The 5 Best Small Lunchbox Amps For Metal

Welcome to the site. In this article, we're going to look at some of the best small amps out there for Metal. So, we're thinking about amps that are tight, can handle low tuned, extended range guitars, and have plenty of definition.

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Best Small Amps for Metal!

There are a number of amps out there that can do the job, but here we're going to keep the list small both in amp size and the numbers we focus on, as there really are only a few which are good enough to make it onto this list.

If you're reading this then you are probably after a small lunchbox sized amp head for a couple of reasons -

1 - Convenience. It's much easier to carry around a small amp. They weigh much less, take up less space and aren't so cumbersome. So, less likely to do your back in, and also less likely to get smacked around as you carry your gear into the rehearsal space or gig.

2 - Price. Simply put, lunchbox amps are usually much cheaper.

The Problem with Small Amps

However, like it or not, there is an issue with small amps - they often sound, well, small!

Expecting a 15 watt tube amp to sound and respond like a 50 or 100 watt tube amp is just not fair on the little guy. There's just no way it's going to happen. Also, as we've mentioned price, the production quality on the little amps is also often not as good as their bigger brethren, so not only are they at a disadvantage because of the wattage, they can simply just not be as well made and have cheaper components.

However, you'll be happy to know that the amps on this list punch way above their weight, and do a damn good job of keeping up despite their size.

PRS MT 15

This amp has quite a following among those who are after a more modern sounding amp. Tight lows, great highs, very good string definition, and an absolute load of gain. So, if you like playing in drop C or below, or use an extended range guitar, this amp is incredible.

Highlights:

Brutal sounding gain channel

5 gain stages before the master volume means more gain than you'll ever need

Small, compact, solidly built

Lovely touches like the red lights for the gain channel and blue for clean; the little bars on front which help prevent you from knocking the knobbies accidentally.

Decent clean channel

Big tubes! - 6L6 or 5881 - And those big tubes do lead to a big sound!

Half power mode.

Effects Loop

Low-lights:

Unfortunately, this amp can have noise issues. A quick scan of the net will result in a number of threads talking about this. Some people claim it's really noisy, some that it's absolutely fine. It might well depend on luck.

What I do know is that with a noise gate in the loop, I have no issues with it at all. However, I DO need it, as without one mine can get noisy fast.

I would also recommend the typical Tube Screamer boosting the front end. Set the gain of the Tube Screamer low, the volume high and tone to suit, but most likely between 12 and 4 o'clock depending on the guitar.

Price: Around £449.

On Amazon at time of writing: https://amzn.to/4cAodFt

Here's a video for your delectation:

This is my top choice for modern metal, downtuned and extended range guitars.

Marshall SC20H

The Marshall is also damn good. Who wouldn't want a screaming JCM 800 amp but at a very manageable 20 watts?

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