List of Solid State Amps To Jam Out Blues Licks

REVIEWS ON BLUES MUSICAL EQUIPMENT


There is no doubt that blues is a music genre that is soulful, warm, & smooth. It also happens to be filled with complex riffs that emit all sorts of tones.

What is the Best Amp for Blues?

Even though tube amplifiers are the most popular to rock out heavy metal riffs and solos, they often are not the most reliable when it comes to the warmth and smoothness blues guitarists play.

On top of that, they tend to be priciest kind of amplifier out there. Therefore, a solid-state amp is what you need to bring out the rhythm and emotional side of music that blues is famous for. Now that you know solid states amps are what you need, let’s start reviewing the top solid state for this style of music.

Keep in mind that it is tough out there to find the solid states that offer blues tones. Moreover, the Electric Guitar Masters have provided a buyer’s guide for you to hone in on amps that were not just built for blues, but were also designed to make you sound as professional as B.B. King.

FYI: I may be eligible to earn as an affiliate from my recommendations.

1. Roland Blues Cube Stage

Roland Blues Cube Stage
Roland Blues Cube Stage
Roland Blues Cube Stage

This amplifier delivers like none other. End of sentence. Just kidding, we will explain why it holds this title.

Also, it is the amp to have when it comes to performing at gigs large & small. Unlike its slightly skinnier cousin, the Blues Cube Hot, the Blues Cube Stage is powered with twice as much, 60 Watts to be specific. It is designed to cater to play for any musical environment. Whether it’d be at the Chicago Jazz Festival or home at a small family reunion, this amp gives guitarists flexibility to impress any audience with its vintage-vibe tone.

By the way if you aren’t a fan of what you first hear from its 12” speakers, no worries. This amp offers a countless selection of tones that no others can compete against. This device's electronic configuration comes with four output settings that range from 0.5 watts for practice sessions to 45 watts for concerts. All of this is thanks to its four-power output. If you somehow get bored from one channel, you can always tune it to the next since the amp has two channels ready to prep you for any gig.

Probably one of the biggest perks is the fact that all your music can be recorded on a computer and connected via headphones in case you have some neighbors or family members asleep while you strum out some blues licks in the middle of the night.

Pros
  • Delivers a versatile & authentic tube & touch response all in one bundle for blues riffs
  • Dual toned channels that give guitarists the flexibility to select from a multitude of tones
  • Has some features that are only shared with tube amps such as a clean channel that adds bite as the volume is turned up
  • High-quality reverb that delivers one of kind tones such its popular vintage vibe tone
  • State of the art aesthetic appeal to those who are drawn to vintage amplifier designs
Cons
  • Doesn’t have an effects loop for guitarists to place effects in the period between the time the amp gets its tone and the time it starts amplifying sound.

2. Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Stereo Combo

Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Stereo Combo

Let’s be real here, Rolands are going to dominate this list. The JC-120 Jazz Chorus Stereo gives your electric guitar the power to rock your socks off. It is also a top choice for playing blues licks. This is the flagship of the Roland Jazz Chorus series. This mighty amp is all about providing a signature tone with unique sound effects. Out of all Rolands, the JC-120 is the most durable of them all. 

This amplifier would have been named number one on our list. However, it has a clunky design to it that also comes with a hefty cost. However, you aren’t going to find many amps that can be as loud and attention-grabbing as the JC-120. Definitely consider investing in one of these doozies.

Pros
  • Comes with a spring reverb that includes distortion & vibrato
  • Dual input channel that grants musicians a palette of clean tones & effects to select from
  • 120 watt with two silver cone speakers that deliver deafening sounds for those of you who are wanting to “bring the house down” in a gig
  • Ideal for playing advanced riffs
Cons
  • Not visually attractive
  • Expensive

3. Marshall Amps Code 25

Marshall Amps Code 25
Marshall Amps Code 25
Marshall Amps Code 25

Because of its long history, Marshall is just one of those amplifier manufacturers that most musicians will have seen at least once in their life. Even people outside of music have probably seen this brand. This is no coincidence as Marshall amps provide a variety of classic tones that none other can compete against. The Code 25 is no exception in that regard.

However, when it comes to standing out as a leading amp, it certainly stands out especially if you are playing blues. The Marshall CODE 25 comes with all sorts of tones that range from power amps to cabinet simulations.

What’s more, is the fact that it can produce 24 effects & 10 presets. All of this can easily be done as the Code 25 was designed to be intuitive for managing its settings. Therefore, there is no other type of amp that unites professional and beginner guitarists with the common consensus that calling it just a “great amp” is an understatement.

If that weren’t enough, Marshall let’s you perfect your blues styles without using a cord thanks to its Bluetooth. Lastly, you can record and share all of your sessions online with its growing online community.

Pros
  • No cord is required
  • Delivers a myriad of tones such as pro-quality FX
  • Easy to manage settings
  • Built-in stellar tone quality that Marshalls are known for
  • Portable
Cons
  • Distortion can occur here and there
  • Some Bluetooth connection hiccups occur

4. Blackstar Core Stereo 100 W

Blackstar Core Stereo 100 W
Blackstar Core Stereo 100 W
Blackstar Core Stereo 100 W

Unlike the previous amp brand, Blackstar is a company to look out for because it was launched by Marshall employees who were responsible for the success of their former employer. Over the years, they innovated the amp industry by releasing all sorts of designs.

One particular product is the solid-state Core Stereo 100 W. It comes with six voices, twelve super-wide stereo effects, and to top it off, two 10 in. speakers that come with two channels. Amazingly, all of this weighs under 35 pounds (16 kg).

Pros
  • Portable
  • Intuitive in managing its settings
  • 3 band versatile EQ & gain effect
  • USB cord to record on an electronic device
Cons
  • Not recommended for beginners
  • Can have trouble generating good sound
  • Issues with its power switch can occur

5. VOX AC15c1

VOX AC15C1
VOX AC15C1
VOX AC15C1

VOX’s AC15C1 is one of the classiest out there. At 15 watts, the VOX has combined its tonal dexterity with the authentic sound quality this brand is known to deliver. As if that weren’t enough, the AC15C1 has a built-in foot-switchable spring reverb.

This amp comes with a foot-switchable spring reverb that includes a VOX tremolo for lush sound quality.

Lastly, the AC15C1 comes with volume controls for the bass, reverb, treble, and gain that prove this amp to be efficacious in producing all sorts of scales.

Pros
  • Keeps its pristine condition, even when utilized frequently
  • Nifty tremolo effects
  • Appealing distortion
Cons
  • Sometimes has a lack of clarity in sound when using it too frequently

6. Roland Blues Cube Hot

Roland Blues Cube Hot
Roland Blues Cube Hot
Roland Blues Cube Hot

Last but certainly not least is Roland’s Blues Cube Hot. It comes with a 30-watt amplifier & a 12-inch speaker. Although it may appear like a smaller version of the Blues Cube Stage, this amp has everything you would ever need to play riffs. It has a three-band EQ and a sound that places this on par with well-respected tube amps such as Bugera V5 Infinium.

Although the price is a little high, it is a Roland. Heck, it has the word “Blues” in its title. It should be mentioned that it isn’t the most ideal if you are wanting to stand out in a massive concert. On the other hand, you can take your Blue Cube Hot virtually everywhere you go.

Pros
  • Durable and portable
  • Has tube logic tech that allows it to even surpass the sound quality many tube amps achieve
  • An intuitive set of controls
Cons
  • Pricey for its size

How Do You Decide on Amp for Blues?

Even though there are many amazing amps to play for blues, we feel that solid-state amplifiers are what you need. They have the features you need to produce tone variations that are prevalent in the music genre. However, this is just our opinion.

It really depends upon your preferences. For us, you probably can tell that Roland is our preferred amp, specifically the Blues Cube Stage. In the grand scheme of things, you can’t go wrong with picking any of these amps. They all have benefits and flaws.