Small guitar amplifiers are popular for their portability and convenience, but they may lack the sheer volume and power of larger, more robust amplifiers. Whether you’re a bedroom guitarist or a gigging musician with a compact amp, there are ways to maximize the volume and achieve a louder and more powerful guitar tone without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive article, we will explore various techniques and tools to help you make your small guitar amplifier louder.
1. Choose the Right Amplifier
Before diving into modifications or external devices, it’s essential to ensure that you have the right amplifier for your needs. Smaller amplifiers have limitations, and if you require significant volume, consider investing in a higher-wattage amplifier. This might be the simplest and most effective way to achieve greater volume.
2. Optimize Your Guitar Settings
Your guitar’s tone and volume controls can significantly impact the output of your amplifier. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance. For example, increasing your guitar’s volume and tone knobs can drive the input of your amp harder, resulting in a louder and potentially grittier sound.
3. Upgrade Your Speaker
The speaker is a crucial component in determining the overall sound and volume of your amplifier. Upgrading to a more efficient, higher-wattage speaker can significantly increase the volume of your amp. However, it’s important to choose a speaker that is compatible with your amplifier’s power output and impedance rating.
4. Use an Extension Cabinet
Another way to increase volume is by using an extension cabinet in combination with your small amplifier. By connecting your amp to an external cabinet, you can take advantage of additional speakers, which can result in a substantial volume boost.
5. Consider an Attenuator
An attenuator is a device that sits between your amplifier’s output and your speaker. It allows you to crank the amplifier to its sweet spot while reducing the volume that reaches the speaker. This can give you the desired overdriven tone at lower volumes.
6. Boost and Overdrive Pedals
Boost and overdrive pedals can serve as volume boosters. They can push your amplifier’s preamp section harder, resulting in a more saturated and louder sound. Additionally, some boost pedals come with a volume control, allowing you to increase your output level without overdriving your tone.
7. EQ Pedals
Using an EQ pedal can help you sculpt your sound for maximum impact. By emphasizing specific frequency ranges, you can make your guitar cut through the mix more effectively, giving the perception of increased volume.
8. Utilize a Power Soak
A power soak, also known as an attenuator with a built-in speaker load, can help you achieve power tube saturation at lower volumes. This allows you to get the characteristic warmth and sustain associated with cranked tube amps without excessive volume.
9. Mic Your Amp
When playing live or recording, consider miking your amplifier. This allows you to send the amplified sound through a PA system or recording equipment, giving you greater control over your sound’s volume and tone.
10. Room Acoustics
Consider your playing environment. The acoustics of the room can significantly impact the perceived volume. Experiment with the placement of your amplifier to take advantage of room reflections and resonances.
11. Master Volume Mod
If you have some technical skills, you might explore the possibility of adding a master volume control to your amplifier. This modification can allow you to control the overall volume without affecting your tone.
12. Pedal Platform Amp
Some amplifiers are designed with a “pedal platform” in mind, meaning they have a clean and neutral tone that works well with external pedals. Consider upgrading to one of these if you rely heavily on pedals for your sound.
Conclusion
Making a small guitar amplifier louder involves a combination of equipment choices, adjustments, and the use of external devices. By carefully selecting your gear and employing these techniques, you can achieve a significantly louder and more powerful guitar tone with your small amplifier. Whether you’re practicing at home or performing on stage, the right approach can help you make the most of your compact amp without compromising on volume or tone.
