Jet City Amps The Story and Review from Ultratone Guitars

Before founded in 2009, Jet City Amplification, asked themselves, "Does the world really need another average-sounding tube amp, propped up with pithy marketing rants using the word 'boutique' fifteen times a paragraph?" At first, the answer was "yes", their hearts are black enough. Let’s face it, they are not running a charity. However, something inside just wouldn't let them do it.

Perhaps it was a sense of camaraderie with their brothers who drop their dwindling cash reserves on guitar amps promising tone, but ending up not delivering the sounds? Or maybe it was because for the first time they were unshackled by the MBAs and bean counters they worked for in the past — guys who wore khakis with pleats and never touched a guitar— let alone heard an amp sing like an angel. Sure, they know how to use accounting software, but  Jet City did not let budget alone define their design decisions – this was to be a labor of love of music.

Whatever the reason, Jet City Amplification strives to deliver the utmost in tone, while being affordable enough for musicians slugging out a living on the small stage.

Of course, actually delivering on this credo was a challenge in itself. Luckily for the amp-buying consumer, legendary tube amp designer, Mike Soldano joined the group. The very name Soldano conjures the smell of hot tubes and blistering guitar. In fact, Mike’s creations in the 1990's are directly responsible for more shattered eardrums than any other guitar amp. The other guys can say boutique all they want, but Mike is the real deal.

Jet City Amplifiers are designed in Seattle with a very simple "no bullsh*t" philosophy. They do not employ digital effects, other amp models, or cabinet reproductions. The control sets, tubes, rectifiers, speakers and the rest of the components are employed to deliver pure, all-tube tone.  From shimmering clean to thick ‘n raunchy overdrives and screaming high gain distortions, Jet City amps are designed to cover the spectrum without compromise.

Jet City's, "Keep It Simple, Soldano", approach to tube amp design combines quality and simplicity. With easy to use controls, cool cosmetics, and sensible pricing, Jet City Amplifiers offer a taste of the good life, at a fraction of the cost. Each amplifier is meticulously hand-built and rigorously tested, ensuring 100% legit tone, and unflinching reliability.

While some other budget priced amps can snap like toothpicks under the pressure, Jet City Amplifiers handle the task and are ready for more.  Right out of the box, these amps are ready to go with no mods necessary.  Jet City Amps are ready for you to plug in and see what real tube amp design and quality tone is all about.

JCA100HDM 100W All-Tube Guitar Amp Head

Ultratone Guitars Reviews Modtone MT-BB Buzz Boy Power Fuzz Effects Pedal

Modtone MT-BB Buzz Boy Power Fuzz Effects Pedal

The search for a quality fuzz pedal can lead to many dead ends.  The fuzz pedals at the right price seem to lack the features and tone shaping needed.  A fuzz pedal fills a song's or performance's specific need.  Guitarists can easily collect 3 or more fuzz pedals because individually these pedals do not fill their individual needs.  The search for a fuzz pedal that gives musicians the flexibility to use one pedal.  The ModTone MT-BB Buzz Boy Power Fuzz fills that need.  With a list price of under $150.00, true bypass, rugged metal construction, a 5 year warranty, and high quality components and controls, this pedal has you covered.

The Buzz Boy is a versatile vintage fuzz box.  One twist of a knob and the Buzz Boy goes from a thick sludgy and saturated tub-like fuzz to a high level of gain.  For all its ability to go over the top it can also do some subtle and unique tones when you dial it back.  The Buzz Boy can go from screaming distortions to 60's counter-culture  fuzz without missing a beat.

Another Review Without Complaints - String Swing CC01-UKE Wood Ukulele Wall Hanger - Ultratone Guitars

String Swing CC01-UKE Wood Ukulele Wall Hanger

It is not often that we review such a simple accessory, but this little hanger does the job.  We began hanging our ukuleles with this String Swing CC01-UKE wood ukulele hanger.  The mount has stayed in the wall, the finishes on our ukes are still perfect, and they look great.  There is no better wall decoration than a guitar or ukulele and this hanger lets you hang your uke with pride.  While hanging other instruments, we found that this hanger works perfectly with our mandolins too.  Then, we hung a cumbus, and a saz after that.  This little hanger rocks!  The instruments are proudly displayed and we now have our walls filled with instruments.  

What a great little accessory! At Ultratone Guitars we pride ourselves on delivering quality product, excellent reviews, and jaw dropping, low prices.

Reviews Without Complaints - Italia Torino Bass Guitar Black Ultratone Guitars

Italia Torino Bass Guitar Black

Are you a bassist that is simply sick of the ordinary bass?  Do you love the classic relics of old, but find it a trying  task to rebuild, refinish, and repair them to playable instruments? Do you wish that you could have one of the wildest classic designs and combine it with advanced electronics, tone-woods, and hardware?  The Italia Torino Bass Guitar may be the semi-hollow body bass you seek. This bass is a 30" scale length so it is super fast and comfortable to play.  The neck is sweet to feel and the semi-hollow body resonates such a great tone.

Italia Guitars and basses echo the designs of some of the most collectible instruments of the 1960's, inspired with a modern and distinctly original twist.  The Torino is now available as a bass guitar, again with a semi-hollow body construction and f-holes.  A tune-o-matic bass brige carries 4 strings over to the Italia action angle trapeze tail piece.  2 Wilkinson pickups provide the tonal heart of this beautiful bass.

I have to highly recommend this bass to players of all size and skill level.  Great bass!

Sonor Smart Force Drum Kit Black - Reviews without Complaints - Ultratone Guitars

Sonor Smart Force Drum Kit Black

This SONOR drum kit is a perfect kit for the starting drummer or percussionist.  This set includes multi ply shells, excellent hardware, and a perfect set up.  Advanced heads deliver a professional sound and the advanced hardware is designed to handle the power of drumming.

The SONOR Smart Force Series drums are designed especially for beginners at an uncompromisingly attractive price. This drum kit is extremely interesting for all up-and-coming rockers, jazz cats, enthusiasts of metal or the blues … or any drummer who’s looking for a drum set that is sturdy, yet versatile. The 9-layer poplar shells of the SONOR Smart Force Sets are full bodied, providing balanced sound with lots of power up front. These poplar shells deliver maximum strength, perfect curving, and ­neutral ­tuning thanks to tension-free cross-lamination of the individual layers of wood (CLTF Cross Laminated Tension Free Process). The covered finish is very sturdy and long lasting, and the workmanship is impeccable. 

SONOR Smart Force Thicknesses 

9 layers for bass drums, tom toms, floor toms and snare drums = 7.2 mm 

16" Deep Bass Drum 

A deep bass drum drives more power and rich bass drum sounds! The pre-muffled batter and resonance heads on the bass drum provide 'all-round' powerful sounds and dynamic 'kicks'. SONOR heads made by REMO. 

Bass Drum Legs - On Solid Footing, Everywhere You Go! 

The bass drum feets can be converted from rubber to metal by turning the rubber foot. Fixing the position by a fastening screw. 

Tuning Lugs 

The new SONOR Force tuning lugs with fine-pitch threads are equipped with the TuneSafe tuning safeguard feature, which prevents tension screws from loosening. And for the beginner, this means the "tuning" lasts even longer. The standard Force Series bass drum ships with a bracket. The inner workings of the bracket are built for a strong and secure base; thanks to a smooth yet firm application of pressure. With the tried and true ‘Ball Clamp’ system, the tom toms can be securely positioned wherever the drummer wishes. 

Cymbals Not Included 
Black Finish

DBZ Guitars Barchetta FM Plus FR - Another Review without complaints - Ultratone Guitars

DBZ Guitars Barchetta FM Plus FR Electric Guitar Black Cherry

This DBZ Barchetta is an ax designed for the pro player, but priced right for the practicing musician.  These guitars are custom designed by Dean B Zelinsky.  The pickups are custom wound by Seymour Duncan per Den's suggestions and wishes.  The carves are sweet too!  The neck is mahogany with a soft V shape for sweet reach and tone.  Easy to make big bends with the Barchetta.  The Barchetta also features a Floyd Rose Pro Tremolo system so you can dive bomb the night away without going out of tune!

Ultratone Guitars is your source for this guitar!

he Barchetta Embodies Rock N Roll With an Impressive Electronics Set-Up and a Smooth Finish! 

The DBZ Barchetta FM Plus FR Black Cherry Electric Guitar is a full featured shred machine. This Guitar features a thick growl from its thin profile mahogany body with the beauty of a flame maple top and the confident feel of a set in mahogany neck. The 22 Fret fingeboard is ebonized rosewood and provides a solid playing surface. Custom Premier Series Inlays lead you up and down this soft V shaped neck. The pickups are Custom Wound Seymour Duncan DBZB and DBZ5 Humbucker Pickups made in the USA. 1 Volume and 1 Tone knob combine with a 3-Way switch to allow you to dial in that perfect tone for every song. Designed to be your go to electric, the Barchetta is a show stopper everytime! 

DBZ Barchetta FM Plus FR Electric Guitar Features:

Product# BARFMPL-FR-BC
Set In Mahogany Neck
25.5" Scale Length
Mahogany Body with Flame Maple Top
Ebonized Rosewood Fingerboard
22 Frets
Premier Series Inlays
Abalone Purfling
DBZB / DBZ5 Custom Wound Humbucker Pickups
1 Volume / 1 Tone Controls
3-Way Pickup Selector Switch
Grover Tuners
Chrome Hardware
Floyd Rose Tremolo System

Dulcimers and Santoor.. What is the Difference? An Ultratone Guitars Review

Description of the Dulcimer

Dulcimers are a form of board zither that originated in the Middle East. They probably arrived in Europe in the 11th century. It was actually the Europeans who introduced the dulcimers to the Far East in the early 19th century. With slight variations, dulcimers have been found around the globe. They can be plucked or played with hammers. Hammers come in a wide variety of shapes and construction. They may be simple wood, or wrapped with material, some have finger notches and some are straight.

Mountain Dulcimer

The Mountain Dulcimer is hourglass in shape and more closely resembles the zither than the other styles of dulcimer. Mounted along the hourglass shaped soundboard is the fretted neck. The soundboard terminates at the Peg Box. The single, non-course, strings can be noted on the neck while the strings are strummed or plucked.

American Hammered Dulcimer

The American Hammered Dulcimer is usually played on a stand or table. It is trapezoidal is shape. There are two moveable bridges. The Strings run in courses over these bridges between the non-parallel sides. A course is composed of consecutive strings, tuned to the same note. The courses alternate over the left bridge than the right and back and forth. In this way each course of strings provides two tones, one to each side of the bridge. Also, by alternating courses over two bridges four playing surfaces are available, though usually only three are used. The American Hammer Dulcimer has two strings per course. It may be picked, plucked, or played with a bow, quill or hammer.

Persian Hammered Dulcimer

The Persian Hammered Dulcimer is smaller than the American Hammer Dulcimer yet still wider than the Santoor. It is trapezoidal in shape. The left courses are steel and the right courses are brass. They alternate over movable bridges. It has individual movable bridges for each course. It may be picked, plucked, or played with a bow, quill or hammer.

Indian Santoor

The Indian Santoor is trapezoidal in shape. It is not as wide as the Persian Hammer Dulcimer or the American Hammer Dulcimer. The strings run between the non-parallel sides in courses over individual movable bridges. A course is composed of consecutive strings, tuned to the same note. The courses alternate over the left bridge then the right and back and forth. In this way each course of strings provides two tones, one to each side of the bridge. Also, by alternating courses over two bridges four playing surfaces are available, though usually only three are used. These playing surfaces are struck or stroked with light wooden hammers.

Ultratone Guitars Reviews Martin M140 Light Acoustic Guitar Strings - A Pleasure to Strum

For daily play, the Martin M140 80/20 Bronze Light Acoustic Guitar Strings are an ideal set. The Martin company crafts their guitar strings with high standards, just as you would expect from a company that produces some of the nicest instruments in the world.  The core and wrap wires must meet strict requirements in order to make the grade.  All Martin Strings are wound to precise specifications.

The Martin M140 strings have an 80/20 composition which adds brilliance, clarity and longevity of sound.  The bronze winding alloy is ideally suited for making strings have deep rich bass tones and clear bright tones in the treble registers.  A string mid range is naturally produced with this tonal recipe too.

Another key point of the Martin M140 acoustic guitar string's success is the price point.  These strings are priced for the everyday player and crafted to the rigorous quality standards demanded upon by today's top artists.  With a retail price of less than $15.00, these guitar strings are easy to stock up on, which will make the artist sound better and be more ultimately satisfied with their playing.

We hope you enjoy this brief article and all of Ultratone Guitars reviews.  Come back soon to read our new posts!

ModTone Guitar Effects - Ultratone Guitars - Product Reviews without Complaints

ModTone Guitar Effects

The world of boutique guitar effects is becoming more and more saturated.  From multi-effects that range the spectrum of sounds to individualized effects, the market has a lot of pedals and a lot of makers from which to choose.  How do we make the right choice?  Can you pick out a quality effects pedal based solely on price?  How about based on appearance and ease of function?  What about basing your desires on the sounds you can create?  ModTone guitar effects solve this riddle by offering visually appealing, pedalboard friendly, highly functional, and very economical effects pedals. Today, we will take a look at the Pro Series of ModTone effects pedals.

The ModTone MT-AD Analog Delay Pedal:

The Vintage Analog Delay features exclusive analog circuitry coupled with a PT-2399 processing chip. This unique hybrid combination delivers a warm lush sounding delay reminiscent of the spell binding analog circuits of yesteryear without the unnecessary bulk or excessive price. Time, Repeat and Mix is all you need to tap into that expansive canyon of tone!

The ModTone MT-CH Aqua Chorus Pedal:

The ModTone Aqua Chorus features a rate and depth controls that emulate the shimmering tones of a classic vintage chorus or rotating leslie effect adding a liquid dimension to your tone without any degrading signal loss or unwanted noise.

The ModTone MT-DD Deep Dive Octave Plus Effects Pedal:

The Deep Dive Octave Plus is a true bypass sub harmonic effect that’s great in single note or lead guitar applications. Using High Filter, Bass Filter and Sub Level together can create a touch of “octave below” or when maxed out can cross over into some truly great low end frequencies! Flip the modulation switch on and add some square wave fuzz to your tone.

The ModTone MT-DS Speedbox Distortion Pedal:

If you like the sound of a 59 Les Paul roaring through a Marshall stack, you are going to love this pedal. In fact; get all your classic distortion tones here. This pedal is very versatile and is a virtual workhorse that is adaptable to all rock genres.

The ModTone MT-EM Extreme Metal Effects Pedal:

The Extreme Metal pedal is a true bypass boutique style pedal that delivers insane gain levels that go from subtle to over the top. Our specialized “scoop” knob covers plenty of metal territory while leaving all the articulate definition intact. Adjusting the “Low” knob gives any amp that ground shaking low end thump.

The ModTone MT-FL Space Flanger Effects Pedal:

Classic Flanging Like They Used To Make! Slow sweeps, fast warble...it’s all here! Transparent tone and all true bypass circuitry keeps your tone pure. From subtle to extreme the Space Flanger does it all. Crash and burn!

The ModTone MT-HG High Gainer Distortion Pedal:

The High Gainer is a feat of sonic engineering that packs an amazing punch of glorious overdriven tones that gain junkies will love. Go from a mellow laid back gain setting to the sound of tubes on the verge of catching fire! In addition the High Gainer features a set of concentric eq knobs that control both high and low frequencies independently. Add some sparkle on top or enjoy the almost sick level of low end you can achieve.

This blog reviews a small amount of the ModTone guitar effects pedals available.  I encourage all players in the market for a new brand of effects to explore ModTone effects.

Who is ModTone?

After nearly 20 years of designing musical products, our design team emerged from their underground tone lab and hit a home run with the ModTone line of effects pedals that include:

Distortion, Overdrive, Chorus, Phaser, Vintage Delay ,  Deep Dive Octaver, Tremolo, Chromatic Tuner ,Funk Filter Enveloper , Clean Boost , Vintage Wah, Xcellerator Volume+ , Power Plant and Powered Pedalboard. The whole family of  pedals deliver clean, quiet, fat tones in a reliable sealed, corrosion resistant metal chassis that are built to last and compact enough to fit on any pre-existing pedal board without any major modifications. No component went into these without the unrelenting scrutiny from our team of dedicated gear-heads. And this does not even touch on the Mini-Mod series...  ModTone has taken all of the features of the Pro Series and packed them into a tiny footprint at an even smaller price...  Check 'em out HERE!

Where some would simply stick it in a box and be done, this crack team of designers decided a pedal line this good deserved special packaging that reflected their commitment to tone and made sure each heavy duty transport box (with a cool magnetic lid) included a collectible instruction card with all warranty (5-YEAR) and website info. Once these people get an idea in their head they just won't let go and the ModTone line of effect pedals is the culmination of their commitment to bringing high quality tone to the masses.

"Boutique for everyone!" they say. And we agree.

Long Live Tone! Ultratone!

Bluegrass Instruments Reviews - Morgan Monroe Fine Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins

Morgan Monroe has provided a line of fine acoustic instruments, for more than 10 years, with only one simple philosophy; to put high quality acoustic instruments in the hands of musicians without any compromise.  Morgan Monroe has not deviated from this committment since day one. The mindset of bringing an original product with beautiful designs and the use of the finest tonewoods together creates instruments that keep and play wonderfully for a lifetime.  

Morgan Monroe's critical team of specialized luthiers utilize superior craftsmanship skills and the trusted names of Grover Tuners and Fishman Electronics to create something special. They stand behind each of their instruments with a legendary lifetime warranty because the craftsmanship process is so well believed in by the people that produce these instruments.  Only a select few instruments are worthy the name, Morgan Monroe.


         


Morgan Monroe offers a hand-crafted line of acoustic guitars, bass guitars, and 12-string guitars that are built for the ages. Triple Ought (000) models that are faithful to the instruments built during the turn of the century, but they are updated with advanced electronics and hardware demanded by today's modern player.  The Creekside series guitars are a flat pickers dream!  Soft feels, solid tonewoods, and a great factory set up make this series a favorite in the Bluegrass music world.  The Creekside series 00 Blues '32 guitar is a tribute to the instruments that dominated the Blues Music movement prior to World War II.  Every detail from wood selection and neck profile, body contour, depth and finish have been meticulously orchestrated to create a playable work of art worth of a collectors vault but priced for just about any player's budget.

Morgan Monroe combines aesthetic beauty with precision craftsmanship to bring a world class line of banjos that are truly a pleasure to see, hear, and own.  With Mother of Pearl inlays on dark ebony fingerboard and flamed resonators, these instruments really stand out from the crowd.  The Rocky Top series of najos have 3-ply maple rims and bell brass tone rings that bring home a tone that distinctly says, Morgan Monroe. The Gold Pro is Morgan Monroe's finest banjo.  This instrument is a dazzling presentation of gold plated hardware, flamed maple woods, a tone that is simply jaw dropping.

A Style and F Style mandolins are increasing in popular music across many genres.  From Bluegrass roots to Blues to Country Music, Indy Rock, and even Heavy Metal music, the mandolin has its own voice.  Morgan Monroe's Rocky Top MMA series are vintage A Style mandolins made with premium woods and feature world class hardware by Ashton Bailey.  In the land of F style mandolin Morgan Monroe's MDM are antique style mandolins with factory distressed finishes.  Value priced classic reproductions include the MM-100 series of mandolins.  These mandolins lie in the Rocky Top series and combine select tonewoods and beautiful finishes with great tone and playability.

With world class acoustic guitars, banjos, and mandolins that are backed by a 99 year warranty, Morgan Monroe offers musicians a truly versatile instrument that is extremely well made.  These instruments will not only stand the test of time, but are built with tonewood recipes that are proven to sound and feel better over time.  Take advantage of these instruments and see for yourself why not only bluegrass players, but musicians from all genres are choosing instruments built by Morgan Monroe.

Electric Guitars from Today and Yesteryear.....How far have we come along?

Electric Guitars from Today and Yesteryear.....How far have we come along?

The very first patent for the electric guitar was issued in 1937.  The first electric guitars differed greatly both in appearance and overall engineering from the modern guitars we know of today.  Other than the concept of electrifying the signal and amplifying it, what was first known as an electric guitar and what is now known as an electric were pretty different instruments.  

The trend of electrifying an acoustic guitar with a piezoelectric transducer type of pickup is similar to the way the first electric guitars were amplified.  In essence, the vibrations from the strings would resonate to the wood of the bridge and these sounds were "picked up" by transducers and transferred to an amplifier to deliver the sound.  This techonology was used in some of the first hollow-body electric guitars.

The rise in popularity of the electrified hollow-bodied guitar brought on a desire to engineer an electric guitar that has a solid body.  The advent of the magnet/coil pickup would be introduced.  This would open up a new world of design and innovation in the engineering of the electric guitar.  By the late 1950's, an electric guitar pickup that helped to eliminate "ambient noise" was introduced.  This noise became known as the 60-cycle hum and the fix for that became known as the "humbucker." From these early roots, an industry almost as creative as its artists began to evolve in to the billion-dollar industry it is today.  

As the future has come to follow, luthiers and engineers have been experimenting with different combinations of electric guitar pickups, body styles, woods and more.  Innovative designs are now available to musicians. All of these instruments reach different price ranges and qualities, and most importantly, each have a tonal recipe of their own.  Modern techniques are now employed like using CNC machines to make intricate and precise cuts and carves, along with some basic old world craftsmanship principles, hand-detailed components, custom tone circuitry, and custom wound pickups, the musician today can enjoy a guitar that will look and sound like no other.

Ultratone Guitars Product Spotlight: The Making of Gibson Pickups

How Gibson Pickups Are Made

All Gibson Gear Pickups utilize advanced construction for maximum performance, even under the most punishing playing conditions. Once you discover how well-made Gibson Gear pickups are, you'll appreciate their value and why they bear the Gibson name. Gibson Pickups continue to be the choice of top professionals around the world!

Tight Between The Pole Pieces Stops The Feedback

Gaps between the pole pieces and unit baseplates of a pickup are sources for sound penetration. This can create unwanted feedback that makes pickups "squeal" when used to overdrive amps. The fit between all Gibson Pickup pole pieces and base plates is tight with absolutely no gaps. Gibson threads the pole pieces through the base plate, which eliminates sound penetration in addition to increasing the structural integrity of the unit.

Magnets Designed For Performance

Gibson magnetizes our own magnets to ensure the total reliability of each magnet's performance. Critical magnetic flux is maintained for the perfect combination of output without sacrificing tonal characteristics.

Machined Pole Shoe

The pole shoe on Gibson Pickups is a critical component. It is positioned between the coil forms and the unit base plate in order to provide support and guide the pole pieces through to the threaded slots. This hand machined manufacturing process is identical to the original methods used during the fifties for Gibson Pickup production. Most pole shoes are stamped and can deform during production. Gibson's machined pole shoes fit snugly in the pickup. A better fitting pole shoe will not vibrate and reduces microphonic effects.

Maple Wooden Spacers

Maple spacers adhere and form to the metal unit base plate and to the coil form when they are compressed in pickup final assembly. They provide additional support for the coil forms and reduce unit vibrations that can cause unwanted microphonic feedback.

Made With High Quality Cover Materials

Gibson Gear uses standard German Silver cover with nickel, chrome or 24K gold plating, which provides additional strength and durability.   The result is more sonically transparent than other materials that are used (such as brass). That means less high-end loss. The optional 24K gold plated cover will last longer and not rub off as do other less expensive gold plating options.

Pickup Options Four-Conductor or Vintage Two-Conductor Wiring

The BurstBuckers, BurstBucker Pro, '57 Classic, '57 Classic Plus, P-90 and Mini- Humbuckers feature vintage style two-conductor leads, while all other models feature four-conductor leads for all wiring variations such as series, parallel or split-coil operation.

Full Wax Potting

Every Gibson pickup is potted in a special wax bath to insure that microphonic feedback due to internal vibration is eliminated. All covered models receive a second wax bath to further protect the pickup.

Explore many varieties of Gibson pickups at Ultratone Guitars.

Top 10 Things To Consider When Buying A Guitar Amp

An amplifier can be the difference between a great sounding instrument and a poor sounding instrument. Whether you are amplifying an electric guitar, acoustic guitar , bass guitar, keyboards, or an orchestra or band instrument, the type of amplifier you buy is extremely important.  Before you buy, consider your plan for using the amp. Some amps are more portable than others.  Some come with more bells and whistles (or knobs and controls), and others just straight up make it loud.  As a musician, you need to determine the performance level of your amplifier.  If you are playing for a large hall, you will want something powerful enough to fill the room.  On the other flip side, if you are looking for an in-home practice amplifier, you will probably want a smaller less powerful amplifier.  Below are the top 10 things to consider when purchasing your next amplifier.

                                        

 We hope this helps:

1. Configurations

Combination amps, combo for short, are self-contained units that include the amplifier and speaker together. A stack variation consists of a separate amp, or head, and a speaker cabinet. With a stack you can mix and match heads and cabinets to fine tune your sound.

2. Amplifier Types

Solid-state amps use transistors for their preamp and power sections. They are the most popular choice today for their clean tone, affordability and reliability even though the sound is sometimes considered cold.

Tube amps require more maintenance as tubes wear quickly. They're also heavy but are appreciated for their rich, vintage tone.

Modeling amps, the best selling amp segment or most popular segment of the amp market, use technology to make solid state amps sound and feel like traditional tube amps and provide plenty of gain for almost any applications.

Hybrids are available, which have transistors generating power and a tube-driven preamp producing the basic tone.

3. Digitally Modeled

It's possible to get the vintage sound of a tube amp without going old-school. Digital modeling amps simulate the sound through software, so you can get the sound of variety of amps all in one. They also come with built-in digital effects like tremolo, chorus, etc. and a footswitch lets you change between tones.

http://www.ultratoneguitar.com/servlet/the-Amps-cln-Electric-Guitar-Combo-Amps/Categories

Click Here to View Some Great Modeling Amps

4. Construction

The materials that make the amp can affect the quality of its sound. Since a thinner material can cause a speaker to vibrate itself loose, a thickness of at least 1/2" is recommended.

An amp with a closed back will produce a better bass response from a speaker.

5. Speaker Size

Bigger doesn't always mean better. Much of your decision will be based on what type of sound you prefer. Several small speakers in a bass cabinet produce a tighter, more accurate sound, while a larger speaker is often heavy sounding. Again, it comes down to your personal taste.

6. Watts

The more watts you have the more likely the amp will stay true to tone at higher volumes. Amps come with anywhere from 5 to 400 watts.

7. Equalizer (EQ)

EQ settings let you emphasize or de-emphasize particular frequencies to alter the tone of your guitar. In many instances the EQ frequency settings are pre-set. Other times you have the ability to adjust the frequency, giving you greater control. Most preamps have three knobs, some have five, and others have even more.

8. Controls

Look for tone controls, ones that include low, mid and high EQ, presence, gain and reverb. And make sure the controls carry a useful function and don't exist simply for show.

9. Sound

Different amps have different sounds, so test-driving an amp is crucial to getting the sound you want. It's also important to consider the music genre you are likely to play. Do you have softer musical tastes or do you plan to rock out? Certain brands are often suited to one style and not so much to another.

10. Price

You don't need to spend big to get a decent sound. Combination or combo amps tend to be less expensive when compared to stack configurations where you buy the amp and speaker cabinet components separately. So if you’re just starting out, a combo amp is the cheaper and easier way to go.   Remember that your best deal for an amplifier is not only price, but also reliability and performance! 

http://www.ultratoneguitar.com/servlet/the-Amps/Categories

Click here to see a nice selection of excellent guitar amps in a variety of price ranges: