The Best Blues Amp 2024 - Our Top Picks
- Raphael
- 3 Comments
Picture yourself standing on a dimly lit stage, holding your trusty guitar. As you strum a few chords, the crowd hushes to listen. What’s the secret to creating that soulful, bluesy sound you’re after? Well, having the best blues amp can certainly help.
Fender Blues Junior IV
An improved version of the classic Blues Junior, boasting bolder and fuller tones with a natural-sounding reverb.
Roland Blues Cube Hot
A solid state amp with impressive tube like tone, perfect for seasoned blues pros and aspiring guitarists.
Fender '65 Princeton Reverb
This legendary amp has been around since 1964, known for its classic design and exceptional sound quality.
Fender '59 Bassman LTD
Paying tribute to the legendary Fender Bassman, which inspired a generation of guitar amps and guitarists.
Marshall 1962 Bluesbreaker
Immortalized in the music of Eric Clapton and John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, it's as great sounding as ever.
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Crafting the perfect blues sound is an art form where every nuance matters, and the guitar amps you choose is a pivotal piece of that sonic puzzle. For blues guitarists, the guitar amp is not just a tool; it’s a co-creator of their musical expression, shaping the raw emotion and gritty soul that defines the genre.
The ideal tube amp can elevate a guitarist’s tone from merely good to profoundly evocative, making the selection process crucial. Drawing from the detailed analysis on the current page, let’s explore some of the finest amplifiers that promise to bring out the best in your blues performance.
Our selections include the best Fender amps for blues tones as well as often-overlooked picks that deliver beyond their price points.
The Best Blues Amp Selection Detailed Descriptions
Fender Blues Junior IV
Best Blues Amp Overall
Fender Blues Junior IV
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Fender Blues Junior IV is a markedly improved version of the beloved grab-and-go guitar amp. As a portable workhorse guitar combo amplifier, it sets a new benchmark with its bolder, full-bodied tones and natural-sounding reverb.
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The Blues Junior IV is not your ordinary tube amp. It’s a single-channel, all-tube, 15-watt combo powered by a pair of EL84 tubes and three 12AX7 preamp tubes. The simplicity of its design is what makes it stand out from other Fender amps, and the control panel, now a white-on-black textured design, faces you directly, making adjustments more intuitive.
The Celestion A-type speaker sets this amp apart from the rest. When overdriven, it delivers a far more authoritative bark for blues rock music. and a snappier chime for classic Fender tones. Whether you’re playing gritty blues riffs or sweet cleans, this speaker shines.
And let’s not forget about the Blues Junior IV’s beguilingly spacious spring reverb. Its natural decay enhances the overall tone, adding depth and dimension to your playing.
The Blues Junior IV remains an excellent pedal platform amp that adapts to your pedalboard’s needs. Plug in your favorite overdrive pedal, delay, or modulation guitar pedals, and it responds beautifully. From vintage blues to modern fusion, this great sounding amp can do it all.
Of course, there are a few cons to consider. If you’re after complex features, this amp keeps it simple. But that’s part of its enduring appeal.
In conclusion, the Fender Blues Junior IV is the perfect amp for guitar players who want to combine classic Fender tube tones with a user-friendly design. With its authentic tone, improved speaker, and reverb magic, this little amp will take you on a soulful journey whenever you plug in and play.
Pros:
- Classic Fender tube sound
- Great speaker
- Built-in spring reverb
Cons:
- Controls are limited
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Type: Tube | Channel: Single |
Total Power: 15W | Speaker: 1 x 12″ Celestion A-Type
|
Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7 | Power Tubes: 2 x EL84 |
Reverb: Spring Reverb | EQ: 3-Band EQ |
Input: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/4″ (Fat boost) | Footswitch: Included (1 Button) |
Weight: 31.5 lbs. | Cabinet: 0.75″ Particle Board with Black Textured Vinyl |
Roland Blues Cube Hot
Best Blues Amp Solid State
Roland Blues Cube Hot Solid State Blues Amp
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Roland Blues Cube Hot is a compact amplifier that packs a punch. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding guitarist, this amp has something to offer. Let’s dive into the details.
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One of the standout features of the Blues Cube Hot is Roland’s innovative Tube Logic technology. This isn’t just a simple modeling system but a philosophy that seeks to replicate the organic response and dynamic envelope of a vintage tweed valve amp. And let me tell you, it nails it!
The Blues Cube Hot boasts a single-channel design that is deceptively versatile. With the boost feature and customizable EQ, you can tweak the sound to your liking. Plus, the four output levels ranging from 30 watts down to 0.5 watts allow you to adjust the volume to fit any setting. And let’s not forget the user-friendly smart control panel with illuminated buttons for boost and tone.
What really sets the Blues Cube Hot apart is its dynamic response. It reacts like a valve amp, delivering a range of tones from punchy mid-biased cleans to warm, tweed-inspired overdrive. It flatters single coils and humbuckers equally, so you can achieve the sound you’re after no matter what guitar you’re using.
But the best part? The Blues Cube Hot delivers real valve tone from transistors, meaning you get great overdriven tones like tube amps without breaking the bank. And with its 0.5-watt setting, it’s perfect for home practice and recording without any loss of tone or feel.
But don’t just take my word for it. The pros agree that the Blues Cube Hot is a must-have for any guitarist. It’s versatile, reliable, and well-priced. And let’s not forget the fantastic blues tones that rival any valve amp out there.
So what are you waiting for? Plug in, turn up, and let the Blues Cube Hot take you on a musical journey you won’t forget!
Pros:
- Great for gigs and practice
- Tube amp like tone
- Reliable solid state circuit
- Accessibly priced for a pro amp
Cons:
- Not a tube amp
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Type: Solid State with Tube emulation | Channel: Single channel with boost |
Total Power: 30W (0.5W/5W/15W settings) | Speaker: 1 x 12″
|
USB: Type B | Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ (line out) |
Reverb: Built-in | EQ: 3-Band EQ |
Input: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/4″ (Footswitch) | Footswitch: Not included |
Weight: 27.8 lbs. | Cabinet: Beige Tolex |
Fender '65 Princeton Reverb
Best Blues Amp with Reverb
Fender '65 Princeton Reverb Tube Blues Amp
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb is a legendary tube amp that has stood the test of time. Although initially launched in 1964, it has remained in continuous production. This amp started as a beginner-friendly option but quickly gained popularity among professional musicians and recording studios worldwide.
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Let’s dive into what makes this amp so great. Firstly, its vintage aesthetics are sure to catch your eye. The silver panel, black knobs, and red pilot light pay homage to the classic Fender tube amps of the 1960s like the Fender Twin Reverb and Fender Deluxe Reverb. But the beauty is not just skin-deep; this amp is built to last with high-quality internal components that ensure durability and reliability.
Regarding sound quality, the ’65 Princeton Reverb does not disappoint. Much like its bigger sibling, the Fender Deluxe Reverb. It delivers a warm, natural tone perfect for blues and jazz music. However, it’s versatile enough to resonate across genres. The intuitive controls make it easy to use, even for beginners.
One of the standout features of this amp is its reverb effect, which adds depth and creates a rich ambiance that enhances your overall sound. This rounds the classic Fender tone. And while it’s not a high-gain amp, it can deliver a light distortion ideal for blues and rock.
Of course, no product is perfect, and the ’65 Princeton Reverb is no exception. It’s relatively expensive compared to other amps with similar wattage and features, and it may not be the best fit for heavy metal or hard rock enthusiasts.
Overall, the Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb is an excellent investment for serious musicians who value vintage charm, quality sound, and ease of use. Great blues tone is within reach with the Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb
Pros:
- Great dirty blues tones when pushed
- Beautiful Vintage Design
- High-Quality Internal Parts
- Warm and Natural Sound
- Amazing reverb
- Intuitive Controls
Cons:
- Relatively Expensive
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Type: Tube | Channel: Single |
Total Power: 12W | Speaker: 1 x 10″ Jensen C10R
|
Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7, 1 x 12AT7 | Power Tubes: 2 x 6V6 (power), 1 x 5AR4 (rectifier) |
Reverb: Yes (with Vibrato) | EQ: Treble, Bass |
Output: 2 x 1/4″ (8 ohms, external speaker) | Input: 2 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/4″ (Footswitch) |
Footswitch: Included (2 Button) | Cabinet: Lacquered Tweed |
Weight: 34 lbs. | |
Fender '59 Bassman LTD
Best User-Friendly
Fender '59 Bassman LTD Tube Blues Amp
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Originally designed to accompany the Fender Precision Bass, this amp became legendary among guitarists. Interestingly, the first Marshall amplifiers drew inspiration from the Bassman’s circuit design, leading to a lineage of clones and reissues over time.
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The ’59 Bassman LTD comes packed with key features to complement the classic design, including a tube rectifier, an internal bias pot for fine-tuning, a pair of US-made Groove Tubes 6L6-GE tubes, and four Jensen P10R reissue 10-inch Alnico speakers all housed in a solid finger-jointed yellow pine cabinet covered in lacquered Tweed and adorned with attractive dark oxblood cloth.
This amp’s simple yet effective design offers independent volume controls on each of its two channels, along with Presence, Bass, Middle, and Treble knobs. While you can patch the channels together, this isn’t a “channel-switching” amp – it delivers an impressive 45 watts of power to create a robust and clean tone.
The ’59 Bassman LTD’s touch-sensitive response enhances your music’s overall feel and mood, making it a favorite among blues and classic rock players. Without preamp gain controls, effects loops, or extra buttons, you can set the volume at a natural distortion point and control dynamics with your playing technique.
Turn up the volume to coax the distortion, whether you’re playing a Fender Stratocaster or a Gibson Les Paul. With its surprisingly clean headroom until about 7, you can pair it with various drive pedals (like the Ibanez Tubescreamer) for even more tonal variety.
While it may not have all the features of modern amps, the ’59 Bassman LTD remains a beloved choice for those who value simplicity, vintage tones, and touch-sensitive dynamics. So why wait? Experience the timeless sound of the Fender ’59 Bassman LTD for yourself!
Pros:
- Vintage touch sensitive tone
- Easy to get great tones
- Sounds great when driven hard
- Robust construction
Cons:
- Limited Features
- Needs to be loud to sound great
- Heavy
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Type: Tube | Channel: 2 Channel |
Total Power: 45W | Speaker: 4 x 10″
|
Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7 | Power Tubes: 2 x 6L6, 1 x 5AR4 (Rectifier) |
Reverb: Yes (with Vibrato) | EQ: 3-Band |
Input: 4 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/4″ (Footswitch) | Cabinet: Solid Pine with Lacquered Tweed |
Weight: 53 lbs. | |
Marshall 1962 Bluesbreaker
Best Multi Effect Pedal (Overall)
Marshall 1962 Bluesbreaker Guitar Tube Amp
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Imagine a guitar amp that’s so influential that it’s considered one of the top three of all time. That’s the 1962 ‘Bluesbreaker’ amplifier from Marshall Amps.
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The sound of this legendary amp has been immortalized in the music of Eric Clapton and John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, and it’s still a potent tool for today’s players.
Crafted with impeccable hand-wired craftsmanship, the 1962 is a true work of art. Its black vinyl-covered cabinets with gold stringing, horizontal pinstripe grille cloth, and small gold-topped Marshall logo give it a classic, timeless look.
Whether you’re into blues, rock, or any genre, the 1962 delivers the iconic Bluesbreaker tone that’s so sought after. It’s a faithful build that’s highly reliable and built to last. Yes, it’s an investment, but it’s worth every penny for the tone and performance you get.
So there you have it – the Marshall 1962 ‘Bluesbreaker’ is not just a guitar amp; it’s a piece of history that continues to inspire and delight musicians worldwide.
Pros:
- Instant blues rock tone
- High quality parts and build
- Classic looks.
Cons:
- While cheaper than a vintage option, it’s still an investment.
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Type: Tube | Channel: Single |
Total Power: 30W | Speaker: 2 x 12″ Celestion G12M Greenback
|
Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7 (preamp), 1 x 12AX7 (phase invert) | Power Tubes: 2 x 5881 (power), 1 x GZ34 (rectifier) |
Effects: Tube-driven Tremolo | EQ: 3-Band |
Input: 2 x 1/4″ (high), 2 x 1/4″ (low), 1 x 1/4″ (Footswitch) | Output: 2 x 1/4″ (internal, 4/8/16 ohms) |
Weight: 66.58 lbs. | Cabinet: Black Tolex |
Pignose Legendary 7-100
Portable Blues Amp
Pignose Legendary 7-100 Portable Blues Amp
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Pignose Legendary 7-100 looks like it could be carrying a checkers game rather than an electronic circuit. It’s a companion to countless bluesmen worldwide; including the likes of Billy Gibbons.
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Carrying a vintage suitcase that’s actually an amp is a sure fire conversation starter wherever you go. With its quirky and unconventional design, this little amp stands out. But it’s not just about the looks.
The Pignose is also a performer. With a modest 5 watts of power, it can fill a small room with a raw, gritty sound that takes you back to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll. And the best part? It covers various genres, making it a favorite among blues buskers and street performers. Take it to jam sessions, busking spots, or even your backyard – it’s ready to roll.
The Pignose 7-100 is not just an amp; it’s a slice of music history you can carry. Its cream-brown body exudes vintage charm and adds a unique touch to your music gear collection.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Despite being the cheapest amplifier on this list, the price has increased significantly from its steal price of around $75. So, you’ll need to decide if it fits your budget.
Additionally, some may prefer a more conventional design. Still, if you love its quirky appearance, there’s nothing else like it.
The Pignose Legendary 7-100 is an oddball in the portable amp market. Still, it’s also a faithful companion for blues enthusiasts and beyond.
It delivers that vintage tone and is both distinctive and reliable. It’s time to add a conversation piece and a piece of music history to your gear collection!
Pros:
- Portable and compact
- Iconic design
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Limited features
- For low volume use only
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Type: Solid State | Channel: Single channel |
Total Power: 5W | Speaker: 1 x 5″
|
Input: 1 x 1/4″ | Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ (Preamp out) |
Weight: 6 lbs. | |
Things to Consider in Choosing the Best Multi-Effects Pedal
When searching for a guitar amplifier for playing blues music, several factors should be considered to ensure you achieve the desired sound and performance.
Type of Amplifier
In blues music, achieving a warm and clean tone is crucial. Tube amplifiers are widely recognized for their ability to produce rich harmonics and natural overdrive, making them the best guitar amps for blues guitarists.
On the other hand, solid-state amps can also provide a clear and reliable sound, which can be a good alternative for those who prefer a more modern approach.
Ultimately, the choice between tube and solid-state amps comes down to personal preference and the specific sound the musician wants to achieve.
Power and Size
Consider the size of the venue where you’ll be playing. If you’re performing in a smaller and more intimate setting, lower-wattage amps are an ideal choice, as they can produce natural overdrive at lower volumes.
However, for larger venues, it’s better to opt for higher-wattage amps that can deliver a more powerful and impactful sound to cater to the size of the audience.
Speaker Configuration
Speaker(s) can play a crucial role. For blues amps, a single 12-inch speaker is popular due to its ability to deliver a well-rounded sound with a satisfying balance of low-end and high-end frequencies.
This makes it a versatile option for players who want to achieve a range of tones without sacrificing clarity or definition.
Onboard Features
Look for ones that offer useful features that can enhance your playing experience. Consider an amp with spring reverb, as it’s a staple for achieving those classic blues guitar tones.
Additionally, having a good EQ section can be incredibly helpful in shaping your sound and making it stand out from the crowd. So, look for amps with these features and more to take your guitar playing to the next level.
Brand and Model
Certain brands in the world of music are popular for their distinct bluesy sound. Fender, for instance, is renowned for its exceptional models, such as the Blues Junior and the ’65 Reissue amps, which have gained immense popularity among blues guitarists worldwide.
These Fender amp models are known for their rich and warm tones, which are perfectly suited for playing blues music.
If you’re looking for more gain coming from the amp, then you can go for mid to high gain amps from Marshall, Mesa Boogie, and the like.
Budget
It’s important to set a budget. With so many options available at different price points, deciding can be overwhelming. However, a higher investment may result in a better quality of sound.
Therefore, take your time to determine how much you are willing to spend to make an informed decision that will satisfy your needs.
Try Before You Buy
Experiment with different amplifiers. This will allow you to identify the one that complements your playing style and meets your sound preferences.
Amplifier variations can affect your tone and technique, so testing out a few amps can help you fine-tune your sound and find the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
In this review, we looked at some of the best amps on the market that blend classic design with modern features – the perfect mix for blues guitarists of all levels. Each amp has unique tonal qualities, from the warm tube sounds of the Fender Blues Junior IV to the innovative Tube Logic of the Roland Blues Cube Hot.
But finding the best blues amp is about more than just great sound. They’re also designed with simplicity and quality, so you can focus on playing without technical difficulties. The right amp can help you showcase your unique style and take your audience on a musical journey.
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, the right amplifier can transform your guitar into a wailing storyteller, echoing the blues from the Mississippi Delta to the smoky clubs of Chicago.
Raphael Pulgar
Lead Author
Alexander Briones
Contributor: Editor and Supplemental Writing
3 thoughts on “The Best Blues Amp 2024 Favorites”
For the money..Fender tube amps are really hard to beat for playing blues!
Older Trace Elliot Supertramp(before Gibson bought them) and Dean Markley DMC80s worked well for blues..for being Solid State Amps..
but as we all know…facts are facts…nothing beats a Tube Amp!
I suggest the Matchless DC/HC/Sc 30 be added to your list. I have played most every kind of amp over the last 30 years and the Matchless is undoubtedly the best & most versatile amp that I have ever played. On the one hand it gets the purest clean tone I have ever heard with a Les Paul guitar with just the right amount of compression, and if you want tube driven overdrive, it does that equally as well. Price wise, it is about the same as the Bluesbreaker, but with a way more “ballsy” sound, 30 watts that will blow most 100 watt amps away.
The Fender Blues Jr is pretty darn tough to beat for the money. Loud enough for light gigging and home use, and it sounds just awesome. Looks good too, if cosmetics are your thing.