When choosing a guitar amp for gigging, one of the most important factors to consider is wattage. Wattage is a measure of how much power an amp can output, and it’s directly related to the amp’s volume. So, how many watts do you need to gig?
The answer depends on a few factors, including the size of the venue you’ll be playing in, the type of music you play, and your own personal preferences.
For small venues
If you’re playing in small venues, like clubs or bars, you can get away with a lower-wattage amp. A 15-watt or 20-watt amp should be enough to cut through the mix and be heard over the drums and other instruments.
For larger venues
If you’re playing in larger venues, like concert halls or festivals, you’ll need a more powerful amp. A 50-watt or 100-watt amp should be sufficient for most situations.
For metal and hard rock
If you play metal or hard rock, you’ll need a more powerful amp than you would for other genres. A 100-watt or even 200-watt amp is not uncommon for these genres.
Personal preferences
Of course, your own personal preferences will also play a role in determining how many watts you need. If you like to play your amp at high volumes, you’ll need a more powerful amp than someone who prefers to play at lower volumes.
Other factors to consider
In addition to wattage, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing a guitar amp for gigging. These include:
- The type of amp: Tube amps are generally louder than solid-state amps, but they also require more maintenance.
- The speaker: The speaker in your amp will also affect its volume. A larger speaker will produce more sound than a smaller speaker.
- The cabinet: The cabinet that your amp is housed in will also affect its volume. A larger cabinet will produce more sound than a smaller cabinet.
Conclusion
The number of watts you need for gigging depends on a variety of factors. By considering the size of the venue you’ll be playing in, the type of music you play, your own personal preferences, and the other factors listed above, you can choose an amp that will give you the volume you need to cut through the mix and be heard over the drums and other instruments.
Here are some additional tips for choosing a guitar amp for gigging:
- Try out different amps before you buy one. This will help you find an amp that sounds good to you and has the right amount of volume for your needs.
- Talk to other guitarists who gig. They can give you recommendations for amps that they’ve used and liked.
- Read reviews of different amps online. This can help you narrow down your choices and find an amp that’s right for you.
With a little research, you can find the perfect guitar amp for your gigging needs.
