A tube amp is a type of guitar amplifier that uses vacuum tubes to amplify electric guitars. The first amps used in the 1920s (vacuum tubes were invented in 1907) had no protection from damage due to leaks or power surges, were heavy and depended on large speakers that consume lots of power.
Decades later engineers learned how to engineer better amps with closed-loop circuits, resistors, capacitors and silicon diodes for protection instead.
Hence in this guide we shall review some of the best low watt boutique tube amps in the market.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
Plugs:
The most important part of the tube amp is the sound. It’s important to check out reviews and reviews and reviews before deciding to buy a given amplifier. Some reviews say that you should use tubes with your amp (e.g. “tubes last longer”). Others claim that you should not use tubes with your amp (e.g. “you’ll ruin your amp”).
Tone:
It’s best to go to the store and see if you like the sound of your amp. The amplifiers listed below can make the sound amazing, but it’s important that you like your amplifier. If your amp doesn’t sound like what you like, then you will not want to play it. The guitar amplifiers below all have good reviews, but they do not produce similar sounds; therefore, it’s best to go to a store and check them out.
Stability:
It’s important to know how long the amplifier will last. It is not dependent on the quality of materials; however, it is related to how long the amplifier will last.
Durability:
The tubes in most amplifiers are most likely made of glass. To ensure the amplifier’s longevity, it is recommended to buy an amplifier that has a great warranty. Many manufacturers have a defective product warranty that they will repair for free or give you money back.
5 Best Low Watt Boutique Tube Amps
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1. Marshall 2525C Mini Silver Jubilee – 20/5W 1×12″ Combo
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The Marshall 2525C Mini Silver Jubilee is a combo amp with a 1 x 12 speaker providing 20W. However, the power is also adjustable from 1 / 5 watts. The amplifier has guitar tone controls that include bass, middle and treble, which you can use to get the sound you want.
Pros:
- The Marshall 2525C Mini Silver Jubilee is a great amplifier at a great price.
- The controls and the sound are smooth and sweet.
- The amp sounds great and is very small and powerful; it can be used in practice rooms at home or in small venues.
Cons:
- Some people claim that the amp does not give off enough power, but if you need more power, you should buy a bigger amplifier, not a smaller one.
2. Peavey 6505 Metal Guitar Amp
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The Peavey 6505 is a metal guitar amplifier with a 12 inch speaker. It has 2 channels, clean and lead. The clean channel is used for getting good sound quality with good gain. The lead channel uses pre-amp distortion to produce gain and distortion.
Pros:
- The amp can be easily adjusted with an equalizer, which adds brightness to the sound of the amplifier.
- The cleaner channel has a nice sound that can be used in small venues or at home at low volume levels.
- The amplifier can handle distortion easily, making it great for hard rock, metal and punk.
Cons:
- Some people complain that the amp is not powerful enough to handle bass frequencies. This may be true for some people because the speaker in the amplifier is only 12 inches.
3. Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb 22-Watt 1×12-Inch Guitar Combo Amp
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Fender’s ’65 Deluxe Reverb 22-Watt 1×12-Inch Guitar Combo Amp is a great amp for those who want to have a small amplifier that is powerful and good for practicing as well as performing.
Pros:
- The amp is very powerful and can be used for practicing at home or in small venues.
- The amplifier has a sound that is very similar to the original ’65 Deluxe Reverb, which was popular in the 1960s.
- The amp has an amazing sound and can produce an incredible amount of gain and distortion. This makes it great for solos and high volume playing.
Cons:
- The amplifier may not be as durable as other amplifiers because it is made of small tubes and components. However, its sound makes up for this drawback.
4. Marshall DSL Series DSL100H 100-Watt All-Tube Guitar Amplifier Head – Black
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The Marshall DSL Series DSL100H 100-Watt All-Tube Guitar Amplifier Head is best for guitarists who are looking for a simple guitar amplifier that sounds great. This amplifier has built-in reverb and an effects loop, making it possible to get the sound you want.
Pros:
- The Marshall DSL Series DSL100H 100W is very durable and does not break easily. You can use it without worrying about damaging it.
- The amp is very powerful and can be used for practice, gigging or recording. It is also small enough to use in small venues.
- The amp’s tone is good enough for practicing at home or in small venues. However, if you want more power, you should buy an amplifier with more wattage.
Cons:
- At high volumes, the amp may be too loud to use at home.
5. Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 112 Enclosure 80-Watt 1×12-Inch Guitar Amp Cabinet – Black
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The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe is a great amplifier for guitarists who are looking for something that produces good sound. The amp uses the normal Fender line that has withstood the test of time, making it possible to get an amazing sound.
Pros:
- The amp is very durable and will not break with use. It can be used at home or in small venues without worrying about damaging it.
- The amp uses standard speakers, which are easy to install if you are looking for a traditional amplifier.
- The amp is a great amplifier for guitar players who are looking for a simple amplifier that sounds great. This amp has a lot of power and tone, making it good for practicing at home or in small venues.
Cons:
- The amp does not produce high volumes, which may make it difficult to practice at home or in small venues.
Conclusion:
Make sure to read about the many differences in tube and solid state amplifiers, so you can get the one that will suit your needs. When trying out a new amp, it is always a good idea to ask everyone who is at the venue or practice room what they like about their amplifier. If you do this, you may be surprised by how many different people have different opinions on which amp they like; it’s best to be open minded.
Always be sure to check the wattage of the amplifier before purchasing it. Also, remember that there are many different sizes of guitar amplifiers; just because one model has amazing sound does not mean it will work for you. Be sure to check the wattage and any other characteristics of each amplifier before purchasing it.
FAQ:
Q: How loud is a low wattage tube amp?
A: A low wattage tube amp, of say 10 or 15 watts, will actually sound as loud or louder than a solid state amp of 50 watts or more.
Q: What wattage tube amp do I Need?
A: Lower wattage amps break up more easily and “open up” at low volumes. If you want your amp’s best tone at a quiet volume, then you might only need a 5-watt tube amp. Practice amps usually range from five to 15 watts, so you can dial in some overdrive and get great clean tones at low volumes.
Q: What does a 5 watt tube amp look like?
A: This 5-watt tube amp is a tiny, vintage-style guitar combo that comes packed with a 12AX7 preamp tube and an EL84 tube that gives you loads of vintage all-tube tones. The V5 is a low-wattage do-it-all combo with a built-in power attenuator, a high-definition reverb, and a British-engineered Turbosound speaker.
Q: What tube amp runs with EL84 tubes?
A: This low watt tube amp runs with EL84 tubes for a classic “British” sound signature. The low end is tight and controlled, while the top end offers bell-like clarity.