Get started with amp modeling #1

[SuperSwede]

Are you interested in amp modeling, but not sure on how to get started? Perhaps you are not ready to flash the credit card for a full-blown hardware modeler? Got a reasonably new computer?

If all above apply to you, then you should check out Native Instruments "Guitar Combos"!

From the NI Guitar Combos website:

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"GUITAR COMBOS perfectly recreate three classic combos, using the same critically acclaimed technology that has already won GUITAR RIG 16 industry awards. The package includes AC BOX COMBO, PLEXI COMBO and TWANG COMBO. The lovingly emulated tube combos have an absolutely authentic, warm and dynamic sound, producing the purest of tones. Their flexible nature allows them to be used both as stand-alone applications and as plug-ins. The 100 professional presets included in the package only hint at the wide musical spectrum covered by these classic amps and at the potential they offer."
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Native Instruments is no longer offering Guitar Combos as a separate purchase (they obviously would like to sell you the more expensive Guitar Rig application) but you can still purchase it from Zzounds for 59 Usd.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--NINGTRCOMBOS

I think that Guitar Combos sounds great, and it will give you a good "starters pack" with 3 great amp models (Marshall Plexi, Vox AC30TB and Fender Twin Reverb). There is a free demo download available at the Guitar Combos website, and you can find more information on Guitar Combos there as well.
http://www.native-instruments.com:80/index.php?id=guitarcombos_us

 

[Janarm]

I've tried Guitar Rig II. It sounds great but it requires a powerful computer with a great sound card.It's good for recording,can get very similar sound as your Idol has.
Here can find more information about Guitar Rig II:
http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=guitarrig2_us
Exist also without foot controller GRII:
http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=guitarrig2swe_us

 

[Hogfullofblues]

I downloaded good old free Amplitube Uno, which ended up being a good test of my system and sound card (which failed miserably, I might add). Not sure if it is still available if anyone else wants to try it out, but I did find this link.

http://www.guitarhoo.com/freestuff/index.shtml

Currently, it looks like Amplitube is offering a free 10 day demo, downloadable at their site which might also serve as a test.

http://www.amplitube.com/Main.html?ATDownload

At least this saved me the grief of purchasing something totally software based that my system could not handle.

 

[SuperSwede]

I have tried the new Amplitube 2, but I have to say that its really not up to par with the guitar rig. The amp models are not quite as good, and the user interface leaves much to be desired.

I played a little with the Guitar Combos last week, and that Vox is so tasty!

 

[Janarm]

Revalver it's also great amp simulation.Can get very many different sounds and there's also many of well known amps.
Revalver:http://www.alienconnections.com/products_revalver.htm

Looks like it's new ReValver Mk II out.It's surely better than previous version.
ReValver Mk II:http://www.alienconnections.com/products_revalverii.htm