We cannot emphasize enough the importance of finding the best amps for pedals in the market. Whether you want to elevate your music hobby or you want to explore becoming a pro, a good pedal amp dictates the kind of guitar experience you will have.
It’s an added challenge that many of brands available today may not be compatible to accessories you already have. Some guitars may also look appealing, more crisp-sounding when matched with a particular type or model.
Truly, there’s a lot to explore when looking for the right brand, features and specs that suit your preference. If you’re aiming to improve on your guitar gear or you’re just exploring new sounds to explore in a different genre, this article will be your guide.
Make this your go-to list to find out which amp for pedals out there will hit the right tone. No pun intended.
Contents
Top 6 Best Amps for Pedals: Comparison Chart
| Image | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Fender Champion 40 |
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Check Price |
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Peavey Vypyr VIP 2 – 40 Watt Modeling Instrument Amplifier |
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Check Price |
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Fender ’65 Deluxe |
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Check Price |
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Marshall MG102CFX MG Series 100 |
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Check Price |
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VOX, 2 electric-guitar-amplifier-combos |
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Check Price |
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Fender Super Champ X2 15-Watt 1×10-Inch Guitar Combo Amp |
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Check Price |
Best Picks of Amps for Pedals
#1: Fender Champion 40
- All the tonal versatility you can handle in a small package with clean and overdriven tones, British and modern amp voicings and various effects including reverb, delay and more.
- Straight forward controls such as "Voice" and "FX Select" allow you to dial in your sound with the ease of just turning a knob.
- Jam along with your favorite tracks by simply plugging your MP3 player into the Auxiliary input and you instantly become part of the band and /or practice privately with the 1/8th headphone output jack that also mutes the speaker output.
- Store extra cables or other small accessories with the open back cabinet. Total impedance is 8 ohms
- Enjoy the peace of mind that this amp is backed by Fender’s 5 Year Transferable Warranty.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links (#ad) / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When you’re aiming for the best value for your money, you may want to see what the features are of the Fender Champion 40. It’s got a 40-watt level of electric guitar power that just keeps on improving. If your aim is to get the best value out of your investments in your music career, then this is where to start.
The tonal versatility you get from this set is more than a passing rate. What this gives you is the added pleasure of making sure that your tones are guaranteed clean and smooth, with overdriven tone effects, for maximum variety.
This is the amp to get when your goal is to have that straightforward sound that you are drooling over from your fave musicians. The “Voice” and “FX Select” controls in this model also allow for you to dial a sound with the smoothest ease.
You may appreciate, too, that this is made with a special effect feature that just easily lets you hang out with your friends in a jam session. Just plug in your MP3 player and you’re good to go!
The 1/8th headphone output jack is made for you to get to still use your standard headphone jacks, saving you money by avoiding to buy a new one.
- This is a clean-sounding model with lots of smooth and overdriven sound effects.
- This comes with control buttons that make for smooth operations.
- Extra storage for cables and small-size accessories.
- Its Fender 5-year Warranty is transferable and so you have the convenience that it’s going to last.
- This doesn’t have echo effect for voice.
- No guarantee if this model is good for vocal effects
#2: Peavey Vypyr VIP 2 – 40 Watt Modeling Instrument Amplifier
- 40 Watts
- One 12 Custom voiced modeling speaker
- Patented TransTube technology
- Acoustically ported semi-closed back
- 10 instrument models including Acoustic guitar simulators, 12 String guitar model, Sitar model, 7 String model, Baritone Model, Resonator model, Electric Violin, Bass guitar models
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links (#ad) / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When the choices you have in the market can be overwhelming, you could simplify by just going for the Peavey Vypyr model, especially its VIP 2 – 40 release. It’s got a 40 wattage, with a customized modeling-based speaker to give you more sound options.
Its TransTube tech is also patented, and that makes it an added value to your experience when you want something genuine and passionately made in your collection of musical instruments.
You should know, too, that the acoustic simulations you can get in this model will allow you to play either a string guitar sound or an electric violin effect.
Bass guitar and baritone sound models are an added option so you can knock yourself out experimenting on them.
The promise of revolutionary innovation of the Peavey is also noteworthy. Many try to say that they are reinventing the wheel, but this time, Peavey offers SHARC processors and VYPYR sound effects to really make the point.
What these features give you are more opportunities to explore the craft of sound engineering, more power and more amp models to master your musical craft.
Convenience is another thing to get from this model, because the parameter controls of this amp can already be controlled via the amp itself. No more time wasted for unnecessary tuning.
- This comes in 36 fantastic amp models that are already installed.
- This also has an Amp setting that’s best suited for delay and global standard reverb.
- It has 26 different amp effects that are accessible on-board.
- You get an amazing set of amplification options that can fit a variety of brands and instruments
- The controls are using colored LEDs, so those who are color-blind may experience difficulty
- The controls may also falter about a year of use.
#3: Fender ’65 Deluxe
- 22 watts of pure, clean power compresses and overdrives so sweetly when cranked up!
- One 12” 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speakers offer incredible clarity and note separation.
- All-tube Fender reverb and vibrato offers spacial ambience and a legendary array of tones.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links (#ad) / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It can be dramatically overwhelming to choose the amps for pedals today, but you can first go explore the features of the Fender 65 first to see if it’s the one you need and want.
The best features of this Fender amp comes from its 22 watt of pure power that both compresses and sweetly renders overdrives when you put them in crank mode. Clarity is another strength here, and pair that with this model’s vibrato and what you have is tremendously complex spacial ambiance. All you need are your friends and you can now elevate your music playing abilities.
If you want to play or hit some covers on your favorite rock, blues or country songs, then the moderate amp power this model has will certainly be a delight.
You can get snappy, complex guitar tones from this amp, as well as a 6V6 dual-groove patented tubes and a 12AX7 set of preamp power tubes, to increase the volume of your guitar’s reverb. This set of features puts you in an experimental mood in your music and makes playing your amp even more fun.
This doesn’t mean that the sound is clanging with cheap tin tones. The sound is still so fantastic that playing John Mayer’s hit songs or Pearl Jam’s hits would be a cinch.
- Don’t let the modest and low wattage amp look fool you. Many customers will vouch for how loud this amp can be.
- Full of powerful patented tubes that can rattle your neighbor’s garage or glass windows.
- Works and fits so well with any type of pedal.
- There may be issues of white noise but a little wiggle can fix it.
- The reverb might be too warm for others’ taste
#4: Marshall MG102CFX MG Series 100
- 100 Watts
- 2x12 combo
- 4 programmable channels
- Effects
- MP3 input
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links (#ad) / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Whether you just want to put a new amp in your music room or you want to perform live in a band, then the Marshall MG 100 Series will definitely be worth considering.
Its fantastic features start from its 100 wattage size, its 2 x 12 size dimension and an added MP3 input slot for those impeccable samples you want to cover.
This unit is designed to have a solid robust structure but at the same time filled with innovative features. Music is all about experimenting, and when you have these functionally varied tonal effects at your disposal, sky is the limit in your exploration.
Beginners are not planning to go full-on gig mode yet, but if you’re intending to go pro later, I see this to be a recommended investment. Its new features alone seem to be made to last, so you’ll never go out of style for many years to come.
If aesthetics is a main priority, you won’t be left behind with this because its carbon-fit ultra-stylish material has a timeless yet modern look that goes so well in any type of venue.
You’ll feel the rock star vibe without feeling like a copycat because of how the amp simply stunningly looks.
- This has a fashionably, long-lasting modern design that keeps with the style.
- You have a variety of tonal effects at your disposal for maximum music exploration.
- It has an MP3 input to make it easy for you to practice on your covers.
- You only have 4 programmable channels.
- The footswitch is designed to be two-way, and so it’s not as optimized as others may be.
#5: VOX, 2 electric-guitar-amplifier-combos
- 10 Watt tube combo offering the classic VOX Top Boost tone
- EL84 power tubes; 12AX7 preamp tubes
- Custom 10" VX10 speaker made by Celestion
- Simple but effective Gain, Bass, Treble, Reverb, and Master Volume controls
- Extension and External speaker outputs; By-passable Effect Loop, Distinctive VOX Styling. Output Power: 10W RMS
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links (#ad) / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It pays to consider in your price comparison, too, the value-added features you can get from this VOX guitar-amp combo. This vintage version has a 10 watt tube combo that offers you many features, including rock and roll tunes that are distinctly British.
This is possible because of the patented VOX Top Boost innovation that comes with EL84 powertubes and a preamp set of supplements in the form of a 12AX7 preamp boost. Truly, all these features give you the edge in exploring a variety of genre.
You can hit a wide variety of rock music tones with this amp because of its normal and top boost channel found in British tone music. Move over Arctic Monkeys because with this amp you may be the next best British indie artist to rock the world.
The spring reverb of this amp may even be a worthy investment in your Celestion Greenback collection, as its EL84-centered workhorse has a 15-watt range made solely for such a collection.
The already remarkable sound quality of this amp enhances your playing skills even more. This is thanks to the added modern amp refinements you can find in this model.
- You get a variety of effect options to explore multiple music genres.
- The spring reverb can be a perfect addition to your Celestion Greenback collection.
- You get to experience distinctly British sounds because of its effects.
- This comes with a simple but expansive music controls, ranging from treble, reverb, gain to bass and master volume controls.
- You can’t use all types of effects simultaneously on a clean channel.
- Its power is only at 10W RMS.
#6: Fender Super Champ X 15-Watt 1×10-Inch Guitar Combo Amp
- 15 Watt Tube Power Amp
- Speaker: 10-inch Fender Special Design
- 15 Effects with Effects Adjust Control
- 1/4" Line Output
- Inputs: One
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links (#ad) / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The list of top amps for pedals you can see online will most likely include this Fender Combo amp. This may be because it’s not every day you can get a 15 wattage of power amp of this caliber, and it already has a 10-inch speaker made by a trusted brand like Fender.
There are 16 amp types you can choose from, too. From Blackface, British Metal to Tweed, these are the kind of style options that make it exciting for you to decide before purchasing.
The cool, rock star vibe you get from this amp is just fun to begin with, but if you add to that its USB output feature and two channels for footswitch optionality, then you’re on a whole different level.
Some of the features that make this a worthy pick would include its assortment of voicing controls, 15 effects of control levels for variety, and an updated, modern look that satisfies any type of musician’s taste for style.
Fender is known for pure, powerful sounds and innovative instruments. The tonal richness you expect from a Fender is fortunately something you can also expect from this unmistakably distinct amp.
If you like an uncolored sound, then you’d be happy to know that this Fender amp has atmospherics settings, such as delay, reverb, tremolo and even a chorus, which makes it even more complex to play around with.
- Fantastic 10″ Fender-trademarked speaker design.
- It’s got a wide array of atmospheric textures and effects to give you maximum playing range.
- Its onboard effects are unmistakably distinct from other amps.
- This amp features a digital amp model that can fit both old and new amp types.
- You can’t use all types of effects simultaneously on a clean channel.
- You will have to install a Fender software to connect your computer to a guitar, which you can download in Fender’s website.
Who Makes the Best Amps for Pedals?
Marshall is my choice as the No. 1 manufacturer of the best guitar amp for pedals today. They’ve been an iconic British amp maker for many years already, and their 4X12 cabinet tube amps are so fantastic, that great musicians have made them their star picks on stage since the late 60s.
Why you need an Amps for Pedals?
You need such amps for your pedals because that’s the only way you can send the sound you’re mixing to a set of speakers you’ve matched with it. Without amps for pedals, you’re just mixing music in your pedal board and guitar strings without people hearing them.
You should know, too, that you don’t need a big amp for your pedals. Most of the venues to play in these days already have a PA system and can connect a mic to your amp, so there’s no point in bringing in the biggest amp you can find to the gig.
Another thing to remember is that if you want flexibility and plenty of options, you may want to consider getting a combo amp that has a large tube. It already has everything you need and can hook you up pretty much with every kind of PA system.
Things To Consider Before Buying Amps for Pedals
An amplifier pedal may look like the same across brands, but there are some things you need to remember first before buying the amps for pedals you can find on sale in major online stores. Here are some of them:
BYOG – We cannot overemphasize here the importance of bringing your
own guitar when buying the amp of your choice. That’s even most likely the first tip you will find in many of the Amps for Pedals reviews online.
Bringing your own guitar will afford you the details you will need to make sure that the guitar you own has a matching sound to the amp. The store sample guitar could be sounding right with the amp but when you arrive home, that may not be the right type you want for your own guitar.
Tube Technology – You can pick either a tube, digital or solid-state for your amps for pedals. The advantage of going solid-state and digital for your amps is that you get excellent tone for a whole lot less of money.
You also have less maintenance headaches to think about when you go digital.
- Blind Listening Test – It also helps to get a blind listening appraisal when you check for your amps. Close your eyes and then feel the amp as it matches with your guitar, and let your ears be the judge.
- Reach Maximum Distortion – You also have to check the amp if they can reach to the promised level of distortion indicated by the technical specs. Check if the distortion is still clean and relatively complex, or they just sound like noise.
You can test the amp by hitting the master volume at its maximum limit and turn them down again. The sound you should get needs to be still lively and can send shivers down your veins.
Tips For Using and Maintaining Amps for Pedals
Investing in your amps for pedals can be pricey, so it just makes sense to know how to use them properly to avoid the headaches of maintaining them. Here are some of the practical tips to consider to make your amps for pedals last for the longest time:
- Warm it up – the best way to make sure that your amps for pedals are at their best condition is to warm them up before use.
If the amp you have a separate power and standby controls, then you should at least turn the power on for a few minutes before pressing the standby button.
- Cool down – as much as possible, let the amps you have cool down first before moving them around.
- High Quality Signal – it’s a good idea, too, to only use the high-quality signal speaker leads you have, and as often as you can, check them for problems.
- Avoid Damp or Humid conditions – you can basically destroy your amps by just storing them in too damp or too humid conditions. You may think that a garage is a good idea for this, but it’s not.
Garages, sheds, outdoor gardens and even your patio can be a bad place to store your amps.
- Avoid shocks – your tube amps are more vulnerable than you think, so make sure you avoid dropping them or putting them in the areas of your vehicle that absorb a lot of shock when you’re on mobile.
FAQs:
What’s a big No-No for amps?
Don’t put your amplifier near a place where it’s hot, humid or damp.
Can I clean my amp with damp cloth?
No. Stick with wet wipes or less damp options.
Can I turn off my amp immediately?
Try not to. Set it to standby first before unplugging.
Final Verdicts
After the thorough comparison, I can say here that my personal winner among the 6 best amps for pedals is the: Fender ’65 Deluxe
I chose it because only Fender ’65 Deluxe offers the rich sound from its powerful patented tubes but it’s also so versatile that it can with any pedal type. This allows you to get rich clear sounds in your reverb, but also give you complex effects in your chorus.
Yes, it’s hard to find the best amps for pedals when you are confronted with a lot of options. So when you’re having a hard time to pick, just consider my personal winner or the options we listed above.