Buying a Guitar Amp for a School Music Program

While most band teachers have at least some knowledge of guitar and guitar music, many may find themselves clueless when it comes to buying equipment. With budgets tightening all over the country, a little knowledge can go a long way when replacing old or broken equipment such as amplifiers.

This article presents an overview of five guitar amplifiers under $500 that would be suitable for use in a school band program. Each amp would be able to function in a jazz, rock, pop or funk setting, and are all relatively close to the same size, weight and level of output.

Roland AC-60 Acoustic Chorus

·         Price: $495 USD

·         Output: Stereo 30 Watt Solid State

·         Weight: 22 lbs

·         Speaker Size: 2 x 6.5”

·         Channels: 2

·         Effects: Chorus, Delay, Reverb

·         Extras: Comes with anti-feedback controls to help eliminate accidental feedback.

Roland Cube

·         Price: $400 USD

·         Output: 60 Watt Solid State

·         Weight: 32 lbs

·         Speaker Size: 12”

·         Channels: 2

·         Effects: Delay, Reverb, Tremolo, Chorus, Flange, Phase

·         Extras: Come with a line in and tuner/extension speaker out.

Peavey ValveKing 112 Combo

·         $420 USD

·         Output: 50 Watt All Tube

·         Weight: 44.5 lbs

·         Speaker Size: 12”

·         Channels: 2 with footswitch

·         Effects: Reverb, Distortion

·         Extras: Comes with an effects loop, external speaker output and “boost” pedal that increases the level of distortion.

Marshall MG100DFX Combo

·         Price: $440 USD

·         Output: 100 Watt Solid State

·         Weight: 52 lbs

·         Speaker Size: 12”

·         Channels: 2 with footswitch

·         Effects: Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Flange, Distortion

·         Extras: Comes with a CD line in, line out and headphone jack.

Fender Hot Rod Blues Junior

·         Price: $480 USD

·         Output: 15 Watt All Tube

·         Dimensions: 31 lbs

·         Speaker Size: 12”

·         Channels: 1 channel

·         Effects: Reverb, Distortion

·         Extras: Comes with a “fat” switch that thickens up the guitars tone without adjusting the tone knobs.

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