How to Choose the Best Solid State Amp

With less maintenance, more modeling flexibility, and half the weight, solid state amplifiers are here to stay. Find the best one for your style and situation.

Best Solid State Amp

Ok, we all know there are reasons to love tube amps: that nice breakup you get when the tubes get saturated as you push it into overdrive, getting just the right amount of warmth, the harmonics and amp voicings, and so forth.

In fact, there was a time when the solid state amp was very clearly an inferior option, and the tube amp was an obvious choice for most guitar players.

But times have changed, and now the best solid state guitar amp is absolutely in the same league as the top tubes in terms of sound quality.

In addition to the advances in the transistor technology of the solid state options, there has, in a way, been a corresponding decline in the viability of tube amps.

The vacuum tube technology in tube amplifiers is becoming outdated in general. Tube amps for guitars are certainly still popular, but have become significantly more expensive to maintain relative to their solid state counterparts, even in the lower-watt amps.

And needless to say, the high gain amps that offer more headroom are even pricier to purchase and maintain.

Additionally, tube amps are generally heavier to transport, as well as being more fragile and likely to be damaged.

While tube amps can still be appropriate for certain guitar players or specific genres, there are others where that coloration achieved from a tube just isn't as desirable.

A buyer of a jazz amp, for example, will most likely favor solid state as they want to preserve their natural tone as much as possible, retaining the clean tone and accurately reflecting their playing, without that added coloration from a tube.

And to top it all off, recent political events have rendered tube amp manufacturers unable to meet production schedules, leading some to wonder if the industry will eventually be almost exclusively solid state.

How to Choose

There are three main types of guitar amplifier on the market today: all-tube, solid-state, and digital. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the type of amp you choose will depend on your own playing style and preferences.

All-tube amps are known for their warm, rich sound, but they can be expensive and require more maintenance than solid-state or digital amps.

Solid-state amps are more affordable and require less maintenance, but tube purists will argue that they sometimes lack the warmth and richness of tone that tube amps provide.

Digital amps utilize digital technology to emulate the sound of other types of amps, and many of them can provide a wide range of different sounds and tones. Ultimately, the best type of amp for you is the one that sounds best to you and fits your budget.

Now that the best solid state guitar amp options have advanced to the point of rivaling the best tube amps for sound quality, the decision becomes more about the specific features of each guitar amp.

Are you looking for a solid state modeling amp? A solid state combo amp versus a cabinet and amp head? Maybe you're just looking at solid state power amps with high gain - or maybe just a bright switch that gives you a nice clean channel tone.

Features like a headphone jack, digital reverb, noise gate, and dedicated lead channel have fortunately now become common enough among solid state options to where you'll be able to find something that suits your needs.

Above all else, you just want a great sounding amp. We've researched and tested hundreds of guitar amps, both solid state and tube amps, across various genres, styles, and situations, and have come up with what we believe to be the best solid state amps available today.

The Best Solid State Amp for Different Purposes

Best for Metal

Peavey Bandit 112

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Peavey Bandit 112

Why it Rocks

The TransTube preamp tailors the gain level for the desired amount of drive, while the power amp responds with natural compression that increases with volume. This results in a solid state combo amp with widely ranging dynamics and natural 'grit,' just like a real tube amp.

And having a convincing tube sound in a solid state without the need for real tubes means no more having to worry about maintenance or replacement.

The High Gain voicing takes you into 6505 territory, perfect for those who want that grinding distortion made famous by Peavey.

This solid state Peavey classic is ideal for extreme metalheads who need their sound to be loud and powerful, and is our pick for the Best Solid State for Metal.

What Else

This solid state combo amp features two channels - clean channel and lead channel - each with its own three-band EQ and gain control.

The clean channel has a Voicing switch that allows you to select between three different EQ/gain settings, while the lead channel has a footswitchable Boost feature that adds extra level and distortion when you need it.

The Direct Out jack lets you connect to a PA system or recording interface, and the footswitch (sold separately) makes it easy to turn the high gain Boost on and off.

The amp also features Reverb with level control, and a ¼" stereo Speaker Simulated Direct Out jack with level control. The solid state Peavey Bandit 112 is rated at 100 watts RMS into 4 ohms, and 80 watts RMS into 8 ohms.

Best for Pedals

Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

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Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

Why it Rocks

The Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus is a legendary flagship combo amp of the Roland Jazz Chorus series that has been in production since 1975. It is universally recognized by pros as the benchmark in clean channel guitar sound, and its rich tone and famous built-in stereo chorus effect have been heard on countless popular songs over its long history. Now celebrating 40 years of continuous production and counting, the solid state Roland JC-120 Jazz remains the undisputed “king of clean".

It has a reputation for being one of the best pedal platforms out there, thanks to its complementary-yet-still-neutral preamp character.

The reputation of this amp has only grown with the expansion of the fully-stereo effects loop market, as the JC-120 Jazz Chorus has a left and a right input, meaning you won’t need to mess around with ABY boxes to make full use of your stereo delays.

The Roland JC-120 earns our pick for Best Solid State for Pedals.

What Else

The 120-watt stereo amp is a powerful solid state device that comes with two 12-inch “silver cone” speakers.

It has two input channels ("Normal" and Effect), each with three-band EQ and bright on/off.

The stereo effects loop with the ability to use external effects makes it a versatile tool for any musician. The built-in vibrato, distortion, and authentic spring reverb make it perfect for live performances. The footswitch jacks allow you to use the effects while performing.

And while known largely for its clean sounds, the JC-120 has also been used by famous guitarists typically associated with heavy, distorted tones, such as James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett from Metallica, Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit, and Adam Jones of Tool.

Best for Blues

Marshall Amp Code 25

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Marshall Amp Code 25

Why it Rocks

The Marshall Code 25 is a versatile and impressive solid state digital combo amp that packs decades of classic Marshall sounds into a travel-friendly package, and also happens to be our pick for Best Solid State Amp for Blues.

With over 100 presets to choose from, you'll always have access to the perfect tone for any situation. And if you're feeling creative, you can mix and match digital amp models of Marshall preamps, power amps, and speaker cabs to create your own custom sound.

The Marshall Code 25 is a great solid state modeling amp for any musician. With 24 digital effects and an aux input, there are endless possibilities for sound creation and exploration.

The headphone out is perfect for silent practice or for streaming audio into a recording device. Connect via Bluetooth to stream music from your iOS or Android device, helpful for learning covers or practicing solos.

Connect via USB to use the DAW interface with the included Marshall Gateway software to record and stream audio from your computer. The USB connection allows the Code 25 to be used as a DAW interface, making it easy to record and share your music with the world. The Marshall Gateway software makes it simple to get started, and the Code 25 is sure to take your music to the next level.

What Else

One of the best modeling amps out there, the Marshall Code 25 is a digital combo amplifier that comes with 14 preamp models, 4 power amp models, and 8 speaker cabinet models. It also includes 25w 1x10 Digital Combo, 4 digital Power Amp Models, 14 digital Preamp Models, 8 Cabinet Models, 100 Presets and 24 Effects.

The solid state Marshall Code 25 is easy to use with its intuitive layout and LCD display. It also has Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

The Marshall Gateway Software is a free app for iPhone or Android that allows you to control this amp remotely. With its authentic modeling, the Marshall Code 25 is also perfect for onstage gigs.

Best for Gigging

Boss Katana-100 MkII

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Boss Katana-100 MkII

Why it Rocks

The Boss Katana-100 MkII amplifier takes the acclaimed Katana guitar combo amp series to the next level, providing more sounds, more effects, and more features.

With newly voiced variations for all five amp characters, the solid state MkII doubles the tonal options. The onboard effects categories have been expanded from three to five, providing even more real-time processing power. And the power amp input is ideal for modeling amps and multi-FX units.

Plus, other enhancements include easy stereo expansion for dual amp setups, updated editor software, and much more. In short, the solid state Katana-100 MkII is a stage-class amp that gives you endless possibilities for crafting your perfect sound.

This amazing solid state guitar amp has five primary amp characters, each with their own distinct sound. Plus, there are ten overall tones to choose from, so whether you want anything from high gain to a nice clean channel, you can really dial in the perfect sound for any situation.

And if that wasn't enough, the Katana-100 MkII also has a dedicated voice optimized for acoustic electric guitar. So no matter what style of music you're playing, this amp has you covered. And with its class-defying power and punchy presence, you can be sure that you'll sound great every time you plug in.

Looking for a solid state amp that will give you the authentic output distortion characteristics of genuine tube amplifiers? Look no further than the Boss Katana-100 MkII. This amp is backed by BOSS's Tube Logic approach and delivers rich, responsive high gain sound that gets better as you turn up the volume.

And with the Katana-100 MkII's variable Power Control, you can easily find the sweet spot without blowing out your speakers or getting kicked out of the house. So whether you're playing in your bedroom or on stage, you can enjoy inspiring, cranked-amp sound anywhere you go, making it one of the best solid state amps for gigging.

But that's not all – the solid state Katana-100 MkII also doubles as a powered cabinet for your favorite preamp, modeling amps, or multi-effects unit. Just connect to the rear-panel Amp In jack and bypass Katana MkII's preamp and effects completely. Now you can tap directly into the Tube Logic power section, complete with grab-and-go Power Control. And with the BOSS Tone Studio editor, the high-pass filter and adjustable gain can be easily used to optimize the input for your particular gear.

What Else

The solid state Katana-100 MkII is a powerful and versatile amp that gives you the ability to recall custom setups with the touch of a button. With eight Tone Settings (two banks of four) available, you can quickly and easily find the sound you're looking for.

The solid state Katana-100 MkII also features line, USB, and phones/recording outputs with mic'd cabinet emulation, letting you send mix-ready amp tones to a PA system, computer DAW, or headphones.

And with an effects loop and three different Air Feel settings, you can shape the direct sound and amp voicings to meet your specific needs.

The Katana-100 MkII amplifier features two-channel USB operation, allowing for true stereo tracking with many of the amp's modulation, EQ, delay, and reverb effects.

The optional GA-FC foot controller is the perfect partner for the Katana-100 MkII, connecting with a single cable and featuring a slim, rugged profile that takes up minimal space. With six footswitches, the GA-FC allows for direct recall of Tone Settings and independent turning on/off of the five effects sections. The GA-FC also supports external footswitches and expression pedals, with default assignments that include tap tempo, bank selection, foot volume, and Pedal FX.

A large variety of custom assignments are available via BOSS Tone Studio editor, including expression pedal control of up to three parameters at once. The BOSS Tone Studio has evolved alongside the Katana MkII solid state amplifiers, with an updated interface and a number of parameters consolidated into the main screen for faster workflow.

The Pedal FX category has been given its own dedicated space, making it easier to assign wah and pedal bend effects to a connected expression pedal.

100/50/0.5W 1x12" custom speaker outputs provide amp-emulated line tones that can be used for headphone/recording purposes, while 8 tone slots allow for a variety of different effects to be stored and used. Effects loop and stereo link capabilities are also built-in, expanding the possibilities for how the solid state amplifier can be used.

For those with first-generation Katana amplifiers, it's possible to import custom patches and use them all with Katana MkII. The Power Control feature allows for cranked-amp high gain tone and response to be achieved at low volumes, making it easy to get the perfect sound without having to turn up the volume too high.

Whether you're in the studio or on the stage, the Katana-100 MkII is a great solid state choice for any guitar player. And now they've even released a version of the Katana for bass players, already being heralded as one of the best solid state bass amps on the market.

Best for Country

Roland Blues Cube

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Roland Blues Cube Artist 80-Watt

Why it Rocks

Roland's comprehensive Tube Logic design delivers the interactive tonal behaviors of famous fine-tuned vintage tube amps, including preamp and output tube saturation characteristics, power supply compression, and much more.

The result is power amps with a stylish, modern look but with a vintage vibe that are highly expressive musical instruments. They are also very efficient and lightweight, making them easy to transport without sacrificing tone quality. The solid state Roland Blues Cube is a great example of this design philosophy in action. It is a highly portable amp that still delivers the rich, tube tone that guitarists crave.

So if you're looking for an amp that combines the best of both worlds, check out Roland's line of tube Logic amps - one of the best solid state amps for country music.

What Else

The Roland Blues Cube is a performance-ready 30-watt compact solid state combo guitar amplifier with authentic tube tone and touch response. It features a master volume, three-band EQ, and onboard reverb, plus foot switchable boost for Natural crunch and tone for bright presence.

The solid state Blues Cube also includes an effects loop and line out/headphone jack for direct connection to recording devices or PA systems. Whether you're playing at home or on the stage, the Roland Blues Cube is the perfect solid state amplifier for any country guitarist.

Best for Modeling

Fender Tone Master Deluxe

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Fender Tone Master Deluxe

Why It Rocks

The Fender Tone Master is a digital amplifier designed to recreate the Fender tone and tube sounds of some of the classic amps of the Fender line, specifically the Fender Twin Reverb and the Deluxe Reverb.

The new Master Deluxe Reverb amplifier is a reverb amp that uses massive digital processing power to model the circuitry and 22-Watt power output of an original deluxe tube amp. The headroom and dynamic range of the digital amp, coupled with the sparkling clarity of a single Jensen n-12k neodymium speaker and a resonant pine cabinet, create an amp that delivers the same deluxe reverb tone, volume and dynamics as the all-tube original.

This new amplifier is half the weight of the original, making it more convenient for gigging guitarists, and its front panel features give players a playing experience identical to the vintage tube version. Whether you're looking for a classic Fender tone or want to experiment with new sonic possibilities, this is a versatile amp that can do it all.

The TM Deluxe Reverb is a modern take on the design of their classic amps. Featuring a lightweight solid-state design, it delivers the same great sound as its tube counterpart while being more portable and convenient.

Front panel controls give guitarists the same playing experience as the original, including reverb and tremolo effects. Additional rear-panel features include an output power selector, balanced XLR line output, mute switch, USB port, and more.

Whether you're playing live or in the studio, the TM Deluxe Reverb is a great choice for any guitarist, from a pristine clean channel to a warm, full tube distortion, depending on which legendary Fender tone you are looking for.

A few users have reported having to set up a noise gate to deal with some unwanted noise as you turn the volume up, even on the clean channel. But if the noise gate solution works for you, then it may be worth it to get that Fender tone. Overall, this gets our pick for the best solid state modeling amp.

What Else

The Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb amplifier is the first of its kind to use massive digital processing power to faithfully model the circuitry and 22-watt power output of an original Deluxe tube amp.

Using a high-performance 100-watt digital amp, paired with the pronounced sparkle and clarity of a single Jensen N-12K neodymium speaker and a resonant pine cabinet, the result is tubeless Deluxe Reverb tone, volume and dynamics virtually indistinguishable from the all-tube original.

And with all these features, the Tone Master Deluxe Reverb is in fact about only half the weight of an all-tube Deluxe.

The front panel features give guitarists a playing experience identical to the tube version, including Fender's world-standard reverb and tremolo effects. Additional rear-panel features deliver modern convenience and flexibility—including an output power selector for full power and five attenuated settings, balanced XLR line output with impulse response (IR) cabinet simulations, mute switch for silent stage or recording use, USB port for firmware upgrades, and more.

The massive digital processing is used to faithfully model the circuitry and 22-Watt power output of an original Deluxe tube amp. The amplifier uses a high-performance 100-Watt digital power amp to achieve the headroom and dynamic range of a real vintage Deluxe tube amp. The Jensen n-12k neodymium speaker gives the amplifier a clear, powerful sound. The resonant pine cabinet gives the amplifier a warm, vintage look.

Best for a Solid State Amp Head

Orange Amplifiers Crush Pro CR120H

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Orange Amplifiers Crush Pro CR120H

Why it Rocks

The Orange Crush CR120 is a great value for the money. It is a 120W solid-state amp head that offers the tonal clarity and definition players adore in an Orange amplifier. The Orange team wanted to keep these amps simple.

The dirty channel uses a circuit based on four stages of gain and a three-band EQ, which provides the player with a wide pallet of over-driven and distorted sounds. The clean channel is based on a two-stage, two-band EQ design that gives the player a clean but warm sound, which, when cranked, begins to break up.

These amps have a transparent effects loop, allowing you to plug in your favorite pedals. It also contains a digital reverb that provides a natural-sounding spring, hall or plate reverb. Consequently, the Crush Pro 120 is a great option for both recording and gigging.

What Else

The Crush CR120 is a high-powered solid-state amplifier from Orange amps. It's part of the Crush range, and it's Orange's first foray into the world of high-powered solid-state amplifiers.

The CR120 has two channels, clean and dirty, with independent controls for each channel. The clean channel has volume, bass, and treble controls, while the dirty channel has volume, bass, middle, treble, and gain controls.

There are also two speaker outputs, an effects loop, and inputs on the back of the amp for the footswitch. The CR120 is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-powered solid-state amp head and that classic Orange tone with advanced features and controls.

Best for a Practice Amp

Line 6 Spider V 60 MKII

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Line 6 Spider V 60 MKII

Why it Rocks

The Line 6 Spider V 60 MkII is no ordinary practice amp - it's a full-featured machine that gives you the ability to create any sound you want, whether you want to tweak parameters to develop your own unique tone, or just roll with a traditional one.

With Classic Speaker mode, you can get an organic sound and feel, while all-new presets provide authentic tones that are perfect for any situation. Whether you're rehearsing with your band or playing live, this amp has the features and tone you need.

What Else

The new Line 6 Spider V line of amps from Line 6 are top-of-the-line when it comes to features and sound quality. The free Spider V Remote editor app gives users the ability to sculpt custom sounds that are truly unique. With over 200 amps, cabs, and effects, there is an endless amount of possibilities for tone shaping.

The built-in wireless receiver works with Line 6 Relay transmitters for easy cable-free connection to the amp. The new Classic Speaker mode provides an organic sound and feel. Artist, Iconic Song, and classic amp presets are also available.

The USB interface and free Spider V Remote app make it easy to get started. The app is compatible with Mac, PC, iOS, and Android devices. The tuner, metronome, and jam-along drum loops are great for practicing at home or in the studio.

The Line 6 Spider V line of amps is perfect for any musician who wants the best sound quality and features available in a practice amp.

Best for Portability

Positive Grid Spark 40-Watt

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Positive Grid Spark 40

Why it Rocks

The Positive Grid Spark is the perfect answer for any musician looking for a top-quality combo amp that also offers intelligent features to take their performance to the next level. With its ability to learn your style and feel, Spark generates authentic bass and drums accompaniment that adds a whole new dimension to your playing.

In addition, the included PreSonus Studio One Prime recording software makes it easy to record your ideas and performances, while the amp's USB audio interface function allows you to plug into almost any recording or live sound setup.

With its 40-watt power output and versatile tone controls, the Spark is a combo amp that can take your music in any direction you want to go. Whether you're jamming at home, rehearsing with your band, or playing a gig, the Spark is the perfect amp for any situation.

What Else

The Spark 40 watt combo amplifier has 40 different in-built effects, including noise gate, overdrive, distortion, delay, modulation and reverb. You can edit these tones using the control knobs on the amp, or by downloading the Spark app. The app also allows you to play "tutored" songs in real time, at half time or quarter time.

The portability of this amp makes it easy to move around from room to room, and you can also play along with your own music.

It also features a built-in tuner, tap tempo, tone starter preset programs, and tone stack controls for bass, mid, and treble. A tremendously versatile and authentic-feeling amp, all in a portable package.

Best for the Money

Fender Mustang LT25

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Fender Mustang LT25

Why it Rocks

The Fender Mustang GT 25 is an affordable and versatile amp that is ideal for beginners, students, or pros. It has a super-simple user interface and comes with 30 presets that cover a wide range of music genres. The amp also has a high-quality onboard amp and effects models that produce amazing tones, from the trademark Fender clean tones to crunchy mids to even high-gain emulations.

Effects include compression, gates, octaves, auto-wah, delays, reverbs, and much more. The compact 1 x 8" combo amplifier configuration is rated at 25 Watts and is easily portable, to handle any situation from bedroom practice to small club gigs to the studio. The Fender Mustang LT 25 is an ideal practice amp for home or office, and a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, versatile, and easy-to-use amp with a wide range of tones, all at an affordable price.

What Else

Featuring a single 8" Fender Special Design guitar speaker and housed in a wooden cabinet, the Fender Mustang LT 25 combo amplifier is a great choice for guitarists who are looking for an easy-to-use amp with a wide range of tones.

The built-in tuner and simple, intuitive user interface with 1.8" color display make it a great option for beginners, while the 25 effects and 20 amp models make it a great choice for more experienced players who want to tweak the presets and easily save their new custom profiles.

The USB interface is useful for recording, or for firmware updates. The 25-watt amplifier is also a great choice for those who want to practice silently, as it has a stereo headphone output. Overall, the Fender Mustang LT25 is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable and versatile amp, and is an incredible value at its current price point.

Best Solid State Amp FAQs

Do any professional guitarists use solid state amps?

There are a number of professional guitarists who use a solid state instead of tube amp, including some of the biggest names in the industry.

While they still may not be as popular as tube amps, there are a number of benefits to using a solid state amp, including their reliability and durability.

Some of the biggest names in music who use solid state include Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Johnny Marr, John Fogerty, Billy Gibbons, Dave Mustaine, Yngwie Malsteen, BB King, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, and Carlos Santana. While they all have very different styles, they all rely on the power and clarity that a good solid state amp can provide.

If you're looking for an amp that can handle any style of music, then a solid state amp is definitely worth considering.

Are solid state amps more reliable?

Yes, solid state amps are more reliable than their tube-based counterparts.

This is because solid state amps don't have any vacuum tubes that can wear out over time and require replacement.

Additionally, solid state amps are less likely to break down overall since there are fewer moving parts involved in their construction.

As a result, you'll generally get better performance and longer lifespan out of a solid state amp than a tube amp.

How long do solid state amps last?

Solid state amps can last a long time, but they eventually wear out.

The main components that can wear out are the transistors and diodes. When these parts start to fail, the amp will produce less and less sound until it eventually becomes inoperable.

Depending on how often you use your solid state and how well you take care of it, it may last for many years or only a few months.

Do solid state amps sound better loud?

The best solid state amps are known for their ability to produce clean, clear sound at high volumes. Their linear design means that they don't distort when pushed hard, making them ideal for use in PA systems and live venues.

However, this doesn't mean that solid state will always sound better than their tube amp counterparts. Each type of amp has its own strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference which one you prefer.

If you're looking for an amp that will sound great at high volumes, solid state amp models are definitely worth considering. However, if you're after a more vintage or organic sound, then a tube amp might be a better option. Ultimately it's up to you.

Do all solid state amps sound the same?

No, all solid states don't sound the same. But there are a few key factors that can make them sound more or less similar. The quality of the components used in the construction of the amp, the design of the amp circuit, and the quality of the power supply all play a role in how an amp will sound.

But even if two solid-state amps have very similar specs on paper, there's no guarantee that they'll sound exactly alike. The best way to find out is to listen to several solid state options yourself and see which one has the sound quality you prefer.

Do solid state amps hum?

Yes, solid state amp models may hum if they are not properly grounded or if they have a high level of input sensitivity.

If your solid state is humming, you should first check the grounding to make sure it is secure. You can also try turning down the input sensitivity to see if that eliminates the humming noise.

If neither of these solutions works, you may need to take it for service to a qualified repair technician who specializes in power amps.

Do solid state amps break up?

While this is a factor generally associated with a tube amp, the truth is that yes, solid state amp models can break up.

However, the amount of breakup will depend on a number of factors, including the type of amp you're using, the settings you have it on, and how hard you're driving it.

When an amp breaks up, it essentially means that the sound is distorting. This can be a desirable effect in some cases, especially with tube amps, but it's not always ideal. If you're looking for a clean tone from your amp, then you'll want to avoid breakup.

But if you're looking to add some grit and thickness to your tone a la a tube amp, then breaking up may be just what you need. There are many different types of solid state amps out there, so experimentation is the key.

Do solid state guitar amps need to warm up?

Generally, no.

They don't have the same issues with tube amps that require warm up. However, if there is a lot of circuitry in the amp before the power stage (the part that actually amplifies the signal), then it might take a few minutes for everything to stabilize. But generally speaking, unlike a tube amp, no warm-up is necessary for solid state.

Do solid state amps take pedals well?

Some guitarists say that solid state take pedals very well, while others claim that a tube amp is a better option. It really depends on the quality of the platform amp and pedals you're using.

That said, if you're looking for an amplifier to pair with your pedalboard, solid state amp models might be a good option. Just make sure to do your research and try out different combinations of equipment to find what sounds best to you.

Should I leave my solid state amp on?

This is a great question, and one that doesn't have a definitive answer.

Ultimately, it depends on your particular guitar amp and situation. Some people leave their power amps on all the time, while others only turn it on when they're actually using it. Here are a few things to consider that may help you make a decision:

First of all, is your solid state powered by AC or DC? If it's AC, then there's less of a need to worry about leaving it on, since the flow of electricity will help keep the components in good shape.

However, if your guitar amp is DC-powered, then you might want to be more careful about leaving it on for long periods of time, as this can put an undue amount of strain on it.

The Best Solid State Amp for You

As you can see, there is plenty to take into consideration when researching various amp models, even if you've already made the decision to choose a solid state over a tube amp. Hopefully this guide to the best solid state amps has helped you narrow down your options even more, and for your convenience we've summarized our solid state picks below:

Best for Metal: Peavey Bandit 112

Best for Pedals: Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

Best for Blues: Marshall Amp Code 25

Best for Gigging: Boss Katana-100 MkII

Best for Country: Roland Blues Cube

Best for Modeling: Fender Tone Master Deluxe

Best for a Solid State Amp Head: Orange Crush Pro CR120H

Best for a Practice Amp: Line 6 Spider V 60 MKII

Best for Portability: Positive Grid Spark 40

Best for the Money: Fender Mustang LT25

Thanks for checking us out, and keep rockin'.

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