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Electric Guitar Tech advice
I don’t plan on performing any time soon, so I’m thinking no need to buy an amplifier. I have a little one that I use at home but I’m looking to be able to do some different tones via pedals or whatever is necessary to get some cool rock sound going. I heard that you can buy an audio interface to your computer and play the guitar through your computer speakers and with the software you can record as well.
This is where I need help. Do I need to buy an interface plus pedals for the effects I want or is there a device that does both. I’ve been looking online but the descriptions are rather confusing for this old boy that’s never done anything like this with guitars before. Plus tech has changed so much and new stuff is coming out all the time.
I would appreciate anyone’s input who has this expertise. I would rather not buy stuff and have to return it if I can help it.
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3 Replies
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Hey there – if you have a macbook then you can definitely just into your mac and use GarageBand or any other software to get different tones. And you can listen either through headphones or you can get nice speakers. In order to do that you need an interface – the most popular one is the Focusrite 2i2 https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scar2i2G4–focusrite-scarlett-2i2-4th-gen-usb-audio-interface but you can fine less expensive alternatives. The 2i2 is nice because you can input 2 instruments/mics at the same time and have them show up on your computer as different audio inputs.
Another option is to get something like the Fender Mustang Micro which is a headphone/practice amp and modeler that lets you get a bunch of different tones via an app: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MustMicro–fender-mustang-micro-headphone-amp
Another great option if you want to have a good speaker is something like the Positive Grid Spark 2 modeling amp which has a bunch of modeling capabilities and a big nice sounding speaker: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PGSpark2–positive-grid-spark-2-50-watt-2-by-4-inch-combo-amp-black
I think starting with modelers is a great way to learn what different types of pedals do and how they work before investing money and floor space. The only real pedal I have is a Boss Looper and then I also have a positive grid spark 2 for when I play electric and it’s been great/
Hope this helps!
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Thanks for your input @DiscostewLA !
I’ll check out your suggestions. Unfortunately I am not an Apple guy. Windows laptop and Android phone, I’ve never been a fan of proprietary platforms.
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@petelanger Adding my 2 cents, I am a Positive Grid Spark user. They have a few options that might suit you, but that is a hardware option. One is an amp in a headphone. FYI, Positive Grid also have “Bias” which is a software version for your PC.
Their amps are affordable and you just turn on the built in pedals. Be mindful of the output power though as some models are designed for home use only.
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