How Much Does a Guitar Amp Cost?

Author: Lev Baker

Lev grew up in the live music capital of the world, Austin, Texas. So, naturally, he was bound to be a musician. From a very young age, he was fascinated by the guitar. Lev even performed living room concerts for the family featuring him and a toy plastic guitar. Lev can still remember the feeling of unboxing his first Fender Squier and plugging it into the amp. He was hooked.

Over the years, Lev became classically trained and competed in classical guitar competitions all over the country. Lev has also recorded several albums and performed countless shows in various genres, including indie pop, alternative, jazz fusion, and heavy metal. Guitar was Lev’s first love, but he also plays bass, drums, and piano.

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Editor: Edward Bond

Edward has been playing the guitar since 2002. So Edward has over 20 years of experience as a guitarist, has authored 15 guitar books, has written for renowned music blogs, and spent a decade teaching music. He began merging his passion for writing and music in 2020 and has written for big guitar websites such as Guitar Head Publishing and KillerGuitarRigs.com.

Originally from Seattle, Edward moved to Norway in 2021 for a master’s in music. He’s studied at the Jazz Institute Berlin and Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and currently resides in Trondheim. His education includes a European Jazz Master’s, a diploma in Film and Game Scoring from Sofia, and a Bachelor’s in Jazz from University of Oregon.

Edward has played in numerous bands and currently, Edward works on his own project Starship Infinity

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Without guitar amps, electric guitars would be anticlimactic. Seriously, imagine a heavy metal band playing an unplugged concert. It would definitely not have the same effect. 

That said, a career or hobby in music is a financial investment, and a decent guitar amp will cost you. So, to find the best guitar tone, you’ll need to find a good quality guitar amp. 

But how much do guitar amps cost? And how much should you spend on one?

In this article, we will detail the cost of guitar amps, from affordable solid-state amps to high-end stack amps. Let’s get rockin’!

Full Guitar Amp Cost Rundown

Guitar amps come in all shapes and sizes, from battery-powered practice amps to massive full-stacks. I have divided this list into different sections to determine how much a guitar amp costs. I will break down the various cost ranges of: 

• Solid-state amps.
• Tube amps. 
• Stack amps.
• Acoustic amps.

Solid-State Amps

Most beginner guitarists start out with a solid-state amp. This is because they are more affordable and easier to use. While professional guitarists typically gravitate towards authentic tube amps, solid-state amps remain much more beginner and intermediate-friendly. 

Also, digital amp technology has improved immensely in recent years, so solid-state amps are sounding better and better each year. That said, not all solid-state amps are created equal. Depending on your budget and the size of your solid-state amp, you can expect to pay between $60 and $1,000. That is a considerable price range, so let’s dissect it further.

Beginner and Cheap Solid-State Amps ($50 to $100)

Beginner solid-state amps won’t have many fancy features, but they will have all the basics you need to practice and possibly play smaller gigs. These incredibly budget-friendly amps cost less than $100, so they are usually the first amp an electric guitar player will own.

Cheap solid-state guitar amps are generally between 5 and 20 watts, so they won’t be loud enough for larger venues. But if you need something for bedroom practice, an affordable beginner solid-state amp is a great choice!

Here are a few of my top choices for beginner solid-state amps:

Amplifier	Watts	Effects	Normal Price	Check Today’s Price
Fender Frontman 10G	10	No	$79.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Boss Katana Mini 7W	7	Yes	$99.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Orange Crush Micro	3	No	$75	Sweetwater Thomann
Behringer HA-20R-UL	20	Yes	$99.99	Sweetwater
Blackstar Debut 10E	10	No	$89.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Vox Pathfinder 10	10	No	$109.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Peavey Backstage 10W	10	No	$99.99	Sweetwater
Laney LX10	10	No	$109.99	Sweetwater

Check out our article on the best guitar amps under $100 for more recommendations.

Mid-Range Solid-State Amps ($100 to $500)

Guitarists with a bit more budget who want a louder amp with more features should look for mid-range solid-state amps. These don’t cost astronomically more than beginner amps, but they pack a punch, and many of these amps can be used for gigging and even basic studio sessions. 

In fact, there are quite a few excellent guitar amps for around $200 that are solid beginner options. These amps may also be able to model popular tube amps, and some will even have built-in effects pedals.

For less than $500, you can get a decent solid-state amp with a high-quality sound. Will it sound as good as a $1,500 tube amp? Absolutely not. But it will come at a much more accessible price point!

Below are a couple of awesome mid-range solid-state amps:

Amplifier	Watts	Effects	Normal Price	Check Today’s Price
Fender Mustang LT40	40	Yes	$249.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Boss Katana 50 MKII	50	Yes	$269.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Orange Crush 35RT	35	Yes	$299.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Marshall MG50GFX	50	Yes	$499.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Line 6 Catalyst 60	60	Yes	$249.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Blackstar Debut 50R	50	Yes	$249.99	Sweetwater
Vox VT40X	40	Yes	$349.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Line 6 Spider V 60	60	Yes	$349.99	Sweetwater
Peavey Vypyr X3 100-watt	100	Yes	$399.99	Sweetwater

Premium Solid-State Amps ($500 to $1,000+)

Most amps in this price range are tube amps, but there are a few professional solid-state amps with premium features. These amps are designed for large gigs and recording sessions. Dedicated guitarists with high budgets will shoot for the moon with these amps. 

Premium guitar amps will be up to 100 watts and have many built-in effects and features. Amps like the JC-40 and the Tone Master are renowned as the best solid-state amps on the market.

Here are a few of the best premium solid-state amps out there:

Amplifier	Watts	Effects	Normal Price	Check Today’s Price
Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb	200	No	$1,049.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb	100	No	$999.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Roland JC-40	40	Yes	$699.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Orange Super Crush 100	100	No	$699	Sweetwater Thomann
Roland Blues Cube Stage	60	No	$899	Sweetwater Thomann
Boss Katana Artist 100w	100	Yes	$599	Sweetwater Thomann
Quilter Labs Aviator Mach 3	200	Yes	$1199	Sweetwater Thomann

Tube Amps

Most professional guitarists prefer tube amps due to their warmer tone and responsiveness. While some professionals use solid-state amps, most touring and recording guitarists use tube amps. 

But before you jump the gun and purchase one, it is important to note that tube amps are considerably more expensive than solid-state amps. The cheapest options cost around $300, ranging up to $3,000 or more! Let’s break down what to expect for tube amps in different price ranges.

Cheap Tube Amps ($250 to $500)

There isn’t really a “cheap” option when it comes to tube amps. This is because an entry-level tube amp costs around as much as a mid-range solid-state amp. Affordable tube amps are not nearly as loud as large 30-watt amps with 12” speakers, but they have an authentic vintage sound that pairs very well with rock, blues, metal, and just about any modern guitar genre. 

At around 1 to 5 watts, these cheap tube amps make great bedroom practice amps and can even be used for small, intimate gigs. An inexpensive tube amp is an excellent choice for entry-level guitarists who want the classic rock crunch without the high price tag of a premium option.

Here are a few of my absolute favorite entry-level tube amps:

Amplifier	Watts	Effects	Normal Price	Check Today’s Price
Blackstar HT1R MKII	1	No	$319.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Bugera V5 Infinium 5W	5	No	$279	Sweetwater Thomann
Vox AC4	6	No	$479.99	Sweetwater
Marshall DSL1CR	1	No	$599.99	Sweetwater Thomann

Mid-Range Tube Amps ($500 to $1,000)

When jumping into mid-tier tube amps, we see a significant improvement. These amps cost less than $1,000 and are generally between 10 and 30 watts. This kind of power may not be able to fill stadiums, but these amps are significantly louder than budget options. After all, the difference between a 1-watt and a 15-watt tube amp is MAJOR in terms of volume and tone. 

While $1,000 may seem like a hefty price tag, it is standard for mid-level tube amps. You’ll find iconic amps, such as Van Halen’s 5150 and the Vox AC15C1, in this price range. You can get a terrific, professional-level tube amp in this price range. 

Below are a few of my top picks for mid-range tube amps.

Amplifier	Watts	Effects	Normal Price	Check Today’s Price
Fender Blues Junior IV	15	No	$799.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Vox AC15C1	15	Yes	$799.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Marshall DSL40CR	40	No	$1049	Sweetwater Thomann
Peavey Classic 30	30	No	$999	Sweetwater
Orange Rocker 15	15	No	$999	Sweetwater Thomann
EVH 5150 15W	15	Yes	$799.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Supro Delta King	15	No	$699	Sweetwater Thomann

Premium Tube Amps ($1,000+)

The sky’s the limit when it comes to premium guitar tube amps. While $1,200 can undoubtedly get you a professional-level tube amp with enough power for most live shows and studio settings, there are options costing 3 to 4 times as much! 

Premium tube amps typically range between 30 and 60 watts and can easily fill a massive room without losing tonal integrity. As the price tag will suggest, these amps are reserved for serious enthusiasts and professionals willing to spend the big bucks in exchange for top quality.

Here are some of the best premium tube amps on the market:

Amplifier	Watts	Effects	Normal Price	Check Today’s Price
Fender ’68 Custom Princeton Reverb	12	No	$1,299	Sweetwater Thomann
EVH 5150 Iconic Series 60-watt	60	Yes	$1,399	Sweetwater Thomann
Vox AC30C2	30	Yes	$1,299.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Mesa/Boogie Mark V	90	Yes	$3,799	Sweetwater
Magnatone Panoramic Stereo	12	No	$3,599	Sweetwater

Stack Amps

Combo amps are all-inclusive, so you only need to purchase the amp and plug it in. On the other hand, a stack amp has two parts: the amp head and the cabinet. These amps are generally massive and loud, built for touring musicians who need a TON of wattage. 

In the ’70s and ’80s, stack amps were necessary for rock and heavy metal bands that needed a loud and powerful presence. But, as PA system technology has improved, stack amps are no longer as much of a necessity. However, they are still loved by many guitarists. 

A stack amp will generally set you back around $800 on the absolute low end, but most guitarists spend more than $2,000 for both the cabinet and the amp head.

Guitar Amp Heads ($500 to $3,000+)

Amp heads are the “brains” of the machine. This is where all the complex circuitry, valves, and controls are located. They won’t make any sound on their own, though. So, you’ll need to connect amp heads to a cabinet (or speaker). 

Guitar amp heads range dramatically in price from around $500 for a low-end solid-state option to more than $3,000 for a premium amp head.

Here are a few of our top choices for guitar amp heads in various price ranges:

Amplifier	Watts	Effects	Normal Price	Check Today’s Price
Marshall JVM410H 100-watt	100	No	$3,199	Sweetwater Thomann
Mesa/Boogie Mark V Amp Head	35	Yes	$2,399	Sweetwater
Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII	50	No	$2,149	Sweetwater Thomann
EVH 5150III 50-watt Tube Head	50	No	$1,449	Sweetwater Thomann
Boss Katana Artist Head MkII 100-watt	100	Yes	$569	Sweetwater Thomann
Friedman BE-50 Deluxe	50	No	$3,699	Sweetwater
Soldano SLO-30 Super Lead	30	Yes	$2,899	Sweetwater Thomann
Blackstar HT Stage 100 Mark II	100	Yes	$1,149	Sweetwater
Mesa/Boogie JP-2C Mark IIC+	100	Yes	$3,999	Sweetwater

Amplifier Cabinets ($350 to $1,700)

Cabinets and amp heads go together like peanut butter and jelly! As we mentioned, you can’t simply purchase an amp head. You’ll also need a speaker cabinet to get any output from your head. 

Cabinets can be relatively small and affordable, but depending on the wattage and the speakers’ size/quantity, they can be much pricier.

Here are a few of our top amplifier cabinet choices:

Amplifier	Watts	Effects	Normal Price	Check Today’s Price
Line 6 Spider V 412 MkII 320-watt	320	No	$349.99	Sweetwater
Orange Crush Pro 240-watt 4×12″	240	No	$699	Sweetwater
Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Horizontal 2×12” 120-watt	120	No	$949	Sweetwater
Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Vertical 2×12″ 120-watt	120	No	$1,049	Sweetwater
EVH 5150III 4×12″ 100-watt	100	No	$1,149.99	Sweetwater
Marshall 1960A 300-watt 4×12″	300	No	$1,599.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Friedman 412/15 Checkered 260-watt 2×12″	260	No	$1,699	Sweetwater

Acoustic Amps ($130 to $1,000)

Contrary to what you might think, you cannot simply plug your electric acoustic guitar into a standard electric guitar amp. It won’t necessarily destroy your amp, but chances are, you won’t get the sound you are looking for. So, this is why acoustic amps exist! 

While you’ll have fewer options to choose from, acoustic amps are generally cheaper than electric guitar amps. On average, expect to spend under $200 for an entry-level acoustic amp and up to $1,000 for a high-end option.

Here are some of our top picks:

Amplifier	Watts	Effects	Normal Price	Check Today’s Price
Fender Acoustasonic 15	15	Yes	$129.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Vox VX50AG	50	Yes	$299.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Fishman Loudbox Mini BT 60-watt	60	Yes	$399.95	Sweetwater Thomann
Fender Acoustic Junior	100	Yes	$399.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Roland CUBE Street EX 2×8″	50	Yes	$599.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Boss Acoustic Singer Live 60-watt	60	Yes	$579.99	Sweetwater Thomann
Hughes & Kettner ERA 1 250-watt	250	Yes	$979	Sweetwater Thomann

Make sure to check out our complete list of beginner acoustic amp recommendations!

What Makes Up a Guitar Amp’s Price?

So, now you know how much a guitar amp costs and what to expect from the different price ranges. But what causes an amp to cost more or less? Here are a few of the most critical factors that affect the cost of a guitar amp.

Brand Recognition

The brand of a guitar amp significantly impacts its cost. Even when comparing two amps with nearly identical specs (watts, speaker size, features, etc.), the amp from a more high-end amplifier brand will likely cost much more. 

For example, a Bugera or Blackstar tube amp with 22 watts and a single 12” speaker will generally cost around $500 to $800, while a Fender or Mesa/Boogie amp of the same caliber will cost more than double that (even triple)!

Type

As you can see from our price breakdown above, tube amps cost a lot more than solid-state amps. Tube amps are the preferred type of amp for many guitarists, and they are much more complicated to manufacture. Since there is a high demand for this type of guitar amp and fewer manufacturers, simple supply and demand dictate the high cost.

Watts

The wattage of your guitar amp is a measurement of how much power the amp can create. While wattage doesn’t directly correlate to how loud the amp can get, higher wattage generally means a louder amp. The more watts you need for your guitar amp, the more you should expect to pay. Check out our guide on guitar amp watts for more on this.

Speaker Size/Quality

Another major factor to consider in a guitar amp is the size and quality of your speaker(s). Larger speakers generate more sound and provide different tones and sound textures. You could have the best amp head on the market, but if you are running it through a cheap speaker cabinet, it isn’t going to sound very good. A more expensive speaker will generally be louder and have a better overall tone.

Features

Another factor that will affect the cost of a guitar amp is added features and effects. Guitar amps with built-in reverb, modeling features, tuners, and added channels will typically be pricier than amps without these features. 

However, keep in mind that plenty of no-frills tube amps are still much more expensive than modeling amps with tons of features. For example, the Boss Katana has many built-in amp models and effects, but it is much more affordable than most tube amps with few features.

Conclusion

As you can tell by now, the cost of your guitar amp varies drastically. Factors such as brand, quality, watts, and speaker size will affect the price of an amp. Finally, we recommend researching and even trying amps before purchasing. This will ensure that you get your money’s worth!

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