A guitar combo amp combines the amplifier and speaker in one cabinet. It is the most common type of guitar amplifier because it is simple, portable and powerful enough for most playing situations.
Whether you are practising at home, rehearsing with a band, recording in the studio or playing live, a combo amp offers an all-in-one solution that is easy to transport and quick to set up.
At Colemans Music we stock a carefully selected range of guitar combo amplifiers from respected brands including Fender, Victory, Laney and Yamaha.
Choosing Your First Guitar Amp
If you are buying your first electric guitar amplifier, a combo amp is usually the best place to start.
Combo amps are easy to use, portable and available in a wide range of power levels. For most beginners and home players, an amp in the 10 to 20 watt range is ideal. These amps provide enough volume for practice and recording while still being manageable at home.
If you plan to rehearse with a band or play live, you may want something in the 20 to 40 watt range, which offers greater headroom and projection.
Speaker size also affects tone. Many players prefer 12 inch speakers, which deliver a fuller sound and stronger low end compared with smaller speakers.
If you are unsure which amp is right for you, our team can help you choose an option that suits your guitar, playing style and budget.
What is a Guitar Combo Amp?
A guitar combo amp is a single unit that contains:
• the amplifier circuitry • one or more speakers • the controls used to shape your tone
Because everything is built into one cabinet, combo amps are easy to transport and require no additional speaker cabinets to operate.
Combo amps are available in a wide range of sizes and power levels. Smaller models are perfect for practice and recording, while larger combo amps are powerful enough for gigs and stage use.
Common speaker sizes include:
• 8 inch • 10 inch • 12 inch
Most professional guitarists prefer 12 inch speakers because they produce a fuller sound with stronger bass response and better projection.
How a Guitar Combo Amp Works
When you plug your electric guitar into an amplifier, the pickups convert the vibration of the strings into an electrical signal.
Inside the amplifier this signal passes through several stages.
Preamp Stage
The preamp boosts the signal and shapes the tone. Controls such as gain, bass, middle and treble allow the player to adjust the character of the sound.
Turning the gain higher can introduce overdrive or distortion depending on the amp design.
Power Amp Stage
After the tone has been shaped, the signal is amplified further so it can drive the speaker.
The power section determines how loud the amp can get and how it responds dynamically when you play harder.
Speaker Output
The amplified signal is sent to the built-in speaker, which converts the electrical signal into sound waves.
The size and type of speaker has a major influence on the final tone of the amplifier.
Types of Guitar Combo Amps
Different combo amps suit different styles of music and playing situations.
Valve (Tube) Combo Amps
Valve amplifiers use vacuum tubes to amplify the signal and are known for their warm and responsive tone.
Many players prefer valve amps for blues, rock and classic guitar sounds because they produce natural overdrive when pushed harder.
Popular examples include classic Fender combos as well as modern British designs from Victory and Laney.
Solid State Combo Amps
Solid state amplifiers use transistor circuitry instead of valves. They are typically lighter, more reliable and require less maintenance.
They often deliver very clean tones and are popular for practice setups and pedal based rigs.
Modelling Combo Amps
Modelling amplifiers use digital technology to recreate the sound of many different amplifiers and effects.
They offer a wide range of tones in a single amp and are popular with players who want versatility and built-in effects.
Choosing the Right Wattage
The wattage of a combo amp determines how loud it can get and how much clean headroom it has.
As a general guide:
5 to 15 watts Great for home practice and recording
15 to 30 watts Ideal for rehearsals and smaller gigs
40 watts and above Suitable for louder bands and larger stages
Valve amps often sound louder than their wattage suggests, so even a 15 watt valve combo can be surprisingly powerful.
Popular Guitar Combo Amp Brands
We stock a range of respected amplifier brands that have shaped the sound of modern guitar.
Fender
Fender combo amps are famous for their clean tones and classic spring reverb sound. Models like the Deluxe Reverb and Princeton Reverb are used by guitarists across blues, rock and country.
Victory Amps
Victory produces modern British valve amplifiers with exceptional build quality and huge tonal range. Their combo amps deliver everything from vintage inspired tones to modern high gain sounds.
Laney
Laney amplifiers have a long history in British rock and metal. They are known for powerful tone, reliability and excellent value.
Yamaha
Yamaha produces reliable and versatile combo amps that are ideal for practice, rehearsal and smaller performances.
Built-In Controls and Effects
Most combo amps include tone controls that allow players to shape their sound.
Common controls include:
• Gain • Volume • Bass • Middle • Treble • Reverb
Some amps also include built-in effects such as delay, chorus or tremolo. Many guitarists also use external pedals to expand their sound further.
Why Many Guitarists Choose Combo Amps
Combo amps remain one of the most popular amplifier formats because they offer several advantages.
Portability Everything is contained in one cabinet which makes transport simple.
Simplicity No separate head and speaker cabinet required.
Versatility Many combo amps work well for practice, recording and live performance.
Great tone Many classic guitar sounds were recorded using combo amplifiers.
Find the Right Guitar Combo Amp
Choosing the right amplifier depends on your playing style, volume requirements and the sound you want to achieve.
If you are unsure which combo amp is right for you, our team can help you compare options and find the best fit for your setup.
Looking to buy a guitar combo amp? It’s available now at Colemans Music in South Melbourne or online with fast shipping Australia-wide. We're a proudly independent, family owned Australian music store that knows gear and backs it with great service.
Colemans Music: a place for players in South Melbourne
A place for players. New, used, traded, upgraded.
Colemans Music is an independent, family owned and operated guitar and musical instrument store in South Melbourne. We're a place for musicians to buy, sell, trade and consign quality instruments and equipment.
Whether you are choosing your first instrument or refining an established rig, our team can offer practical advice and help you plan your next upgrade. We combine the experience, service and trust of an established music retailer with the constantly changing inventory of a specialist preloved guitar store.
Looking to sell, trade or consign your gear? Find out about selling, trading and consigning with Colemans Music, and speak with our team about whether your instrument or equipment is suitable. Visit us at 266 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, or shop online from anywhere in Australia.
