Amps and Pedals vs Amp Modelers
- BRAD JEFFORD
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Amps and Pedals vs Amp Modelers: What Every Guitarist Needs to Know | Brad Jefford Music
"Should I get a traditional amp and pedals, or go with an amp modeler?" I get this question often from students. The answer isn't simple, but I can help you make the right choice for your situation.
Learn Traditional Gear First
Here's something I tell every student excited about jumping into modelers: learn traditional gear first. Students who understand how a tube amp breaks up or how a vintage fuzz responds to their guitar's volume knob can quickly dial in modeled sounds because they know what they're looking for.
If you've never heard a real Marshall cranked up, how do you know if the modeled version is right? The students I see struggle most with modelers are the ones who skip this traditional learning phase. But it can be expensive to buy and amp and all those pedals?!?
Breaking Down the Learning Curve
Modelers can feel overwhelming—hundreds of amp models, thousands of effects, complex routing options. But approach them methodically:
Start with one amp model you know
Add effects one at a time
Save presets with descriptive names
Practice the same songs with different models
I've watched students go from "this is too complicated" to "I can't believe how many sounds I have" in just a few weeks.
The St. John's Reality
Our local music scene is vibrant with strong guitar sales, but finding vintage gear like a 1965 Fender Deluxe or original Tube Screamer isn't happening at the local shop. Modelers give us access to legendary sounds that would otherwise be out of reach—both financially and geographically.
"Digital Doesn't Sound Good" – Not Anymore
This was true 15 years ago. Modern modelers like the Helix, Kemper, Quad Cortex, and Fractal units are so sophisticated that in blind tests, many pros can't consistently tell the difference. I've done this test with students—the results consistently surprise people.
The Live Performance Game-Changer
Here's where my perspective really shifted: modelers give you a more accurate representation of what your audience is hearing.
With a traditional amp, I hear mostly my cabinet. The audience hears what the sound tech sends through the PA—which might be completely different. With a modeler, the signal goes directly to the tech, and what I hear in my monitor is what the audience gets. If it sounds good to me, it sounds good to them.
This has made me much more confident in my live sound.
Making the Right Choice
Beginners: Start with traditional gear. Get a decent practice amp and maybe a couple of basic pedals. Learn how they work and respond to your playing.
Ready to expand: Add a modeler once you have that foundation. You'll know what sounds you're chasing and can use the modeler's flexibility to find them.
Gigging musicians: Seriously consider modelers for consistency and convenience. No heavy amps, no mic placement worries, no "it sounded great at rehearsal but terrible at the venue" moments.
The Best of Both Worlds
You don't have to choose one path. Many students use a hybrid approach—small tube amp for home practice, modeler for live work. This gives you tactile tube experience plus practical modeling advantages when you need them.
The Bottom Line
Both can sound incredible in the right hands. Start with traditional gear to build your foundation, then embrace modelers for their flexibility. Remember—your audience cares about the music you're making, not whether you're using vintage tubes or cutting-edge algorithms.
WHAT'S YOUR EXPERIENCE? I'd love to hear what's working for you—team traditional, team digital, or somewhere in between!
Ready to dial in your perfect guitar tone? Whether you're exploring traditional amps or diving into modelers, I can help you find the sounds you're hearing in your head. Contact me to set up a tone-focused lesson.
Comments