How to select an amplifier...

[Chuck H]

Without sounding like a pompous asshat...

There's something else to playing loudly and confidently. I'm frequently playing with people who are either not as serious as myself, just starting out, insecure, lacking in confidence, or other non-harmful things that hinder them. Being willing to go big WITH them and FOR them can help pull them out of their shell. Not to overwhelm them because they may not be as good as you, but to sort of egg them on - "hey, these people aren't here to yell at you, they WANT to support you. Get out there & do YOU!" It's a motivational thing.

Not to mention, nobody that couldn't hear their faults ever got any better. And playing in a live band with real simple gear can expose you real quick, because there's nothing to hide behind.

Justin

Here's another

[olddawg]

I remember as a kid in HS having a 1973 Silver Face UL TR with a master volume. That thing was super clean, ice picky trebly even with humbuckers... and louder than a Lear Jet. It sounded the best to me at the time 15 minutes before the Utah speakers gave up or the police came...