Anyone know anything about Amps?

[budmonster]

I am looking to get my husband a new guitar amp for Christmas and I'm not really sure what kind or model to get him? I don't know anyone else that is into music that can help me. I was looking at Fender and Marshall but they have one that are priced from 200.00 to 2000.00. If anyone can suggest one (under $500.00) I would greatly appreciate it.

Melissa

 

[mjkacmom]

DH just bought ds a practice amp today (Fender) so that I can finally get DH's monster Fender out of the basement! What does he need it for? DH was using terms I didn't get when he explained what the amp he bought had and didn't have ($75, but it might be used). He can use it for practice, but also if he wanted to jam with his friends (he's 10 - not much jamming going on). Give me some more info, and I'll ask DH - he's a guitar/amp expert!

 

[freckles and boo]

I wouldn't venture into the treacherous territory of buying equipment for a musician unless he or she has specified something in particular. How about a gift card or gift certificate?

 

[mjkacmom]

I wouldn't venture into the treacherous territory of buying equipment for a musician unless he or she has specified something in particular. How about a gift card or gift certificate?

That's a good point - when I bought DH his amp 15 years ago, he told me exactly what make and model he wanted ($500 used).

 

[budmonster]

I was trying to surprise him. I know that he likes Fender and Marshall. But there are so many to chose from, I know that he want one that is on the smaller side the old one he has now is the size of a small car. He want an all in one amp, I think there're called Combo's. I was looking to spend less then $500 dollars on it.

 

[budmonster]

DH just bought ds a practice amp today (Fender) so that I can finally get DH's monster Fender out of the basement! What does he need it for? DH was using terms I didn't get when he explained what the amp he bought had and didn't have ($75, but it might be used). He can use it for practice, but also if he wanted to jam with his friends (he's 10 - not much jamming going on). Give me some more info, and I'll ask DH - he's a guitar/amp expert!

Thanks for the help can you ask him to take a look at these links and tell me what he thinks of these. If their worth the money. I really really appreciate it.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8763331&productCategoryId=pcmcat151600050024&type=product&id=1208561938428



http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8165371&productCategoryId=pcmcat151600050024&type=product&id=1205538059883

 

[CathrynRose]

What will he be using it for? Just messing around?

What kind of guitar does he have? Will he be hooking it to the stereo too?

This is my husband's (expensive, annoying, wish he preferred crocheting) hobby.

 

[CathrynRose]

Oh, and I saw you posted links to Best Buy. Do you have a Guitar Center near you?

Bigger selection and funner, cooler amps to choose from.

 

[Micca]

I wouldn't venture into the treacherous territory of buying equipment for a musician unless he or she has specified something in particular. How about a gift card or gift certificate?

+1

 

[tar heel]

If he's anything like my DH, then you can't buy him an amp unless he's specificed exactly what kind. My DH tried about 1,000 before he bought his last amp -- some $$$ boutique kind -- and he's not sure he likes it. Of course, he can still use his others since he never gets rid of any equipment.

 

[theles]

I wouldn't venture into the treacherous territory of buying equipment for a musician unless he or she has specified something in particular. How about a gift card or gift certificate?

My DH agreed with this because there is many factors going in to the selection, what type of music is being played? what type of guitar? what it is going to be used for( for practice or for playing with the band)? I have to say most of his suggestions are over $500 and he said its a very personal decsion.

 

[JR6ooo4]

and on top of that, sometimes newer is not better.

Sometimes finding an old tube amp is pretty cool.

Mikeeee

 

[phorsenuf]

I would recommend getting him a gift certificate from musiciansfriend.com Awesome place for music lovers.

 

[GeorgeG]

For a serious musician, amps are a very specific and personal thing. A lot depends on what he intends to use it for (hobby vs. pro), the type of music he plays, and the sound he wants to get. Very similar-looking amps can have very different sounds and features, even the same brand. Fender and Marshall are both excellent brands, but come in a wide variety of models.

You are correct that all-in-ones are called "combos." They come in a lot of different sizes, powers (tube, solid state, transtube) and all with different effects selections and speaker sizes. Most serious musicians like to try playing through prospective amps with their own guitar before making a selection. If you still want to surpise him, buy through a reputable dealer and make sure they have a solid return policy in case it's not what he wants. And, don't take it personally if he doesn't like what you bought him. A lot of musicians don't know what they want themselves.

 

[pr surfer]

What kind of guitar, and what musical style(s)?

I second the comments about Fender and Marshall both being excellent brands (I'm a Marshall/Mesa Boogie loyalist myself), but they are completely different.

If you're truly indecisive, but want to get an amp for certain, check out Line 6. Their amps digitally model other companies (marshall and fender included among others), and are quite well built.

 

[budmonster]

Thank for all the advice. He plays an electric guitar just for fun or relaxing. The only type of music he listens and plays to is Metal like Ozzy, Metallica, and so on. He's not very picky about the type he will just be happy that I surprised him with one. He's very frugel and would never buy himself something that expensive. That is why I don't want to get a gift card I want he to know that I put some thought into it. And beside if he doesn't like it he can always exchange it for something different. I just wasn't sure which one to get. I really really appreciate everyones help.

 

[GeorgeG]

Sounds like he might like either a Fender Frontman Series or Line 6 Spider III Series. They are both reasonable priced. Still, they do come in a variety of models and the deciding factor might be the price. Go with the best (most power) you can afford and you should be okay. Personally, I like a combo with at least 100 watts of power and 2-12" speakers and either of these series offers that. Another possibility is Behringer. They are putting our some really decent equipment at a very decent price. They are also big in the digital effects department.

Go with an amp in the 100-150 watt range with 2-12" speakers and I'm sure he'll like it.

 

[budmonster]

Sounds like he might like either a Fender Frontman Series or Line 6 Spider III Series. They are both reasonable priced. Still, they do come in a variety of models and the deciding factor might be the price. Go with the best (most power) you can afford and you should be okay. Personally, I like a combo with at least 100 watts of power and 2-12" speakers and either of these series offers that. Another possibility is Behringer. They are putting our some really decent equipment at a very decent price. They are also big in the digital effects department.

Go with an amp in the 100-150 watt range with 2-12" speakers and I'm sure he'll like it.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you help. I think I'm going to go with the Fender Frontman 212r, he already has a 1967 Fender tube amp and just loves it, so I think this will be a nice update to the one he has.

 

[pr surfer]

I saw you picked the Fender, and I applaud the choice

However, and a BIG however: Given the musical tastes you mentioned, I feel that a Marshall or Line6 would be better suited for him. Their overdrive is more in line with the Ozzy/Metallica sound.