. It was 20 years ago but still a great deal back then. The amp I have had for the last 10 years has been a Mesa boogie Lonestar Special

[@petesnowden7322]

my first amp was a crate g40c after a couple of years i bought a jcm800 for 300 dollars was completely in over my head with that marshall I had no idea how to use it traded it for a randall rg100. and it has never stopped I still look for new gear all the time. I currently have a retro king rk45 on its way to me now. With a 1990 jcm900 2100 mkiii and a mki rockerverb 50 sitting in my space now. im 52 and have realized i might as well keep going and try to play or own every guitar and amp i can. At least it will be fun.

[@brentpruner]

Love this video! Tell the person you are buying amp from what your situation is before buying and ideally play it. We all have different scenarios and have different amounts of money to spend. I agree to start small for beginners. Are you a bedroom player only? Do you have a home studio where you can play loud? Do you play out in small bars etc. Do you like to practice along with music, Do you want use headphones? What I learned is that amps at home can be WAY TOO LOUD, and to achieve certain sounds/levels of amp distortion on amp that require higher volumes in a small space is just not realistic when the watts are up there. Here are a FEW IDEAS for taming the loudness, but know many more exist. Look into amps with channel volume AND output volume or built-in attenuators. When you're dealing with only one volume, like an old fender, some type of attenuation is needed to lower the decibels for smaller settings. Another option is to pair your loud amp of choice with the Torpedo Captor X. It is a little expensive but an incredible attenuation solution with many features (less expensive than an OX Box). After I got that, I started playing my Mesa Boogie DC5 50 watt so much more at home with the ability to play at lower decibles, with amp dialed up. The Captor X has 2 XLR outputs too. Here is where the HEADPHONES come in and practicing. Use headphone jack from Captor X with virtual cabs AND If you dont have a big DAW set up already, take it a step farther and pair the Captor X, with an inexpensive M-Audio air 192|6 and interface with your computer via USB for a great way to practice along with music playing on computer and use your pedal board and amp. The Air 6 has 2 XLR jack inputs, (the 4 only has 1 XLR input and cheaper), levels to avoid clipping, USB/Direct blend of your guitar and music player in the mix and a headphone volume and its own headphone jack and the XLR sound is awesome. Another solution purely from Amp standpoint is to go with Fender's relatively new tone master series with built-in XLR output and attenuation with varying wattages allowing you to dial up the volume to achieve those sweet spot tones but play at lower decibels. Again, the MAudio 192|4 or 6 is the solution, even for Tone Master to get that headphone jack feature, people complain the TM doesnt have. We are at an incredible time of technology. The Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Blonde (first new amp I bought in years) focuses on being itself and can do so much and take pedals so well. It doesn't require maintenance, is half the weight of original and can be attenuated down to bedroom playing and has the power to be used to play out live. (Other TM amps with more speakers are available). Something to think about. On a separate note, if you have multiple amps, with different sounds as they talk about in this video (tubes, vintage whatever), and want to quickly switch them on the fly in the moment, a pedal like Radial's Twin City allows you to use your one pedalboard and A/B/Y switch between amps OR even run in stereo with a tap, a somewhat inexpensive option for your rig. There is so much to choose from now, but I found this setup works for a lot of the scenarios I mentioned, but I cant say enough on how the Captor X (has more features than mentioned) and M-Audio 192|6 for practicing with headphones/recording changed the game and solved the loudness for me. Open to other ideas. Good luck out there.

[@hellodrjeckyl]

I started with a 15watt Crate amp I bought a target I think. Last weekend I played a Princeton with a 12in Jensen speaker at GC. Set to 4.5-5 on the volume with a little reverb and tremolo the tone was like the nectar of the gods. One day that amp will be mine.

[@dahliafiend]

Oh man after a Crate it’s all butter. I want a Princeton too.

[@chadwicks_guitar]

I also started with a Squier Strat, but it was plugged into a Peavy Audition (nephew still has the amp, I sold the guitar in 88 to buy some new Air Jordons 😖). Now playing through a Blues Junior and couldn’t be happier, but I wish I had that Squier back. My wife also had me buy a Fender Acoustic 100 because it matched our hardwood floors. I couldn’t argue with that logic.... 😎

[@homeworldmusic]

Most important point is the one you get into at about 6:00 I had a 4x10 Super Reverb decades ago and it was "my sound" and had its range of tones, tried a friend's 2x12 Soldano 100 and likewise it had its range, as will any amp/speaker combination. So if you're avoiding a modeling amp, just understand you're going to put your tone in a box, so study which box is the best fit for your playing tastes.

[@paulwilson-white6218]

I started with a fender mustang 2(40)watt. But I was trying lots of amps. Lucky for me I decided to have a custom amp built here in the uk. I only own 2 amps the 2 above

[@michaelgriffin5304]

Yes! This was something I didn't realize until I had a bit of experience gigging with a live band. You can take an Amazing amp (like my Rivera) and plug a 'not-so-good' guitar into and get something good out of it. You can take a crappy amp and plug in a 10K guitar and guess what? It still sounds like crap. Shocker. I know. I will never stop plugging this Rivera amp because I haven't found another that has the same build quality and features for the price but really, the Tone is just something special. Clubster Royale Recording. Check them out people! Total sleeper amp. Almost no demos of them online.

[@scottshort6204]

I route my 2nd hand (600$) Rivera Clubster into a Morgan Cab sounds fantastic. Totally agree they don’t get the press deserved. They are built like battleships.

[@markmcdonald5711]

Just got a Marshall DSL1CR, changed out the stock Chinese tubes and set it up in my bedroom. I'm quite happy with the tone, my other tube amp is a Swart Atomic Jr. so I think I know good tone when I hear it.

[@brucer261]

I'm with you Johnathon. I run 3 amps at all together at one time Its awesome!!

[@BrentAdams]

Yep....that's been accomplished. I have two Rivera amps..... the old "Suprema" closed speaker back, raised amp section, 1 X12 (EL84's) ...and ... a Quiana 4 X 10 (6L6's). I'm set on amps!

[@jordanpriest3629]

What do you guys think of the bugera infinium tube amps? I'm kind in this situation right now I have 60s classic vibe and another guitar on pre order but idk what to do.

[@justinwilliams8832]

Thanks guys. This video definitely helped me decide which way to go next. I have had several good amps(2 mesas, fender deluxe, currently victory). Think next move is a used 3rd power. 3rd power count as boutique?

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

Blues Jr was my gigging amp for awhile. Now it’s a used Blackstar HT that has been a pleasant surprise. The trick is in a boost pedal. Next up will be the Fender Super Sonic. That’s the voicing I’m in love with in the Fender range. Then an Orange stack one day to complete the set. Roland AC60…amazing acoustic/vocal amp.

[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

Since the Covid situation I've acquired 3 guitars and a new amp. The first was a LPJR. with a P90. The second was a 72 Telecaster Thin line with PRS humbuckers and push push volume and tone controls and 3 way pickup selector switch. The third was 60 telecaster custom that's completely stock. The amp is a Quilter Aviator Cub. It's a 50 Watt Combo (3) 1/4" input jacks for 50s tweed, early 60s blonde and mid 60s blackface deluxe models. Control grouping (1) Gain, limiter, bass, mid and treble (2) Effects loop send and return and reverb (3) Signal outputs Volume, line out and head phones (4) Speaker Volume (5) On/Off button in the back Balanced line out Quilter Special Design 12, by Eminence 12" speaker in an open back cabinet Height: 16.5” Width: 16.5” Depth: 10.8” Weight 21.55 lbs Ballistic Nylon Cover

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I've got a 90s Fender Evil Twin (the black face, not the red knob which is groovy but not actually "Evil"), a Blues Jr IV, my brother's 1970 Fender Vibro Champ and an Orange Tiny Terror that I play through either a Marshall 1X12 or a 4X12, depending on the venue. My daily bedroom set up is the Western Tolex Blues Jr IV (Eminence Cannabis Rex speaker) together with the Vibro Champ and it sounds glorious. I could definitely play a show with that set up but it does ok at lower volume. When I got my Strat, my Twin was in the closet. The world changed the day I pulled it out. If you have a garbage amp, upgrade and you'll love playing. I also have access to my old man's ridiculous array of vintage Fender amplifiers.... Bassman, Twin Reverb, more things, etc, etc.... So much Fender tone. 3:20 a new Blues Jr is not in the $500 range anymore. Lol more like $700

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Those Magnatone Twilighters sound amazing! That's my dream amp....currently 😁

[@williambeem]

I think you're right. Forget the modeling amps and get a good amp. Well, sort of. I bought a Fender Tonemaster Twin Reverb. It's still a modeling amp, but it does one thing very well and I'm happy. Before that, I had a few Line6 amps, a small Marshall solid-state, and a Gibson amp. None of them were really that great. The problem with modeling amps with lots of choices is that I spent more time playing with noises than practicing with my guitar. I'm much happier with my current amp and the sound it gives me. One day I'll expand with a Deluxe Reverb a Vox and maybe something else. However, I'm sold on the idea of traditional sounds rather than a lot of gadets.

[@davidp1192]

I am at Blues Jr, and was going to move to Deluxe Reverb this year. But I decided to just save up my money for a Two-Rock.

[@terrylawrence1893]

Glad you're enjoying the Gibson amp😃

[@scottbrower9052]

This is accurate. I went from my little battery-operated $100 Katana to a used 5 watt Marshall. Huge difference. And inspiring.

[@mike5177]

Love these guys. Subbed.

[@ehiracheta]

It is cheaper to buy the more expensive amp you love versus skimping and buying the "good enough" amp. Reason is you'll be selling...and you'll be back for the one you should have got in the first place. Buying amps I've learned the hard way that the "buy once, cry once" mentality is essential. If you can't afford what you want...save your money it'll be worth it.

[@MarcMercier1971]

Magnatone Twilighter Stereo has been on my "next purchase" list for a few years... when the skills warrant it. ;) You should put up a poll in the community area about where/how people watch you. I watch on a 27" screen PC with headphones while in my underwear... because I'm procrastinating getting dressed for work.

[@DavidHBurkart]

So Marc... if you get the tone, sound & effects that entice you to play more, the skills will grow exponentially as a result... ...practice saying that without it sounding rehearsed before you say that to your wife 👍

[@charlesbolton8471]

Amen, don’t ever hold back on buying better gear because of your “skill level”. Holding back for financial situations is a very valid reason, but if you can afford it go for it.

[@jimb2577]

You stopped with a Classic Vibe and went all the way up to Two Rock? There is definitely a back a forth between guitar upgrade and amp upgrade. I didn't hear you mention Dr Z. Price wise they seem to be between top of Fender production line and the Magnatone, depending on the model. Any thoughts?

[@carlfrei2419]

1st amp was an Ibanez Tone Blaster 25 blew it up. next amp was the Fender Champion 100 traded that for what I have now the Jet City JCA5012C Tube amp and also the Stage Right 15w tube amp. for smaller events. I do have a red tolex fender Frontman 25R with an upgraded speaker(which cost more than the amp.) to kick around at home.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Lol my first amp was also a boom box tape player! Plugged into the RCA input until I got a little fender 15 watt amp I used to want all the watts and eventually ended up with a Fender twin, which was too big, too loud, and very heavy. These days I prefer low watts, small amps that I can crank!

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

A guy I went to high school with used a cassette recorder. He was the first person I knew with a guitar

[@pmrparts]

I was a Fender amp guy then I tried Vox Valvetronix. After a couple of those I tried a Vox MV50 AC. I am hooked. Just the tone I want and it only weighs one pound. I have an 8 inch and a 12 inch speaker cabinet. With those two and the MV50 I can play outdoor rock shows. It’s amazing.