A guitar preamp is the section of your amp most responsible for your gain structure and tonal character. It’s a big part of what makes a Tone King Imperial sound different from a Peavey 6505, no matter what cab and power section you pair it with.
There’s no single right answer. Some players run a preamp into the front end of their amp for extra color. Others use it in an effects loop or power amp input for a more transformative tone shift.
Yes. Eddie Van Halen famously ran his Echoplex EP-3 preamp straight into his Marshall’s front end for its cascading preamp coloration, and you’ll find plenty of players doing the same today with a Vertex Effects Steel String Supreme or Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe. Remember: If it sounds good, it is good.
Potentially. If your amp has an effects loop or a power amp input, inserting a preamp pedal there can transform your stock tone, often providing a more direct connection between your guitar, preamp, and speakers than running it up front.
Yes. Many preamp pedals, including the DSM & Humboldt Simplifier X and Strymon Iridium, let you run a direct signal into a PA with no miked amp required. That means a lighter rig and monitors that match what your sound engineer hears. See top picks in our guitar preamp pedals buying guide.
Not always, but many acoustic players benefit from one. Sweetwater carries a range of acoustic guitar preamps built to sweeten your direct tone and send a polished, mix-ready signal to front of house, including:
For more, see our buying guide, “Best Preamps for Acoustic-electric Guitars.”
Get More at Sweetwater
Are you searching for an external preamp to inject the plucky chunk of a California combo into your gigging rig? Perhaps a preamp pedal to get you the glassy chime of a British AC or the devilish roar of a German fire-breather? Whatever your flavor, preamps have the power to expand the range of your stage amp or modeling setup. And whether you prefer your unit racked, stacked, or packed in a pedal, Sweetwater has the hookup for all your preamp expansion needs.
Ready to purchase your first or next preamp? Sweetwater makes it easy. If you don’t know where to begin, give our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers a call at (800) 222-4700. They’ll help you choose the right rack unit, module, or pedal for you.
New to guitar preamps? Check out our video walkthrough of the Synergy Preamp Module system, see how Friedman IR pedals put multichannel tube preamp tone at your feet, or learn more about how preamps work in our Guitarist’s Guide to Electric Guitar Amps, Part 2: Preamp.
4.5 out of 5 stars 42 reviews
$599.99
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$399.00
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$449.00
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$169.00
4.5 out of 5 stars 85 reviews
$349.00With a massive selection of Guitar Preamps, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Guitar Preamps, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
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