The Most Versatile Budget Guitar Amplifiers You Can Buy
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Versatility is key for the modern gigging guitarist with diverse tones often calling for multiple amps and pedals. However, all of this can be expensive, confusing, and cumbersome! Here are our suggestions for the most versatile budget guitar amplifiers currently available…
The guitar tones of rock and pop music are largely built upon the tones of tube amplifiers. However, tube amplifiers generally tend to be more expensive, heavier, and typically excel at one particular tone. If your heart’s set on a tube amplifier, then check out our post on The Best Value Tube Guitar Amps.
The Most Versatile Budget Guitar Amplifiers
You’ll note that in this list, our choices are all digital modelling amplifiers in a combo format. That’s because they’re affordable, relatively lightweight, and offer a huge selection of sounds all in one convenient package.
Harley Benton HB-200MFX
Let’s start small. This HB-200MFX is a great budget-friendly option if you’re looking for multiple sounds. With a modest 20-watts and single 8-inch speaker, there are admirable qualities on offer.
You get 5 amp voicings with 4 fully programmable presets allowing you to store four of your favourite tones. Also available to you are digital effects such as phaser, reverb, and delay, all of which have adjustable parameters.
A Bluetooth audio receiver makes this a great amp for practicing with; and at 6.5kgs, why not take it with you on the bus or train to your first few gigs?
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Marshall Code 50
If you’re looking at the best budget guitar amplifiers you can buy, this is a good place to look. Plus of course, it carries one of the biggest names in the business, Marshall. A strong contender, this 50-watt amp has the ability to use 5-digital effects at once.
Not only that, you have the use of 100 adjustable presets, 14 preamp models, 24 professional effects, and a built-in tuner. Utilize the 8 loudspeaker modes, and Marshall Gateway App to fine-tune your tone. A really versatile offering, for practice or gigging!
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Boss Katana 100 MKII
The Boss Katana range has been providing us with amazing amps since 2016. This 100 MKII rendition of Boss’ legendary Katana series has versatility at heart. Equipped with a 12-inch custom speaker you can configure the power amplifier output to 0.5, 50, or 100 watts. Think of it as quiet mode for the neighbours, and rocking out mode for live performances.
Furthermore, you can take control of 5 amp types and 5 different digital effects along with access to the Boss Tone Studio, which allows you free roam of over 60 extra effects. The Boss Katana has become a “go-to” in the budget amp segment for a very good reason; it sounds great, it’s highly portable and it covers lots of musical ground. What’s not to love?
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Fender Mustang GTX100
Fender’s Mustang GTX100 offers a wide range of amp models with traditional Fender-style sounds as well as many other classic tones. X2 XLR outputs make it easy to interface with a house PA or recording interface; a solid choice for home or live use.
Welcome appointments include:
- 40 Amp Models
- Gain, treble, bass, mid, master and reverb controls
- 12-inch Celestion G12FSD 100-watt speaker
- Send/return effects path via 6.3mm stereo jack
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Line 6 Catalyst 200
Line 6 almost single-handedly invented the segment of modelling guitar amplifiers. Where most modelling amps aim to serve up “sound-alike” tones, the Catalyst series focuses on six unique and original amp tones. The focus of the Catalyst series is to give you great sounding and great feeling amp tones in a package that feels like a traditional guitar amp.
We’ve chosen the Catalyst 200 here because, with 200W of power on tap, you can play any venue and any size stage. You’ll also find 18 additional onboard effects along with a dedicated Reverb. If that’s not enough, there’s a balanced XLR output with speaker simulation for recording or live use.
Additionally, USB connectivity gives you a deep dive editor as well as a four-channel recording interface. Versatility on a budget? You’ve got it with the Catalyst 200.
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More about Budget Guitar Amplifiers:
- All about amps
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- Line6 Catalyst 200: Thomann
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8 responses to “The Most Versatile Budget Guitar Amplifiers You Can Buy”
Still loving my VOX “VT20X” after some years. One of the best price/quality relation budget amps for beginners.
Got the VT20X too and was pretty surprised that it is not on the list. Great amp, great features, low price,
Yes, it is a great amp, and not only for beginners imho.
I remember being excited if I found an affordable amp that had reverb. I use my Roland Cube from 2003 mostly these days. A few medical proceedures and I might be in the market for one of these larger output things.
I would like your flyers if you have that
you missed 2 great amps. the joyo and the laney range
I second the Laney comment. I picked up a Cub12 and have been impressed by it.
Catalyst 60
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