So you’ve got an electric guitar you love and ready to start your journey towards becoming the musician you have dreamt of being. Well, not so fast; there’s one more thing you need to accompany your guitar, an amplifier.
If you are a beginner, you are likely on a budget and wondering if you can find the best guitar amps under 100.
Yes, you can get excellent guitar amps under 100. Many big brands in the music industry often produce products that cater to high-end, mid-range, as well as musicians on a budget.
Consider the following great budget-friendly options.
LyxPro Electric Guitar Amp 20 Watt Amplifier
This amplifier stands out from the crowd because it comes in different colors, ranging from classic black to bright colors. Besides the attractive appearance, the LyxPro guitar amp has some excellent features in an affordable package.
The 20-watt amplifier measures 6-inches deep and 12-inches by 12-inches and features hard rubber corners to keep it steady while playing. You also get a carrying strap located at the top to make it portable.
It features a single input and has a headphone jack, that is quite desirable if you play in a shared space. In addition, it has an AUX input; hence you can connect it to your MP3 player or smartphone, allowing you to play along to some of your favorite songs.
LyxPro guitar amp is also equipped with easy-to-use onboard controls for adjusting the bass, volume, gain, and treble. The drive button lets you switch between overdrive and clean.
This amp is generally is impressive, but the sound is muffled when used with a bass guitar and has a tad short power cord.
Pros
- Easy to use controls.
- Reasonable price.
- AUX input.
Cons
- Short power cord.
- It is not loud enough for gigs.
Fender Frontman 10G Electric Guitar Amplifier
Are you looking for an intuitive, powerful, yet affordable amplifier? Look no further than Fender Frontman 10G. It is a compact product that’s suitable for beginners and also more advanced musicians.
It has a single channel with simple to use and responsive controls for adjusting the volume, bass, and treble but lacks mid-tone controls. It also comes with a gain dial that lets you control how intense the guitar drives the amplifier.
You can easily attain thick overdrive distortion thanks to the simple buttons made for switching between overdrive and clean. However, remember that this amplifier doesn’t have reverb, but you can use the amplifier with pedals.
Fender Frontman 10G has a specially designed 6-inch speaker and offers 10-watts power output. You get impressive sound from this compact amp, and since it has a closed-back, you get a heavier bass response.
Other features include a 1/8-inch AUX input jack so you can plug in a CD or MP3 player or your phone. Additionally, the 1/8 inch output jack lets you play with your headphones.
Pros
- Well-constructed and compact
- Loud volume
- Simple, responsive controls
- Good tone
Cons
- It lacks mid-tone controls
- No reverb
- Basic features
Blackstar Electric Guitar Mini Amplifier
This is a well-built mini amplifier that features an AUX and EQ input to plug in devices phones and MP3 players. You might underestimate this amp’s capabilities because it’s tiny, but it delivers a grant similar to large amplifiers.
You can alter the sound infinitely due to the ISF, giving you endless possibilities for the amp’s tone. In addition, the tape delay effects allow you to resonate with the sound while playing.
It has an emulated output that offers the ability to run tracks via a PA or record music directly to a computer. You can also work quietly by using your headphones.
You can use Blackstar mini amplifier as a general speaker for your computer or MP3 player. In addition, you can jam along to backing songs with it.
However, being a tiny, inexpensive amplifier, it has some shortcomings. The control knobs are made of plastic, and their quality is moderate, and it only a 3-watt amp.
You will appreciate the solid jacks, which don’t wobble, and the crisp, fresh-looking top panel. It also features a metal grill that gives the amplifier a superb finish.
Pros
- Big sound
- Portable
- Great features
Cons
- Low-wattage
- Plastic-made
Fender Mini Deluxe Electric Guitar Amp
This tiny micro amplifier delivers impressive performance capabilities. It is excellent for guitars who travel often and looking for an affordable, low-wattage amplifier.
It features a 2-inch speaker that delivers great tones, a power rating of 1-watt, and powered by a battery, although you can connect it to a wall-wart power adapter. Fender Mini Deluxe embodies Fender’s authentic look as it’s fitted with a chrome control plate, chicken head knobs, and a dogbone handle.
Surprisingly, it has dual 2-inch speakers and dedicated volume, gain, and tone controls. In addition, the 9V adapter jack lets you play music on the move without the need to find a spot to plug in your amplifier.
The Fender Mini Deluxe amp is made mainly for travel and practice, and the ¼-inch head jack gives you a choice to either practice quietly or fill the entire room with sound. It’s suitable for various music styles, including blues, rock, jazz, and metal.
The problem is this amp does not come with a power cord and is susceptible to damage; thus, you should care for it well.
Pros
- Battery-powered
- Highly portable
- Excellent travel companion
Cons
- Prone to damage
- Not very powerful
Also, read: Best acoustic guitar amp under 200
FAQs
1. Are Cheap Guitars Amps Good?
You can find a wide range of fabulous and affordable amps that will cost you less than 100, and this can be attributed to the fact that technology has really advanced. However, you must shop carefully, making sure you get the best amp your budget can buy you.
2. How Do I Choose My First Guitar Amp?
It is expected that you won’t get the same performance and build of a high-end amplifier when working with under 100. However, look for good distortion and clean sound, a smart EQ, enough power, good construction, and built-in effects like tremolo and delay.
The versatility and the tone range will depend on the brand.
3. How Much Is A Good Amp?
A good-quality beginner amplifier can go for less than 100. However, more advanced guitarists who plan to use the amplifier for a prolonged time should spend more to get a better product. This can be about $200 to $300 or more.
Conclusion
A small-sized, portable amplifier is crucial for beginner guitars and those with vast experience, and this is where the best guitar amps under 100 thrive.
The products I’ve reviewed are easy to carry, convenient, deliver great sound, and the best guitar amps under 100. Any of them can make a great practice amplifier to use to advance your craft.
