How to choose the best tube amp size for gigging vs tube amps for home use
So you're trying to find the best amp for home use, and another for gigging. Or both! Here’s how to choose an amp!
AMPS used in this video:
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▶ Shop the MESA/Boogie amps Dinesh is using HERE: https://bit.ly/47GCcZp
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Taken from our complete guide to tube amps: • You'll wish you knew this before buying yo...
Watch as Gibson Gear Guide host Dinesh Lekhraj shows you how to choose the perfect guitar amp for any situation—whether you’re playing at home, in a studio, or on stage.
First, he discusses the best tube amps for home use, starting with low-wattage amps like the Gibson Falcon 5. Here, you’ll learn why 5-watt amps are probably the best size amp for home use and recording if you have smaller spaces to work with. Why? With these lower wattages, you can achieve that rich overdrive and breakup at lower volumes, making these smaller amps ideal for cool tones like those heard on White Stripes or Black Keys tracks. If you’re looking for an amp that gives you those collapsing, vintage vibes, amps in the 1-to-5-watt range (up to 7 watts) with a master volume control will be your go-to. Could this be the best combo amp ever?
Next, Dinesh explains the benefits of amps in the 20-to-25-watt range, which are perfect for home studios, small to medium-sized gigs, and larger rooms. With amps like the MESA/Boogie Badlander 25, you’ll discover how these can easily keep up with a drummer while offering direct recording capabilities for quiet sessions at home. Plus, learn about the tube differences—EL84s vs. 6V6s—and how they impact tone, from chimey highs to vintage low-end warmth, which is great for players of all genres.
Finally, if you’re playing on larger stages, at festivals, or need the best amp with clean headroom to use as a pedal platform, high-wattage amps like the MESA/Boogie® JP2C and Badlander 100 are ideal. These tube amps are high wattage but get you that pristine, clean tone that can keep up with heavy-handed drummers in large venues. Packed with EL34 tubes, they deliver that classic British vibe, compressed mids, and smooth highs for razor-sharp gain tones.
If you want to decide what size amp is best for you or how to choose an amp for gigging and use around the house, this is the best amp guide for you.
Chapters:
0:00 What are you doing wth your amp?
0:30 Best size amp for home use?
1:50 Best sized amp for home studio & small /medium sized gigs
4:28 Best size amp for festivals & bigger stages
📼 Related Videos To Watch Next:
▶ The COMPLETE guide to buying tube amps: • You'll wish you knew this before buying yo...
▶ Is 25 watts or 50 watts better for you? • Cranking a 25-watt tube amp vs. 50-watt tu...
▶ Should you buy a combo amp instead? • Guitar Amp comparison—Combo amplifier vs h...
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