Smokey Mini Amp: Product Review

Musical equipment is quite expensive, and when people invest in a huge half-stack or even a big amp, they don't like to haul it around every place they go. After all, there's the risk of the amp getting damaged, not to mention, it's a huge pain in the butt. For the guitarist that wants to play pretty much everywhere they take their guitar, there's an option: a mini amp that fits in your hand. The Smokey Mini Amp is one of a few such amps on the market, and at the low price of $24.95, it's a common choice. But is it worth that price?

Product Ratings for the Smokey Mini Amp:
Features: 3/5
Sound: 3/5
Price: 4/5
Overall: 3.5/5

Main Product Features

I personally own a large, 50watt Vox amp and am naturally hesitant to take it out of the house-especially if it's only to practice at a friend's house. By the same token, I'm hesitant to buy a decent 10 or 15watt practice amp, so I was naturally intrigued by the Smokey Mini Amp and its relatively low price. I did not have high expectations of it, but I wanted to give it a fair chance.

To start off with, the Smokey Mini Amp is a very simple handheld amplifier that has an output of only 2watts, maximum. The Smokey Mini Amp I purchased is black, but they also come in clear and blue colors. The casing for the amp is plastic, and unfortunately, isn't the most durable. If you drop it, or step on it relatively hard, it will probably crack. That's a big complaint that many who have used the Mini Amp have, and it's one I certainly share.

However, what is impressive to me about the Smokey is that it gives a pretty decent grunge sound. Indeed, the amp tries to duplicate the classic Tube amp sound, and it does a pretty good job of it. However, when I cranked the amp up to the max of 2watts, I did notice a little too much fuzz for my liking. For those that are looking for good, natural distortion, the Smokey isn't that bad.

Another thing I like about the Smokey Mini Amp is its small size. I easily can fit this into any of my gig bags, and it also fits pretty well into my pockets. Some competing mini amps are much bigger than this, so those who are looking for a small mini amp will like the Smokey.

I also found that I could use the Smokey in combination with headphones. Because I sometimes get the inspiration to play my electric guitar late at night, I don't like to make a lot of noise with it, especially with neighbors and family so close-by. The Smokey Mini Amp allows headphones with their own volume control to be plugged in, so you can practice almost silently and still hear everything.

Price: $24.95 at Musician's Friend

Overall:

Very few Mini Amps in this small price range are without their faults, and the Smokey Mini Amp is no exception. While this amp can give some a great tone, others, who expect a clean tone, will be let down. The Smokey also can be easily broken, especially if your gear traditionally takes a lot of abuse. Overall, though, this is a fine mini practice amp and well worth getting for the price.