What Amp Do You Really Need?

Here’s a little insight to the age old question of “what amp do I need?”. My advice is to simply read the room. This will help in so many areas of our lives, not just picking the right guitar amplifier!
Small room equals small amp…large room equals large amp. It’s really that simple. Don’t try to mod amps to make them sound like something they’re not designed to be.
Same with the guitar. Just let a Strat be a good Strat let a Tele be a good Tele. Just get nice examples of all the classic stuff and you’ll be just fine!
Thanks always, friends!
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[@tomcoryell]

Wes Trapp! My first Guthrie exposure was setting up two Deluxe Reverb reissues at a festival for backline for Rodney Crowell’s guitar player. The guitar player comes up on stage, plugs in and jumps into the sweetest jazz jam with the rest of the band. I chatted with him and realized this was no average road dog. Rodney came on and did his wonderful show and introduced the band. He named the guitar player as Guthrie Trapp. I took note of that right away and have been following him ever since. There’s yer engagement Brother Guthrie. Camo hat guy plays Wes Montgomery……cognitive dissonance!

[@doubled5383]

Southwest motif in the room, camo hat, Wes Montgomery jazz on a 335. Nice.

[@JustusSeiber]

Was not familiar with Guthrie’s game. Rodney is a certified ledgy-mclegend.

[@d60guy]

"Read the room"... That is good advice for life; Read the room.

[@Baci302]

Way to shoehorn guitar hacks into life lessons! Ya hear that wives! 😂

[@mcpappysgolden]

Easier said than done!

[@marsantos81]

You and Uncle Larry have brought a level of expertise to KZbin that is unparalleled IMO. Thank you for sharing all of this. True legends.

[@otisgibbs]

I visit Wes' grave once or twice a year on the southeast side of Indianapolis. Perhaps Indy's greatest son. ❤

[@guthrietrappmusic]

That’s so awesome. Every Jazz player I can think of always says Wes was the most important and most swinging cat ever.

[@robertquinn9490]

Hey Guthrie, I'm still here...been here for every vid for the last 6 years or so. I'm 69 now. Started when I was 14 or so. You've been a lighthouse for me since I found you. Thanks again for all you've shown. I've gone from somewhere, caught the GT bus, and whew....light years beyond now, and speeding into the universe. You've given so much to all of us. You're raising the bar for guitar players all over the world, you're making a difference. Thank you!

[@duaneharlick]

Hi Guthrie: I had a conversation with my wife once where I pointed to my 69 Princeton, my Yamaha 335 and a cheap multi effect pedal (I picked up for fly dates) and said, "right there is absolutely everything I ever need to play any gig anywhere on this planet ever. If I ever tell you I NEED something more, I'm lying!!" Of course, I have tons of gear because I'm a guitar guy, but everything else is for the pure joy. Love your channel! Best to you!

[@cognoscenticycles4351]

I went to Jeff Becks house a million years ago and the only amp he used to practise at home was a brown Fender Princeton that he had for many years. His girlfriend/wife ( not sure which) was a cat lover and didn't want the sound of a blaring 100 watt Marshall at home because it would freak the cats out. So apparently the brown Princeton ended up as the default amp for home practise. There's a lesson here that goes way beyond what might be your fave practice amp. It has a little more to do with keeping the peace, even if you just happen to be one of the greatest guitar players in the world!

[@philf4086]

Guthrie - I love your jazz interjections and influence. Really tasteful! And great information about amp selection...

[@jasonmaltz7040]

Man, I love your videos and content. You take a very simplistic approach to everything including gear. I moved to modelers about 7 or 8 years ago and you’ve been inspiring me to go back to a small amp and analog board for small gigs. Probably will keep the Helix for my church gig on Sundays. Thanks again for sharing your talent with the rest of us amateurs!

[@stanesposito2664]

I've been digging your live clips alot. You are very incredible. Thx!

[@joshellyson]

We always get good, practical, common sense insights from you Mr GT. Thanks, always need reminding not to go too far down the "gear" rabbit hole.

[@dhh488]

I think it's great when you talk about your gear and settings. It helps us newcomers when trying to decide what to buy.

[@MikedeVeltaMusic]

Thank you Guthrie for all you do mate. I'm a guitar teacher here in Perth Australia and the amount of insight I attain from watching the way you think and play has moved me forward in spectacular ways. I'd just like to exress my appreciation. With your channel I'm moving forward closer to my goals each day! Bless you man. Mike de Velta

[@albertarguelles3262]

Brother you play straight from the Soul. Just love your improvs. Don't worry bout the commentsmost of us are just watching and learning all you're sharing. Thanks so much. Your Wes is spot on too,,,

[@petermcconaghie7745]

Great advice and a beautiful vibe there Guthrie - thanks man.

[@bobwiepert]

I think I now know the reason you play so well.By giving these lessons it helps to reinforce in your mind what you already know. Talking it through and explaining is the formula.We all appreciate what you do in helping us. 😎😎😎

[@profoundsamurai745]

Love your playing man. One of the best.

[@Strumbum01]

Great info, Guthrie. Thank you! Would love to hear about your Tele setup specs and/or tips.

[@christophervolas7523]

I so dig your playing and your musical tips and advice much loved bros thank you.🎶

[@allenkennedy6748]

Unsurprisingly, you hit the nail on the head. Many thanks! Reading the room is your terminology for the nuances talented players look for… The avg Joe is perhaps talented, but still labors under the weight of not knowing how to get what they want. They believe all the marketing and think gear will put them into the next level. It isn’t the gear, it’s the interpretation of the room. It’s like someone wants to drive a nail and picks up a screwdriver. Talking about the three amp brands, you gave a clear message of use the tool (the amp in this case) and don’t presume that’s all there is. It’s how it’s applied. You count yourself as not being a gear guy. But you understand it’s all the tools + environment that determine success. Thanks for giving the advice.

[@PhilsArtDotCom]

I just passed by Pershing street riding down 10th in Indianapolis, Indiana and spied Wes's boyhood home.

[@bluffhavenstudios]

Thank you Guthrie, I appreciate your channel

[@debbieensminger6961]

Thanks for the info Guthrie! Very interesting about Silverface and Blackface Fender amps. Nice playing too! Very tasteful.

[@Twinhit]

Excellent playing and advice. Bravo! Thank you, subscribed!😊

[@unauthorized664]

Thank you. Great instruction on this video. Definitely taken the volume down a bit and working on this stuff.

[@paulrich6307]

Great video and I’ve just discovered your channel. Really enjoying catching up on your library!

[@bluzzjazz]

As someone who loves playing guitar and discovering new licks and composition, it is enjoyable to watch how effortlessly you navigate the fretboard. I'm a decent intermediate player but watching you and Lil Tommy B., confirms that there is a layer way beyond.

[@9cyrus540]

Love the Jazz influence and History! You are are a Star my friend!!!!

[@aricenciso459]

For those of yall keeping up with my wife’s story! Cristin is healing from her double mastectomy so good! Drains were pulled out today and we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel! Eventually she will be back to making fun of me trying to keep up with GT!! This community has been awesome 🩷

[@mojodojo5533]

Great news!

[@ericblaich7681]

Expensive Chords ! So Good ☝️👊

[@dowaliby1]

Best wishes for your wife's continued healing! Sending healing vibes and you are both in my prayers.

[@aricenciso459]

@@dowaliby1 thank you!!

[@rigorhead01]

Prayers for you guys 🙌👏🏻🫶

[@johnhardy1269]

Great informative video as usual. Thanks.

[@catlord357]

love the wisdom man. thank you 🙏

[@theduppykillah]

My man, I discovered your channel by accident I subscribed and I just can’t get enough of it man you’re terrific. Your chops are incredible and your self deprecating sense of humour is perfect.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks a bunch!

[@stevesnuffer3210]

Thank YOU for what you do Guthrie!!

[@laveca1]

One of the best Guitar players alive! How GT is not the biggest thing out there is crazy ! keep killing it Guthrie

[@samburgerus]

I love your vids, I was in Nashville in Feb and just missed you. I hope to get back soon and if I do I’ll be sure to see you live.

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

Guthrie just recently i got on board with you and uncle Larry's train... i have improved in 3 months on rigs, technique and practical approaches to theory than i have in 3 years. I'll drop a comment every now and then mostly regarding my appreciation of how you share this stuff for the love of music! Brilliant channel!

[@slapthatplank]

We aren't engaging because our faces have been melted. 🤩

[@Sammywhat]

The Finest Hillbilly Jazz on the planet!! Brilliant stuff, GT! Love it!! Sounds SO GOOD man!!!

[@danbysstation8813]

Been looking at Fenders lately. Great advice as always from a true professional!

[@astewart9410]

Beautiful intro playing! I just play at home, and my Boss Katana 50 MkI and 50 MkII connected via Radial Big Shot for wet/dry glory with my Epi 335 Pro and Squier CV 50s Tele is all I really need. They take pedals well, too, but it’s a pretty sweet spot for home playing, and inexpensive too. I'd love a Princeton but I often think it’s just GAS. Read the room indeed! Thanks for the video.

[@farmcatmusic]

Mr. Trapp you are a breath of fresh air. I am absolutely loving everything you are teaching and saying. The truth is where it’s at. Just hearing you teach these fundamental concepts with such confidence gives me so much inspiration thank you sir. This is exactly what I have needed my entire musical life. Please keep doing what you are doing. It is perfect and it is what it’s needed.

[@Baci302]

I love your videos, Guthrie. You’re an inspiration to this 65 year old guitar player. Thats amazing that you were able to master Wes Montgomery’s style.

[@coraliefontesdeaguiar2333]

Great ! You play soooo well, thank you !

[@TheBodig]

Thats the absolute TRUTH bout gear !!! Thanks for posting this, your the Man !

[@guthrietrappmusic]

My pleasure!!

[@SingleCoilVoodoo]

This is fantastic! A view that isn’t talked about enough…the room impact

[@ptklip]

Wow. What beautiful playing.

[@TheRange7]

I love that combo G, a beautiful 335 with an old Fender combo....that's just perfect in my world. Cheers

[@macoper8er]

Great advice! Thanks!

[@EMWoodworking]

Really great video with some good solid advice. Let a Tele be a Tele. Over the years I've used a lot of different amps. Now using a HRDX 3 plenty of headroom

[@mattprince9204]

Love the Wes-inspired groove, Bro!

[@nickl2883]

Alessandro rebuilds modern fenders amps into something special. It’s worth looking into if you’re not comfortable buying a vintage amp but still want something bulletproof. I have a deluxe he rebuilt, been playing it for 10 years. I love it.

[@oliverchapman51177]

I have one. From DTown Guitars. its Killer. But I use my Champ anymore

[@leechild4655]

Dude that is the key. You know it maybe instictively but ya, engaging your audenice in a positive manner is surely the key to success in any business really. Pretty much networking a lot so it`s not what you know but, who you know.

[@markmcnamara4322]

Happy notes! killer tone! MONDAY NIGHT WILL BE JUST RIGHT!

[@davidyelland908]

If only all jazzers were as musical and as listenable as that intro. Lovely GT!

[@TyroneNorthcutt]

Good Call. I needed a slap. I love watching DIY and guitar flicks on YT. I rarely engage. I love your content brother. You are a big reason I am playing freer and freer. Not sure other words capture what I feel better than freer. I am trusting it and having more fun than ever. This jazzy stuff is next on my list, it is so cool to mix and match. I have realized I have to dive deeper into theory also. I work a very intense job that requires me to do what I have to do, do it well and learn everything about all the components, actions, tests and reports. There is no one else and I take it seriously. But I have always just fucked around with guitar. By the way, playing a 20 Friedman in my room with some volume, (5), has completely awaked something else in me and I am having to relearn to play somewhat. Keep up the great work, look forward to your content and maybe next time I will have something intelligent to say!

[@danstringer7610]

Thanks for the good advice!

[@chadjohnson26]

Hey Guthrie, Thanks for all the great videos! You and Uncle Larry are treasure chests of information and I really appreciate you guys. I’d love to get your take as to why you don’t use compressor pedals as part of your rig. Thanks again!

[@patrickking2317]

You are an outstanding player!

[@highspade0426]

Thank You Thank You. Finally somebody gave the dang amp settings. Great playing. I have a Fender Twin Reverb and Blues Deluxe. Still chasing the BB Kind tone.

[@bubbles3161]

Very pleased to find this channel. I’m subscribing. This is the guy I’ve been looking for. The structure the tone. I’m a lead player and dam good one. This channel has mountains of technique I Crave. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@frankierodriguez8661]

NO matter the guitar or the amp. It's just your magic touch Guthrie. Beautiful, delicate. Wonderful stuff to learn from. Much love always from West Spain man ❤. Had a few Fender amps and always loved them, crystal clear tone and power if needed. For me their spring reverb is just phenomenal, that with a little overdrive and I'm done.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thank you kindly!

[@frankierodriguez8661]

@@guthrietrappmusic Always a pleasure to learn from the best: you, Uncle Larry, Shawn Tubbs, Brent Mason, Vince, Johnny Hiland... Oh Boy the list is endless for our own pleasure ❤😂

[@NewtNuke]

Always a lick or two to put in my pocket. Thanks for the vocabulary.

[@ericlaidlaw5174]

Man, you nailed it. I’ve got that same vintage 335 and a 68 vibrochamp reverb RI with a 10 inch speaker for practice at home. Need to go back to Wes for a while.

[@tomyates2551]

The amp I need is whatever’s a part of that intro tone! 🔥🔥

[@jimmyfrombrooklyn8550]

Hillbilly guitar Deluxe! Love your playing bro and your rule of reason regarding amp size. Sound advice my talented friend

[@jobe7660]

Incredible playing wow !!

[@lexaunculpt]

Wonderful information and perspective! Thanks so much

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-ok2ju4lw4u]

great stuff and great analogies.........

[@andyrose2158]

Wise words doctor, thanks for your thoughts

[@armandosinger]

Nice. I’m starting small with a 5w Monoprice Champ clone and a little Warehouse G8C speaker 😅

[@mdp303]

Having said that I got a Nashville Tele and I love it. Third pickup is great. Just a bit straty when needed.

[@TommySG1]

I purchased a 2x12 Fender Hot Rod Deville a few years back ( the most recent generation, I think it’s a IV but I forget now ), it sounded simply fantastic but my God it was painfully loud in my house ahah! I sold it and purchased a small 1x12 Two Rock Burnside, and even this one can be too loud pretty easily however it’s manageable… the Hot Rod just too powerful but if I gigged I’d still own it for sure. Love your videos Guthrie, your playing is obviously exceptional man - don’t stop doing what you do 🤙

[@EdgarBowlin]

I grew up in the late 70s / early 80s, playing southern rock, got into jazz and R&B in the mid 80s plus soft rock / country love songs and that's where I've stayed. I've ALWAYS had a Super and sometimes a Twin, had a Princeton II in the early 80s, never had a "small" amp again, but always wanted one. Finally, age 57, back hurting, I bought my dream amp, a Fender Princeton Bordeaux / Wheat grill 12" speaker blackface reissue, you know the one! I LOVE IT! It REEKS AND OOZES Guthrie Trapp tone, whether I play my 2000 Fender American Deluxe Antique Cherry Burst Alder body, or my 335 or Les Paul Jr clones! Of course, YOU were a major reason why I HAD to have a PRRI. I am going to add a Deluxe SILVERFACE reissue soon too though - LESS clean headroom to get a good rock sound at lower volumes. Hey, wanna buy my 1975 Super Reverb? New factory speakers, tubes, I changed the important resistors and all the capacitors out with factory spec/brand. Trade me a Silverface Deluxe Guthrie! I'll drive down from Kingsport TN anytime! Haha. Seriously, I'm keeping the old Super Reverb, I'm just not gonna MOVE IT any more! THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US, GUTHRIE, heart and soul man, you are a great teacher and mentor!

[@johnperiard9594]

Two Vox Adio's in stereo with a Line Selector will cover any sound you need in a small setting. Great video!

[@pickplease-musicpodcast1406]

You are doing a great job Man. Ask questions, reply to the interesting comments, share your experience and everything will be all good Guthrie. Cheers from Poland. Ps. Fender Vibrolux here :) I would love to have a princeton for smaller places and my home.

[@ahall3823]

Love that sound!

[@danbrewer2003]

Great advice, my 65 deluxe is arriving Wednesday!

[@JoshByarsMusic]

Can’t wait to see you and Uncle Larry in August!

[@dancrowell2933]

I just built a one pickup strat with a filtertron wired like a Les Paul Junior. Doh! It sounds epic, but point taken. I love your channel.

[@hansotto109]

Creating beauty is a duty. For true artists. Details are somewhat useful, but Knowing how to use what you got is the absolute reality of the medium of sound. Many good explanations. Transitions in the jazz ideom are extra precious. I personally like whaling on a fender. I do have a Marshall and a vox. Vic with tremelo does sweeten up and siuck you in in so many ways. Anyhow whatever you got make it work have a good time get the booty shaking and you know you did a good job

[@kdavis63]

Mahalo Guthrie!! Love the CD! Received it this past week! I have a Divided by 13 AMW 39. Love my amp... I have an old Fender Vibrolux I purchased in Germany in the 80s. I had to have plug changed over to US Standard. This a great amp.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Rock on!

[@nate_vz]

The little fender Champs are also very fun in a small room or for home. Also good for recording.

[@VonBluesman]

Guthrie I bought a TREX Tube Reverb pedal years ago that is a great sounding reverb in a small regular size pedal like your TREX Tremlo. I used it with a Fender 57 Tweed Twin Reissue playing with friends. I agree with you, #1 Princeton Reverb for home use or small venue, #2 Deluxe Reverb if playing with a drummer or even a louder band, Virbroluxe, Vibroverb, Pro, Twin, etc. I put a Celestion Gold 10 inch in the Princeton, I couldn’t cut the baffle board for a 12” speaker because the amp is a Alessandro Handwired. I should have spent the money on lessons. 😱😂😂🎸✌️

[@randalltindall7340]

GREAT VIDEO GT!!!!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks for the visit

[@davidsummerville351]

Thanks for the setting info.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Any time!

[@Tbear79]

Just love your playing. It's always so fluid and keeps the rythm. Liked how you covered the topic today. There's really only 3 amp circuits....i wish that was in the handbook for new guitarists. Would make it sooo much easier in the beginning when you start looking for your sound. Which makes me wonder, did you ever chase tones? Or did you go more of the working musicians route with just finding something in the ballpark of whatever type of gig you are doing? And where do you stand on pickup changes? You seem to effortlessly switch between scale length and pickup types, but do you still change pickups to fit your needs? Really liking your lessons and the behind the scenes stories etc. I hope your channel grows. It's pure gold for guitarists. Hope you have a wonderful time with your family.

[@richmillerofficial]

You cracked me up with that off road comment! Ha ha! So true, too.

[@martynspooner5822]

Words of wisdom from someone who knows cheers

[@jasonvidrio1803]

Always great stuff! What’s the best way to start practicing triads, chords and arpeggios, the way you talk about in your videos?

[@ozbluesman]

Great advice Guthrie as usual. The Tonemaster amps are something I can recommend. My Princeton and Blonde Deluxe sound as good as any of the vintage amps I’ve owned. And they have attenuation. I know it’s not cool but they sound great and tube reliability is never in question. Best regards brother.

[@Bob-ir2bj]

Well said GT!

[@frankadams4586]

Guthrie's amp advice is spot on. I have a "66 Deluxe Reverb, a '65 Vibrolux and a '66 Super Reverb. The Super is usually reserved for outdoors and bigger stages. I'm not playing the loud blues like I was in my 20's and 30's. My Deluxe covers most of my gigs just fine with headroom to spare. When I'm playing with a larger band or another guitar player I'll usually take my Vibrolux and it's perfect. All of my guitars sound great through these amps, add a few pedals to taste and that's it. I really doubt that I'll need more than 40 watts ever again. I'll leave the 50 and 100 watters to the Whipper Snappers!

[@taipanOuch1]

Another Option - I run my twin and my bella on 5 in my office right into a suhr load box or in the case of the twin 2 load boxes(4ohm), Sounds pretty damn good. Way better than low volume amp in the room. Power Station 100 is pretty darn good sounding also with those amps. Great playing Guthrie!

[@ubersoonerswitzer1103]

hey, looking to sign up for your lessons. Can't wait.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Awesome, thank you!

[@robertcass9671]

Hey guthrie! picked up "in stereo" on band camp. Great Record, great playing, great sound! Maybe you've covered this before, but can you/demonstrate developing a tone, using the standard tools, eq, overdrive, compression, dd, reverb, amp choice, mike placement, signal chain. You could point out common mistakes and how to hear them and how to fix them - what to listen for etc. I'd watch that.

[@jrkoosh]

I have followed this advice since Guthrie said something similiar a few years ago. Mostly Princeton, but I am playing an 80s gig and use an EVH 2x12

[@robertritchie2860]

Got my Deluxe Reverb, Weber F-150 speaker, volume at 6, treble at 7 and bass at 2-3. It's badass 😄

[@donmorton7179]

Good to hear the Wes stuff! One of my favorite Amps is a mid-70's Vibrolux Reverb Silverface. I had it Blackfaced & refurbed soon after I bought from its original owner in the mid-1990's. Do you think Fender will ever produce the Vibrolux Reverb again? I hope they will. Thanks for all your great music and insights!

[@garrycole8909]

Guthrie, your videos are extremely helpful. Thank you so much! I am getting up to speed with chords, arpeggios, pentatonics and major scale. I warm up with the major scale in all keys all over the fretboard. But I am still not able to find a good exercise to get me in the groove to play songs. Thoughts? TIA