Guitar Amplifier Heads
A guitar amp head is the amplifier section of a guitar rig without the speaker cabinet. Unlike a combo amp, which combines the amplifier and speaker in one cabinet, an amp head must be connected to an external speaker cabinet to produce sound.
Amp heads are popular with guitarists who want more flexibility in their setup. By pairing different amplifier heads with different speaker cabinets, players can tailor their tone, volume and feel to suit a wide range of playing styles.
At Colemans Music we stock a carefully selected range of guitar amplifier heads, including models from Victory Amplifiers. We also regularly offer quality pre-loved amp heads from brands such as Marshall, Orange and other respected manufacturers.
Choosing Your First Guitar Amp Head
Amp heads are most commonly used by players who already have a speaker cabinet or who want to build a modular amplifier rig.
Compared with combo amps, amp heads offer several advantages.
They allow you to:
• pair the amplifier with different speaker cabinets
• upgrade or change cabinets without replacing the amp
• achieve higher power and stage volume
• build a more flexible touring or recording setup
For many players the classic setup is a valve amp head paired with a 1x12, 2x12 or 4x12 speaker cabinet.
If you already own a cabinet, or plan to run a larger stage rig, an amp head can be the best solution.
How a Guitar Amp Head Works
A guitar amplifier head receives the electrical signal from your guitar, shapes the tone and then amplifies the signal so it can drive a speaker cabinet.
The amplifier is made up of two main sections.
Preamp Section
The preamp shapes the tone of the guitar signal. Controls typically include:
• gain
• bass
• middle
• treble
• presence
• channel switching
Increasing the gain can introduce overdrive or distortion depending on the design of the amplifier.
Power Amp Section
After the tone has been shaped by the preamp, the signal moves to the power amp section.
The power amp increases the signal strength so it can drive a speaker cabinet. This stage determines the overall volume, headroom and feel of the amplifier.
The amplifier is then connected to a speaker cabinet using a dedicated speaker cable.
Valve vs Solid State Amp Heads
There are several types of guitar amp heads, each offering different tonal characteristics.
Valve (Tube) Amp Heads
Valve amplifiers use vacuum tubes to amplify the signal. They are known for their dynamic response, natural compression and warm overdrive when pushed.
Many guitarists prefer valve amplifiers for blues, rock and classic guitar tones.
Victory Amplifiers are a well known modern manufacturer producing high quality British valve amp heads used by players around the world.
Solid State Amp Heads
Solid state amplifiers use transistor based circuitry rather than valves. They tend to be lighter, more reliable and require less maintenance.
They often deliver very clean tones and are popular for pedal based rigs or situations where reliability and portability are important.
Modelling Amp Heads
Some modern amp heads use digital technology to recreate the sound of many different amplifiers and effects. These units offer versatility and a wide range of tones in a single device.
Why Many Guitarists Choose Amp Heads
While combo amplifiers are popular for convenience, amp heads remain the preferred choice for many professional players.
Some of the advantages include:
More flexibility
You can pair the amplifier with different speaker cabinets such as 1x12, 2x12 or 4x12 configurations.
More power
Amp heads are often available in higher wattage designs suitable for stage use.
Modular setup
You can change the cabinet or amplifier independently as your rig evolves.
Classic stage rigs
Many iconic guitar tones were created using valve amp heads driving large speaker cabinets.
Common Controls on Guitar Amp Heads
Most guitar amplifier heads include a range of controls that allow players to shape their tone.
Typical controls include:
• Gain
• Volume or Master Volume
• Bass
• Middle
• Treble
• Presence
Many amplifiers also include:
• channel switching
• effects loops
• footswitch control
• power attenuation
• impedance selection for different cabinets
These controls allow players to tailor the amplifier to their guitar, pedals and playing style.
New and Pre-Loved Amp Heads
At Colemans Music we carry a range of new amplifier heads, with a strong focus on Victory Amplifiers.
We also regularly source quality used and pre-loved gear. This means you may occasionally find amplifier heads from brands such as Marshall, Orange and other respected manufacturers.
All used gear is inspected before being offered for sale.
Find the Right Guitar Amp Head
Choosing the right amp head depends on your playing style, speaker cabinet setup and the sound you want to achieve.
If you are unsure which amplifier head is right for your rig, our team can help you compare options and match an amp with the right speaker cabinet.
Looking to buy a guitar amplifier head? 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.
