A guitar amp is a musical instrument amplifier that is designed to work with guitars and other string instruments – like the banjo. The first amps were actually guitar amplifiers, meaning they were specifically created to create distortion and overdrive on guitar signals, as those types of sounds weren’t always available from electronic keyboards or synthesizers.
There are many different kinds of guitar amps out there on the market for you to choose from. They range in size, power output, and more.
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Buying Guide
Because there are so many different kinds of guitar amps out there, it can be hard to choose one that is right for you. The following are some things to consider when choosing a guitar headphone amp:
Style of Music:
What kind of music are you planning to use your amp with? Different amps are designed for rock, metal, country, jazz, blues and more. You can usually tell what kind of music an amp is designed for by the type of sound it produces.
Budget:
The price of an amp means different things for different people. For some people, the price is the most important factor in choosing an amp. Others believe there are better options out there that cost less than some of the more expensive amps out there.
Size:
Some guitar amp styles are meant to be taken on the road, while others are designed to stay at home. There are even amps that you can plug straight into your computer or smartphone via a USB port. Most guitar amps come in two or three different sizes to accommodate where and how you want to play.
5 Best Guitar Headphone Amps
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. VOX AP2AC amPlug 2 AC30 Guitar/Bass Headphone Amplifier
- Power supply: AAA batteries x 2 (Best with Polaroid AAA batteries)
- Connections: headphone out, aux in
- Dimensions: W x D x H) 3.39 x 3.15 x 1.22" 86 x 80 x 31mm)
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vintage-voiced tube amp with stereo effects, USB and headphone outputs. Built-in speaker provides the warmest sound for practice or rehearsal. The VOX AP2AC amPlug 2 AC30 Guitar/Bass Headphone Amplifier features all the vintage rock ‘n’ roll tone of iconic amps such as this famous Vox.
Pros:
- The sound quality it provides is clear and crisp; you can hear all the different parts of the music.
- It is small and compact, making it easy to take with you if you’re playing a gig at someone’s house or just want to practice outside.
- The USB output makes it simple to plug into your computer and record your music for easy access later. You can play along with mp3s or just record them for use later.
Cons:
- You have to buy an additional plug kit that comes with the kit. I don’t know why this is included since it makes no difference. I just wish they took out this stupid thing and you could just get right to using the amp without having to keep track of things.
2. VOX AP2MT amPlug 2 Metal Guitar/Bass Headphone
- Connections: Headphone Out, AUX In
- Power Supply: AAA batteries x 2
- Dimensions: W x D x H) 3.39 x 3.15 x 1.22" 86 x 80 x 31mm)
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Plug into this pocket-sized amp with built-in speaker to get real tube tone. Now you can play anytime, anywhere with the portable amPlug 2 Metal Guitar/Bass Headphone Amp from VOX. This palm-sized tube amp features a metal body designed to deliver robust, full-bodied sound that any guitarist or bass player will appreciate.
Pros:
- The sound quality it provides is clear and crisp; you can hear all the different parts of the music.
- It is small and compact, making it easy to take with you if you’re playing a gig at someone’s house or just want to practice outside.
- The USB output makes it simple to plug into your computer and record your music for easy access later. You can play along with mp3s or just record them for use later.
Cons:
- I hardly ever play my guitar out loud, so I don’t really need this.
3. VOX AP2CR amPlug 2 Classic Rock Guitar/Bass Headphone Amplifier
- Connections: Headphone Out, AUX In
- Power Supply: AAA batteries x 2
- Dimensions: (W x D x H) 3.39 x 3.15 x 1.22” (86 x 80 x 31mm)
- VOX (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The VOX AP2CR amPlug 2 Classic Rock Guitar/Bass Headphone Amplifier features two classic Vox amplifier models, AC30 and Class A Clean, which can be used with guitar or bass. It also features a 9V DC power supply that you can use to power the unit.
Pros:
- The sound quality it provides is clear and crisp; you can hear all the different parts of the music.
- It is small and compact, making it easy to take with you if you’re playing a gig at someone’s house or just want to practice outside.
- The USB output makes it simple to plug into your computer and record your music for easy access later. You can play along with mp3s or just record them for use later.
Cons:
- This is not ideal for taking anywhere with you since it requires power (and you’ll need to keep track of the chord).
4. DigiTech RP360XP Guitar Multi-Effects Pedal
Rock out on the road with your favorite songs via the RP360XP Engine. With the Rockman A/DI USB interface you can input your guitar or bass into one of thousands of professional-designed guitar rigs.
- Over 160 Amps, cabinets, and effects 54 amp/acoustic types 26 cabinets 82 effects
- 198 presets (99 factory, 99 user) expression pedal Power supply included 40-second looper 60 high quality drum patterns
- Durable metal chassis and foot switches 2 x 2 USB Audio streaming built-in chromatic Tuner external control input for a button footswitch configurable...
- Up to 5 seconds of delay time USB editing via digitech Nexus stereo 1/4" Output stereo 1/8" Headphone output stereo 1/8" Aux input amp/ mixer Mode...
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- The sound quality it provides is clear and crisp; you can hear all the different parts of the music.
- It is small and compact, making it easy to take with you if you’re playing a gig at someone’s house or just want to practice outside.
- The USB output makes it simple to plug into your computer and record your music for easy access later. You can play along with mp3s or just record them for use later.
Cons:
- It’s expensive. There are other pedals that do the same thing, but for less money.
5. BOSS GT-001 Tabletop Guitar Effects Processor (GT-001), Black
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With the BOSS GT-001, the BOSS is offering plug-in play for guitarists. The GT-001 tabletop effects processor provides an unprecedented number of creative tools that can be used on stage or in the studio.
Pros:
- The sound quality it provides is clear and crisp; you can hear all the different parts of the music.
- It is small and compact, making it easy to take with you if you’re playing a gig at someone’s house or just want to practice outside.
- The USB output makes it simple to plug into your computer and record your music for easy access later. You can play along with mp3s or just record them for use later.
Cons:
- It’s expensive. There are other pedals that do the same thing, but for less money.
Conclusion:
The reviews for these items are mostly good reviews. They are all pieces of equipment that are designed to play the guitar or bass. Many of the reviews that I found on these products were very positive. You can always ask around if you have any questions before purchasing one of these devices.
No matter what amp you choose, make sure you’re purchasing a product that is made out of high-quality materials to avoid damaging your guitar or bass.