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10 Amp Sims That Deliver Big Tones

10 Amp Sims That Deliver Big Tones

No tubes? No problem. Here are a handful of plug-ins that won't wake the kids or bug the neighbors.

Whether you're trying to keep the dBs down or you need a wealth of amps, cabs, effects, and mics at your fingertips, this collection of plugins will help you realize the tone in your head quickly and easily.


IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5

In addition to official emulations of Fender, Mesa, Orange, and Wampler gear, this robust plug-in also features a DAW, looper, and much more.

$199 street
ikmultimedia.com

Line 6 Helix Native

Packed with dozens of virtual amps and effects, this gateway into the Helix ecosphere mimics the tones of the company's hardware units in handy plug-and-play form.

$399 street
line6.com

Kuassa Matchlock

A decidedly Fender-flavored setup, this trio of amp models aims at copping Fullerton's greatest hits with two options for each amp and seven different types of mics.

$49 street
kuassa.com

Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 Pro

The latest iteration offers a rack-based visual setup that allows you to customize every part of your signal chain right down to mixing up to eight mics together via the virtual mixer.

$199 street
native-instruments.com

Neural DSP Archetype: Cory Wong

Based on AI technology, this collection of amps and effects curated by the internet's favorite guitarist is targeted for players who are looking for clean and low-gain tones.

$144 USD street
neuraldsp.com

Overloud TH-U

This all-in-one suite offers hundreds of amp, cab, and effects options, including officially licensed gear from Randall, DV Mark, Brunetti, and THD.

$299 street
overloud.com

Positive Grid Bias Amp 2 Elite

Not only does this plug-in offer accurate models of legendary amps, it allows you to design your own amp from the ground up and includes technology to match either a mic'd amp or recorded track.

$179 street
positivegrid.com

Universal Audio Fender '55 Tweed Deluxe

If you dig the classic tones of one of Leo's best amps, this plug-in offers a faithful recreation and adds the ability to mix and match legendary mics.

$99 street
uaudio.com

Waves PRS SuperModels

This collection include two of the company's most popular models—the Archon and Dallas—plus an amp that was never released: the Blue Sierra/V9, which was an early version of the J-MOD 100.

$35 street
waves.com

Scuffham S-Gear

Covering tones from vintage tweed-style combos to '80s high-gain heads, this collection offers five amps, a handful of effects, and more.

$99 street
scuffhamamps.com

John Bohlinger on Why the Hardest Gigs Can Be the Best
- YouTube

At a recent outdoor NHL Stadium Series performance, it was so cold that my hands went numb. So, I had to improvise. Last month, I wrapped the NHL Stadium Series at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium in front of 68,619 screaming fans and an army of TV production, crew, etc. The network chose to lean into Nashville’s Music City theme by including performances by 12 of the city’s biggest names in music. About a month ago, the director, Michael Dempsey, whom I worked with on several award shows, hired me as the music director. Here’s how it went....

FINNEAS, known for his Grammy Award-winning collaborations with Billie Eilish, collaborates with Fender on his signature Acoustasonic.

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Tom Petty’s righthand man proved time and again that he could get to the heart of the matter and find the perfect guitar part for a song.

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Pure nickel wound strings designed to capture classic tones. Available in popular gauges (9s and 10s), these strings are intended to offer rich, warm tones and longer string life.

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