Crate Gt15 Solid State Guitar Amp 15 Watts Review

House & Beyond is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Acquire more about our procedure hither

Playing guitar is a fun, challenging, and rewarding hobby. Although a basic acoustic guitar is all you need to take a rockin' time, having an electric guitar – and most importantly a capable amp – can blow your sound upward to a whole new level. Guitar amps heighten your audio quality and provide you with several more playing options. However, when purchasing an amp, information technology is crucial to understand the dissimilar types of amps. In this article, we focused specifically on the best blues amp.

Dejection guitar is characteristically assuming and soulful, and then plugging into an amp that can fully embody the groove pouring out of your guitar is of utmost importance. A capable dejection amp is different from other amps most significantly by its components. Traditionally, dejection are played on the older valve amps instead of the newer solid state amps. Valve amps, often referred to as "tube" amps, are inherently imperfect when it comes to transferring the sound from guitar to speaker. The distortion created in the procedure is warm and creamy: the very effect that is quintessentially characteristic of blues guitar.

In reviewing the amps listed below, we considered several vital factors: blazon, configuration, and power, all of which hinge upon how you intend to apply it. The type will affect the tone and feel, the configuration will touch the portability and aesthetic, and power will touch on the range and volume of the amp. Using detailed reviews and feedback from real users, we've put in the hard work to create this one-end guide, so all you have to worry about is which song you lot desire to play showtime. For your convenience, we included a useful comparison table, detailed reviews of each product, and a buying guide to help you cull the best blues amp to accompany your guitar!

Quick Summary

• "This powerful iv-speaker tube amp is fabricated of loftier-quality components for tone richness and diversity and coming at a skillful cost when compared to similar products."

• "Eric Clapton's legendary companion, this amp has minimalistic pattern and intuitive controls and delivers rich sound in the mid-range."

• "A swish and portable amp that delivers amazing audio with a two-button footswitch allowing you to command reverb and select your aqueduct."

• "A really powerful amp that balances the nostalgic sounds of vintage blues with the versatility of modernistic technology."

• "A pocket-sized and portable amp dandy for practice and platonic for excellent audio quality on the go."

• "An affordable yet powerful amp that is well-congenital, delivers a total-bodies sound, and boasts the best reverb in its class."

• "A versatile amp for an experienced musician, delivering impressive clean tones, specially bass."

Top 7 Blues Amps Review 2022

Features

• Configuration:combo
• Power:45W
• Speakers:iv (ten″)
• Inputs:four (i/4″, 2 bright and two normal)
• Dimensions: 25.five x 23.5 10 10.v inches
• Warranty:2-twelvemonth limited

More features:Presence, Middle, Bass, Treble, Volume (Brilliant Channel), Volume (Normal Channel) controls

The '59 Bassman is a bully production from the Fender line of amplifiers. With the prestige of the Fender brand, y'all can expect zero less than glamorous sound. The '59 Bassman is exactly that. The rich tones provided by the Bassman ship you back in time to the origins of the blues genre.

The '59 is a creature, packing four 10" speakers and a handsome 45 watts for your playing or recording pleasure. With US-fabricated GT-6L6-GE output tubes, improved 12Ax7 preamp tubes, and an original spec 5 ARY rectifier tube, Fender made the '59 Bassman with one purpose in mind: to produce quality audio. Additionally, the pattern of the '59 screams class and style, with a lacquered tweed roofing and a striped oxblood grille cloth.

At 59 lbs., information technology isn't the lightest amp, but it can however be readily transported. The '59 is quite pricey and is a sizeable investment, but remainder bodacious knowing that the audio produced will be worth every penny. Even at its four-figure price point, nonetheless, it is still much cheaper than a lot of "boutique" amps with poorer audio quality. Therefore, if you are in information technology for the long run and are looking for professional-quality sound at a reasonable toll, this is the amp for y'all.

Why is it special?

• Iv speakers for booming volume
• Four inputs for increased flexibility
• Loftier-quality components for tone richness and diversity
• Modest cost point when compared to similar products
• Classic appearance for stage presence

What are the flaws?

• However more expensive than some only slightly weaker amps
• Bulkiness might make it difficult for one person to carry solitary

Features

• Configuration:combo
• Ability:30W
• Speakers:two (12″)
• Inputs:four 1/4″ jack instrument inputs (2 x high, 2 10 depression)
• Dimensions:24 x 10.iv x 29.1 inches
• Warranty:1-year

More features:foot-switchable tremolo effect, three-band EQ, valve rectifier

The fact that this was the amp that Eric Clapton plugged into on his way to legendary status speaks volumes about its quality. The Marshall 1962 Bluesbreaker was Clapton's weapon of choice for several reasons.

This amp is minimalistic in its design. A few simple controls provide for a smooth user experience. The Bluesbreaker finds its dwelling house in the creamier mid-range tones but has no trouble in the lower or higher ranges. The lower wattage is a breeding footing of sweet distortion that will leave your audiences in awe.

Even a beginning guitarist can easily push clean tones over that glorious, crunchy border just by turning up the guitar'south volume. This feature makes for a very intuitive playing feel that allows the musician to aqueduct soulful stone and roll freely, without worrying too much near the mechanics. The Bluesbreaker features two 12" speakers with plenty of blast for almost whatever gig, only it can withal be quiet plenty to be played in your garage. Additionally, for those seeking dominating sound, a heave pedal will blow into the stratosphere.

Although the Marshall weighs a hefty 78.5 pounds, it can still be carried by 1 person. Regardless of the weight, having to lumber this beast around is a minor price to pay to sound like a blues god. The Bluesbreaker does cost significantly more than the other amps on our list, which ways it might non be attainable to anybody. This amp is for the experienced guitarist who is looking to produce the tones of blues legends.

Why did information technology make our list?

• Eric Clapton'southward legendary companion
• Rich in the mid-range
• Intuitive input
• Timeless design
• Welcomes boost pedals
• Enough volume for gigs

What is not ideal about it?

• Somewhat heavy
• Expensive compared to products with similar power

Features

• Configuration:combo
• Power:40W
• Speakers:one (12″)
• Inputs:two (1/iv″, Input two operates at -6dB)
• Dimensions:26 x 20.5 x 12 inches
• Warranty:i-year, limited

More than features:Fender spring reverb, effects loop, 2-push channel footswitch, normal and drive channels

Fender has long been an authorisation when information technology comes to all things guitar, and they continued that legacy hither with this classy looking Reissue. The vintage look will entreatment to people who want a retro-manner amp, and you can always count on that trademark Fender quality. Their aim here was to evangelize a warm, boutique-quality tone at a mass-produced cost, and we believe they delivered.

Specifically designed for the blues guitar histrion, this amp can deliver a super clean sound without sacrificing the ability to create dejection-y distortion when needed. The Reissue comes with the Fender's existent leap reverb which volition requite you that sweet slap back. With regard to book, this piffling box puts out a loud sound and will audibly fill up a room.

This pocket-size tube amp comes with a nice embrace and is very compact and portable at merely 30 pounds. The 2-push footswitch allows you to control reverb and select your channel. While the reverb is limited, a reverb pedal can easily exist added to compensate. The Reissue likewise features dual inputs for increased flexibility.

In that location are a couple of downsides to this amp, however. The Reissue has a hard-wired ability cord, which creates a whispering hum when information technology's sitting idle. Additionally, while it does pack a decent wallop for its size, it might go faded out in a band setting past its bulkier competitors.

Overall, the Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue will satisfy and peradventure exceed most musicians' needs. Although you will need a more powerful amp to play in a gig, this amp will serve you lot well in all other respects. For these reasons, we believe that the Reissue is the all-time bang for your buck.

Why is it special?

• Amazing audio
• Portable
• Ii inputs
• Great volume
• Very swish looking style

What are the flaws?

• Hard-wired power string
• Hums when idle
• Might non be the all-time for playing in a ring

Features

• Configuration:combo
• Power:80W
• Speakers:one (12″)
• Inputs:2 (high and low)
• Dimensions:23-5/16 x x-1/4 x 19-1/8 inches
• Warranty:3-yr on parts, 2-year on labor

More features:USB tape output, Dual Tone switch

The Roland Dejection Cube Artist balances the nostalgic sounds of vintage blues with the versatility of modernistic technology. The Cube is a solid-state amp and features a single, powerful speaker that can pump out 80 watts of raw musical sweet.

It might be counter-intuitive to use a solid-state amp for blues, just the Cube incorporates a dual tone switch between clean and crunch. This amp too features a wide range of power options, varying from bedroom practice to full-blown concert adequacy. Additionally, since it lacks tubes, the Cube is inherently more durable and resilient to falls.

The Blues Cube brings the xx^th-century trademark blues sounds into the 21^st century past digitalizing the amplification process without sacrificing the tube amps' iconic sound. Furthermore, this amp sports a useful USB output that allows the aspiring musician to tape directly to their computer. With its tweed tones, basket weave grille fabric, foam-colored tolec, and chrome hardware, this amp is an elegant alloy of all rock ages that is sure to satisfy whatever audition.

What are our favorite features?

• USB Recording pick
• Solid-land reliability and sturdiness
• Dual tone switch between clean and crunch
• Broad range of ability options
• Elegant styling
• Modest price betoken

What could be ameliorate?

• Hard to replicate the actuality of tube amps
• Not every bit much tonal versatility every bit traditional tube amps

Features

• Configuration:combo
• Power:15W
• Speakers:ane (12″) Celestion
• Inputs:one (1/4″)
• Dimensions:sixteen x 9.2 10 18 inches
• Warranty:2-year express

More features:i-button footswitch for Fat mid-heave, modified preamp circuit, spring reverb

The Fender Blues Inferior Four is ideal for great quality on the go. Essentially one half of the Marshall Bluesbreaker, this amp features one 12" Celestion speaker and 15 watts of power. Do not be fooled by its smaller build, however. The Blues Inferior, much similar the rest of the Fender line, was still designed with touring in mind, and certainly rises to the challenge.

Sonically, the Inferior sports several features that make information technology a reliable playing companion. Fender hit a tonal sweetness spot between the fullness of the preamp circuit and the smoothness of the leap reverb, delivering a balanced definition that volition be clear at nigh any book. The single-switch human foot pedal serves a remote activator of the FAT switch for those moments when it's fourth dimension for a bold solo.

The Blues Junior clocks in at just 31 lbs., making it one of the most portable amps around. This amp is a handsome car likewise, wearing an elegant and classy pre-aged grill cloth. Rocking on a phase with the Inferior by your side will brand for a neat impression.

On the downside, upon researching previous client reviews, it appears that the build quality of this particular amplifier is not of legendary Fender prowess. Customers reported that some surfaces start to pare with use, and the short warranty does not provide for consummate conviction. The Inferior, however, will still more than satisfy the needs of nigh any guitarist, and it's difficult to beat the sound quality at such a low toll.

What are our favorite features?

• Portability
• Aesthetically classy
• Pedal for easy heave
• Warm mid-range
• Welcomes pedals
• Low cost point

What could exist amend?

• Lacking build quality
• Will require stacking for larger gigs

Features

• Configuration:philharmonic
• Power:30W
• Speakers:one (15″) Celestion Fullback
• Inputs:i (one/4″)
• Dimensions:25.5 x 14 x 24 inches
• Warranty:two-year limited

More features:iii-ring passive EQ (bass, middle, treble), Primary reverb, footswitch included

The Peavey Delta Blues 115 is a versatile thirty-watt amp that volition fit practically any playing mode. Its 30-watt authority is ideal for modest to medium size venues, and tin can ever be mic'd for larger appearances.

The Peavey contains the thick sounding Celestion Fullback G15v-100 speaker, so a full-bodied sound is substantially guaranteed. This specific Celestion speaker produces clean notes that are characteristically warm and colorful. The amp in itself uses the spring reverb to solidify those clean tones – but when needed, you can slam it with overdriven and complex tones to get the bluesy crunch you seek. For this reason, guitarists consider the Delta's reverb amongst the best in its grade.

The speed/intensity controls allow you to sort through the diverse range and strop the output to your desired effect. The optional footswitch will allow you to switch channels easily, making playing in front of an audition heady and intuitive. Moreover, you can trust that you'll be playing with the Delta for a long time because Peavey is known to make amps that last.

Co-ordinate to some reviewers, the tremolo can sometimes crusade the volume to drib mid-play. This trouble might be particularly dangerous for dejection music and its many tremolo-reliant songs. Still, the very reasonable price point makes this a risk worth taking in our opinion.

What are our favorite features?

• Well-built and sturdy
• Powerful speaker setup
• Best reverb in its course
• More than features than less expensive Peavey amps

What could be better?

• No Master Switch
• Heavier than other 30-watt amps
• Book can sometimes driblet when tremolo is engaged

Features

• Configuration:philharmonic
• Power:15W
• Speakers:two (12″) Celestion G12M Greenback
• Inputs:Normal input jack, Top Boost input jack, Footswitch jack
• Dimensions:27.64 x 10.43 x 21.89 inches
• Warranty:i-twelvemonth

More features:Normal and Summit-Boost channels

Vox is the amp manufacturer that put British Invasion on the map, and therefore helped to grow stone'south popularity; post-obit up on that act comes with a lot of pressure. Vox does non disappoint. The Vocalism Air-conditioning serial is traditionally synonymous with impressive cleans and natural flow, especially in the bass range. The Vox Ac 15C2 is a bang-up example of the Vox legacy.

When it comes to amps, 2 is about e'er better than one. Stone guitarists tend to concur that dual speakers like that of the AC15C2 provide a greater playing experience. This amp features ii Celestion Greenback speakers that pump out 15 watts, platonic for pocket-sized to medium venues. Nonetheless, the versatile Phonation is too a great amp for home use by reducing the book without losing clarity.

The AC15C2 has the larger bound reverb tank that was featured in some of its predecessors – one of the most important factors that formed Vox into a world-renowned brand. Three 12AX7 tubes and two EL 84 tubes deliver the ability to the speakers, providing for a abominable audio.

Vocalisation divided the controls on the AC15C2 into groups that are easy to navigate, maintaining Vox's reputation for being convenient. The intuitive knobs make it easy to detect the balances of clarity and graininess. However, having several features, and therefore more variables, can increment the take a chance of something going wrong. Consumers take reported this Vox amp to be somewhat unreliable and to require tinkering ofttimes to get it working properly. The AC15C2, therefore, might be a safer bet for an experienced musician who knows the amp engineering basics.

What makes it special?

• Impressive make clean tones, especially bass
• Legendary reverb tanks make a reappearance
• Much louder than a lot of amps that claim to have more power
• Extensive controls and features

What cons did we find?

• Can be unreliable

Things to Consider

Now that you know our top seven amps for blues, information technology's fourth dimension to dig into what makes the best blues amplifier out there. How do you choose the right amp for you? Let'due south observe out!

What makes a blues amp different?

Blues guitar is characteristically assuming and soulful, and so plugging into an amp that can fully embody the groove pouring out of your guitar is of utmost importance. A capable blues amp is different from other amps nigh significantly by its components. Amplifiers can exist one of 2 different types: solid-state or valve (often referred to as "tube"). Solid-state amps utilise electronic components, such equally transistors, to amplify the signal coming from the guitar. On the other manus, tube amps namely use vacuum tubes to amplify the indicate, which renders them slightly more than delicate than their solid-state counterparts. To most musicians, however, the extra take chances (and ordinarily the higher toll tag) is minimal compared to tonal vibrancy and authenticity produced by tube amps.

Features to consider while choosing a blues amp

The features that an amplifier boasts are crucial in determining the output audio. When deciding which combination is right for you lot, it is of utmost importance to take a clear idea in mind of the manner of music you want to play. Nosotros accept listed the different features below to help you attain that vital decision.

Type and Configuration

The type of amp you need depends solely on the sound you wish to produce. A tube amp such every bit the Fender Bassman '59 or the Vox Air conditioning serial volition traditionally play with more crisis due to its distension process and is favored when playing blues or another course of baloney-reliant stone. Solid-country amps similar the Blues Cube produce a clean-sounding tone and are typically preferred for touring or heavy utilise, as they seldom break down or need repair.

Configuration refers to the way the amp is gear up. For anything outside of a sold-out arena, a combo amp will usually go the job washed. In a combo amp, the head and chiffonier components are all combined in i machine, as in the Marshall Bluesbreaker. If playing a sold-out arena is what you lot seek, however, then purchasing a powerful caput and a sizeable cabinet is the mode to go. There are exceptions to the full general rule, but nigh are made past experienced musicians looking to create a very specific effect.

Power and speakers

The biggest question y'all demand to enquire yourself regarding the power and speakers you choose is how loud you want to play.

The general trend is: the larger the speaker and more than powerful the amp, the louder the sound produced and the larger the venue.

For most at-home musicians thirty-watts or less will practice the flim-flam, moving on up to the 50-watt range for band practice or small venues. The 100-watt range and upwards belongs to the big-time musicians that desire to fill the eardrum of thousands of people at a time.

Inputs and outputs

Although it can often be hard to remember exactly where the signal is going in and where it is coming out, a skillful musician needs to understand the ins and outs of jacks properly. In essence, past following the point path we determine that output is anywhere the signal is going out, such as the jack on your guitar, and input is anywhere the signal is going in, such as input jack behind the speaker cabinet on your amp. When purchasing your adjacent amp, you should have a clear idea of where you volition be playing.

If you live in a quiet neighborhood and desire to do at home, y'all should seek an amp that has a headphone jack so you tin practice silently. On the contrary, if y'all want to blow some ears out, seek out an amp with a line out to connect to larger speakers or a PA system.

Additionally, this might be a good time to think about the effects pedals you want to buy, as connectivity between your guitar, pedals, and amp needs to be possible. Some other useful feature is USB connectivity like that of the Blues Cube that allows for direct amp-to-PC recording.

Built-in effects

Congenital-in furnishings are most popular with modeling amps, which use electronic components to mimic the sound produced by their tube counterparts. Amps that accept this capability are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility. Musicians wanting to play surfer rock, for example, often seek out amps with the surfer-trademark tremolo effect.

Warranty

As with whatever purchase, the warranty is the simply sure-fire fashion to know whether or not your amp is going to last. The all-time-built amps don't always have the longest-lasting warranties, but few things are more than comforting than knowing your amp is protected against mechanical failures.

FAQ

Can I utilize extra speakers with an amp?

Definitely. Virtually combo amps volition allow connectivity to additional speakers, only head-and-cabinet (often called "stackable") systems are all-time-suited for additional speakers.

Can I plug in a microphone?

Although in almost cases you tin can physically plug a microphone into an amp, most musicians would advise confronting it since developers did not design guitar amps with that purpose in mind and the microphone might damage the components.

Tin I change a speaker in the amp?

And how to choose a suitable speaker? Changing the speaker in an amp is a fairly common do between musicians. The task is adequately easy and achievable past nigh people. Make sure to find a speaker that is compatible with the amount of power the amp can provide, and await up performance reviews to make sure the new speaker'due south sound quality is what you seek.

Our Verdict

What did nosotros conclude after all the research? The Fender Bassman '59 and the Marshall Bluesbreaker are neck in neck when it comes to being the all-time in the business. However, with a significantly lower price bespeak and a name that is synonymous with blues guitar, the Fender barely edges its opponent out. The Marshall is nevertheless a superlative-notch amp, and musicians looking to replicate Eric Clapton-esque soulfulness volition well-nigh likely prefer information technology. Nosotros chose the Blues Deluxe Reissue third because of its impressively minor toll point that sacrifices practically none of the legendary Fender quality. If you are a guitarist looking to swoop deeper into the great deep blues but don't quite have the budget to sound like Tom Piffling or Eric Clapton, then this is the amp for you. Regardless of the amp you choose to accompany yous and your guitar, remember to utilise our buying guide to ensure a sound purchase, and y'all will be on your manner to legendary condition in no time.

greenwoodinceed.blogspot.com

Source: https://houseandbeyond.org/best-blues-amp/

Share this post