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Guitar Amplifiers - What They Are And How They Work
By Gray Rollins

Chances are you’ve just bought your first Electric guitar and wish to find out all about guitar amps. Maybe you’re just curious as to how long amps have been around, how they work, or which to purchase. Whatever the reason, by reading this article, you’ll get answers.

History of the Amplifier

Guitar amps have been around for roughly 70 years now, having first appeared during the 1930s. The earliest amps had very poor high treble and bass responses. This was improved over time, as amps became better developed. During the ‘60s, the guitar amp greatly evolved to where it is today when guitarists of that era experimented with deliberately overloading their amp to create Distortion. From that point on, most amps were provided with preamp distortion controls. Playing with distortion has since become an important part of Electric guitar playing.

Types of Amplifiers

There are two types of amps: solid state and vacuum tube amps. Additionally, there are some amps that combine both solid state and tube technologies. Most amps, especially the least expensive ones, are solid state because they are lighter and easier to repair than tube amps are. A lot of guitarists, however, prefer the tube amp due to the tube amp’s analog sensitivity, which they claim makes tube amps sound better. While this is probably the case, most beginners can’t afford to shell out the $500-$1000 it costs to buy a good tube amp. That’s why solid state amps are actually a good buy in some cases.

Solid state and vacuum tube amps come in combo (speakers and head) packages or separately. Guitarists who aren’t picky can just buy the combo, while those who are picky can “mix and match” heads and speakers. This is useful for those looking to achieve a certain sound.

How Amps Work/What Watts Mean

Without going into a big, long, technical explanation, amplifiers basically take the vibration (sound) of the string(s) and amplify it, thereby increasing the sound. If you wish to find out more about the technical side of guitar amps, there are several good books that cover the topic pretty thoroughly.

Each amplifier has a certain number of watts. The higher the number of watts, the louder the sound produced by the amp is. Generally speaking, those who wish to play shows will want to get amplifiers with at least 30 watts, preferably at least 50 watts, especially if they plan on playing at larger venues.

Gray Rollins is a writer for GuitarsLand.com - a great site to learn about guitar equipment and how to play the guitar. To learn more about guitar amps, be sure to visit GuitarsLand.com today.

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Mesa Boogie Roadster Tube Amplifier Review
By Charlie Beers

If you want to crank up the volume and play as flawlessly as guitar pros such as the notable music icons Carlos Santana, Metallica, Radiohead, Nirvana, and tons more, where else should you turn to but Mesa Boogie for all your amplifier desires? Mesa Boogie has been in the business of producing top of the line amplifiers for outstanding sounds and music making since 1971. Mesa Boogie is recognized for its excellent products sold worldwide, and the company is known all over the United States as one of the best in its trade. Mesa Boogie is also admired for its line of Rectifier Series amps, Mark Series, Lone Star Series, and more.

Guitar lovers of the world, unite! If you have the passion for guitar playing unlike any other, then you probably already know how essential the right amplifier is for your performance. Introducing another amazing feat offered by Mesa Boogie, one of the most sought after brands for amps in the country for more than 30 years.

If you haven't found the right amp to boost your performance and take it to the professional level, then meet the Dual Rectifier Roadster from the Rectifier Series of Mesa Boogie. The Mesa Boogie Dual Recto Roadster is one of the company's proudest brainchildren ever, and is available in two combo formats: 1x12 and 2x12 or the mighty Head version. Both of the combos are fan cooled, with V30 speakers and dimensions of 26 ¾ inches in width. You get the Rectifier amp with four casters for easier transport and added convenience. The smooth and clean black finish is attractive enough, but wait till you hear the sounds from this amp.

In general, what features can you expect from this Mesa Boogie Roadster Tube Amplifier from this Rectifier Series? You can switch the toggle form Channel 1 to Channel 2, which are the lower gain channels. You get to choose from modes of Clean, Fat, Brit, or Tweed. Switching on over to Channels 3 and 4, you have three modes, Raw, Vintage High Gain, or Modern High Gain, which are reminiscent of the Dual Rectifier Solo Head amps. Furthermore, each of these four channels have unique channel strips found on the rear panel, so you can control the Reverb, Power, Effects, as well as the Rectification individually per channel.

Another notable feature form the Mesa Boogie Roadster is the multi-watt function. This allows you to assign or choose wattage for each channel on your amp. You may select form 50 or 100 watts per preamp channel. The 50 watt power assignment gives your guitar playing an elasticity to it, while 100 watts is more preferable for sounds requiring a low-end girth. You can test the Roadster out for yourself and determine which settings are best to your application.

Charlie is the owner of Gear-Vault a Used Music Equipment online auction site. And Gear-Monkey Musicians online Talk forum. Both sites reflect his love for music and geared toward the music community.

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