Amplifiers

We stock four types of amp: Electric guitar amplifiers, Acoustic guitar amplifiers, Keyboard Amplifiers and Bass Amplifiers. All amps vary in tone (even the solid state ones) and it is always advisable to try various makes and models and to follow the type of sound you wish to get.

Electric guitar amplifiers

These can be solid state or valve, but valve amps give a much richer sound and (with a few exceptions) will always sound better than solid state amps (both for solid body and F-hole guitars).      This is because valves serve to enhance the sound generated through the pickups.   At Art Music we are particularly partial to Mesa Boogie, though of course there are many good amps available.  

Acoustic guitar amplifiers

Acoustic amps are always solid state, since the sound of an acoustic is already rich, and merely requires a clean sound.    We particularly recommend AER Domino, Fishman Loudbox and SR amplifiers for acoustic guitar.   

Keyboard amplifiers

These are always solid state, and will always serve well as bass amps.  

Bass amplifiers

These can be either solid state or valve.   Although bass amps can be used for keyboards, they may not amplify the higher frequencies too well and this is therefore not an option we would recommend.   Double bass players tend to prefer a different sound from electric bass guitar players, who are themselves divided upon the type of sound they wish to get overall.

Amplifiers in stock now

Below are some of the amplifiers that we have in stock now. If you require an amp that is not listed below just give us a call.

Fishman Loudbox Performer
click to enlarge	130 Watts 3 Way Speaker Array (2 6-1/2" woofers, 4" cone midrange, and 1" neodymium soft-dome tweeter) Dual Channel with 3 Band EQ Dedicated Instrument Channel and Seperate Instrument/Microphone Channel
	Sold: £580

How to choose amplifiers

Factors which may also influence your choice of guitar & keyboard amplifier may be size, weight, design, availability and of course cost.  It is often necessary to compromise between factors of portability, tone and cost. Some makes and models of amp represent a very good compromise, others less so.