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Looking for an amp to go with your Les Paul guitar? You’re in luck and are in the right place! The Les Paul guitar is an icon, known for its rich tones and versatility. But to truly unlock its potential, you need the right amplifier.
This Killer Rig article will help you choose the best amps for Les Paul guitars. There are many different tones possible here, so really make sure to dig in and explore each one to find your ideal sound. If you’re ready, let’s go!
Best Amps for Les Paul Guitars
For a Les Paul guitar, there are several great amplifier options. But you must also consider speaker configuration and wattage match-up.
Also think about whether you prefer a warm vintage tone or a more modern, aggressive sound. Here are my best picks for the Les Paul:
- BOSS Katana-50 MkII: versatility and great tones.
- EVH 5150 Iconic Series: iconic high-gain sounds.
- Blackstar HT20R MkII: rich and dynamic tones.
- Bugera V5 Infinium: known for its vintage tube-driven sound.
- Orange Rockerverb: powerful yet versatile.
- Marshall DSL40CR: classic rock tones with modern features.
- Fender Bassbreaker: modern marvel with a vintage soul.
By choosing the right amp for your Les Paul, you can take your playing to new heights. The right amp is essential for capturing and expressing your musical style. Let’s check them all out in further detail.
Have a Telecaster? Here are the best amps for that guitar!
BOSS Katana-50 MkII
The BOSS Katana-50 MkII is a modeling amp. It’s great with Les Paul guitars. It has many settings, like acoustic, clean, crunch, lead, and brown. This digital amp gives you a great sound with its effects section. Plus, it has a clear, pristine tone for Les Paul lovers.
The key features of the BOSS Katana-50 MkII are:
- Modeling Amp: Multiple amp settings like acoustic, clean, crunch, lead, and brown allow you to explore different soundscapes.
- 50 Watts of Power: Enough to handle practice sessions, studio recordings, or small gigs, offering a balance of power and control.
- Digital Sound: Delivers a high-quality digital sound that captures the true essence of the Les Paul guitar.
- Built-in Effects Section: Features an integrated effects section for extra depth and dimension, from reverb to delay, enhancing your sound.
- Lightweight Design: Easy to carry and set up, making it a practical choice for musicians on the go.
But what sets the BOSS Katana-50 MkII apart is its flexibility. The amp can do blues in a smoke filled bar to metal moshing on the main stage. Its built-in effects and power attenuation give you massive control over your sound.
The clear, pristine tone it offers makes it a favorite among Les Paul lovers. Its user-friendly interface and solid build make it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
Plus, its compact size and affordability don’t compromise on quality, making it a valuable addition to any guitarist’s gear.
EVH 5150 Iconic Series
If you’re ready to rock a Les Paul, the EVH 5150 Iconic Series amp is here. With its high-gain tones and all-tube construction, it’s like having a volcano on stage, ready to erupt with every solo.
Key Features:
- 80 Watts of Power: Enough to shake the stage, providing a robust sound that can fill any venue.
- 2 x 12AX7 and 4 x 6L6 Tubes: These specific tubes are known for their warm and dynamic sound, delivering the signature tone of the EVH brand.
- High-Gain Tones: Renowned for its aggressive sound, perfect for hard rock and metal musicians.
- Inspired by Eddie Van Halen: Captures the legendary “brown sound” era, a favorite among guitarists seeking that iconic tone.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing in at only 39 lbs, it’s portable and easy to set up, without compromising on sound quality.
- Versatile Tone Control: Features like a gain knob and presence control allow for precise adjustments, providing superior tonal quality and reliability.
The EVH 5150 Iconic Series is more than just an amp; it’s a statement. It’s for those who want their guitar to roar, to scream, to make a mark.
Whether you’re playing in a dimly lit club or a packed arena, this amp has the power and versatility to make your Les Paul come alive.
Its all-tube construction ensures a sound that’s as raw and authentic as rock itself. And with features that allow you to fine-tune your sound, you can make your guitar sing, wail, or anything in between. Personally, I prefer the head and cab, but there is a combo available as well.
If you’re looking to make a statement with your Les Paul, to create a sound that’s unmistakably yours, the EVH 5150 Iconic Series is the amp for you. It’s not just about playing music; it’s about creating a legacy.
Have a Stratocaster? Here are the best amps for that guitar!
Blackstar HT20R MKII
The renowned British amp company developed the Blackstar HT20R MKII, a versatile combo amplifier perfect for Les Paul guitars!
It offers clean and overdrive channels, allowing you to achieve an American or British tone. Plus, its 3-band EQ provides precise control of your sound, making it ideal for pro musicians.
Key Features:
- Clean and Overdrive Channels: Allows you to achieve both American or British clean tones, offering versatile tones for various musical styles.
- 3-Band EQ: Provides precise control of your sound, making it ideal for pro musicians who want to tailor their tone to perfection.
- 20 Watts of Power: Enough to handle practice sessions, studio recordings, or small gigs, offering a balance of power and control.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just 30 lbs, it’s portable and easy to set up, without compromising on sound quality.
Whether I was exploring the bluesy depths or cranking up the overdrive for some rock ‘n’ roll, this amp responded with a richness and clarity that felt like a perfect match for my guitar’s character.
Its details, such as the clean options of American or British voicing, set it apart from other amps in its class. This versatility was great for a guitar like the Les Paul that can fit so many different genres.
Did you know? The Blackstar HT20R MKII’s ISF technology is a patented feature that allows you to infinitely adjust the response of the tone control network.
Bugera V5 Infinium
The Bugera V5 Infinium is a tube amp with a vintage sound. It gives off a warm and clean tone, capturing the classic British sound. It has 5 watts of power and is great for blues, softer rock, and jazz.
Plus, the Infinium technology extends the tubes’ life and makes them easy to replace. It’s perfect for guitarists wanting a British tone in a compact package.
Key Features:
- 5 Watts of Power: Ideal for intimate settings, providing a rich sound without overwhelming the space.
- Vintage Tube Sound: Renowned for its classic British sound, capturing the warmth and clarity that vintage enthusiasts love.
- Infinium Technology: Extends the tubes’ life and makes them easy to replace, ensuring a long-lasting performance.
- Compact Design: Its small size makes it perfect for guitarists wanting that British tone in a portable package.
To maximize performance with a Les Paul guitar:
- Try out different speaker cabinets to find the perfect match for your Les Paul’s rich tones.
- Pedals and effects can add extra flavor, like blues overdrive or jazz reverb.
- Tweak the EQ setting to get your own personal sound.
The controls on the V5 are limited to a single tone knob. This means the ability to really sculpt your sound will only take you so far.
This was probably my only issue with the amp, otherwise it does have a good sound and is small and lightweight. Plus, it’s a tube amp!
Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII
The Orange Rockerverb is a high-gain amplifier that’s heavy, dark, and distorted. It’s a favorite among metalheads because of the powerful yet versatile sound.
With two channels, a 3-band EQ, reverb, and 50 watts of power, this amp is designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and reliability.
Key Features:
- Two Channels: Offers both clean and overdriven sounds, allowing you to switch between tones with ease.
- 3-Band EQ: Provides precise control over bass, middle, and treble frequencies, enabling you to shape your sound to perfection.
- Reverb Control: Adds depth and dimension to your playing, enhancing the overall musical experience.
- FX Loop: Offers versatile performance by integrating your favorite effects pedals seamlessly.
- Heavy and Distorted Sound: Perfect for metal and hard rock genres, delivering a sound that’s as intense as it is captivating.
The first time I plugged my Les Paul into the Orange Rockerverb, I was struck by its raw power and versatility. The clean channel provided a crisp and clear foundation, while the overdrive channel roared to life with a ferocity that sent shivers down my spine.
The reverb added a lush texture, and the power reduction control allowed me to tailor the volume to the room without losing any of the richness.
Tips for Les Paul Players:
- Explore the Channels: Don’t be afraid to experiment with both the clean and overdriven channels to find the sound that resonates with your style.
- Utilize the FX Loop: Integrate your favorite effects pedals to add specific flavors to your playing.
- Adjust the EQ: Play with the 3-band EQ to fine-tune your sound, whether you’re seeking a warm vintage tone or a more aggressive modern edge.
The amp is perfect for stage or in the studio. The features will cater to different genres and playing styles and are quite broad in their adjustment.
You will experience exceptional sound quality and reliability, which is what has made it popular among professional musicians.
Marshall DSL40CR
Behold the Marshall DSL40CR! It offers 40 watts of tube power plus classic and ultra gain channels. This amp’s power attenuation lets you switch between vintage rock and modern metal sounds without losing clarity in your clean tones. Check out the specs:
- 40 Watts of Power: Provides a robust sound that can fill small to medium venues.
- Classic and Ultra Gain Channels: Allows for a versatile sound palette, from vintage rock to modern metal.
- 12″ Celestion Seventy-80 Speaker: Delivers a clear and dynamic sound that complements the Les Paul’s tonal characteristics.
- Inputs: Includes 1 x 1/4″ instrument input and 1 x 1/4″ footswitch input for added control.
- Controls: Features presence, resonance, bass, middle, and treble knobs for precise tonal shaping.
- Power Attenuation: Enables you to reduce wattage without sacrificing tone, ideal for recording studios or smaller venues.
Power attenuation lets you reduce wattage without sacrificing tone, which is perfect for recording studios or smaller venues. To get the most out of your Les Paul with this amp, here are a few tips that have helped me find my sound.
Tips for Les Paul Players:
- Experiment with Gain Settings: Explore the classic and ultra gain channels to find the sound that resonates with your style.
- Utilize the Controls: Adjust the presence, resonance, bass, middle, and treble knobs to fine-tune your sound.
- Pair with Effects Pedals: Enhance your sonic expression by integrating the right effects pedals with this amp.
The Marshall DSL40CR is a reliable and versatile amplifier that can help you get the most out of your Les Paul.
Whether you’re looking for a warm vintage tone or something more aggressive and modern, this amp’s features and controls provide the flexibility to shape your sound to perfection.
Fender Bassbreaker 45
The Fender Bassbreaker is a modern amp with a single channel and structure switch that offers versatile tones! It has reverb, a 3-band EQ, presence control, and even an FX loop. Whether you’re looking for vintage bluesy tones or metal power, it’ll get the job done with 45 watts of power.
Let’s look at the features:
- Single Channel with Structure Switch: Allows for a wide range of tones, offering flexibility for different playing styles.
- 3-Band EQ and Presence Control: Provides precise control over your sound, enabling you to shape your tone to perfection.
- Reverb: Adds depth and ambiance to your playing, enhancing the overall musical experience.
- FX Loop: Offers the ability to integrate your favorite effects pedals seamlessly, expanding your sonic possibilities.
- Versatile Tones: Whether you’re seeking vintage bluesy tones or powerful metal sounds, the Fender Bassbreaker has the capability to deliver.
The Fender Bassbreaker impressed me with its versatility and precision. Its structure switch allowed me to explore different tonal landscapes, while the 3-band EQ and presence control provided the tools to fine-tune my sound.
The reverb added a touch of warmth, and the FX loop opened up creative possibilities. Playing my Les Paul through this amp felt both familiar and fresh, a testament to its well-crafted design.
Tips for Les Paul Players:
- Explore the Structure Switch: Don’t hesitate to experiment with the structure switch to find the sound that resonates with your style.
- Utilize the Reverb: Adjust the reverb to add a subtle ambiance or create a more spacious sound.
- Integrate Effects: Make use of the FX loop to incorporate effects pedals, enhancing your musical expression.
This amp is great for musicians across various genres and playing styles. Plus, Mark Knopfler used it to deliver his signature guitar solos with clarity and precision!
So if you’re looking for the best amps for Les Paul guitars, keep in mind, a great amp is all about the timing and delivery, so choose wisely!
Summary
When selecting an amp for your Les Paul, there are several things to consider. What sound do you want? Vintage or modern? Power output, effects, and versatility also matter.
From the vintage charm of the Bugera V5 Infinium to the modern versatility of the Fender Bassbreaker, we’ve seen how different amps can cater to various genres and playing styles.
Whether you’re seeking the high-gain intensity of the Orange Rockerverb or the well-rounded adaptability of the Marshall DSL40CR, there’s an amplifier that resonates with your Les Paul in this list.
