There are generally four types of
amplifier they are
·
Tube amplifier
·
Solid state amplifier
·
Modeling amplifier
·
Hybrid amplifier
Tube amplifier:
Here vacuum tube is used. The high end
model fabricates sound with ultimate quality. It employs one or more dual
triodes to bring in high voltage gain. Reverb unit which is nothing but the one
or more coiled spring is found, instigating reverberation of an echoic ambient.
It will give out the best at any volume. Offers low drift over various range of
operating conditions, organic distortion, warm, fat tone, louder with
unambiguous feel and finally makes you ease in tube replacement when it fails.
But the cons in tube amplifier are it is bulky due to existence of heavy iron
in power and output transformer, fragile, degrading performance before its
failure.
Solid state amplifier (transistor):
This type of amplifier is welcomed among
the guitarist exploring for sturdy, reliable touring. It gives out clear tone,
quick response time and comes with distortion channel also. Hardly ever needs
repair with increased reliability, cheap and less weight. It is most preferred
among jazz guitarists.
Modeling amplifier:
They digitize the input signal using
Digital Signal Processor to process the signal. Here digital processor is used
to enhance the old fashioned tube technology and programmed with software to
model the sounds of tube amplifier. It's built with digital effects like
chorus, wide range of tone effects and cabinet stimulation.
Hybrid amplifier:
Here tube amplifier is fed by solid
state in pre-amplifier circuit. Features include distortion, volume control.
Apart from this there are other two
types like traditional guitar amplifiers and hard rock style. Where the former
is used by country musicians, blues and rock producing clean, warm sound, sharp
treble at 5 KHz or even less, bass in the range of 60-100 KHz and contains
reverb units, tremolo units. Hard rock style provides you control over
pre-amplification, tone filter, distortion effect. They use amplify tone to add
or drive intensity, edge to the guitar sound.
