6 Small Guitar Amps That Sound Great | Reverb Tone Report

Though backbreaking full- and half-stacks used to be the premier choice for touring guitar players who wanted the best, loudest sounds, this past decade has shown a changing tide. Small amp tech has gotten better and better, and nowadays, it's getting even less common to see 50-watt combo amps on stage when you can get something just as good in a much smaller package. In the video above, Reverb's Andy Martin digs into some of the best small amps with the biggest sounds currently only the market.

Gear Used in the Video:
Guitar: Fender American Ultra Stratocaster HSS, Fender American Ultra Telecaster, PRS McCarty 594
Amps: Fender Blues Junior, ZT Amplifiers Lunchbox Junior, Zvez Nano Head, Blackstar Silverline Standard 20-Watt, Sears Silvertone 1481 Combo, Marshall Studio Vintage SV20C
Microphones: Shure SM57, AEA Nuvo N22
No picks
0:00 - Intro
0:29 - Fender Blues Jr
01:45 - ZT Lunchbox Jr
02:57 - ZVEX NanoHead
04:10 - Blackstar Silverline
05:18 - Silvertone 1481
06:30 - Marshall Studio Vintage Plexi

[andredegiant]

I used to gig with a Blues Jr. Paired with a drop-tuned SG and a Metal Muff it sounded heavier than my aunt at an all-you-can-eat buffet

[goonytunes]

Love that Andy is here. The man deserves to have a spotlight gig like this. Rock on man. Great pick Reverb!!

[eroticblack]

I still haven't gotten used to "Hi its Andy from reverb" in my head it always goes "hi im andy from pro guitar shop demos"

[davespaulding]

Andy I love your demo's. You some how always seem to get the right licks for demoing specific amps/pedal.

[miguelrico]

I always forget this is the guy with the invisible pick.

[The_Cat]

Please make a video on your right hand strumming and picking technique. I absolutely adore it. It’s incredible.

[dreamscapeheromusic]

Woah, love that ZVex Nano head, and a black Tele with binding looks super epic!

[jamesryu]

Andy: “You dont need a stadium sized rig”
Also Andy: *has a stadium sized rig behind him

[FlagadaJohn]

First time I'm seeing Andy play on a PRS! Liked it!

[haldumille]

I've gigged with a Marshall Class 5 when I knew I was in a venue that was mic'ing the amps on stage. Sounded awesome! That said, I liked that Silvertone more than any of them in this demo, anyway. Stones tones and Black Crowes all day long.

[BellTunnel]

I’d be interested in seeing a video on the line between small amps that sound great and bedroom/practice amps, like the Yamaha THR series.

[StringBender]

You could write an entire ‘Stones record with just that Silvertone 😯

[mypal]

As much as it is solid state the jazz chorus jc-22 is such a work horse for a rig. The clean tone on this amp is so neutral it's a canvas for what effects you want to put into.

[joebentry]

Wow, first time ever that I actually have a couple that you like 👍🏼 (1) Blues Jr & (2) Silvertones - My original purchased 1969? Christmas gift amp that I quickly took the amp part and placed into a larger cabinet with a 12” speaker and my few years later purchased unit that I’ve left original - Just too cool 👍🏼 Thanks Andy.

[eamonnb]

Loved the pretenders tribute! Nice one Andy.

[afterstars]

My 150 watt Triple Rectifier is my favorite small amp.

[hitsonacousticguitar]

Informative video, thank you. I liked the Lunchbox and the Plexi most.

[kevdean]

I love my vibro champ XD. I have a Venus Rivera, a 69 deluxe reverb, and a few other amps but I play the XD around the house and for small gigs. Great little amp!

[PBLongfoot]

Great video. These small amps have become a huge trend and some of them sound pretty good. Personally, I still prefer the old Esteban G-10. Got it for 10 bucks, used. Never tried it with effects but as a blues amp, it sounds pretty amazing. If you're interested in hearing it, lmk. Again, killer video.
✌❤🎸

[BathedInMilk]

My Marshall Class 5, which has been with me through thin and thinner, was purchased based on Andy's demo a decade ago and has never let me down. So if he says these are good buys, I'd trust him folks. Thanks again, Andy.