Stripped Down: The Best Amp for Clean Tone
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best amp for clean tone for your budget and situation, along with our Top 8 recommendations!
Everybody loves effects pedals - with all the guitar pedals and amp sounds available today, guitar players are really only limited by their own creativity. But when you want that unaltered, crystal- clear clean tone from your guitar amps, you really want it to be flawless, free of any noise artifacts, distortion, or other unwanted sounds.
When looking for an amp to provide a clean tone, there are several factors to consider. First, you will want to ensure that the amplifier has enough power to accommodate your desired sound. If you are playing at home or in a small venue, then a lower wattage amp is probably fine; however, if you plan on playing larger venues or gigging regularly, then you will want guitar amps with more headroom and power. Additionally, you should also look into the various features offered by amplifiers – some may have built-in effects or other features that can help shape your sound. Finally, you should also make sure that the amplifier has a clean sound. Many guitar amps may have various distortion or overdrive settings, but these should be used sparingly and not as your main source of tone.
It depends on your individual needs and playing style, but generally speaking, there are several types of amplifiers which are ideal for producing a clean tone. From legendary offerings by Fender, Vox, and Roland, to more specialized guitar amps from Boss and Supro, we've covered the best clean guitar amps on the market today, to get you started on your search for the ideal clean guitar amp for you and your situation.
Fender Mustang LT25
Why it Rocks
The Fender Mustang LT25 is a 25-watt combo amplifier that is designed for the beginner and student guitarists. This amplifier packs a punch with its single 8” Fender Special Design speaker, enclosed in a wooden cabinet. The LT25 makes it easy to start playing right away with its simple user interface and 1.8" color display.
Also featured on this amp is the stereo headphone output, enabling silent practice without disturbing others. And with the USB interface, you can easily record or update your firmware.
So what makes this amp so special? It's all about the sound quality! With 30 presets that cover a wide range of music styles, you can create an immense variety of sounds from classic to modern tones. Onboard effects such as reverb and delay take your tone to the next level, making it easier than ever to refine and customize your sound.
What Else
Since the amplifier has digital technology built in, it allows for greater flexibility when it comes to changing settings or creating new sounds. You can even use software on your computer or mobile device to further customize your sound or download extra presets for more creative options.
The Fender Mustang LT25 provides not only great sound but also exceptional value for money - perfect for anyone looking for an easy-to-use amp to practice or record at home or studio!
Boss Katana-50 MkII
Why it Rocks
The BOSS Katana-50 MkII is the latest addition to BOSS's esteemed line of Katana Series amplifiers, offering guitarists an all-in-one gig and practice solution. With a pummeling hundred-watt output section, Cab-emulated outputs for silent stage and studio performance, multi-channel footswitch support for hands-free remote access to every sound in their arsenal and platform perfect 12" speaker, this amplifier is the perfect choice for experienced guitar players looking to amplify existing modelers or preamps, or build their dream tone from the ground up.
Guitarists can take advantage of five primary amp characters with the BOSS Katana 50 MkII to create vintage organic tones as well as modern high-gain sounds. Plus, they have access to 60 timeless BOSS effects through the BOSS Tone Studio editor and a dedicated voice optimized especially for acoustic electric guitars. And thanks to One Touch Recall feature, users can instantly recall custom setups with one button press.
The ultra versatile preamp section on the Katana 50 MkII allows you to shape your sound further with three band EQ and dedicated mid control knob that functions as semi parametric EQ when combined with the midrange frequency select switch. On top of all that, it also features a powerful built in noise gate and a master volume control for fine tuning your overall output level.
What Else
The BOSS Katana 50 MkII is an incredibly powerful amp that offers all the essential tools needed for crafting great live guitar tones. With its impressive 100 watt RMS power amp section and range of classic amp models, this amplifier is ideal not just for practice sessions but also live performances on stage or in studio recording settings. Its flexible nature makes it easy to use either at home or out on tour without any compromises in sound quality, and at its current price tag, it's the best budget guitar amp for those focused on their clean tones.
Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb
Why it Rocks
The Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb is a musical powerhouse, offering professional guitarists the perfect combination of crunchy tube amp tone and classic Fender elegance. With its dual 6V6 Groove Tubes output tubes, one 5AR4 rectifier tube, four 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 12AT7 tubes and one 12” 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speaker, this amplifier gives you all the natural sound you need to take your performance to the next level.
With 22 watts of pure clean power, the Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb creates sweetly compressed and overdriven sounds when cranked up. Moreover, its single 12” 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speaker offers incredible clarity and note separation. All these features come together to make the Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb an ideal amp for rock, country or blues players who want a moderately powered amp they can crank up in the studio or at a gig.
In addition to its impressive sound capabilities, the Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb also provides musicians with classic clean amp tube-driven reverb and vibrato effects that have been used on countless hit records from Memphis to Abbey Road.
What Else
This amp also includes a two-button footswitch for easy on/off control of reverb and vibrato effects as well as durable black textured vinyl covering with the classic Fender amps silver grille cloth for stylish looks on stage or in the studio.
Whether you're recording in a studio or rocking out onstage, the Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb is an indispensable tool for any serious guitarist. While frequently associated with blues, this timeless tube amp with its warm tones, reliable durability and versatility across genres will provide you with years of great performance.
Fender Blues Junior IV
Why it Rocks
The Fender Blues Junior IV is a classic small-combo amp beloved by musicians all over the world. This 15-watt wonder packs a punch of warm tone and versatile features, making it perfect for stage or studio use at a moment's notice. The Blues Junior IV has been modified with preamp circuitry for greater tonal definition and clarity, even when pushed into overdrive. To top it off, the spring reverb has been improved for a smoother sound.
A 1-button footswitch allows you to access an easy fat Mid boost, while the Celestion 12" A-Type speaker delivers plenty of power and clarity. With these features in hand, guitarists have a great platform for building their own unique tone with effects pedals.
At only 15 watts, this amp may be small but its impact on your sound will be big. The Blues Junior IV is designed to provide crystal clear tones with rich harmonic content that can easily fill any room and make any performance stand out. Perfect for blues, jazz, rock or any genre in between – this amp is sure to please musicians who demand the best in quality and tonality from their equipment.
What Else
In addition to its impressive sonic qualities, the Blues Junior IV also looks great with its classic Fender sparkling silver grille, "lightly aged". With its combination of vintage styling and modern technology, the Blues Junior IV offers guitarists an unbeatable blend of looks and performance. Whether playing at home or out on stage, this amp provides exceptional warmth and articulation of clean tones without sacrificing volume or tone control. So if you're looking for an amp that can deliver professional results without breaking the bank, look no further than the Fender Blues Junior IV.
Fender ‘65 Twin Reverb
Why it Rocks
Fender’s ‘65 Twin Reverb is an iconic amplifier, renowned for its clean, pristine sound. With 85 watts at 4 ohms of pure power, the amp is loud and clear, perfect for any genre from rock to jazz to country. Featuring four 6L6 Groove Tubes output tubes and four 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 12AT7 preamp tubes, two 12” 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speakers, dual channels (normal and vibrato) and Fender reverb, vibrato and two-button reverb/vibrato on-off footswitch, the ‘65 Twin Reverb is a powerhouse for guitarists seeking a legendary sound.
The amp’s rich tone is enhanced by its Jensen C-12K speakers which offer incredible clarity and note separation. Its all-tube Fender reverb provides spacious ambience while still delivering a surfy splash and crash. The tilt-back legs provide convenient positioning while the black textured vinyl covering and silver grille cloth give this classic amp an updated look that will stand out on any stage or in the studio.
What Else
Guitar players from all genres can enjoy the coveted sounds of this legendary amp with its undeniable punch and presence that can easily cut through a mix or band setup. Whether you’re recording in the studio or playing live gigs on stage, the Fender Twin Reverb will deliver every time with its timeless tone that has been sought after by professionals since 1965.
Vox AC15C1
Why it Rocks
The AC15C1 from Vox amps is a classic 15 watt combo amplifier that delivers a classic British sound. It features two channels, Normal and Top-Boost, each with its own Volume control. The Top-Boost channel is highly interactive, with Treble and Bass tone controls and the Tone Cut control in the power stage rather than the preamp stage for additional tone-shaping options. The Master Volume control works with the individual volumes to create just the right degree of gain staging. This allows you to achieve a wide range of tones from pristine “chimney” clean tones to powerful overdriven sounds.
Featuring a Celestion Greenback T1221 12” speaker for excellent projection, the AC15C1 also includes Tremolo (Speed/Depth) and Spring Reverb (Level) controls which can be activated via an optional VFS2A pedal. Its low wattage makes it perfect for recording and practice applications while remaining loud enough for small venues or rehearsal rooms.
The AC15C1 produces an authentic British sound thanks to its cleverly designed circuitry which features hand-wired electronic components including traditional carbon film resistors and polyester capacitors like those commonly found in vintage amplifiers. This ensures a faithful reproduction of classic 1960s era guitar tones with all the warmth, depth and complexity associated with them. The amp also features high quality hardware such as reliable metal corner protectors, robust steel handles and a professional black Tolex covering - all characteristics synonymous with Vox amplifiers from this era.
What Else
With its classic design and versatile tonal capabilities, it is easy to understand why this iconic amplifier has remained popular since its introduction in 1958. Whether you are looking for your first tube amp or searching for an upgrade from your existing model, the Vox AC15C1 offers outstanding sonic versatility backed up by a reliable build quality that makes it one of the best value combos on the market today.
Supro 1968RK Keeley 1×12’’
Why it Rocks
The Supro 1968RK Keeley 1x12” Tube Combo Amplifier is a unique and powerful combination of modern and classic styling. Featuring Celestion G12M-65 Creamback Speaker, this amplifier is perfect for capturing the nuances of pedal-crafted tones and providing the user with a wide range of tonal options. Additionally, it has a transparent effects loop that allows users to take advantage of what their guitar pedals can offer, including reverb and tremolo effects.
The control panel is straightforward and easy to use with just four controls; volume, master, bass and treble knobs. With these few knobs, you can easily create your desired tone without too much hassle. The power tubes on this amp are two 6V6GT tubes which allow for a wonderful sound that is consistent regardless of how heavy your footstomping becomes. The pristine clean tone has a signature meaty midrange that really stands out even without a dedicated midrange control knob.
The high input headroom also allows boost and drive pedals to really shine without interfering in the midrange frequencies. Furthermore, the custom CR10 speaker brings out an impressive deep bass response while still maintaining the signature Supro midrange tones that have made this brand so beloved among guitarists over the years.
What Else
All in all, the Supro 1968RK Keeley 1x12” Tube Combo Amplifier is an incredibly versatile tool for musicians who are looking for lots of tonal options at their fingertips or just want an amp that sounds great right out of the box. With its transparency in terms of effects loop and 2-b EQ functionality as well as its portability compared to heavier tube amps, it’s no wonder why this model has become so popular in recent years amongst professionals and amateurs alike!
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Why it Rocks
The Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus is a renowned guitar amp that has earned its legendary status over the past forty five years. As the gold standard in clean guitar sound, it has been used by professionals and popular musicians alike to create unique sounds with its iconic chorus effect. It features a powerful 120 watt stereo amp with two 12-inch “silver cone” speakers for unrivalled clarity and depth of tone.
Each input channel features a three-band EQ and bright on/off switch, allowing you to manipulate your sound to the exact detail. The built-in vibrato and distortion effects further add character to your music, while the authentic spring reverb provides an immersive ambiance to your audio landscape. This range of options allows you to personalize your music, creating countless possibilities when combined with the signature Dimensional Space Chorus effect.
The JC-120 Jazz Chorus has been used by numerous artists in many genres since 1975 and as such, it is often seen as an industry standard for clean guitar sound. Its unparalleled combination of power, clarity and sound manipulation capabilities have made it one of the most sought after amps on the market today. Whether you're looking for pristine cleans or dirty rock tones, this amp can deliver on all fronts.
What Else
If you're searching for an amp that can provide years of reliable performance while still offering an array of tonal options, then look no further than the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus; its legendary status speaks for itself. With powerful stereo amplification, responsive EQ controls and characteristic chorus effects, this amp will be sure to offer an experience unlike any other; an experience that can only be provided by a classic like this one.
FAQs About the Best Guitar Amps for Clean Tone
How do I get the most out of my amp when playing a clean tone?
To get the most out of your guitar amps when playing a clean tone, it's important to pay close attention to your settings. Invest in some quality instrument cables and make sure all your connections are secure; this will help ensure that any signal loss is kept to a minimum. Additionally, be sure to experiment with EQ settings on both the guitar side and the amplifier side; this will allow you to get more control over your overall sound. Finally, be sure to check out different speaker configurations to find one that suits your needs – while many guitar amplifiers come with pre-installed speakers, different setups can have a huge impact on sound quality.
What kind of pickups should I use for a clean tone?
The type of pickups you choose will depend largely on what kind of sounds you're going for – if you're aiming for something brighter like jazz or blues then single coils are often the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for something heavier like rock or metal then humbuckers may be better suited to your needs. Generally speaking however, any pickup type can be used in conjunction with an amp to produce good quality tones so don't be afraid to experiment!
Are there any pedals I should use when playing with a clean tone?
Pedals can definitely help shape your sound when playing with a clean tone...but it's important not to overdo it! Start by using simple gain boosts or treble boosts in order to bring up certain frequencies without adding too much noise or distortion – these can really help emphasize natural harmonic content and make solos stand out without becoming too muddy. Other popular effects include compression pedals (for giving chords more punch), chorus pedals (for adding depth), and delay pedals (for adding texture) – just remember that frequently, less is usually more!
Is there anything else I should consider before buying clean guitar amps?
When shopping around for an amplifier it's important to think about things like power output (stronger amps will give you more volume) and wattage ratings (i.e., how much power they consume). You'll also want to consider weight (if portability is important) as well as general build quality (i.e., whether it's robust enough for frequent gigging). Finally, make sure you pay attention to features like built-in reverb/delay options and line outs/FX sends – these can add extra layers of flexibility when recording or performing live.
How important is quality of components when selecting an amp for clean tone?
Quality of components is essential when selecting an amplifier for clean tone. The type of tubes and transistors used in the amplifier can affect how it sounds and performs – high quality components will generally produce better results than lower quality ones. Additionally, the resistors, capacitors and other circuitry used can also contribute to the overall sound of the amplifier so it's important to make sure these are of good quality as well.
What types of amplifiers are best suited for achieving a clean tone, solid state or tube amps?
Solid state and tube amps are two different types of amplifiers that can be used to achieve a clean tone. Solid state amplifiers are typically more lightweight than their tube amp counterparts, as they employ transistors or integrated circuits instead of vacuum tubes. This makes them less expensive and easier to maintain, making them popular among beginners.
However, many experienced guitar players prefer the sound of a tube amp due to its richer tone and sustain while playing clean tones. Tube amps use multiple preamp tubes, which generate more harmonic distortion than solid state amps when pushed with high gain settings. This can result in a bigger, fuller sound compared to the rather thin-sounding output of a solid state amp when it’s driven hard. Tube amps also enable more control over tonal shaping thanks to features like tone stacks and master volumes.
In terms of reliability, both solid state amps and tube amps have their pros and cons. Tube amps tend to require maintenance more often as the tubes inside may need replacing after extended usage or through regular wear-and-tear over time. On the other hand, solid state amps typically last longer due to their lack of moving parts, though some components such as capacitors may need replacing eventually too.
Ultimately, it’s up to the user’s personal preference whether they choose between solid state or tube amps for playing clean tones; both offer a variety of advantages depending on various factors such as budget constraints or tonal requirements. Whether you want an affordable all-in-one solution or an authentic vintage experience when it comes to your clean tone needs, there is no shortage of options available today for achieving great results with either type of amplifier.
What types of speaker cabinets should be used with an amp to achieve a clean tone?
The type of speaker cabinet you choose to use with clean amps can have a big impact on your overall sound so it's important to select one that works well with your amplifier. For example, if you're using a solid state amp then closed back cabinets tend to work best since they help focus the low frequencies which helps create clarity and punchiness in your amp sounds. On the other hand, if you're using tube amps then open back cabinets tend to work better since they allow more air movement which gives your sound more warmth and complexity. Additionally, you will want to make sure the speaker cabinet is capable of handling the power output from your amp in order to achieve optimal results.
Summary of the Best Clean Guitar Amps
Overall, there are many options out there when it comes to finding the best clean guitar amps. By considering factors such as power, features and quality of components, you can ensure that you select an amplifier that best suits your needs and will provide the best possible results. Additionally, choosing a suitable speaker cabinet can also help you achieve the sound you are looking for. With all these considerations in mind, you should be able to find the clean guitar amp that best fits your individual playing style.
Generally speaking, solid state amplifiers are ideal for achieving a clean tone because they do not introduce any additional distortion or coloration when pushed hard – this makes them highly suitable for use in studio recordings where clarity and accuracy is paramount - but Class A tube amps are another great option as they tend to have a warm sound but still retain clarity and definition when pushed hard.
Some guitar players prefer modeling amps or certain digital amps, if you don't want to splurge on one of the original legendary solid-state or tube amps but still want a guitar tone that approximates the classic tones and vintage sound of the best clean guitar amp models ever created.
Finally, hybrid amps - which combine both solid state technology with tubes – often offer the best of both worlds in terms of getting both warm tones as well as clarity and accuracy when needed.
Hopefully this article about the best clean guitar amps has given you some guidance as to which will be right for the clean tone you're going after - just to recap, here are our favorites:
Best for Beginners: Fender Mustang LT25
Best Budget Option: Boss Katana-50 MkII
Best Classic Fender Tone: Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb
Best for Blues: Fender Blues Junior IV
Best Tube Amp: Fender 65 Twin Reverb
Best Classic British Tone: Vox AC15C1
Best Value for the Money: Supro 1968RK Keeley 1×12’’
Best Overall: Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
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