A guitar amp is an electronic amplifier that functions by increasing the signal of an electric or acoustic guitar so that it can produce sound through a loudspeaker. A common misconception about guitar amps is that they are used solely to amplify sound. Most amplifiers are also able to modify the tone of an instrument by emphasizing or de-emphasizing certain frequencies, and by adding effects to create different sounds.

Amps were first used in the 1930s as a way to amplify the sound of acoustic guitars. However, their use became more popular in the 1940s when Hawaiian music surged in popularity. Initially, tone control on guitar amps was simple and could provide a lot of treble boost. However, their low power, and limited control gave poor high treble and bass output. In the 1960s, musicians began to experiment with distortion by overdriving guitar amps. Later on, most guitar amps came with preamplifier distortion controls, fuzz boxes, and other units designed to produce distorted sounds. Today, the overdrive and distortion produced by guitar amps are important elements to many styles of electric guitar music.

Vintage amps come in two standard forms: combination or “combo amps”, which are made up on one amplifier, with one, two or four speakers, all housed in a wooden cabinet. As well as standalone or head amps, sometimes called the “amp head”, which do not incorporate a speaker, and generate sound through a speaker cabinet. A wide range of vintage amps exist, some intended for general purposes, where others are designed for particular instruments or sounds. These include:

• Traditional guitar amplifiers – which produce a clean, warm sound, often used by traditional rock, country, and blues musicians. Nowadays, they have become popular with indie and alternative bands as well.
• Hard rock guitar amplifiers – which tend to use pre-amplification controls, tone filters, and distortion producing effects to create their characteristic tone. This type of vintage amp is used in a wide range of music genres, including hard rock, punk and metal.
• Bass amps –their extended bass response and tone controls that make them optimal for bass guitars.
• Acoustic amps – these amps are designed to create a ‘clean’, ‘transparent’, ‘acoustic’ sound when used with acoustic instruments.

At VintageandRare.com, we showcase a wide selection of vintage amps, from dealers around the world, who can help you create whatever sound you are looking for. We carry a lot of Vintage Fender Amps, as well as a wide range of vintage, custom hand-made boutique amps. If you don’t find what you are looking for, check back often and see what’s for sale, since our selection changes daily.

Please scroll down and have a look at our collection of amazing amps.