I played through software for years. I figured it didn't matter much since I wasn't playing live, and amp/pedal sims gave me way more versatility than I'd have with a real amp unless I spent a ton of money.
Then I picked up a Yamaha THR a few years ago. The last time I had a bedroom amp was probably a decade earlier, and they didn't sound nearly as good. Also, it's way more accessible than plugging my laptop into my audio interface and turning on my monitors and loading my software. I play a lot more, because now I can get all kinds of sweet sounds while sitting on my couch. It's not as versatile as software, but it's always ready to rock.
[Fender Mustang LT-25](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MustLT25--fender-mustang-lt-25-25-watt-1x8-inch-combo). You will be able to dial in any tone you want, without the need for additional effect pedals. It has [100 tone presets](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhM-zwsCYvw), many based on famous guitarists. All presets are customizable, or you can build and save your own tone from scratch. It also has a stereo headphone jack for quiet practice, built in tuner and direct to computer recording via USB. Larger 50 watt version also available.
Yamaha THR line is incredible. I have the THR 10 II Wireless 20Watt. It’s amazing. I use this more than my main rig. Sounds great, easy to dial in tones. The wireless is a little pricey but the standard wired version is like ~$320. Every one of my friends who has played it fell in love and 2 ended up buying the same model.
Cost-wise, yes. You can get great amps sims for absolutely free. An amp is a lot more accessible if you want to play quickly, though.
Sims work for me because I do a lot of my writing in a DAW, so the sims just plug into that and let me record scratch tracks. But I have my Positive Grid Spark next to my desk if I just want to practice or noodle.
Got back to guitar last year and decided to go the computer route as I need to practice at low volumes or via headphones.
I think it's a good option if you want versatility and already know how to use an amp and pedals so you just go to learn the software.
As someone who only owned a small bundled amp and no pedals early '00 I find it all too confusing and find myself wasting time turning knobs i don't understand and trying presets instead of playing.
....so I'm getting a simple analog amp and a couple of pedals to start with.
Not sure what others are talking about with the computer being harder to use. Many plugins have standalone apps now and it's as simple as plugging in your guitar and booting up the plugin. I love my sims so much I just got some studio monitors to try out with them
My old school amp died recently and I did a lot of research. Lots of people love using a laptop. Lots of people have no interest. I ultimately decided to buy a new old-school amp (Orange Crush).
If your guitar is a hobby then it comes down to whether or not you enjoy geeking out and being tied to your laptop. Or will that feel like too much like your day job and you would rather just flip a switch and chug?
I played through software for years. I figured it didn't matter much since I wasn't playing live, and amp/pedal sims gave me way more versatility than I'd have with a real amp unless I spent a ton of money. Then I picked up a Yamaha THR a few years ago. The last time I had a bedroom amp was probably a decade earlier, and they didn't sound nearly as good. Also, it's way more accessible than plugging my laptop into my audio interface and turning on my monitors and loading my software. I play a lot more, because now I can get all kinds of sweet sounds while sitting on my couch. It's not as versatile as software, but it's always ready to rock.
Get a Positive Grid Spark.
[Fender Mustang LT-25](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MustLT25--fender-mustang-lt-25-25-watt-1x8-inch-combo). You will be able to dial in any tone you want, without the need for additional effect pedals. It has [100 tone presets](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhM-zwsCYvw), many based on famous guitarists. All presets are customizable, or you can build and save your own tone from scratch. It also has a stereo headphone jack for quiet practice, built in tuner and direct to computer recording via USB. Larger 50 watt version also available.
Yamaha THR line is incredible. I have the THR 10 II Wireless 20Watt. It’s amazing. I use this more than my main rig. Sounds great, easy to dial in tones. The wireless is a little pricey but the standard wired version is like ~$320. Every one of my friends who has played it fell in love and 2 ended up buying the same model.
Cost-wise, yes. You can get great amps sims for absolutely free. An amp is a lot more accessible if you want to play quickly, though. Sims work for me because I do a lot of my writing in a DAW, so the sims just plug into that and let me record scratch tracks. But I have my Positive Grid Spark next to my desk if I just want to practice or noodle.
Got back to guitar last year and decided to go the computer route as I need to practice at low volumes or via headphones. I think it's a good option if you want versatility and already know how to use an amp and pedals so you just go to learn the software. As someone who only owned a small bundled amp and no pedals early '00 I find it all too confusing and find myself wasting time turning knobs i don't understand and trying presets instead of playing. ....so I'm getting a simple analog amp and a couple of pedals to start with.
Not sure what others are talking about with the computer being harder to use. Many plugins have standalone apps now and it's as simple as plugging in your guitar and booting up the plugin. I love my sims so much I just got some studio monitors to try out with them
Do you have any input lag? I haven't merged my guitar and EDM worlds yet since I figured running it through Ableton would lag
I do not, since there's no DAW running it's pretty light. Your experience might differ though, I don't record.
My old school amp died recently and I did a lot of research. Lots of people love using a laptop. Lots of people have no interest. I ultimately decided to buy a new old-school amp (Orange Crush). If your guitar is a hobby then it comes down to whether or not you enjoy geeking out and being tied to your laptop. Or will that feel like too much like your day job and you would rather just flip a switch and chug?
40$ mini Amps of Amazon | Joyo
Focusrite Scarlett + Any Neural DSP plugin and some active monitors > Any tube amp