Sometimes what a guitarist needs is a simple solid-state guitar amp that doesn’t come with too many bells and whistles, but one that still sounds pretty good without all that extra stuff.
There are many solid-state guitar amps on the market and it can be difficult to find the best non-modeling one.
Whether you’re just looking for a suitable practice amp or you plan on playing at your local bar, there’s a solid-state guitar amp that comes pedal-ready with none of the confusing features that modeling amps sometimes have.
This buyer’s guide will help you choose the right amp based on your needs and your budget.
Table of Contents
Overview of Non-Modeling Solid State Amps
Last update on 2025-06-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
When it comes to solid-state amps, the Roland Jazz Chorus is considered to be the cream of the crop when it comes to clean guitar tone.
Don’t let the 120 watts of power fool you into thinking that this guitar amp would be too loud to play at home because anyone who has gotten to play this amp will tell you that sounds just as amazing at low volumes as it does at higher volumes.
The amp comes with some pretty cool built-in features such as reverb, its very own signature space chorus, as well as the standard 3-knob EQ. And because it sounds so clean on its own, the amp is perfect for any pedals that you might want to hook up, making this amplifier the perfect option for customizing your tone.
And because this Roland Jazz Chorus model has 120 watts of crisp clear tone coming through two 12-inch speakers, it’s perfect for gigging at small venues, both indoor and outdoor. Hook up a mic to this amp, and play for an even bigger crowd. Either way, there’s no going wrong with this guitar amp.
Peavey Bandit 112
The Peavey Bandit 112 is unique in that it is definitely a solid-state amp, but it’s a solid-state amp that sounds a lot like a tube amp. This is because of its trans tube circuitry within the amp itself.
With 80 pulverizing watts coming through an 8-inch speaker, this tube-like solid-state amp is perfect for taking on the road for those smaller gigs, but also small enough to play at home.
If you’re looking for a solid-state amp that emulates a tube amp, then the Peavey Bandit 112 will leave you feeling amazed. In 1995, Peavey actually did a blind A/B comparison sound test with this amp in front of thousands of guitarists and guitar dealers. Needless to say, no one could tell the difference between this amp and a tube amp.
Orange Amps Crush 20RT
When it comes to a solid-state guitar amp that sounds impressive but is also affordable, the Orange Crush 20RT really jumps ahead in the competition compared with some solid-state amps.
Orange amps are known for their killer overdrive tones and this amp is no exception. This solid-state amp would be more suitable for heavier music genres such as metal, rock, and maybe even late blues styles.
Some of the features of the Orange Crush 20RT amp are a built-in tuner and a reverb function. Equally important is its two-channel interface with a toggle switch that allows for easy switching between clean and dirty channels.
If you’re looking for a great-sounding solid-state guitar amp that won’t break the bank, while still having that nice crunchy sound, then you may want to look into the Orange Amps Orange Crush line of amplifiers.
Fender Frontman 10G Practice Amp
The Fender Frontman 10-watt practice amp is made with beginners in mind.
It also works brilliantly as a small practice amp for those of us who have progressed past the beginning stages of our guitar journeys.
This amp is a pretty basic amp in terms of its overall features. It is a one-channel amp that features some controls for gain, volume, and a 2-knob EQ. It also has the standard aux-in and headphone ports so you can play in peace.
The Fender Frontman 10G gets loud enough for it to actually be fun, while keeping the police and other angry neighbors far, far away, depending on what type of dwelling you live in.
It should be noted that if you’re in an apartment building, you may want to keep the volume lower at night. It can still get a little loud.
For a guitar amp that’s under a hundred bucks, this has some pretty good value to it. It’s also perfect for those that want to try out the guitar, but who aren’t sure if they will stick with the hobby. Simply put, it’s affordable with just enough features!
