The most critical factor in an electric guitar’s sound
“Until it’s recognized that the amplifier is AT LEAST 50% of the sound of the electric guitar, its full potential cannot be realized” -Leo Fender
I couldn’t verify whether that quote is truly attributable to Leo Fender, but it’s a good point.
We tinkerers spend all this time tweaking our electric guitars’ pots, caps, pickups, etc- when really the biggest factors in how your guitar sounds are the amp and pedals you play through. Your guitar may be puttin out the most beautifully kickin tone in the world, but if you’re playing it through a crappy amp, you’re gonna hear crap.
I found this interesting collection of FAQ’s about amps, tubes, etc (along with a ton of other tips) by Steve McKinley at Atlanta Tube Amp. Check it out:
http://www.mindspring.com/~atlantatubeamp/id15.html
April 9, 2013 @ 6:50 am
I’d say the amplifier contributes 50% to 75% of your sound depending on how saturated it is.
April 22, 2013 @ 11:01 am
I wholly disagree. It is exactly 47% of the sound. Joking aside it is not about the proportion, it is about everything in the chain working effectively together. If you’ve got a weak link the whole is going to suffer.
Add to that some amps are better suited to certain guitars. My self built valve amp (Marshall-esque single ended class A) absolutely sings with P90s or my Gretsch’s Dynasonics but is pretty lifeless with my Tele. My Fender Twin really works well with everything except my Gretsch.
You’re right that you can’t neglect the amp, but neither can you neglect having decent patch cables, power supply, etc.
April 23, 2013 @ 10:01 am
Hey Dave,
47%? Take it up with Leo! 🙂
You’re absolutely right- your guitar setup is like a sensitive ecosystem. If any component is lousy, it impacts the whole chain.
Case in point- my pedal board 9v power supply unexpectedly died, and I’m now struggling with the issues/hum caused by a replacement power supply I had lying around.
I enjoyed perusing your blog just now- nice work. Loved your story about the Derby 🙂
-John
May 31, 2013 @ 1:34 am
Never soldered a joint before, and using John as my guide to fix up my daughter’s guitar. Thanks man. Re. ‘The most critical factor in an electric guitar’s sound’, we could be missing something here. It’s not the guitar OR the amp, but the way it’s being played. The effective chain could be seen as – listening / practicing / tinkering.
May 31, 2013 @ 8:56 am
You got that right! 🙂
-John
June 7, 2013 @ 11:47 am
The speaker (and cabinet) is really important and IMO the most often overlooked component of the setup.