Five Tips for Downsizing Your Guitar Rig

If you’ve been a musician for some time, it’s likely that you’ve had to downsize your guitar or bass rig for one reason or another. It could be that your band’s tour van was tight on space, or you decided to start using public transportation to get to the gig, or you simply didn’t want to lift a heavy amp anymore. Whatever the reason, switching from a big rig to a smaller one isn’t always easy. While some musicians may revel in their quicker, easier load-ins and saving on chiropractic bills, others may find themselves reluctant to ditch their big rigs. And it’s completely understandable - if you’re going from a head and cabinet setup to a practice amp, for instance, you will notice a difference in sound, just by virtue of having less speakers behind you onstage. But with proper planning, downsizing your rig just may end up working out for the better.

Here are some tips to help get the most out of downsizing:

1. Stick with a brand that you like. Musicians spend so much time trying find that one amp that makes their tone come to life. If you’ve found the perfect amp, but you can’t take it on the subway or plane, try another offering by the same manufacturer. Micro amps are extremely popular these days among many manufacturers, and these micro amps may even use similar design topology as the amp you have. Do your research and read up on specs- it’s likely you’ll find that the essence of the full-size amp you love lives on in a smaller package.
2. Explore Pedal Amplifiers. The advent of pedal amplifiers has put many lightweight, affordable amplifier options on the market. The MACH100 100W (50W/50W) Stereo Pedal Amplifier by Carvin Audio is designed for the modern guitarist who wants a compact high output amplifier that fits right on the pedal board. 
3. Go ampless. For some players, the idea of playing a show without a traditional amplifier is daunting. However, if you are ok with getting most of your tone from your pedals and guitars, it is possible to run straight to the PA using the proper tools. While nothing quite compares to a mic’ed up tube amp, certain pedals and preamps can get very close, fooling all but the most discerning listeners in the audience. If you take public transportation, or simply don’t want to carry a full-sized tube amp to the gig anymore, it’s worthwhile to explore your options.

Carvin Audio’s X1 gives you the real tube tone of the famed X100B in a package that fits in your gig bag. It gives you the option to go direct to the mixing board or to the power amp of your choice. Pair it with the MACH100 Pedal Amplifier for a lightweight amp solution.

4. Neodymium is your friend. Neodymium is a rare earth element that is commonly used in speaker magnets. Compared to your average alnico or ceramic magnet, neodymium sees a twenty to fifty percent reduction in weight, which can really add up if you’re using a cab with numerous speakers. While neodymium-equipped amplifiers are indeed more expensive, mostly due to the scarcity of neodymium, they are well worth the investment and will make a noticeable difference when you’re loading your rig out of the venue at 3am.
5. If you don’t need the extra volume, bring a smaller amp. We have discussed earlier how reducing your stage volume may actually help you sound better. If you are primarily playing smaller venues with PA support, or are in a smaller band that isn’t that loud, try bringing along a portable combo amp. The soundman can mic it up to get the appropriate volume, and will probably appreciate the fact that he won’t have to deal with your monster rig shaking the stage. Sure, it won’t feel as good as using a big rig, but that doesn’t mean it won’t sound as good, or even better!

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