Best
Overall
Small Guitar Amp
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Overall: High quality tube preamp provides warm tone and superior clarity.
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Best Feature: Valve Buffered Effects Loop For Reverb And Delay Pedals
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Beginners Small Guitar Amp
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Overall: Tape-style delay and reverb adds unique textures to your music.
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Best Feature: 3 distinct and versatile amp models
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Professionals
Guitar Amp
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Overall: Effects: Reverb
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Best Feature: Small size, perfect for gigging and recording musicians
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TedScore™: 9/10
Looking for the best small guitar amp to enhance your musical experience? Whether practicing at home, playing with friends, or performing on stage, a compact, powerful amp can make a big difference.
I’ll guide you through top-notch small guitar amps with great sound and versatility in this article. From classic tube warmth to modern modeling amps, there’s something to suit your style and budget.
So, grab your guitar, get comfortable, and let’s explore these fantastic mini amps together. You’ll be all set and ready to rock in no time!
Highly Recommended Small Guitar Amps Under 300
Orange Crush 20RT Combo
Orange’s Crush amps are the ideal combination of size and sound for overdrive addicts.
These compact combos use Orange’s four-stage preamp to deliver dynamic, lush, analogue drive tones, meeting and exceeding ambitions of both newcomers and seasoned players alike.
The Crush 20RT features two channels with a three-band EQ and onboard reverb, both of which can be used to dial in the perfect sound. Plus, an aux-in for playing external audio ensures you can jam out to your favourite tunes, while a chromatic tuner keeps everything in tune before cranking up the volume.
For silent practices, the headphones output is equipped with a cab sim of an Orange 4 x 12” cabinet to provide depth and life to your sound. Whether you’re playing with friends or on your own, these amplifiers offer up a truly dynamic and affordable playing experience.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Type: Solid-state combo
OTHER INFO: Digital reverb module with ‘dry through’ analogue blend
Orange Crush 20RT Combo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Wide range of tones and versatility on offer
- High quality components provide clarity and richness
- Reverb ranges from subtle shimmer to lengthy trails
- Chromatic tuner ensures accurate pitch tuning
- Could benefit from a few more effects options
- 8" speaker may lack sufficient power
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
15W Electric Guitar Amp by Gear4music
The 15W Electric Guitar Amp by Gear4music is the ideal first amplifier for budding guitarists. It’s perfect for bedroom practice or impromptu jam sessions with friends, providing powerful performance in a rugged shell that will withstand the rigours of continued use.
With controls to adjust Gain, Low, Mid and High-end frequencies as well as an intuitive aux input for playing along to backing tracks, this amp is all you need to hone your craft and develop your sound.
The amp also features a 6.5″ speaker and 3.5mm headphone output, making it perfect for room-shaking performances or intimate practice sessions. Despite its robust nature and extensive controls, the 15W Electric Guitar Amp by Gear4music comes at an affordable price of just \$49, offering excellent value for money.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: 1/4” jack guitar input
OTHER INFO: Dimensions: 310 x 320 x 180mm
15W Electric Guitar Amp by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable price point perfect for beginners
- Simple and user-friendly controls for quick adjustments
- Lightweight and portable
- Speaker-defeating headphone output
- Lack some advanced features
- Sound quality can be a bit muddy at higher volumes
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Boss Katana Mini Ultra-Compact Guitar Amp
The BOSS Katana Mini is a compact and portable combo amp that packs a punch with its 7-watt power and versatile features. Designed with a multi-stage analog gain circuit, this amp delivers a wide range of tones to suit your musical preferences. With three selectable voicings and a built-in EQ, you have the flexibility to create your desired sound during practice sessions or recording.
When it comes to metal, the Brown voicing reigns supreme, offering a high-gain tone that delivers exceptional punch and aggression. For those seeking less aggressive rock tones, the Crunch voicing provides overdriven tones perfect for rhythm playing.
And when pristine and unsaturated tones are desired, the Clean voicing offers a broad dynamic range that showcases the true nature of your instrument, while easily accommodating external pedals for further experimentation.
Convenience is key with the BOSS Katana Mini. Weighing in at less than three pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight and portable. With the option to power it using six AA batteries, you can enjoy up to seven hours of playing time on the go.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Speakers: 1x4”
OTHER INFO: Effects: Digital delay
Boss Katana Mini Ultra-Compact Guitar Amp
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy to use controls
- 3 distinct and versatile amp models
- Surprisingly loud output considering its size
- Equipped with a 3-band EQ for precise tone shaping
- Tape-style delay and reverb adds unique textures to your music.
- Power adapter is not included
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Blackstar Fly 3 Mini Amp
Even after being in the market for a while, the Blackstar Fly 3 remains one of the top contenders among mini amps. This compact powerhouse effortlessly combines exceptional portability with an impressively loud sound, making it a go-to choice for musicians on the move.
Equipped with both clean and overdrive channels, the Fly 3 offers a versatile range of tones to suit any playing style. Enhancing its sonic capabilities, it features a built-in digital delay and incorporates Blackstar’s patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) for effortless tone sculpting.
With ample control over the gain settings, this mini amp allows you to achieve outstanding sound whether you prefer the twang of single-coils or the punch of humbuckers.
One standout feature of the Fly 3 is its built-in delay, which offers practical usability. While the delay time may not match that of dedicated pedal units, it adds a wonderful sense of space to your tone, making it perfect for practice sessions.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Speaker Rating: 4 Ohms, 5 Watts
OTHER INFO: MP3/Line-In for playing music through the amp or playing along to tracks.
Blackstar Fly 3 Mini Amp
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Ultra-portable design
- Impressive drive channel
- Expandable with additional cabinet
- Opportunity to shape sound with ISF
- Limited features compared to some models
- Lack of effects
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Vox Pathfinder 10 Guitar Combo Amp
When looking for solid state amps, the VOX Pathfinder 10 is a must-have. Amazingly, such a small amp delivers 10 watts of impressive power through its 1 x 6.5″ speaker, while retaining the signature Vox aesthetic.
Designed for convenient practice sessions, the Pathfinder 10 features a user-friendly four-knob layout. With dedicated controls for Volume, Treble, Bass, and Gain, this amp provides all the essential tools for effective practice across various musical genres.
In addition, this mini Vox amp includes a switch that allows you to effortlessly switch between a clean, pristine sound and a dynamic overdrive. Furthermore, it offers a headphone output that conveniently doubles as a line-out jack. Once you plug in your headphones or a cable, the amplifier’s speaker is automatically muted, ensuring a private listening experience.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Clean/Overdrive switch
OTHER INFO: Dimensions: 380mm x 260mm x 170mm
Vox Pathfinder 10 Guitar Combo Amp
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact and powerful sound
- Distinctive appearance
- Versatility of gain control for clean to crunchy to crazy tones
- Dual output headphone/ line out jack for recording or live use
- Lightweight - only 4.8Kg/10lbs
- No built-in effects or reverb functionality
- May not provide the fullest sound experience
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Marshall MG15GFX Gold 15W Combo
The Marshall MG15GFX Gold 15W is a great practice amp with a prestigious look. It offers a total of four unique channels and two separate overdrive modes, allowing you to explore a range of tonal possibilities. With its ‘Gold’ control panel, the amp is designed to make it easier for guitarists to shape their sound. The three-band EQ provides fine adjustment of your instrument’s tone.
The MG Gold also offers a range of digital effects, including Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Delay and Octave. All of these effects can be accessed via the master reverb control knob. And for added convenience, the amp includes an Aux-in port so you can play along with your favourite music tracks as well as a headphone out for silent practice.
The Marshall MG Gold Series amplifier is designed to be ultra-portable, featuring a compact cabinet and weighing just 7.7kg. It’s the perfect companion for taking on the road or keeping in your bedroom studio.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: Speaker: 1 x 8''
OTHER INFO: Connectivity: Guitar In, Headphone Out, Aux In, Footswitch In
Marshall MG15GFX Gold 15W Combo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Authentic Marshall tone and looks
- Variety of channels for different tones
- Great effects section for exploring new sounds
- No Footswitch Included
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Peavey Vypyr X1 Modelling Amp
Practice amps come in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes you want something that packs a punch despite its size – enter the Peavey Vypyr X1 Modelling Amp. This small yet powerful guitar combo amplifier is perfect for any player who wants to take their sound to the next level without taking up too much space.
The Peaey Vypyr X1 is packed with ace modelling technology, giving you a world of sonic options. Whether you want to tweak the instrument type, boost those pre-gain and master volume levels or switch up your amplifiers – this amp has it all.
Despite its small frame, the Peavey Vypyr X1 Modelling Amp is built tough. It’s 8″ custom-voiced heavy-duty speaker gives you the power to be heard in any setting – large or small.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: Power: 20W
OTHER INFO: 1/4" in, USB, Aux In, Headphones, Remote Switch connectivity.
Peavey Vypyr X1 Modelling Amp
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Very easy to use and navigate for beginners
- Tap Tempo for easily adjusting the tempo while playing
- Powerful controls for experienced guitarists
- Versatile sound with amp modeling technology
- Default gain setting at maximum, difficult to adjust
- Excessive volume for household use, even at low settings
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Highly Recommended Small Guitar Amps Over 300
Fender Blues Junior IV 1x12 15W Valve Combo
Experience the authentic valve warmth and organic response of the Fender Blues Junior IV, a compact yet powerful amplifier with 12AX7 and EL84 power amp valves tucked within its small chassis. This versatile amp delivers a rich harmonic breakup when cranked up, allowing you to find the perfect tone with the help of its preamp gain control.
The FAT switch boosts the mids for a fuller sound, making your solos stand out in the mix.
The Blues Junior IV boasts an improved preamp circuit compared to its predecessors, offering a more comprehensive frequency response with enhanced detail and clarity. Additionally, the reverb circuit has been modified to preserve the top-end sparkle of your tone even when the effect is turned up high.
The Blues Junior IV packs a punch, delivering a mighty sound that’s perfect for rehearsals, small gigs, and jam sessions. With 15 watts of valve tone, this amplifier allows you to achieve real power amp saturation at reasonable volume levels, making it ideal for recording artists.
The straightforward single-channel design features a 3-band EQ for tonal shaping and a FAT mid-boost circuit, making it the go-to choice for guitarists who want great tone without any fuss.
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate to Advance
FEATURES: Effects: Reverb
OTHER INFO: 1-button footswitch included
Fender Blues Junior IV 1x12 15W Valve Combo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Reverb circuit modified for greater definition and clarity
- Small size, perfect for gigging and recording musicians
- Enhanced overdriven character and snappier chime with the Celestion A-type speaker.
- Excellent amp for using pedals.
- High build-quality for reliability on the road
- Fixed control layout
- Lacks additional features
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Vox AC10C1 Combo
The Vox AC10C1 Combo is a mini-monster that packs a punch! It’s loaded with 10W of tube power, two 12AX7 tubes in the preamp and two EL84s in the power section.
Thanks to its responsive array of control dials, you can shape your sound exactly how you like it – with a three-band EQ for scooping and boosting each frequency, a gain dial for adding crunch and distortion, a reverb dial for adding atmosphere and echo, and finally the volume knob for cranking up or rolling down.
And all this comes from a classic, limited edition Vox design that’s made with JJ Electronics world-renowned tube-making technology. With an unbeatable warm, rich and powerful tone, the Vox AC10C1 Combo is perfect for recording and performing live – so let your sound take flight!
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate To Advance
FEATURES: 10W RMS Output Power
OTHER INFO: 10-inch Celestion VX10 Speaker
Vox AC10C1 Combo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Tubes ensure true analog sound with very warm tone
- Powerful enough for live playing as well as recording
- Responsive controls for detailed tonal shaping
- Lightweight and can be easily transported.
- Need to be handled with care due to fragile tubes
- It's a bit expensive compared to digital amps
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Marshall DSL5CR 5W
The Marshall DSL5CR 5W is another great example of the company’s commitment to high-quality sound and performance. This compact yet powerful combo features a 5W output, adjustable power levels and two channels for classic or ultra-gain tones.
The amplifier is equipped with three-band EQ for tone sculpting, reverb control for adding ambience, and a Celestion Ten-30 10” speaker for the perfect balance between portability and projection.
This powerful performance is further enhanced with Softube emulation technology, which allows you to connect directly to the amplifier and generate a professionally mic’d 1960 Marshall cabinet sound at its output.
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate to Advance
FEATURES: Type: Valve Combo
OTHER INFO: Built in Softube technology to emulate a 1960s Marshall Cabinet
Marshall DSL5CR 5W
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lightweight and portable design for easy transportation
- Loud and powerful sound, even at lower volumes
- Independent gain and volume controls for balance of overdrive level and volume
- Softube technology to blend in with the live mix
- Authentic sounds reminiscent of classic Marshall amplifiers
- Limited to 5W output and 10” speaker
- No FX loop or headphone jack for additional connections
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Orange Rocker 15 Combo
Experience the unparalleled control over volume with the remarkable Orange Rocker 15 combo amplifier, designed to bring timeless tube tones to any setting. Featuring a unique “headroom/bedroom” attenuator switch, effortlessly transition between 15, 7, 1, or even half a Watt, granting you precise control over both the level of distortion and volume required.
This versatility makes it an ideal choice for both aspiring and seasoned musicians, as the attenuator ensures this combo is accessible to players of all skill levels.
The bedroom mode incorporates advanced circuitry that faithfully reproduces the vibrant brilliance and dynamic punch typically associated with high-volume valve amplifiers. Now, you can enjoy the unmistakable warmth and character of tube-driven sound in any environment without compromise.
Equipped with a top-of-the-line Voice of the World Gold Label 10″ speaker, the Rocker 15 delivers exceptional efficiency, boasting a robust low-end and impressive projection.
For a versatile choice in tone, the Rocker 15 features two channels – Natural and Dirty – each with its own set of controls. Natural offers just one volume control for absolute transparency and bright textures, while the Dirty channel has a crunch that will suit any rock n’ roller, including gain, master volume and a three-band EQ to inject some spice!
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate to Advance
FEATURES: Valve buffered effects loop for reverb and delay pedals
OTHER INFO: 3 x ECC83 (12AX7), 1 x ECC81 (12AT7) power amp valves
Orange Rocker 15 Combo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact and lightweight design, perfect for gigs on the go.
- Switchable wattage gives you maximum control of volume and sound.
- High quality tube preamp provides warm tone and superior clarity.
- Easy to use controls to dial in the perfect sound.
- Limited versatility
- Price is a bit steep for some players.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Blackstar HT-5R MKII Valve Combo
The Blackstar HT-5R MKII Valve Combo is a must have for those who are looking for an all-encompassing guitar amplifier. It is the perfect tool for rehearsals, recording or playing onstage with its 5 Watts of power.
With the included power reduction, you can reduce the power to 0.5 Watts for a more subtle sound. It is equipped with a 3-band EQ and ISF control which allows you to dial in your perfect tone from warm US valve all the way to classic British amplifier sounds.
To top it off, there’s also studio quality reverb and overdrive included for more expressive playing.
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate to Advance
FEATURES: Speaker Size: 12"
OTHER INFO: Included Accessories: 2-Button Footswitch
Blackstar HT-5R MKII Valve Combo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Natural, warm sound for all genres
- Versatile controls for your playing style
- Rugged exterior for touring life
- Power reduction setting for volume control with great tone
- Some users may find the setup slightly complicated
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Peavey Classic 30 1x12 Valve Combo, Tweed
The Peavey Classic 30 1×12 Valve Combo, Tweed is a vintage amp that offers a modern playing experience. Its classic two-channel clean and lead channels provide versatile tonal options. It has been used by bands such as Temples, Biffy Clyro, and The Almost to achieve their signature sound.
This amp comes with two inputs, three-band EQ, active presence dial, and a pre- and post-gain control on the lead channel. This allows players to shape their sound to suit single coils, or humbuckers. The clean channel is loud and punchy with plenty of depth and sweet mid-range which makes it perfect for country.
Alternatively, you can switch to the lead channel for a vintage voice that is highly dynamic and touch-sensitive. With the addition of a drive pedal, this amp could even suit metal!
PERFECT FOR: Advance
FEATURES: 3x 12AX7 Preamp - Power 4x EL84
OTHER INFO: External speaker (8 Ohms or 16 Ohms)
Peavey Classic 30 1x12 Valve Combo, Tweed
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Comprehensive control panel with plenty of featuresComprehensive control panel with plenty of features
- Fan cooled design for durability and longevity
- Celestion Midnight 60 12'' speaker for warm, clear tone
- External speaker output to further expand your sound
- Heavier than other combos of its size
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Laney L5T-112 Lionheart Combo
The Lionheart L5T-112 is the perfect amp for those looking to achieve a classic rock tone in an incredibly small package.
Featuring single-ended Class A output from 1x EL84 and 3x 12AX7 preamp tubes, this amps boasts a ton of features that make it a great choice for guitarists of all levels. From its gold plated PCB’s and jack sockets to its sealed gold contact relays, this amp is designed for top-notch sound quality.
The Lionheart L5T-112 features a pair of inputs, Hi and Lo, for tone shaping with dual channels for clean and drive settings. It also has a Bright switch to add clarity or presence depending on how you want your tone to come across. The Global EQ includes Passive Bass, Middle and Treble controls as well as Reverb and Tone controls for further tweaking.
The amp is powered by an RMS 5 watt output which is connected to two jack speakers for increased versatility. This small amplifier has a Marine Grade Plywood cabinet with retro banding strip, leather strap handle and folding tilt back mechanism.
PERFECT FOR: Advance
FEATURES: FX Loop(s): Yes
OTHER INFO: 420 x 559 x 250 mm in dimensions
Laney L5T-112 Lionheart Combo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Powerful and rich tones in a small package
- Versatile range of sounds achievable
- Built with high quality parts and materials
- Foldable tilt back mechanism
- Leather strap handle for easy portability
- Price tag is on the higher end of the market
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Small Guitar Amps vs. Large Guitar Amps:
Which Is Right for You?
Small Guitar Amps
Small guitar amplifiers have become increasingly popular among musicians due to their numerous advantages.
These small yet powerful devices are specifically designed for portability and convenience, making them perfect for practice sessions, intimate gigs, and home use.
Although they may not possess the same power and volume capabilities as larger amps, they offer a range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for many guitarists.
One of the primary attractions of small guitar amps is their portability. Their lightweight design and compact size make them a breeze to carry to band practices, jam sessions, or live performances.
Moreover, their small footprint means they occupy minimal space, which is ideal for musicians with limited room in their practice areas or studios.
Affordability is another significant advantage of small guitar amps. They tend to be more budget-friendly than larger amps, making them an appealing option for beginners or guitarists with financial constraints.
Despite their modest size, many small amps deliver impressive tone and sound quality, allowing you to practice and explore different sounds without spending a fortune.
Many small guitar amps come equipped with a range of built-in effects and features, such as onboard distortion, reverb, and delay. These options are perfect for players who want to experiment with various tones and effects without needing additional pedals or equipment. Furthermore, numerous small amps include headphone jacks, enabling silent practice sessions – a great feature for late-night playing or apartment living.
Though small guitar amps might not have the same volume capabilities as larger models, they can still provide ample volume for practice sessions and smaller venues.
If your performances mostly take place in cozy settings or you record music in a home studio, a small amp should more than fulfill your requirements. Plus, if you need extra volume for larger events, it’s easy to mic your small amp or connect it to a PA system for added amplification.
Large Guitar Amps
Large guitar amps offer a range of benefits that cater to the needs of professional guitarists and performers who require powerful sound projection and versatility in their amplification setup.
These amps are designed to deliver high volume levels and a wide tonal palette, making them ideal for live performances, studio recordings, and larger venues. Here are some key considerations when deciding if a large guitar amp is right for you.
Large guitar amps typically feature higher wattage ratings, allowing them to produce louder and more dynamic sound levels without distortion. This characteristic makes them well-suited for musicians playing in bands or performing in larger venues where their sound needs to cut through the mix and reach a larger audience.
Large amps often come equipped with larger speakers, which contribute to a fuller and more robust tone. The increased speaker size enhances the low-end response, delivering a rich and resonant bass that adds depth to your guitar sound.
This characteristic is particularly important for genres such as rock, metal, and blues, where a strong low-end presence is desired.
Another advantage of large guitar amps is their versatility. Many models offer a wide range of onboard controls, including EQ settings, built-in effects, and channel-switching capabilities.
This versatility allows you to shape your tone and experiment with different sounds and effects without the need for additional pedals or equipment.
Additionally, large amps often provide multiple inputs and outputs, making them compatible with various instruments, microphones, and external audio devices.
Large guitar amps excel in live performance situations where stage presence and projection are crucial.
Their powerful sound output ensures that your guitar tone remains clear and distinct, even when competing with other instruments and high-volume environments.
It’s important to note that large guitar amps tend to be heavier and bulkier than their smaller counterparts. This can make transportation and setup more challenging, particularly if you frequently gig or travel.
Additionally, their higher price tags may be a limiting factor for musicians on a tighter budget.
How to Choose
a Small Guitar Amp
Tips for Caring and Maintaining Your Amps
Caring your amps is essential to ensure their longevity and optimal sound. With regular maintenance, you can maintain the highest quality of instrument performance. Here are some tips on how to keep your in top condition:
Wipe the exterior of your amps to remove any built up dirt and dust. Also, be sure to periodically check and clean out the interior components.
Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture. If you must use your amps in high heat or humidity, make sure to store the unit in a dry, climate-controlled environment.
Keep all cables and connections clean and secure. Loose cables can cause unexpected electrical problems and ruin your equipment.
Inspect all components regularly for signs. Replace any worn or damaged parts with genuine replacement parts.
When moving your amps, always use the appropriate covers and handles to keep it safe from any bumps or drops.
If you’re not using your amp for an extended period of time, make sure to store it properly in a cool, dry place.
Avoid contact with liquids, as they can cause serious damage to the internal components.
Finally, always make sure you’re following manufacturer guidelines when it comes to servicing and maintenance.
Best Small Guitar Amp
Summary
Practice is crucial for mastering any skill, but it’s not just about the time you put in; it’s also about what you do during those practice sessions. The content and method of your practice are like the secret sauce that can take you from ordinary to extraordinary.
In the past, practice amps were known for their small size, often sacrificing tone quality for portability. However, with technological advancements, this trade-off is less severe than it used to be. While there’s still some compromise, it’s much less than before.
The 14 amps above offer a great mix of sound quality, portability, and convenience, each with unique features that make it stand out. Before purchasing, consider your musical style and playing needs to choose the best small guitar amp for you.
I hope this article helps you make an informed decision. What’s your take on the best small amp? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
