Desktop guitar amps that deliver excellent sound in a more convenient package
Small amps, big sounds.
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Getting the perfect guitar tone doesn’t always require a heavy amp. If you’ve got limited space, can’t play at blaring volumes, or simply don’t want to lug something around that weighs half your body weight, getting a desktop amp might be the move for you. The biggest names in guitar amps are now making lightweight models designed to sound like their larger, louder counterparts. Especially useful for easy recording and casual jams, these little amps can pump out some serious tones. Many of them are also Bluetooth compatible and can be paired with apps on your mobile devices—something you can’t say about any vintage tube rig. Here are some of our favorite desktop amps on the market right now.
Tube simulation: Yamaha THR10II WL Desktop Amp
Amazon
This desktop model is designed to look like a vintage amp, and it simulates the sounds of 15 guitar amps, 3 bass amps, and 3 acoustic-electric mics. It can achieve tones suited to any genre with built-in essential effects like reverb and crunch, and it has an onboard tuner for added convenience. When in the studio, the amp pairs easily to your devices and DAW via Bluetooth or USB.
Most advanced: Fender Mustang GT 40 Bluetooth Enabled Solid State Modeling Guitar Amplifier
Amazon
Fender makes some of the most well-respected amps on earth, and this little amp modeler masterfully impersonates all of them. Preset tones are controlled on a small colorful screen and can be edited to match your exact needs via the nifty Fender tone app. The app even has custom artist presets developed by famous guitarists like Gary Clarke Jr and The Edge. The Mustang GT connects to your DAW via USB or Bluetooth and can even connect to Wi-Fi to download updates.
Classic sound: Vox Adio Air GT 50W 2×3 Bluetooth Modeling Guitar Combo Amplifier
Amazon
This expert amp modeler closely matches tones from iconic Vox models like the AC30. You can use the factory preset tones or create your own presets using effects such as flanger, phaser, delay, and reverb. It has two speakers and can pair with your devices via Bluetooth or USB for playback and recording.