Since the invention of the amplified guitar in the mid-1920's, crowds and playing halls have grown to gargantuan size. Naturally this necessitated a parallel growth in amplification. Charlie Christian would, no doubt, have taken up the harp if he had known what lay ahead for amplified guitar. Yes, even Thor would turn tail and run if he suddenly found himself in the third row of a Led Zeppelin concert. The selection of amps now on the market ranges from tiny, portable battery operated models the size of a KUNG FU lunchbox to the monstrous AMPEG SVT (300 watts RMS). This month, I want to review some of the better brands, including the rigs of some of your favorite stars.

Starting alphabetically, we come to AMPEG [Box 310, Elkhardt, IN 46514]—always at the head of the class. Gutsy, rugged, with power to spare, these amps have always had the right sound. AMPEG pioneered the first amplified bass, and their bass rigs reflect the added experience. The SVT is 300 watts of fan cooled, punchin' power available with one or two cabinets (8-10" speakers in each). This rig sounds like a sock hop for dinosaurs when used for bass and doubles as an ear-splitting guitar amp. Johnny Winter, The Rolling Stones, and Black Oak Arkansas all swear by this amp. A superb solid-state bass amp is the new V-6B, rated at 240 watts RMS, with 2-15" speakers. The portable B-15 has been the standard studio bass amp for over a decade. The AMPEG guitar amps are well known for their throaty raw midrange sound. The V-4 and V-2 (100 and 60 watts RMS respectively) are matched with four or eight 12" speakers. The VT-40 is a self contained model of the V-2, with four 10" speakers. By the way, all AMPEG amps are rated conservatively, which means power to spare. Other noteworthy features of the AMPEG line include shock mounting for the heads, two 8" steel ribs in the chassis for added protection, and a variable mid-range control.

ACOUSTIC CONTROL CORPORATION [7949 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406] leads the pack in the solid state line. Attractive, powerful and versatile, this brand offers features not found in other amps. The 470 series is particularly impressive. This amp doubles for guitar or bass, with a variety of speaker set-ups. It features two separate channels that can be preset, then switched by remote control for totally different sounds. Deep reverb, tremolo and a smooth distortion are operable. Perhaps the greatest asset of this model is built in Graphis Equalization, which is sure to be standard in all amps some day. The 370 bass series is still one of the biggest selling amps on the market. Even the blues boss himself, B.B. King, plays through an acoustic amp.

Almost 30 years later, FENDER [1300 E. Valencia, Fullerton, CA 92670] is still with us, under new management, but still selling tons of musical equipment. The guitar amps are the favored models, with the TWIN REVERB still king of the club-amp realm. A beefed up version, the SUPER TWIN offers Graphis Equalization and built-in distortion, not to mention a rating of. 180 WRMSH Rory Gallagher still prefers the good old 100 watt TWIN. Eric Clapton, during his brief but colorful stint with Delaney and Bonnie, utilized the DUAL SHOWMAN for its funky but clean tube sounds. The Beatles used exclusive FENDER amps onfheir last two albums together.

MARSHALL [75 Frost St., Westbury, NY 11590] amps speak for themselves; they are the rock and roll sound. Everyone from Ciream to Peter Frampton has relied on that distinctive roaring sound to fill coliseums all over the world. Besides the familiar 50 and 100 watt stacks, there are the new self contained combo models. The tube version gives 50 watts-of power, while its solid state cousin blows a cool 100 watts RMS. The solid state line hasbeen widely received with mentors like Stanley Clarke endorsing the 100 watt bass model. And, of course, with the workhorse tube stack, Jimi Hendrix was able to make the guitar scream, sing and moan to new heights of guitar orgasm.

MARLBORO SOUND WORKS [170 Eileen Way, Syosset, NY 11791], a division of MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION OF AMERICA, is quickly making the scene with a full line of amps and P.A. gear. The small portable amps are fast becoming favorites. The G20R model houses a single heavy duty 12" speaker with a bright and normal channel, reverb and tremolo. The G20B is the bass or keyboard version, minus the reverb and tremolo. The G60R sounds good with electric piano or synthesizer. It has 2-10" speakers and 30 watts RMS of power and weighs only 37 lbs.