My First Amp and the Start of it All

Let me take you back. I was thirteen, obsessed with Jimi Hendrix (still am, tbh), and all I wanted was to make noise – glorious, guitar-god noise. My first amp was a hand-me-down, a beat-up thing from my uncle. It sounded… well, let's just say it lacked the punch of a Hendrix solo. But it was mine. That's when I knew, more than just a hobby, playing guitar would change my life. This quest to find the perfect tone began way back then. So you know I get it. Finding your perfect amp is a journey! Let's jump into the best guitar amps under $500.

This list is updated as of February 16, 2025. Prices change; always double-check before buying.

1. Fender Champion 40: This is the workhorse of the bunch. Super versatile, clean tones are phenomenal, and with the right pedals, it can get seriously dirty. I've used one in the studio, and it holds up surprisingly well. You get great value for your money. My only nitpick? The reverb could be a tad bit better.

2. Blackstar ID:CORE 10: Small size, massive sound! This little amp packs a punch. It’s perfect for apartment dwellers (or anyone who wants to avoid annoying the neighbors). The built-in effects are pretty decent too. It's a fantastic option for beginners or those looking for a practice amp. A friend of mine swears by this amp!

3. Vox Pathfinder 10: If you love that classic Vox chime, this is your ticket. It’s simple, it’s affordable, and it sounds amazing. It's not the loudest, but that's not the point—it's all about that pristine clean tone. Perfect for blues, jazz, and pop. Highly recommend!

4. Orange Crush 20: Orange amps, known for that signature mid-range crunch. This one delivers, even at this lower price point. It's surprisingly loud for its size and is great for rock and metal players. Some say it's lacking a bit of low-end, but I honestly think it adds to its character.

5. Positive Grid Spark 40: The outlier! This amp is all about modeling. You can access countless tones, from vintage amps to modern high-gain beasts. This amp is a modern marvel. It's not exactly a traditional amp experience, but boy oh boy, is it versatile! It's a lot of amp for your money; maybe too much... I'm not sure I can even explain.

So you're ready to buy. Awesome! But hold up—before you click that 'Buy Now' button, consider these things:

• Wattage: Higher wattage means louder volume. Think about where you'll mostly be playing. A smaller apartment? A 10-watt amp might be enough. Gigging in a big venue? You'll want something with some serious power (but you'll probably be spending more than $500 then!).
• Features: Do you need built-in effects? Reverb? Overdrive? Think about your playing style and what you need. No need to pay for features you won't use, right?
• Clean vs. Dirty: Do you prefer clean, sparkly tones, or do you want something that'll roar like a lion? Many amps offer a blend of both! Just get the one that screams your name.
• Your Style of Music: Different amps excel at different genres. A classic Vox might be perfect for jazz, while an Orange could be ideal for hard rock.
• Read Reviews!: Seriously. Check out what other guitarists are saying. They’re your peeps. Listen to them!