10 Reviews: Best Guitar Amp for Small Gigs (Apr 2024)

Allows you to accomplish more while on the go with the iRig Micro Amp Clean, driving, and lead is the three analog channels with custom-voiced tones, and the maximum output is 15W RMS, which is a lot louder than expected. Connecting your iPhone, iPad Mac, or PC to a high-quality iRig Micro Amp is the real magic of this device. As well as 9 amp and 10 stompbox models from AmpliTube 4, the AmpliTube CS application for Mac/PC has 10 amp and 26 stompbox variants. You may also use all of your favorite applications and software because of its connectivity. Creating your own music can take many forms, including songwriting, song learning, rehearsing favorite chords, and even recording. All of this may be carried about with ease in a small, lightweight carrying case. A new set of ideas is never far away when you use the iRig Micro Amp.

IK Multimedia iRig products were the most sought out products in every category—churches needing to stream, businesses, schools. You name the category, they had a solution for it.

by Ed Spence

In terms of compact stage amps, the Bugera BC 15 is a solid starting point. 15W Tube Amp with an 8W speaker “a speaker with a vintage sound. With a 12AX7 tube, the amp sounds great. Two channels allow you to choose between a crunchy guitar tone and a bright, airy one. Plug up your CD player or MP3 device and jam out to your favorite tunes with the included headphone jack and ‘cd input’ connection. With an 8-ohm impedance, the amp weighs less than 12 pounds, making it one of the lightest amps on the market “The speaker is small enough to take with you wherever. Don’t be fooled by the size; tube amplifiers are often significantly louder than a solid-state amplifier of the same size.

Great tube amp for the price!

- It sounds as good as other higher priced amps I tried (both clean and with "gain")
- It's more than loud enough even at half volume for "gigging in the living room" [...]

by charlie

These 15-Watt tube amplifiers are a steal at this price range. Powered by 3x12AX7 preamp tubes and 2xEL84 power tubes, they sound fantastic! 12″ Celestion Red Truvox speaker and Monoprice Spring Reverb are included in this compact amp. This 15-Watt, 1×12 Guitar Combo Tube Amplifier with Celestion Speaker & Spring Reverb from Monoprice provides superior guitar tone and versatility. I like the aesthetic of the older amps from the 1950s and ’60s, but the price and the quality of the tones they produce make these amps worth every penny. These are light enough to carry almost anyplace, weighing in at about 30 pounds.

[...] Loud enough (read: LOUD!) for anything at home, small gigs, and even larger clubs when mic'd. The only thing this amp needs is a guitar plugged in and a player who knows how to use both. [...]

by Lucky Day

Absolutely love the sound of this Orange Crush 20RT solid-state amp. With a 20-Watt power supply and an 8-inch speaker, this thing really gets the job done. Clean tones have a distinctive orange sound and are bright and smooth. This has a great rock-breakup sound to the gain. For those who want to kill, you can also turn it up for some amazing ‘chug’ metal tones. Reverb, a built-in tuner, gain, and a “Dirty” knob (which increases the gain) are all included. This portable amp is perfect for gigging and practicing on the go, as well as playing at a volume that’s not too loud for your neighbors to hear. Those cabinets and grills have such a great old orange tint to them. They look and sound like they’re from the British rock scene. About 16 lbs. is all it takes to get your hands on one of these amazing little amps.

I’ve got to say, this thing packs some serious punch and is great as a practice amp as well as a gig amp. Just buy it already.

by Adam Reaves

Can’t recommend Supro amps enough. These amplifiers are highly recommended if you have the money. The preamp tubes in this 25-watt amp include 4x12AX7, 1x12AT7, and 2×6973. The characteristic tube reverb of Supro amps is unsurpassed by any other amp on the market. The Tremolo on this guitar is also fantastic. I’m a fan of the amp’s cabinet style, which is reminiscent of the company’s previous models. Cranking up the gain on these guitars will give you a distinctive sound with a distinct shine and chime. Despite its little size (it weighs around 30 pounds), this incredible compact amplifier is loud enough to be heard over the drums during a live performance. What more could you ask for in a live or studio amplifier?

A straightforward tone is what you get with the Fender Junior IV guitar. In terms of additional features, this amp is not for you, but in terms of guitar tone, it’s a winner. Tweed fender amps have a certain quality that sets them apart from the others. You’re looking at a solid-state amp that puts out 15 watts of power with two EL-84 power tubes and two 12AX7 preamp tubes. Simply turning the volume dial to 2 will allow this amp to fill a room with sound. The amount of lovely tube break-up sound that comes through depends on how loud you turn the volume up.

My favorite "small" amp on the market today. Small, yet gig-able. Fabulous tone, rivaling my vintage Fenders. If it's good enough for Mr. Jeff Beck, who uses this amp when playing live (he hides it behind the Marshall half stacks), then it's good enough for me!

by Don Newman

One of the most popular compact gig and home practice amplifiers, the Boss Katana 50 watt amp is well-known for its 12″ speaker, 55 user-customizable effects, 15 pedal fx, and five amp sound settings. Tones for every sort of guitarist are there, and they’re astounding in their variety and strength. In addition, the Katana 50’s innovative Power Control lets you push the amp’s sound even at low levels, making it ideal for practicing at home. You won’t be let down by the Katana 50’s plethora of amp sounds and effects, whether you’re looking for classic rock, shredding metal, or mellow blues sound. Affordability is one of the amp’s strongest suits. You won’t believe your eyes when you see it.

I mainly use the Boss Katana 50 Mkii for practice at home or for small gigs with my Fender Stratocaster. It's capabilities for the price are second to none. [...]

by ChezSez

Small yet powerful, the VOX AC4C1 has a pair of 12AX7 preamp tubes and an EL84 mains tube. This 4-Watt device throws a powerful punch. Great sounds may be obtained from them as they faithfully reproduce the VOX sound. Clean chime-y tones are a big part of the appeal of these amps, but their gain also breaks up beautifully. In small performances, it can handle the guitar volume well with its 12″ Celestion speaker added. It’s hard to go wrong with a VOX amp and grille. With a weight of 23 pounds, they are ideal for performing on stage. These amplifiers are also impressive in terms of their dimensions. If you wish, you can put one of them pretty much anywhere you want it.

If you're a fan of Vox tone, this thing has it in spades. Great overdrive but cleans up nicely as well. It's also a lot louder than you might think. Bought it for home use (serves that purpose well) but plan to gig it in a couple weeks after realizing that. [...]

by Chris

The Marshall MG30GFX is an excellent choice for a beginner’s amp or a backup for your home practice setup. There are four channels that may be programmed, and digital effects like delay, flanger, and reverb are available on the Marshall MG30 30 watt. Despite its little size, this amp is made to last and won’t break the bank. The classic Marshall design of this black and gold variant is a nice bonus. If you don’t mike it up to the PA, this Marshall offering won’t drown out your drummer, but it will be a great addition to your home practice setup. 

Love this amp for practice. Wish in hindsight I had ordered the 50 watt with a 12" speaker for playing with others/jams. Sounds great.

by Ethridge Hill

Before we begin, let’s not forget that this is a 3-watt amp with a 3-inch speaker. Expecting the same sound quality as a 50-watt 1×12 combo will leave you dissatisfied. A little amplifier sounds like a small amplifier, too. It is, nevertheless, an excellent sounding amp for such a little device. When the switch is on, the overdrive is thick and rich; however, the gain may be lowered and the OD turned off for a clearer sound. The EQ is limited, but it’s possible to create a broad range of tones. One might even make the case that the Fly is a suitable first amp for someone who is just learning to play guitar and is on a budget. Certain 10-watt entry-level amps have subpar sound and functionality when compared to more costly ones. We believe that the amp’s design is to be credited for its excellent sonic performance. Despite its little size, this box is surprisingly sturdy and well-built. A well-built cabinet, like the big-boy amps, has a substantial effect on tone.

I have the FLY3 BASS and with the extension cabinet become an extremely portable and high quality combo for gigging along with acoustic guitars. Great product!

by Pinho