If you’re searching for some of the best clean guitar amps that work well with pedals, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s article, I’m going to highlight 10 of the best guitar amplifiers that offer a crystal clear sound.
Finding the right amp for clean tones isn’t an easy task – in the end, there are so many different models available on the market! But the truth is that once you get to know what to look for, it all suddenly becomes very easy. Based on my own experiences with amplifiers, I decided to create a list of 10 best clean guitar amps.
Feel free to check out the list below and scroll down to the next section if you’d like to hear how they all sound. I have no hesitation in recommending all of these amps to guitarists who are searching for high quality and reliable amps. Hopefully, today’s guide will help you to find a combo that fits you and your own style of playing.
10 Best Clean Guitar Amps – List
| Peavey Classic 30 112 | See on Amazon | – |
| VOX AC30S1 | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Fender Champion 20 (Cheap Option) | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Bugera V22 Infinium | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Fender Acoustasonic 40 | See on Amazon | – |
| Fender Blues Junior IV (My Favorite!) | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Supro Delta King 8 | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb | See on Amazon | Thomann |
| Bugera BC15 | See on Amazon | – |
1. Peavey Classic 30 112
Peavey Classic 30 112 is a very popular tube amp suitable for both amateur and more advanced players. I have to admit that I’m a big fan of that amp and I used it frequently during rehearsals with my band. It’s a really versatile piece of gear that you can use for both gigging and home practice.
What makes it so good? Well, the manufacturer equipped this amp with three 12AX7 preamp tubes and four EL84 power tubes. There’s also a footswitch included, so it allows you to quickly change between channels. What’s more, there’s also a built-in spring reverb, which sounds awesome as well!
It is also worth mentioning that Peavey Classic 30 looks fantastic from the outside too. Tweed covering and the overall vintage aesthetic makes it one of the best looking tube amps available on the market right now. On top of that, it’s not as expensive as some of the top level Fenders and it take pedals very well!
Although this amp isn’t the best for heavy genres of music, it’s definitely great for clean a creamy guitar tones. Undoubtedly, a lot of guitarists are going to love it, so I highly recommend checking it out.
In addition, I recently wrote a separate article about that model, so if you’d like to learn more about it, here’s the link.
Otherwise, feel free to check out the sound demo below.
2. VOX AC30S1
VOX AC30S1 is an another example of a top quality tube amp that offers an amazing clean tone. Again, this is a very versatile amp, so if you like playing with overdrive and distortion, you’re going to love it as well.
This particular model features 30 Watts of power, two 12AX7 preamp tubes, four EL84 power amp tubes and a great-sounding Celestion speaker. On top of that, there’s also a built-in digital reverb that offers a very high quality.
In general, VOX amps are often used for a bit heavier sounds – not necessarily for clean tones. But the truth is that the AC30S1 model delivers a stunning, crystal clear guitar tone that should be more than enough for the most demanding guitarists. Here’s my article about the VOX amps in case you’d like to learn more about that manufacturer.
Although it’s not a cheap piece of gear, it’s definitely worth it. It’s a perfect amp for gigging and studio performances, but if you’re looking for a high quality practice amp, it will also be an ideal choice.
Surely, VOX AC30S1 is one of the most iconic tube amps of all time. If you’d like use pretty much the same gear as Brian May, John Scofield or Dave Grohl, you should definitely give this amplifier a chance. I highly recommend checking it out if you’re looking for one of the best clean guitar amps that work well with pedals.
Here’s the sound demo.
3. Fender Champion 20
Fender Champion 20 is a great proof that a good clean guitar amp doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars. Of course, it’s not as awesome as some of the tube amps that cost ten times more, but it’s still a really cool option for guitarists on a tight budget.
I personally own that amp and I can confirm that it sounds really good on the clean channel and it works very well with guitar pedals. The overdrive sounds pretty flat, but it’s not a problem if you’re aiming for crystal clean tones! On top of that, the manufacturer equipped this amp with a few different amp voicings and effects that will spice up your playing.
The amp features 20 Watts of power, 8″ Fender speaker and a 2-band EQ which gives you more control over your guitar tone. There’s also a headphone jack, so it allows you to practice without annoying your neighbors.
Considering its price, it’s definitely one of the best clean guitar amps available on the market right now. It will be really tough to beat that at this price level, so if you’re searching for a cheap and great sounding compact amp – the Fender Champion 20 is the way to go.
I recently added a post about this amp on my blog, so if you’d like to learn more about the Fender Champion 20, check out my article.
Also, here’s the video review that I recorded for my YouTube channel.
4. Bugera V22 Infinium
Bugera V22 Infinium is an another powerful tube amp that works perfectly for clean tones. I have to admit that it’s one of my absolute favorites and in comparison with some of the other amplifiers on today’s list, it’s actually not overly expensive.
The amp features 22 Watts of power, three 12AX7 preamp tubes, two EL84 power tubes and a great-sounding 12″ Turbosound speaker. Whether you’re searching for a crystal clear or a bit creamier and overdriven sound, the V22 Infinium has got you covered. It is also worth mentioning that it sounds great with multiple guitar pedals as well!
I think that Bugera is one of the most underrated amp manufacturers in the world. They create great gear, but somehow they’re still not as popular as the biggest companies in the business such as Fender, VOX or Marshall. Here’s my article about Bugera amps if you’d like to learn more about them.
That’s why I have no hesitation in recommending the V22 Infinium to all guitar players who are looking for a high quality tube amp that works well with guitar pedals. I’m sure that you won’t be disappointed!
Here’s the sound demo.
5. Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV is one of the best and most iconic Fender amps of all time. It is known for its particularly great clean tone and it’s often used by professional musicians. Surely, it’s one of the best clean guitar tube amps available on today’s market.
The amp offers 40 Watts of power, 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes, 2 x 6L6 power tubes and a high quality Celestion speaker. Undoubtedly, the specs of this amp make it an absolute killer guitar amplifier that definitely stands out from its competitors. Combination of these tubes with this great speaker results with a remarkable guitar tone.
Whether you’re looking for a very intense overdrive or a shiny clean tone, this amp won’t disappoint you. The versatility of this thing is just awesome! But to be honest, you have to check it out in real life to fully understand its beauty. On top of that, it sounds particularly great with guitar pedals as well.
When it comes to pricing, it is not that cheap. In fact, this is one of the most expensive amps on today’s list. Still, if you’re looking for the best possible quality and the clearest tone on the clean channel, you should definitely give the Hot Rod Deluxe IV a chance.
Here’s the official sound demo. I highly recommend checking it out!
6. Fender Acoustasonic 40
Fender Acoustasonic 40 is a great and affordable guitar combo made specifically for acoustic guitars. If you’re searching for a crystal clear acoustic tone, you should definitely consider getting this model.
I bought this amp a few years ago and I’ve been using it very frequently since then. The amp has everything that you need from an acoustic amp – there’s a 3-band EQ, built-in reverb and two separate channels that allow you to play and sing at the same time. Overall, the amp offers an exceptional tone which sounds awesome especially with a little bit of reverb.
It is also worth mentioning that the Acoustasonic 40 is not too expensive, so it should be a great choice for guitarists on a tight budget. In addition, if you want to spend even less on an acoustic amp, there’s also the Acoustasonic 15, which is basically a smaller version of this model.
I recently recorded a video review and sound demo of my own Acoustasonic 40, so if you’d like to hear how it sounds, check it out below.
7. Fender Blues Junior IV
Fender Blues Junior IV is an another iconic tube amp manufactured by Fender. Again, this is one of their best and most popular high level amps. I had the pleasure to use it on several occasions and to be honest, this is one of my favorite tube amps of all time.
The Blues Junior IV is extremely versatile, so it can be used in a lot of different genres and styles of music. You can efficiently use it for home practice, studio recordings and even live gigs! It’s not that cheap, but it’s definitely worth the money.
What makes it so good? Well, the amp features 15 Watts of power, three 12AX7 preamp tubes, two EL84 power tubes and a high quality 12″ Celestion A-Type speaker. These specs guarantee a remarkable playing experience and a crystal clear tone on the clean channel. Of course, it works perfectly with guitar pedals too!
It is also worth mentioning that the Blues Junior IV has a built-in spring reverb, which sounds fantastic as well. Undoubtedly, a lot of guitarists are going to love it. That’s why I have no hesitation in recommending this tube amp to all guitar players who are looking for a high quality piece of gear.
Here’s the sound demo.
8. Supro Delta King 12
Supro Delta King is an another very cool tube amp which is perfect for clean tones and playing with guitar pedals. This amp is made specifically for lovers of ’50s and ’60s music, so if you’re digging this kind of vibe, you should definitely give it a chance!
The Delta King 12 is a tube amp which features 15 Watts of power, a custom 12″ Delta King speaker, a 12AX7 tube preamp and a Class A 6L6 power tube. From the outside, it looks very oldschool – there’s something very interesting about that look! But most importantly, this amp sounds absolutely great. Whether you’re into clean tones or a creamy overdrive, this amplifier won’t disappoint you.
This is not a very popular amp and for many guitarists it may be a really niche option, but the truth is that it sounds absolutely great. I have no hesitation in recommending this amp to all guitarists who are searching for a high quality combo suitable for small gigs, rehearsals and home practice.
Here’s the sound demo.
9. Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb
Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb is a digital modeling amp which offers an amazing clean tone. What’s important, it works very well with guitar pedals as well.
Why is to so cool? Well, this amplifier is based on the original Fender Twin Reverb, which is a bit more expensive tube amp. And to be honest, although it’s not a tube amp, it sounds fantastic as well. On top of that, it’s really lightweight, which is a huge advantage if you’re planning on playing gigs with it.
Many guitarists argue whether digital amps are better than tube amps but the truth is that it doesn’t really matter. If you like the sound of a particular amp, go for it! That’s why I highly encourage you to check out the Tone Master Twin Reverb. It’s definitely one of the best clean guitar amps.
Here’s the sound demo.
10. Bugera BC15
Bugera BC15 is one of the cheapest amps on today’s list, but it doesn’t mean that it’s bad. I personally own that amp and I have to admit that it offers a very nice clean tone. Considering its price, it’s definitely worth checking it out!
Why is it so good? Well, this is a hybrid tube amp, so its built a bit differently than regular solid-state and tube amps. The BC15 model features a hand-selected 12AX7 tube and a 8″ vintage speaker which guarantees a high quality sound.
Of course, it is really tough to compare a cheap amp like Bugera BC15 with the most expensive Fenders mentioned earlier. Nevertheless, if you’re searching for a great clean tone at a decent price, I highly recommend considering this model. It’s more than enough for home practice and it’s great for pedals as well!
Here’s the video review that I recorded a while ago for my YouTube channel – check it out below.
FAQ
What is a clean amp?
Clean amps are guitar amps that produce a great-sounding, loud and resonant clean guitar tone.
Does gain affect clean channel?
Gain can affect yuor clean channel, so if you’re searching for a crystal clean sound on your amp, try turning the master volume to maximum and use the gain knob to control your volume. You’ll be surprised of how it can sound!
What is a clean channel on an amp?
If your own amp has separate clean and overdrive channels, it means that you can use them to achieve different types of sounds. Not all amps have that feature, but very often you can switch between the clean and overdrive channels with just one switch.
Summary
As you can see, there are a lot of great guitar combos out there. Surely, all of the models mentioned above deserve to be on the list of best clean guitar amps. I’m sure that no matter whether you choose the cheapest or the most expensive one, you won’t be disappointed with its quality.
Which amp do you think is best for clean guitar tones? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the comments section below, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s amp review, hopefully it was helpful. If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
