An amp head is the power amplifier and preamplifier sections of a guitar amplifier in a separate enclosure from the speaker. It is typically connected to a speaker cabinet, which houses the speaker. Amp heads can be used to amplify a wide range of instruments, including guitars, basses, and keyboards.
The preamp section of an amp head is responsible for shaping the tone of the instrument’s signal. It contains controls such as gain, treble, midrange, and bass, which allow the player to adjust the sound of the amp to their liking. The power amp section of an amp head is responsible for amplifying the signal from the preamp section to the speaker. It contains controls such as volume and master volume, which allow the player to adjust the overall volume of the amp.
Amp heads offer a number of advantages over combo amps, which are amplifiers that have the speaker and amplifier built into a single unit. First, amp heads are more versatile. You can use an amp head with any speaker cabinet of your choice, which allows you to create a custom sound that meets your specific needs. For example, you can use a high-power head with a high-wattage cabinet for a loud, powerful sound, or you can use a low-power head with a low-wattage cabinet for a more mellow, vintage sound.
Second, amp heads are typically more powerful than combo amps. This makes them a good choice for gigging musicians or players who need a lot of volume. For example, a high-wattage amp head with a 4×12 cabinet can easily produce enough volume to fill a large venue.
Third, some guitarists believe that amp heads produce better tone than combo amps. This is because amp heads and cabs have separate power and speaker sections, which can reduce noise and interference. Additionally, heads often have more features and controls than combos, which gives you more flexibility in shaping your sound.
However, amp heads also have some disadvantages over combo amps. First, they are more expensive. Second, they are less portable. This is because they are two separate components that need to be transported together. Third, amp heads can be more difficult to set up than combo amps. This is because you need to match the power output of the amp head to the impedance of the speaker cabinet.
Overall, whether or not to use an amp head is a personal decision. There are both pros and cons to consider. If you are looking for more flexibility, power, and better tone, then using an amp head may be a good option for you. However, if you are on a budget, need a more portable amp, or are not comfortable setting up an amp rig, then a combo amp may be a better choice.
