Best Solid State Amp for 2024 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]
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A guitarist will understand an excellent performance is incomplete without the right amplifier – one guitar accessory that can help you to achieve the right guitar tones. Well, amplifiers can sometimes become a bit fussy if it is a tube amp. But a solid state amp is a good alternative to it as it’s hassle-free and also affordable with a ton of features.
If you’re confused about which solid-state amp to add to your guitar rig, then we are here to help you figure it out. This article is a compilation of the five best solid state amps on the market, which can make your guitar performance remarkable without straining your pockets.
Comparison Table
| Product | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus [amazon fields=”B0002CZQFA” value=”thumb”] |
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[amazon fields=”B0002CZQFA” value=”button”] |
| 2. Fender Mustang I V2 [amazon fields=”B00BTGMI5O” value=”thumb”] |
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[amazon fields=”B00BTGMI5O” value=”button”] |
| 3. Boss Katana-Head 100W [amazon fields=”B01M179Y1P” value=”thumb”] |
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[amazon fields=”B01M179Y1P” value=”button”] |
| 4. Marshall CODE25 [amazon fields=”B01M179Y1P” value=”thumb”] |
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[amazon fields=”B01M179Y1P” value=”button”] |
| 5. Orange Crush CR120H [amazon fields=”B00GIWFVX0″ value=”thumb”] |
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[amazon fields=”B00GIWFVX0″ value=”button”] |
Our Best Solid State Amp Reviews and Comparisons
1. Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Product Highlights
Roland JC-120 was first introduced in 1975 and it is one of the few guitar amps, which is known for producing clean guitar sound. Also, it is famous for the in-built stereo chorus effect making it a popular choice for several guitarists.
Features
With a retro look, Roland JC-120 replicates the design of the late 80s and early 90s. On the top of the amplifier is designated to the controls – two input channels with three-band EQ each. The second channel comes with a distortion and reverse knob. Plus, the panel also includes an effects control cluster for speed, depth, and mode select knobs. Roland ensures that the controls are simple and easy to handle alongside being responsive and tactile.
What We Like About Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
JC-120 is a standard solid-state amp with two power amplifiers and each connected to a dedicated speaker. This helps to achieve the authentic stereo image and enhances the sound quality when played in the chorus. The best-known feature of this amp is its clean channel and the distortion channel. These channels include control knobs of volume, treble, middle, distortion, and reverse.
What We Don’t Like About Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
The only pitfall of this high-end solid-state amp is its price tag. It is quite expensive in comparison to the other amps.
PROS
- In-built stereo chorus effect
- Two input channels with three-band EQ each
- Two power amplifiers
- Clean channel and the distortion channel
CONS
- Expensive
2. Fender Mustang I V2
Product Highlights
Fender Mustang I V2 is ideal for guitarists who are new to digital recording as its versatility delivers exciting and great tone from 20 watts power. It also has an astounding array of features which makes it a remarkable authentic solid-state amp.
Features
This compact and portable amp weighs around 17 lbs and houses a specially designed single 8-inch speaker. With such a design, Mustang I V2 is perfect for home practice sessions. The amplifier is capable of producing a distinctive fender tone and is built with numerous effects. Plus, the 17 amp voice setting modifies the acoustic and electric guitar sounds from an original tube amp to exceptional modern tones.
What We Like About Fender Mustang I V2
The highlight point of Mustang I V2 is its wide range of onboard effects- chorus, tremolo, pitch shifting, phasing, delay, and reverb. Besides, it also includes a handy chromatic tuner which eliminates the fuss of connecting external devices to keep the tunes intact. Above all, Mustang I V2 includes USB connectivity, which allows the guitarist to modify patches of sounds using the Fender Fuse software. Adding to these features, its great looks are complete with its silver grille and unique logo.
What We Don’t Like About Fender Mustang I V2
On the flip side, Mustang I V2 does not come with a footswitch, which needs to be attached externally. Also, some guitarists reported its high-gain tones that are due to some issues in its settings.
PROS
- 20 watts power
- Compact and portable amp
- 17 amp voice setting
- Handy chromatic tuner
- Wide range of onboard effects
CONS
- Lacks footswitch
- Issues in setting causes high-gain tones
3. Boss Katana-Head 100W
Product Highlights
Adopting the name of a traditional sword from Japan, the Katana series from renowned brand Boss is the guitar amps built with smooth and cutting tones honed by experts.
Features
Compact and powerful, this 100-watt solid-state amp delivers sharply defined rock tones with a rich and commanding presence. Boss Katana Head series amp is built with integrated access to 55 Boss effects, which can be customized using the free Boss Tone Studio editor software.
Built sturdily, this amp offers great flexibility and provides the guitarist with ample space to play with sounds. To name its other features, the amp has five modes (acoustic, clean, crunch, lead, and brown) and has also got gain and volume control knobs.
What We Like About Boss Katana-Head 100W
The EQ section of the amp is built with three controls – bass, middle and treble. Moreover, the effects section comprises three control knobs and three pushbuttons to add perfect richness to the tones. Alongside these, the amp also includes three distortions, six modulation effects, three delays, and three types of reverb available.
The tone-setting part of the amp is five pushbuttons to save and select five channels; plus it includes the presence and master control knobs, power control rotary switch, and power on/off switch as well.
What We Don’t Like About Boss Katana-Head 100W
The overall sound system of this amp is not too good, as it lacks the warmth of a valve tube amp sound. Plus, it is only suitable for metalhead guitarists.
PROS
- Compact and powerful
- Access to 55 Boss effects
- Five modes, gain and volume control knobs
- Three controls – bass, middle and treble
CONS
- Lacks good sound system
- Lacks warmth of valve tube amp
- Compatible only for metal head guitarist
4. Marshall CODE25
Product Highlights
For guitarists on budget, this authentic Marshall amplifier will be the best pick, as CODE25 will offer a huge range of classic Marshall Tones and sound fit for performance.
Features
To start with the features of CODE25, it is a control panel that sits on top of the beige strip including the regular controls – gain, bass, middle, treble, and volume. Along with these are the master volume control and seven-button controls for the digital and amp effects. Sound-wise the amp performs incredibly well and is also versatile. It offers a great range from crystal clear cleans to vintage Britpop crunch and goes up to hot high gain metal.
What We Like About Marshall CODE25
The most astounding feature of Marshall CODE25 is its affordable price within which offers an array of features such as tone shaping and enhanced flexibility. The tone-shaping capability of the amp offers a choice of 14 most loved Marshall preamps including classics – JCM800, 1962 Blues breaker, and Silver Jubilee. The enhanced flexibility allows the guitarists to customize any tone using USB or Bluetooth or any mobile application.
Besides, it also includes 24 digital effects including distortion, compressors, auto-wah, pitch shifter, chorus, phaser, flanger, reverb, and delay.
What We Don’t Like About Marshall CODE25
CODE25 doesn’t come with its own footswitch and the external one might cost a lot. Moreover, the control scheme of the amp is reduced compared to other amps, which impacts its overall performance.
PROS
- Master volume control and seven button controls
- Affordable price
- Capable of tone shaping
- Enhanced flexibility
CONS
- Lacks footswitch
- Control scheme reduced
5. Orange Crush CR120H
Product Highlights
Orange Crush CR120H offers tonal clarity and the right definition that guitarists adore in an Orange amplifier. A part of the Crush series, Orange CR120H forays into solid-state amps providing ample features.
Features
One outstanding feature of this amp is simple and easy controls; there are no complex layouts, no confusing knobs. It is the old school solid-state amp. The master controls include master volume knob and reverb; next to reverb is switch to select from spring, hall, and plate reverb modes. The other features of this amp are a dirty channel with a volume control button, a three-band EQ, and a gain knob.
What We Like About Orange Crush CR120H
Orange Crush CR120H with 120-watt power has gained popularity for its exceptional overdrive and dirty channel. Even the clean channel of the amp is lush and crisp in its sounds, which makes it apt for those guitarists who look for the solid tonal foundation. Everything about this amp is solid as it’s built with sturdy materials making it a model that is worth considering for great performances.
What We Don’t Like About Orange Crush CR120H]
Contrary to its incredible features, Orange Crush CR120H lacks a vacuum tube in its circuits and has a foggy and soft treble. This tends to affect the sound quality of the amp.
PROS
- Simple and easy controls
- Master controls include master volume knob and reverb
- Dirty channel with a volume control button
- Sturdy built
CONS
- A foggy and soft treble
- Lacks vacuum tube in its circuits
Final Verdict
Our analysis suggests that Roland JC-120 stands out as the best solid-state amp available on the present market.
Delivering clean guitar sounds and with an in-built stereo chorus effect, JC-120 is quite simple and easy to handle. Despite its high price tag, its functionality and performance make it the most popular choice amongst the professional guitarists.
We hope our suggestion will help to pick the right solid-state amp to achieve exceptional sounds and guitar effects. However, you can also consider the other amplifiers that match your preferences and budget.
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