There are a number of reasons why guitarists might use multiple amp heads.
Versatility: Using multiple amp heads allows guitarists to create a wider range of sounds. For example, they can use one head for clean tones and another head for distorted tones. This gives them the flexibility to switch between different sounds quickly and easily.
Power: Multiple amp heads can be combined to create a more powerful sound. This is especially useful for gigging musicians who need to be heard over a loud band.
Tone: Some guitarists believe that using multiple amp heads can improve the tone of their sound. This is because multiple heads can create a more complex and layered sound.
Redundancy: Using multiple amp heads can provide redundancy in case one amp head fails. This is important for gigging musicians who can’t afford to have their amp fail during a performance.
Here are some specific examples of how guitarists use multiple amp heads:
- Blending clean and dirty tones: Many guitarists use two amp heads, one for clean tones and one for dirty tones. This allows them to switch between the two tones quickly and easily, or even blend the two tones together to create a unique sound. For example, Eric Johnson is known for using two Fender Twin Reverb amps for clean tones and two Marshall Plexi amps for distorted tones.
- Creating a stereo sound: Some guitarists use two amp heads to create a stereo sound. This involves panning one amp head to the left and the other amp head to the right. This can create a more immersive and spacious sound. For example, The Edge from U2 is known for using a stereo rig with two Vox AC30 amps.
- Increasing power: Some guitarists use multiple amp heads to increase the power of their sound. This is especially useful for gigging musicians who need to be heard over a loud band. For example, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett uses four Marshall JCM800 amps to create his massive sound.
- Creating a unique sound: Some guitarists use multiple amp heads to create a unique sound that is all their own. This can be done by blending different types of amps, using different effects pedals, or even modifying the amps themselves. For example, Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine is known for using a variety of different amps and effects pedals to create his unique sound.
Ultimately, whether or not to use multiple amp heads is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong answer, as the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are considering using multiple amp heads, it is important to experiment with different combinations of amps and effects pedals to find a sound that you like.
