Solid-state guitar amps use solid-state technologies like transistors to amplify the signal. They have come a long way since they first came onto the market to replace and compete with the tube amps of the time.
Digital technology has made guitar amps lighter, more affordable, and easier to care for since you never have to replace the tube.
Although solid-state amplifiers have great benefits, many people have continued to prefer the sound that a tube amp makes. For years after their introduction, solid-state amps strived to achieve the same sound. Recent solid-state amps are delivering a sound all of their own and one that is even preferred by many.
Solid-state amps sound good at lower volumes, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great sounding ones at the higher power end too.
Today we are taking a look at some of the best examples of sound making use of solid-state technology on the market today.
Marshall MG10CF
| Power: | 10 Watts |
| Speaker: | 1×6.5″ |
| Amplifier Type: | Solid-state |
| Dimensions: | 11.6 x 6.9 x 12.4 inches |
| Weight: | 10.6 pounds |
The Marshall MG10CF is the lowest powered model in Marshall’s MG series. The controls are very basic but it does have a superior sound like all Marshall amps are famous for.
Read our Marshall MG10CF Review
Orange Crush 12
| Power: | 12 Watts |
| Speaker: | 1×6″ |
| Amplifier Type: | Solid-state |
| Dimensions: | 7.1 x 11.8 x 10.6 inches |
| Weight: | 12.5 pounds |
The Orange Crush 12 combo amp is well loved for the tone it delivers. It is a fun amp to use to and can get many different sounds.
Blackstar IDCORE
| Power: | 20 watts |
| Speaker: | 1×10″ |
| Amplifier Type: | Solid-State |
| Dimensions: | 18.9 x 9.4 x 16.1 inches |
| Weight: | 8.9 pounds |
The Blackstar IDCORE20 is a lightweight amp with a large variety of sounds and effects.
Marshall M30 CFX
| Power: | 30 Watts |
| Speaker: | 1×10″ |
| Amplifier Type: | Solid-state |
| Dimensions: | 18.9 x 8.8 x 16.5 inches |
| Weight: | 23.8 pounds |
Read our Marshall MG30CFX Review
Orange Crush 35RT
| Power: | 35 Watts |
| Speaker: | 1×10″ |
| Amplifier Type: | Solid-state |
| Dimensions: | 17.32 x 15.75 x 9 inches |
| Weight: | 25 pounds |
Read our Orange Crush 35RT Review
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III
| Power: | 40 watts |
| Speaker: | 1×12″ |
| Amplifier Type: | 2x12AX7 Dual Triodes |
| Dimensions: | 26 x 12.5 x 22 inches |
| Weight: | 57 pounds |
Roland Cube 40GX
| Power: | 40 Watts |
| Speaker: | 1×10″ |
| Amplifier Type: | Solid-state |
| Dimensions: | 16.2 x 16.1 x 8.7 inches |
| Weight: | 20.7 pounds |
Marshall MG102CFG
| Power: | 100 Watts |
| Speaker: | 2×12″ |
| Amplifier Type: | Solid-state |
| Dimensions: | 11.6 x 6.9 x 12.4 inches |
| Weight: | 10.6 pounds |
The Marshall MG102CFX offers 100 watts in a 2×12 combo with 4 programmable channels, effects, MP3 input and two-way footswitch included.
Quilter Labs MicroPro Mach 2
| Power: | 100 Watts |
| Speaker: | 1×12″ |
| Amplifier Type: | Solid-state |
| Dimensions: | 21.5 x 16.5 x 14 inches |
| Weight: | 27 pounds |
Fender Champion 100
| Power: | 100 Watts |
| Speaker: | 2×12″ |
| Amplifier Type: | Solid-state |
| Dimensions: | 26 x 19 x 10.25 inches |
| Weight: | 40 pounds |
The Fender Champion 100 is a classic looking amp with dual channels and it’s clean sound makes it ideal for performances.
Solid state technology produces some excellent sounds and we encourage you to try all of these. If you prefer the sound of tube amps, check out our picks for the Best Electric Guitar Combo Amps with Tube Technology