Do you have an electric guitar? If yes, then we know how badly you want to jam at home, but the sound of your amp does not allow you to. So, what will you do in such conditions? Will you stop playing guitar? Certainly not. Well, a speaker-based amp can help you resolve this issue. But is it even possible to make an amp out of a speaker? If yes, then how to make a guitar amp from a speaker?
To make an amp from a speaker, you need basic electronic knowledge, a guitar input jack, some wires, and an old speaker. Connect the jack to the speaker, replace the batteries of the speaker depending on the guitar and reassemble the speaker and you will have an amazing amp to practice guitar.
However, if you want to know more about making an amp from a speaker, follow the article below.
Contents
Can A Speaker Be Used As A Guitar Amp?
Certainly, it is possible to make an amp from a speaker. We know it might sound odd, but a speaker and amp work on the same principles. Both of these instruments convert electrical energy into sound energy and help you enjoy the amazing sound.
So, if you have no amp and you need to play electric guitar, a speaker will help you out. You only need to install a 1/4 guitar input jack to the speaker with slight changes, and the speaker will be ready to work like an amp. So, what are you waiting for? Follow this article to the end and know the entire process of converting a speaker into an amp.
Tools Needed To Convert A Speaker Into An Amp
Well, you do not really need a lot of tools to make an amp from a speaker, but the ones you need are so important that you cannot miss even a single one. Therefore, below we are listing some of the most important tools for making an amp from a speaker.
- A well-working speaker
- A Screwdriver
- Soldering Iron
- A Pliers
- Some Super Glue
- Some Wires
- 6.35mm 1/4″ size mono jack connector
- A 3.5mm Stereo Jack Female Socket connector
Ways To Transform A Speaker Into A Guitar Amp
We know that we have informed you about converting a speaker into an amp. However, if you want to know the details of it, start scrolling. Below, we will be giving a detailed view of converting a speaker into an amp.
1- Get A Speaker And Take It Apart
This is sure that you would require a speaker to convert it into an amp. So, get a speaker, and if you trust us, then get an old one. You will be doing a lot of things with it, so why ruin a new speaker? So, get an old speaker and start unscrewing it.
Remember that you need to be careful while unscrewing as you cannot lose any screws. Therefore, do it with ultimate care and avoid any issues.
2-Check The Circuit Of The Speaker
Once you have opened the speaker, it’s time to check the circuit of the speaker. In most cases, when you are using an old speaker, there are possibilities of having issues with its circuit. So, without going any further, we suggest you check the circuit of the speaker, and if everything is fine, you’re good to go.
But, if there are issues with the circuit, see if you can fix them or not. If yes, then first resolve all its issues and then move forward. And, if repairing the circuit is out of your range, then either change the speaker or get a new similar circuit board if available.
3- Install Batteries
Once you are done checking the circuit board, it’s time to install new batteries to your speakers. Most of the small speakers come with two battery sockets, and if you want to use the speaker as an amp, two batteries won’t be enough.
So, replace the battery panel with a four-battery holding panel and connect it to the circuit of your speaker. Remember that you will have to check the positive and negative sides while connecting. If done otherwise, things can be easy.
4- Install A 3.5mm Stereo, Jack
Most people miss it out, but you need to install a 3.5mm stereo jack while making an amp from a speaker. You will not always use the machine as an amp, and there will be times when you just need to play songs from your mobile or iPod. So, for this, install a female stereo jack so that you can connect any mobile to it with ease.
5- Install 6.35mm 1/4, Mono Jack
Here comes the most important part of making an amp from a speaker. In this step, you will have to connect a 6.35mm 1/4 guitar mono jack. This is the jack that will help you convert your speaker into an amp. The jack will allow you to connect your guitar to the amp and play it with ease. So, do it carefully, and you are good to go.
6- Check The Sound Of the Speaker And Close Everything Up
One of the major mistakes that most of us make is closing up the amp before even checking the sound. So, if you want to avoid issues, we suggest you check the sound before reassembling the speaker. If the sound is good, you are good to go.
But, if there are any issues, resolve them first and then close the amp. Also, while reassembling the amp, make sure to apply super glue on the borders of the speaker case. This will help you keep the machine intact for years and avoid any sound leaks.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have A Guitar Amp?
You must be thinking that it is impossible to play an electric guitar if you have no amp available. Well, things are not as they look. There are a lot of ways to play an electric guitar, even if you have no amp available.
First, you can use headphones and speakers and connect them to your iPad or MacBook to play electric guitar with ease.
Secondly, you can use a multi-effect pedal, it will help you play guitar with ease.
Lastly, if none of the options are available, then get a speaker and convert it into an amp while using the above-listed methods.
Are Guitar Amps Necessary?
It depends on how you wanna play your guitar. By the way, if you speak in general, then guitar amps are necessary for sure. But, if you do not have one, this does not mean that you will not be able to play an electric guitar. There’re a lot of ways that you can play your electric guitar.
However, the reason why we use an amp is that it offers amazing sound quality, the connectivity to the guitar is easy, and the best part is that they have a lot of options to adjust your guitar tonality.
How Can I Play An Electric Guitar Without An Amp?
If you are playing in a room, then no matter if you have an amp or not, you can play an electric guitar. Most of us think that electric guitars are mute without an amp. This is not how things are. Electric guitars sound good even without an amp. Though the sound is not too much, there is sound for sure.
However, if you are on stage and thinking of playing without an amp, things are going to be hard for you. Without an amp, playing guitar on stage will be a hard nut to crack.
For this, you either need to have a multi-effect pedal, a speaker with iPad connectivity, and a headphone. Other than it, there is no way you will survive without an amp on stage or even during jamming sessions.
Should I Build My Own Amp?
If you know how to make one, then why not. It is always recommended to build personal stuff for your guitar. So, if you know how to make an amazing amp that lasts long and can produce quality sound, you are good to make one.
But, this is not an easy thing to do. So, you must stay alert while making your own amp. You will require a lot of stuff and expertise to conclude this process perfectly. Therefore, only do it if you know how to do it with perfection. Other than that, we suggest you get the amp from any guitar shop.
Conclusion
To end, we are good to say that at this stage, you know perfectly how to make a guitar amp from a speaker. In the article, we’ve tried our best to elaborate on the perfect and easiest ways of making an amp using a normal bookshelf or PC speaker.
The process is easy and can be done with little knowledge and effort. Along with it, we have offered you answers to some of the most asked questions about an electric guitar and the use of an amp. However, if you have any additional information, let us know. We’ll be there to help you out.
Now this is good content. You can tell that plenty of thought when into this post. Nice work.