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What's in an Amp?
Tone and Effects
Tube vs Solid State
Digital Modeling
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Amp Basics: Digital Modeling

   

Digital Modeling technology simulates or "models" the tone, vibe, and feel of the world's most popular amplifiers. A digital modeling guitar amp provides the player with a collection of amp sounds in one tidy package. Using familiar control knobs, you can choose from classic Marshalls, Fender combos, jazz, custom, and boutique amps all pre-programmed into one amp. And some modeling amps give you plenty of additional room for storing your own sound -- create a sound you like and store it in memory for instant recall. Modeling amps provide a practical solution for musicians in multiple bands or for players who demand the flexibility of a multi-amp set-up.

Built-In Digital Effects

These amps also have serious built-in digital effects processors. Everything from reverb, delay, chorus, tremolo, flanger, to phaser, wah, and rotating speaker are integrated into their circuitry -- say goodbye to effects pedals and batteries. You simply use a control labeled Digital EFX, DSP (Digital Signal Processing), or PEDAL to choose the effect to be applied to your signal.

Should I buy a modeling amp?

A variety of amp sounds plus a multitude of effects are not needed in your first amp. In fact, many pro guitarists use powerful stage amps that have no effects built into them. They use a whole line-up of separate effects pedals on the floor, and when you're ready, you may decide to do the same. That said, there are some affordable chock-full-of-tone guitar modeling amps out there small enough to be good practice amps. Check out the Roland Cube 30x in our Gear Spotlight.

Modeling amps are ideal for the gigging player that needs a range of tone. Before buying one of these techno-marvels, try them and let your ears decide. Compare them to other amps you know and like. And remember to consider your needs and budget.

Amp selector on a typical modeling amp
Control on a Typical Modeling Amp
Use the Amp selector knob
to choose which amp model you want.

 

Effects selector on a typical modeling amp
Control on a typical modeling amp
This knob lets you choose
the effect to be applied to
your signal.

 
   

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