Choosing A Jazz Guitar Amp

By Eugenia Dickerson


People who love jazz tend to be passionate about it. As a genre it often attracts people who really enjoy it and want to get the most from their instruments. If you play guitar and want to get the most from playing it in this style then you should ensure that you get the right jazz guitar amp.

There are two main types of amp. A tube amp is often favoured by musicians due to its high dynamic range and the sound it produces. However they can be very heavy and expensive to maintain. Furthermore they produce more noise and some people may not necessarily want that with their style of music.

There is some debate as to whether or not to use a combi system. Some people prefer the sound that comes by keeping the two separate. However if you tour a lot and you do not have a lot of room for equipment then having a combi system can make it easier to keep things stored and save time while travelling.

Once you have established the kind you want you need to think about the level of customisation you want. Some people like a control panel with a number of options so that they can customise the sound as much as possible. However if you are just getting started then it is best to go with a simpler panel system that while it may offer few options for customisation it will be a bit more user friendly.

This is where digital technology has complicated things. Some devices have been set up that can digitally recreate different types of sound. The theory is that this digital sound can mimic the best quality brands, allowing you to adapt with other members of the band who may use a different brand of amplifier without having to change yours for something completely different.

The best way to gauge this is to go to a music store. Ideally you want to go to somewhere with experienced staff who are passionate about music. Even better are staff who are passionate about jazz as they will be more likely to know the right kind of amplifier to suit you. For example some people prefer digital style amplification while others prefer a more supposedly natural sound.

Once you have established something that should suit you then it is best to test it. Make sure you have your guitar with you so that you can listen to how the amplifier improves the sound. If it does not improve the sound consider looking for another option that is more appropriate. You do not necessarily have to buy the amp from the store but it is a good way of learning more about the options available and how appropriate they are for your style of music.

There are a number of jazz guitar amp manufacturers. You can find a number of customer reviews online and most people on specialist forums will happy to discuss the best options with you. Use your regular search engine for more information to help you make the best informed choice from a broad range of sources. This will help you make the right choice to suit your needs.




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