Consider buying a hygrometer (humidity monitor)

Because you can’t see humidity and often don’t even realize what it’s doing to your prized acoustic until it’s too late, it helps to be able to measure it with something known as a Hygrometer (sometimes called a Humidity Monitor).

A hygrometer measures the amount of moisture in the air compared to the amount of moisture air can hold before it actually becomes water (Relative Humility, or RH). We don’t need to go too far into the realms of science here but there are some basic principles:

• Cold air won’t carry as much moisture as hot air, so when air temperature rises, so does its ability to hold more moisture.
• The way we heat our homes reduces the moisture content of the air.  Essentially, we dry it out, because we aren’t adding an additional source of moisture as it heats.

So if you, or more importantly your guitar, lives in a particularly cold house that needs a lot of heating, or in a particularly hot and dry area, then you need to be aware that the RH level will be low, and you might need to take steps to protect your guitar from what is usually referred to as ‘Low Humidity Damage’.

Invest in a good solid guitar case

A solid guitar case will protect the guitar from rapid changes in RH, and that sort of rapid change is a particularly bad idea. If you’re out and about with your guitar a solid case is a good investment. Even when at home, leaving your guitar inside a solid case is the way to go. Soft gig bags will help for short periods, but long term you’ll want something sturdy.

Acoustic Guitar Hard Cases

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Conclusion

In short, if you don’t monitor the environments that your guitars live in and end up subjecting them to harmful RH levels, the quality of the construction will soon start to disappear. This in turn will affect playability and tone, and, ultimately, your sanity.

If you have made a considerable investment in an acoustic guitar, it makes good sense to invest in a humidifier so that you can rest easy that the guitar is properly looked after when it’s sleeping. Not only will it help ensure that the guitar doesn’t crack or warp, but it will also ensure that it remains as playable as the day it was made.

Further Reading

Taylor have made 3 very good PDFs that cover humidity issues. Click on any of the links below for more info.

• Using a Guitar Humidifier
• Symptoms Of A Dry Guitar
• Symptoms Of A Wet Guitar

The post Guitar Humidity – Is damp in your house affecting your guitar? appeared first on Andertons Blog.

What Amplifier is Right For Me?

In this video, we demonstrate the differences between some popular practice amplifiers to help you decide what amplifier works perfectly in a home situation – after all, this is where most guitar practice takes place.

Conclusion

In summary, depending on what type of guitar you want to play dictates whether using an amplifier is needed, however, with the options available to us now, practicing the guitar has never been easier. Practice amps offer great versatility, especially with the handy smartphone apps which work with them to give you the tools you need to learn effectively, and most importantly – fun!

If you’d like to know more, check out these handy articles, guides, and collections:

• The Best Guitar Headphone Amps In 2024
• The Rising Popularity of Desktop Amplifiers! But Which One Should You Go For?
• A Guitarists Guide to Practice
• Ultimate Guide To Beginner Guitar Gear
• Shop The Best Gear For Beginners

The post Do I Need A Guitar Amp To Learn Guitar? appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Electric vs. acoustic guitar – do they feel different to play?

The short answer is yes. The necks on electric guitars are generally narrower than those found on an acoustic, and the strings on an electric are under less tension. This means that it’s easier to push down on the strings and potentially easier to form chords. That said, it can be quite tricky to learn on an electric because there’s more to take onboard than just the mechanics of playing the instrument. You have to learn to control the strings that aren’t being played so that you don’t create loads of extra noise through the amplifier. The pickups on a guitar are sensitive (don’t know what a pickup is? Click here!) and that means that, if you aren’t careful, you can generate additional noise.

Playing an acoustic guitar requires more strength in your fingers, as the strings will be under more tension and therefore a little hard to press down. The necks on an acoustic are also often wider and thicker than on electric guitars. Moving from one to the other will feel quite different, partly because of the subtly different techniques you have to employ in order to get the best sound out of your instrument.

Acoustic guitar strings – nylon versus steel.

We talked a bit about strings earlier, but now it’s time to mention the two very different types of acoustic guitar strings: steel and nylon. With few exceptions, any given acoustic guitar will be designed to fit one or the other, but not both. This is because the design and construction of steel string acoustic guitars and nylon sting guitars are very different.

Nylon String Guitars

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Nylon string guitars are easier to play because their strings are under less tension and the strings themselves are softer. A common issue with beginners learning on a steel string guitar is pain in the fingertips, due to the harder material and increased tension when compared to nylon. After playing steel string guitars for a while, you’ll start to develop callouses which allows you to play for longer without your fingers hurting. But, until you get to that point, the steel strings on an acoustic guitar might hurt your fingers.

So which is best? Again, it comes down to individual choice. If you want to play rock, pop, blues, or country, a steel string acoustic guitar might be best suited, as they provide more volume, with a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to classical or jazz, nylon string guitars, although quieter, provide a mellower sound. This doesn’t mean that you can’t play rock music on a nylon string guitar, or jazz on a steel string – you absolutely can!

In the end, the answer is that you can’t go wrong. If you want to break into the guitar with less pain on your fingertips, then you’ll want to go for a nylon string. However, learning on a steel string will ensure that you’ll be developing calluses quickly and can potentially move on to harder songs and techniques at a faster rate.

Electric vs. acoustic guitar – what’s more expensive?

Although there are many excellent electric guitars at the cheaper end of the scale, generally speaking, in the long run, acoustic guitars require less of a financial investment. The main reason for this is that an acoustic guitar generates sound on its own, whilst, for an electric guitar, you will need to purchase an amplifier and cable. On its own, an electric guitar generates hardly any noise – these are instruments designed to be played through an amp. However, there are some very good ‘mini’ electric guitar amps available for under £50, and it is possible to put together everything you need for the price of a beginner’s acoustic guitar. Keep in mind, however, that if you aspire to perform in public, you may find yourself needing to upgrade to a more powerful amp pretty quickly.

What is an electro-acoustic guitar?

Many models of steel string guitars are electro-acoustic, meaning that they come with built-in electronics and a standard connection port. This enables you to plug them in to a guitar amplifier in just the same way that you would an electric guitar. Unplugged, they will sound exactly like a normal steel string acoustic. The obvious advantage is that this gives you more flexibility – if you want to invest in an amplifier at a later point, then you can!

Electro Acoustic Guitars

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What if my child wants to learn guitar?

Guitars are a wonderful and versatile instrument to learn and, fortunately, both electric and acoustic guitars come in sizes to fit all. On the electric guitar side, excellent brands such as Fender and Squier produce ‘mini’ ¾ size instruments. On the acoustic guitar front, you’ll find ½ sized and ¾ sized  guitars from popular manufacturers including Yamaha, Valencia, and Admira.

Here’s a rough guide as to which size to buy, depending on age:

• 5-8 Years Old – 1/2 Size Guitar
• 8-12 Years Old – 3/4 Size
• 12+ Years Old – Full size

Should I buy a starter pack or just the guitar?

A starter pack is an easy, no-fuss solution. Starter packs include all the basic equipment and accessories, and there are plenty of options for different players at different price points. If you just buy the guitar on its own, you’ll want to invest in some essential accessories to go along with it. This can be quite costly, which is why starter packs are often a good option. If you’d prefer to buy individual accessories, here’s what you’ll need:

Tuner – This helps you stay tune your guitar up before practising. These days, there are many low-cost, high-quality electronic tuners available. Whether you’re buying an electric or an acoustic, you’ll want one of these to hand.

Guitar Picks or Plectrums – Many guitarists, especially electric guitarists, use plectrums, or ‘picks’, to strum or pick specific notes. The alternative is to play using your fingers alone. This is called fingerstyle. Even if you intend to play fingerstyle, learning to play with a pick will give you more flexibility in your approach.

Strap – If you want to play standing up, you’ll need a guitar strap. Even when sitting, a good strap can do wonders in balancing your guitar so that it sits just right.

Amp – If your guitar is electric, then you’ll need an amp in order to hear it. These range from small practice models to high-end stadium units.

Spare Strings – Strings do wear out over time. Normally, when one string breaks, guitarists replace the entire set so that there’s uniformity across the guitar. Old strings sound different to new strings, so, if you only change one string, it’ll sound much ‘brighter’ than the rest. Strings aren’t very expensive and it’s worth keeping a spare set at all times.

Starter Packs

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Popular beginner electric guitars & acoustic guitars

From entry-level models and small-scale guitars to complete starter bundles, Anderton’s have everything you need to pick up an electric guitar and start playing today!

Starter Electric Guitar Bundles

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Starter Acoustic Guitar Bundles

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Conclusion

People all over the world have learnt on both electric and acoustic guitars, but the more common way is to learn on acoustic guitar first. This will give you greater finger strength and force you to have the discipline to learn chords for songs with strumming in them. This is the foundation of guitar playing and a good way to learn the guitar is by learning rhythm first, which is definitely easier with an acoustic guitar.

Generally, therefore, our advice is to start on the acoustic and work towards the electric guitar, depending on the style of music you like. That said, if you want to emulate rock guitar heroes playing solos, or want to experiment with guitar effects and distortion and overdrive and all of those lovely things, then get to playing an electric guitar right now!

Ultimately, playing the guitar is all about having fun. You’re here to play music! So it doesn’t matter whether you learn on an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar, as long as you’re learning.

Want to find out more?

• Am I Too Old To Start Learning Guitar?
• Beginner’s Guide To Buying Your First Guitar
• How To Get Back Into Playing The Guitar

The post Should I Learn Acoustic Guitar Or Electric Guitar? appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Fender American Professional II Guitars & Basses

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What Features do Fender American Professional II Guitars Have?

For the most part, Fender’s American Professional II guitars maintain almost everything that made the original American Pro models so great. Only some minor updates have been executed. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – right? But ultimately, these small refinements bring these instruments more up-to-scratch for contemporary musicians looking for greater tonal flexibility and added playing comfort.

Fender has also introduced some tasteful new colour options that are exclusive to these guitars and basses. This includes a vibrant Miami Blue, as well as stealthy Dark Night and Mercury colours that are akin to Fender’s Strat Plus finishes from the ’80s and ’90s.

Alder & Roasted Pine Bodies

The majority of guitars and basses from the American Professional II series adhere to the timeless Fender tonewood combination. With balanced Alder bodies bolted to bright-sounding Maple necks, this classic construction design yields the snappy and articulate tones that Fender instruments are so renowned for.

However, selected Fender American Professional II guitars and basses (with natural finishes) boast Roasted Pine bodies instead. This material has essentially replaced the Ash body option previously available in the American Pro series, which has now become more difficult to source. The lightweight, punchy tonal qualities and stunning grain pattern of Roasted Pine makes it a more than worthy alternative however!

“Super Natural” Necks

Fender has decided to retain its popular Deep “C” neck shape for its American Professional II electric guitars. The Jazz and Precision Bass models also keep their respective Slim “C” and ’63 neck carves. Comfortable for modern players and vintage aficionados alike, these acclaimed neck profiles have now been enhanced with a new “Super Natural” finish that provides a silky-smooth and friction-free feel.

Other ergonomic updates include rolled fingerboard edges across the whole Fender American Professional II line, as well as sculpted neck heels that allow for unrestricted upper-fret access. These tweaks may be difficult to spot at first glance, but they make a huge difference when it comes to overall playability. Pick one up, and you’ll notice!

V-Mod II Pickups

Guitars and basses from the original American Professional lineup came fitted with Fender’s ‘V-Mod’ pickups. Able to deliver iconic Fender tone, but with a wider frequency range and a slightly more modern character, V-Mods found favour with players for their versatility over traditional vintage-voiced pickups.

Now, Fender has revised these with their newly designed V-Mod II pickups. Wound differently to their older counterparts, Fender describes its V-Mod IIs as “some of the best sounding” pickups it has ever made – promising extra note definition and more mid-range punch. Fender American Professional II HSS Strat and Telecaster Deluxe guitars come equipped with newly voiced V-Mod II “Double Tap” humbuckers too, which perfectly complement Fender’s V-Mod II single-coils.

“Push/Push” Electronics

“Push/Push” electronics enable special pickup combinations on Fender American Professional II electric guitars. This functionality expands their tonal palettes, as it extends beyond the customary switching capabilities available on typical Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster models.

For example, the American Professional II Strat’s “Push/Push” knob allows you to add its neck single-coil to switch position 1 – which means that you can somewhat mimic a Telecaster’s pickup configuration. On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. The standard Telecaster’s “Push/Push” function enables parallel/series operation for unique sounds, while the Jazzmaster taps its bridge humbucker for a vintage-like output level.

Redesigned Hardware

Alongside the new pickups, upgraded hardware appointments breathe new life into Fender’s American Professional II guitars. Although these updates aren’t anything to write home about, they exemplify how Fender tastefully improves upon its formulas over time without doing anything too drastic.

The much-adored 2-point synchronised tremolo remains on the Stratocasters, but these are now fitted with cold-rolled steel blocks that increase sustain, clarity and top-end sparkle. Their Telecaster cousins come installed with completely redesigned “Top Loader/String-Through” bridges, which allow you to thread their strings either through their bodies or from their bridge plates. And Fender’s new “Panorama” tremolo gives their American Professional II Jazzmasters a smoother vibrato arm action, of which can easily be popped in and out on-the-fly.

All guitar and bass models now sport bevelled neck plates too. This is a tiny tweak, but these simply offer an extra layer of finesse by blending beautifully into the shapes of their sculpted neck heels. The electric guitar models also feature newly-designed string trees that are engineered to prevent unwanted tuning slips. Pretty neat!

Fender American Ultra II Guitars

Fender’s American Ultra Guitars were released in late 2019 as the replacement for the short-lived American Elite range, encompassing what Fender describes as its “most advanced” production guitars to date. In 2024, Fender decided to give the range an upgrade, adding whistles and bells to an already fine series. Sporting flexible electronics and forward-thinking hardware appointments, as well as a few ergonomic construction tweaks, these innovative instruments are aimed at the most of modern of musicians yearning for ultimate precision and uncompromising tone.

The same core Fender models that form the American Professional II lineup are also what prop up the American Ultra II series. Strats, Teles, Jazzmasters, Precision Basses and Jazz Basses can be found, but there is less variation overall – with only HSS Strats and 5-string Jazz Basses available outside of the standard models.

What Features do Fender American Ultra Guitars Have?

Fender’s American Professional II models have a contemporary twist, but the brand’s American Ultra guitars go one step further. These instruments are heavily-modified to suit the needs of 21st Century players; covering lots of sonic territory and providing unmatched performance. If you like old-school Fenders – these guitars really aren’t for you!

A host of new Fender colours were introduced for the American Ultra series. This included Cobra Blue, Mocha Burst, Ultraburst, Plasma Red Burst and the stunning Texas Tea, all of which remain exclusive to Fender’s American Ultra guitars and basses. However, there are less total colour options available compared to the American Professional II series – which has an eclectic mix of both traditional and modern finishes.

Contoured Alder & Ash Bodies

The only parts of Fender’s American Ultra instruments that remain traditional are their body materials. With Alder used for the solid-finish guitars and Ash employed for the natural/transparent colour models; these tonewoods hearken back to the classic Fender formula from the ’50s – with bolt-on Maple necks keeping their signature construction intact.

This isn’t a case of Fender playing it safe, but rather the brand wishing to keep the core elements of its guitars the same as they are what make a Fender – a Fender! However, American Ultra bodies are heavily-contoured at the rear – around their lower horn, neck and belly-cut sections. This gives them a sleeker and more elegant feel when compared with their American Pro II cousins.

Modern “D”-Shaped Necks

American Ultra guitars and basses are unique in the Fender catalogue for their non-typical Modern “D”-shaped necks. This thin profile offers optimal support for contemporary players, but is unlikely to appeal to traditionalists who prefer thicker, vintage-like neck carves or even the somewhat neutral Deep “C” profile that the American Professional II electric guitars have. But similarly to those models, Fender’s American Ultra instruments have smooth satin-finished necks that allow for fast playability.

Rolled fingerboard edges and tapered neck heels are also standard features across the American Ultra range. It could therefore be argued that Fender decided to tweak its American Professional line based on these updates that were introduced for the American Ultra series. However, the Ultras have neck heels that are more dramatically-contoured and thus offer virtually zero upper-fret restriction!

Compound Radius Fingerboards

An additional plus-point, so to speak, of Fender’s American Ultra II guitars and basses are their 10″ – 14″ compound radius fingerboards. Rounded at the lower end of their necks to make chords easier to play, their fingerboards flatten out in the higher register to make intricate lead lines more manageable to finger. This design also helps to prevent notes from fretting out when performing string bends, making it a very practical design.

On the subject of fingerboards, Fender’s American Ultra II models come installed with ‘Medium Jumbo’ frets. These are bigger than the ‘Narrow Tall’ frets fitted on the American Professional II guitars, with their modern size providing a more controllable feel and enhanced tone/sustain.

Ultra Noiseless Pickups

Taking Fender’s “Noiseless” design to new heights, the ‘Ultra Noiseless’ pickups found in the American Ultra models promise classic yet versatile tones – without any hum! Making them apt for use with overdrive and high-gain amp settings, these noise-free pickups eliminate a common issue that has afflicted old-school Fender single-coils for years.

Fender’s American Ultra Noiseless pickups are split into two types. Their Ultra Noiseless “Vintage” models deliver authentic single-coil sounds, while the Ultra Noiseless “Hot” versions dish out more output – catering for modern performance needs. These pickups are therefore a little more flexible than the V-Mod II single-coils found in Fender’s American Pro II guitars, and are better-suited for heavier genres with their noiseless technology.

S-1 Switching

American Ultra II guitars boast Fender’s ingenious ‘S-1’ switching circuitry. Allowing you to access more pickup combinations for greater tonal versatility, these electronics therefore work very similarly to the “Push/Push” systems found in Fender’s American Professional II guitars.

The Fender American Ultra II basses take a major step forward, with their super-tweakable electronics likely to find favour with fastidious players. Sporting active/passive switches, these allow you to quickly change between vintage and modern voicings with a simple flick, while flexible 3-band EQ systems enable you to precisely sculpt their tones to perfection.

Locking Tuners

A number of stellar hardware appointments really make Fender’s American Ultra instruments something to behold. The most noteworthy of these are Fender-designed Deluxe locking tuners – fitted as standard on the electric guitar models. Ensuring sublime tuning stability in conjunction with their low-friction bone nuts, these ergonomic machine heads also allow for lightning-fast string changes. These are not factory-fitted on the American Pro II guitars, but can be purchased as an aftermarket upgrade.

The basses haven’t been left behind either when it comes to their hardware. With both the American Ultra Precision Bass and Jazz Bass models boasting HiMass bridges, these specially-designed components guarantee piano-like sustain and huge, bellowing lows. Lightweight tuners are also installed on these basses, which prevent neck-dive and thus make the instruments more balanced in standing positions.

Fender American Ultra Series Guitars

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Fender American Professional II vs. Ultra II Guitars – Key Differences

Fender Ultra II vs Ultra Luxe Vintage

The Fender Ultra Luxe Vintage Series perfectly fuses Fender’s contemporary innovations with their historic foundations to create a series of modern performance-focused instruments beautifully inspired by vintage tones and aesthetics. Built for players who require a premium workhorse electric guitar that can comfortably meet the demands of the high-speed, technique-driven music of today, but also desire the sweet, articulate, dynamic single-coil Fender sounds found on true vintage instruments.

The Ultra Luxe Vintage range takes place at the top of Fender’s American ranks, comfortably filling the gap between the American Vintage II and Ultra II ranges and the esteemed Fender Custom Shop. Featuring classic wood combinations and era-accurate, Fender Pure Vintage pickups in combination with precision modern hardware and locking tuners, as well as a Graph Tech TUSQ self-lubricating nut, these guitars are built to perform! The whole range stands out thanks to their eye-catching Nitrocellulose Heirloom relic’d lacquer finish. Elegantly aged to demonstrate the natural patina found on vintage examples, the Heirloom finish offers classic mojo as well as the increased resonance found on instruments finished in Nitro. Playing them feels effortless thanks to their ergonomic ‘Ultra’ sculpted body contours and Modern D neck profile with compound 10”-14” fingerboard featuring  ‘Ultra’ rolled edges, stainless steel Medium Jumbo frets, glow-in-the-dark Luminlay side dots and tapered neck heel.

Conclusion

It’s clear that Fender’s American Professional II and Ultra II instruments are exceptional. Based on classic designs and subtly modernised with forward-thinking features, these contemporary guitars and basses can strike a chord with players of all disciplines and styles. But is one of these flagship Fender series’ clearly better than the other? No, not really.

As it turns out, these US-crafted models are fairly equal on paper. The American Ultra IIs have a slight edge when it comes to their pickups and hardware appointments, but that is reflected in their pricing. You could then perhaps argue that the Fender American Professional II guitars, which have been refined with Ultra-like tweaks, offer more “bang-for-your-buck” and are clearly better than their predecessors from the original American Pro range.

There’s also greater diversity within the American Professional II series, not only in terms of colour options, but also with Telecaster Deluxe models and more 5-string/fretless bass variants available. However, although less product variation might seem like a downside for the streamlined American Ultra II range – it could be said that it forms a more robust lineup.

Overall, we’d probably say that the American Professional II instruments are solid Fender thoroughbreds with a 21st Century twist, while the American Ultra II models are designed primarily for players seeking top performance and versatility. In the end, as ever, it all comes down to which guitar feels right for you. Modern guitar and bass players have never had more exciting creative tools at their disposal!

Want to Learn More?

Interested in finding out more about music gear and expanding your knowledge? Click here to view all of our Labs articles! For more information on the other topics mentioned in this guide, check out our related articles:

• Fender Launch American Professional II Series!
• Fender American Ultra Series Unveiled!

The post Fender American Professional II vs. Ultra II Guitars appeared first on Andertons Blog.

A desktop amplifier is, essentially, any amp small and lightweight enough to comfortably fit on a desk. They are designed for practicality and portability, and, although somewhat of a newcomer in the guitar industry, have gained massive popularity with guitarists. In such a small package, they are able to match great sound. Because of this convenience, desktop amps are now changing the way people practice. Thanks to the improvements in modern technology, we now get great-sounding amp tones with Bluetooth connectivity, coupled with Smart Apps to help us practice better. Additionally, if you want to play late at night without disturbing the neighbours, a desktop amp’s low volume & headphone connectivity might be ideal. They are also great to have around whenever inspiration strikes.

We have pulled together our years of product knowledge & experiences trying out plenty of gear to give you this rundown of the best desktop guitar amps available on the market right now.

Boss Katana Air

Boss have been around since the 1970s and over the years have achieved an enviable reputation for great sound at an affordable price. Their Katana Air series of desktop amplifiers come with wireless / Bluetooth technology and a built-in USB audio interface, meaning that you can easily connect to your laptop/computer for music production. Boss’ own Tone Studio mobile app, for both iOS and Android, is tailor-made for the Katana Air and, with an option to power the amp by battery or via a rechargeable power pack, with a 12-hour runtime, there’s a lot to recommend about these compact, high-performance units.

Boss Katana Guitar & Bass Amps

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Yamaha THR-II

Yamaha amps have always excelled at producing crisp, dynamic modelling tones to capture the presence of a real tube amp. Their THR-II series of desktop guitar amplifiers replicate those same classic sounds, with the added bonus of Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity. All THR-II units feature 15 guitar amp models, 3 bass amp models, and 3 mic models. The wireless versions come with a built-in rechargeable battery, and all make us of Yamaha’s THR Remote editor/librarian app for both desktop and mobile devices. All in all, these are seriously good amps which provide both ease and versatility.

Yamaha THR Amps

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Positive Grid Spark

A relative newcomer on the block, Positive Grid was founded in 2013 with a mission to meld guitar knowhow with modern ‘smart’ technology. Many of their Spark range of units fall into the desktop category. They come equipped with Bluetooth capability, USB connection, and an impressive range of 33 amp models and 43 built-in effects, plus programmable presets and, in some cases, the option to choose between battery or conventional mains power. These are lightweight units built with one eye firmly on the future.

Positive Grid

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Nux Mighty

China-based Nux made its industry debut in 2006 and possess a track record of designing reliable and innovative music equipment. Their Mighty range of guitar amplifiers includes a choice of portable desktops with Bluetooth, USB, dedicated app, and wireless capabilities, with surprisingly good tone for the price.

NUX Mighty Desktop Amps

Desktop Amp Alternatives

For those looking for a combination of practicality and portability when it comes to guitar amplifiers, deskstop guitar amps aren’t the only option. Here’s a brief rundown of comparable products, their key features, and how they differ from a desktop.

Combo Amp

The traditional stage setup for any guitarist consists of two components: an amp (or head) to control tone, and speakers (cab) to give volume. Combo Amps combine the head and cab into one unit, making them more portable and considerably easier to set up. A good option if you’re regularly gigging in smaller venues and have limited storage space available.

Electric Guitar Amp Combos

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Headphone Guitar Amp

Mini amplifiers specifically designed to produce the best possible guitar sound through headphones, making them ideal for practicing!

Guitar Headphone Amps

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Virtual Amp Plug-Ins, Sims & Modellers

If you’re working digitally via a computer and primarily at home, there’s plenty of virtual amp software available for whichever DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) you favour. Plug-Ins are designed to replicate a particular guitar sound, while Sims generally offer a suite of options. Amp Modellers aim to replicate the sound and behaviour of real amps through sophisticated software. Whichever way round you chose to do it, modern virtual amp software can provide fantastic results, without the need for a bulky setup.

Modelling Amps

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FAQ

What is a desktop amplifier?

An amplifier specifically designed to take up minimal space in your home / workplace.

What is a desktop amplifier good for?

With their low volume and headphone outputs, they are perfect for practicing in quiet environments.

Can I use a desktop amplifier for gigs?

Technically yes, so long as the venue has its own decent PA (Public Address) system. If you need to rely on your desktop amp’s volume alone, you may struggle.

What is amp modelling?

A piece of digital software which simulates the sound of a physical amp.

Can you practice electric guitar without an amp?

Yes, but it’s not recommended. Much of your guitar’s tone is produced via its pickups. When not plugged into an amp, much of that nuance is lost.

Want to learn more?

We have plenty of blogs which will hopefully any questions you may have, or show you more of the many tonal options available to choose from!

Learn More

The post The Rising Popularity of Desktop Amplifiers! But Which One Should You Go For? appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Interested in finding out more about music gear and expanding your knowledge? Click here to view all of our Labs articles! For more information on Fender guitars, check out our related articles:

• Fender Player Plus vs. Player Series Guitars
• Fender American Professional II vs. Ultra Guitars
• ’50s, ’60s and ’70s Fender Strats: What’s The Difference?
• ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s Fender Teles: What’s The Difference?
• What are Fender FSR Series Guitars?

The post Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster: American vs. Player II vs. Standard appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Labour and luthiers

Employing a skilled workforce is the key to making great instruments. However, experienced or trained luthiers don’t come cheap. That’s why guitar companies with custom shops assign their most skilled and highest-paid employees to top builds, while less qualified labour work on production line guitars. An instrument’s retail price is regularly a reflection of the ability of a guitar builder.

A lot of classically trained luthiers come from the USA, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Australia and Scandinavian countries. This is simply because of a more readily available higher level of training. That’s not to say there are aren’t highly skilled guitar builders all around the world. But the general cost of labour is much cheaper in places like Mexico, China and Indonesia – so companies make use of it.

Quality control and resources

Guitar build quality comes down to the type of operation a company runs in any given area. A big sticking point is a company’s budget to invest in materials, machinery and quality control. Usually it’s a result of their price bracket focus. For example, production line guitars are made quicker and under less scrutiny than handmade pieces.

Successful guitar companies rely on production lines in countries such as Indonesia and China. As mentioned, workforces are not as expensive as in America or Europe. Factory upkeep costs less, while the materials reserved for certain guitars are not as high in spec as those dedicated to ‘premium’ ranges.

USA and Japanese factories, which generally focus on guitars in a £1500-plus bracket, use highly advanced CNC machines and save their best selection of woods for these creations. Quality control is also more thorough. This also correlates with where you might find the most experienced luthiers – if they’re in the USA or Japan, they likely get more time to work on each instrument. Sometimes, they’ll even work on more intricate details like the frets or finishes by hand. Find out more about what makes a guitar expensive.

Ranking the best guitar manufacturing countries

This isn’t absolutely set in stone, but it is possible to rank guitar manufacturing countries based on a lot of the factors we’ve covered.

China and Central Asia

China, Vietnam and India have an unfortunate history of building sub-par guitars back in the day – but this is certainly on the up. There’s a stark difference between current operations and the standards of even 10 years ago. The likes of Epiphone have a factory in China and they make exceptional instruments. Nowadays, the quality of guitars built in Asia hinges on the access they have to good woods and hardware. You don’t need to write off any of these countries if you’re looking for an affordable guitar.

Indonesia and Mexico

Indonesia is next on the list and is where most companies such as Chapman, Jackson and Faith make their production guitars. Mexican-based manufacturers produce around the same level of quality and are home to Fender’s affordable models and their offshoot company Squier. You’re sure to get a reliable, gig-worthy guitar by modern standards.

It’s worth noting that it isn’t a case of Indonesia or Mexico having less able people working for the companies based in these countries – a lot of it comes down to the sheer quantity of guitars they make. More guitars built equals less time spent in quality control, all the while using cheaper woods and hardware than their American counterparts.

Korea and Japan

Korean-made instruments are usually a step up in QC and regulations. Skilled labour and tighter checks become more prevalent factors in the resulting builds. PRS, Martin, Steinberger and Schecter outsource to Korea, just to name a few. Japan is yet another level above, mainly because it’s where companies such as ESP and Ibanez make their ‘standard’ E-II and Prestige ranges, which hover around the £2000 mark.

USA

Finally, at the top of the tree is the USA. It’s the birthplace of many a great guitar from Fender, Gibson, PRS, Music Man and countless other huge companies and boutique custom shops. Naturally, not every guitar made in the USA will win you over. But the country has an incredible history of guitar building and pay top dollar for the best woods and hardware. Many of the greatest luthiers in the world and famous companies reside in America.

Europe

An honourable mention goes to Europe’s elite guitar companies in England, Poland, Germany, France and Italy. If you’re after a custom shop guitar made using all the exotic woods and hand-picked finishes you could dream of without the potentially eye-popping prices of USA-made guitars, you’ll find one here.

If you enjoyed this read, check out more of our Industry articles!

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Should I plug my acoustic guitar direct into a PA system?

Most pubs or music venues will have their own house PA systems. So if you’re a singer-songwriter looking to join the circuit so to speak, turning up with just your guitar and a mic may be enough for you to perform. But that isn’t always a great idea…

Although travelling light is great, relying on the quality of the PA system at a venue can be problematic. This is because, frankly, you never know what you’re going to get! Some venues may have a brand-spanking new system that sounds awesome, however there will inevitably be some that use old and tired systems that sounds awful. Basically, putting your faith in the quality of a venue’s PA system will yield unpredictable and inconsistent results.

So, if you’re very particular about your sound, we’d recommend against this. However, you also have to consider the quality of your electro-acoustic guitar’s pickup. For example, if your instrument has a cheap and poor-sounding pickup/preamp, then no matter how good the PA you’re plugging into is, it’ll still sound brash and unnatural.

But on the flipside, there are some excellent acoustic pickups and preamps out there. A lot of them even feature built-in tuners and EQ controls, for on-the-fly tweaking. With many acoustic companies using electronics from reputable brands like LR Baggs and Fishman, you’ll struggle to find a modern mid-priced electro-acoustic that sounds bad when plugged in direct.

So overall, this method is advantageous if you want a portable and cheap setup. However, like we said, unexpected audio quality from venue-to-venue could mean sounding amazing one night and crap the next. Of course, you could just buy your very own PA system. And that takes us onto our next segment.

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What is a Portable PA system?

In this context, a portable PA system is the perfect middle ground between an acoustic guitar amp and a full PA system. And it’s exactly what it says on the tin. A portable PA is a compact and more streamlined system, usually made up of two small 8” or 10” active speakers and a mixer.

However, some forward-thinking companies even integrate mixers into their loudspeakers for a more ergonomic design. The Yamaha Stagepas portable PA system is a prime example of this, allowing you to remove the mixing console from the rear of one of the speaker enclosures.

But there are also the ultra-contemporary column PA systems out there too. Comprised of a subwoofer base with two top-mounted cylindrical speakers, these form a slim and space-efficient setup. These systems are truly deceiving, as they still project plenty of volume and detailed audio. Bose are the class-leaders with their L1 systems, however Electro-Voice’s Evolve series is also noteworthy.

Why should I buy a portable PA system?

If you’re a self-sufficient musician looking for an all-encompassing and manageable live rig, a portable PA system is the perfect compromise. Giving you more volume over an acoustic amp, a portable PA system will suit medium-sized venues very well. They also have the ability to amplify several instruments, which is great if you’re in a band.

Not only that, but you’ll achieve a consistent sound as you’d know what to expect from your speakers. Although they’re less flexible than acoustic amps in terms of EQ and effects, portable PA systems are far more powerful. The only disadvantage is that a portable PA can still be quite a lot to transport. Plus, the better systems are pretty expensive.

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What is an acoustic preamp pedal?

This is our final contender. Acoustic preamp pedals do not produce sound alone as such, but they are viable alternatives to acoustic amplifiers when used in conjunction with PA systems.

Packing amp sounds into pedals is a trend that has taken the electric guitar world by storm in recent years. Letting players have their core tones at their feet, this idea has inspired brands to make them for acoustic players. Typically, an acoustic preamp pedal will usually feature a powerful onboard EQ as well as a gain control to manipulate the input level of your acoustic guitar.

With one of these, you can have versatile control over your acoustic guitar’s sound before it reaches a PA system. The Boss AD-2 preamp pedal is an affordable and simple option, while their AD-10 is far more comprehensive with built-in effects and even a looper!

Why should I buy an acoustic preamp pedal?

Acoustic preamp pedals will suit guitarists that are looking to keep their rigs portable, while having decent control over their sound. As many of these pedals are flexible, you can tailor your tones to the precision you’d expect from acoustic amps. And fortunately, these cost quite a lot less!

Therefore, if you’re a touring musician that relies on house PA systems, preamp pedals will help to compensate for any tonal deficiencies. You can’t always polish a turd though, as a bad PA system will be bad no matter what! However, these will take away some uncertainty.

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Summary

From all of the methods that we’ve covered, it’s clear that you have quite a few different options. There’s no definitive right or wrong here, it’s just down to your personal preferences as a musician.

It’s clear that a dedicated acoustic amp will suit players that really care about their sound. Thanks to their flexible features, these offer the best amount of control. However, they are somewhat limited by their sizes, and are therefore optimally-suited to small venues.

Investing in a a full PA would be a stretch for anybody, so relying on house PA systems is understandable. However, to ensure that you still project “your sound” to your audience, an acoustic preamp will let you influence that to an extent.

But then again, a portable PA system is a happy medium between a full-sized system and an acoustic amp. It’s just whether you have the ability to easily transport your gear to gigs!

Want to learn more?

Over on our main website, we’ve got a plethora of different acoustic guitar amps and PA systems to check out! Make sure to also read some of our buyer’s guides for further shopping advice.

Interested in finding out more about music gear and expanding your knowledge? Click here to view all of our Learn articles!

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The post How Do I Amplify My Acoustic Guitar? appeared first on Andertons Blog.