5 Amps That Are Perfect for Pedals

As guitarists, we all love the enticing prospect of plugging in a new pedal for the first time. But at Sweetwater, we know that, when it comes to playing nice with your pedalboard, not all amps are created equal. Of course, if it’s a modern guitar amp that has an effects loop, then you can be reasonably assured that it will work well with your pedals. Conversely, you might assume that vintage-style guitar amps (without effects loops) are, inherently, not pedal-friendly. That’s a gross generalization that would eliminate some of the most pedal-friendly amps ever made — Exhibit A being the Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb reissue.

Fender ’65 Princeton ReverbVox AC15C1Amplified Nation Dirty WonderlandMarshall ORI20C OriginBOSS Katana-100 MkII

Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb

We’re under no illusion that pedal compatibility was a prime consideration when Leo Fender designed the Princeton Reverb back in the early 1960s. But it just so happens that the Princeton is one of the most-recorded guitar amps in history — and it takes pedals like a champ. One of the most beloved and versatile guitar amps ever made, the Princeton Reverb delivers classic, sparkling Fender tone plus spring reverb and tremolo. It’s the ideal size and weight for gigging guitarists who want a moderately powered combo amp that can plow through the mix onstage or in the studio. And it makes the perfect pedal platform for modern guitarists. For proof of that, it’s the amp that Nashville session ace Don Carr has chosen time after time to demonstrate guitar pedals in his Sweetwater inSync videos. Packing two 6V6 output tubes that push 12 watts through a 10-inch Jensen alnico speaker, the Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb 1×10-inch 12-watt tube combo amp sets our pulses pounding. It’s not the most powerful amp in this group, but for sheer usefulness in the studio, it will go toe to toe with any of them. Last but certainly not least, the ’65 Princeton Reverb is also available in a gorgeous Sweetwater-exclusive Lacquered Tweed enclosure with a 12-inch Eminence Cannabis Rex speaker, making any vintage-amp lover gush over the aesthetics.

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Vox AC15C1

Since we began our list with an all-time American classic, it’s only fair that we shout out our friends across the pond with the supremely pedal-friendly Vox AC15C1 15-watt tube combo amp. This classic combo contains a trio of 12AX7 preamp tubes paired with dual EL84 power tubes — the latter being the key to the AC15C1’s legendary midrange-rich chime, jangle, and British-style bite. Clocking in at 15 watts with a 12-inch speaker and two channels, the AC15C1 is more than loud enough to cover gigging duties, while the handy Master Volume control allows you to dish out searing tube tones at modest, bedroom-appropriate volumes. What’s more, the AC15C1’s swampy tremolo and lush spring reverb are sure to save a few slots on your pedalboard! And while the AC15C1 lacks a proper effects loop (in the same way as our previous Princeton Reverb, the AC15C1 is reasonably vintage accurate), this combo’s ample headroom, versatile tone-shaping tools, and wonderful ability to meld with pedals of all kinds make it a sure bet for any stompbox-obsessed guitarist.

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Amplified Nation Dirty Wonderland

Although new to Sweetwater, Amplified Nation is a familiar name to amp lovers and has gained a cult following among musicians. The Boston-based company has made waves around the amp and guitar community by making D-style tube heads and combo amps that bring vintage-inspired tube flavor to modern-day players looking for something new to add to their collections. Amplified Nation held nothing back when producing their Dirty Wonderland tube amplifier. With a 12-inch Celestion G12-65 Heritage speaker and an attenuator that allows you to play at either 25 or 50 watts, the Dirty Wonderland brings plenty of volume and attitude when you want to play live. The preamp gain and transparent master volume controls allow you to infuse clean tones with a generous serving of tube-colored character. The Dirty Wonderland also has plenty of headroom, making it ideal for boost, overdrive, and distortion pedals. And with an effects loop, you can blend in your time-based effects without losing the pristine signal of your guitar. Find out for yourself why the Amplified Nation Dirty Wonderland has become a fan favorite here at Sweetwater.

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Marshall ORI20C Origin

Almost everyone — musician or not — knows of Marshall. I mean, how can anyone forget the walls of Marshalls that were synonymous with hard rock and metal in the ’70s and ’80s? But not everyone can carry a Marshall stack with them everywhere they go. Hence, Marshall has made significant strides with their offerings of combo amps, such as the Marshall ORI20C Origin tube amp. The ORI20C brings vintage Marshall tones in a smaller enclosure with three ECC83 preamp tubes and two EL34 power tubes, a 10-inch Celestion V-Type speaker, and separate gain and master controls that allow you to dial in your tone just as you like it. Pedal lovers rejoice as this amp stays true to other Marshall amps in that it is among the best clean amps on the market. Mix and match dirt pedals with long, cascading delay and reverb tails without additional amp distortion. Whatever the pedal combination, the Marshall ORI20C can withstand it and put out the tone you’re looking for.

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BOSS Katana-100 MkII

Since its release, the BOSS Katana-100 MkII has changed the way we look at modeling amps. With the turn of a knob, you can go from stellar-sounding lead tones to pristine, clear cleans with tons of headroom. Not to mention, the Katana comes with a plethora of built-in BOSS effects that can be accessed from the BOSS Tone Studio. Don’t worry about waking up your neighbors either; the Katana-100 MkII can simultaneously be your low-volume practice amp and your gigging amp with its power control that allows you to change the wattage and volume output. This solid-state amp is also a must-have for pedal lovers as it takes effects well and can lead to unique tonal possibilities when paired with different amp types. And for those that run with a stereo rig, you’ll be happy to know that a “Stereo Expand” switch allows you to play in stereo through two Katanas. With all these features and more, there’s no wonder why so many Sweetwater musicians can be seen gigging around town with the BOSS Katana-100 MkII.

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Sweetwater Has Your Perfect Pedal Amp

So, whether you rock a packed pedalboard or just have a couple of stompboxes you can’t live without, you need an amp that shares your enthusiasm for the little critters. Your Sweetwater Sales Engineer is ready to help you select the perfect amp (and pedals) for your needs and budget. Give us a call at (800) 222-4700, and you’ll soon be playing through your ultimate guitar signal chain.
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