Whether you’re using a Gibson or Epiphone Les Paul, you’ll want to get the most out of it by pairing it with a great amplifier. But which combination is the best?
In this article I’ll take you through 5 different amps which sound great with a Les Paul. There are options on this list for different budgets and requirements, so let’s get started!
Best Amps for a Les Paul
- Marshall DSL
- Orange Rockerverb
- Marshall Studio Vintage
- Fender Bassbreaker
- Boss Katana
| Specification | Marshall DSL | Orange Rockerverb | Marshall Studio Vintage | Fender Bassbreaker | Boss Katana |
| Head/ Combo | Either | Either | Either | Either | Either |
| Power | 1W, 5W, 20W, 40W, 100W | 50W, 100W | 20W | 7W, 15W, 30W, 45W | 50W, 100W |
| Channels | 2 (Split) | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 (Split) |
| EQ | Bass, Mids, Treb, Presence, Resonance | Bass, Mid, Treb | Bass, Mid, Treb, High Treb | Bass, Mid, Treb, Presence | Bass, Mid, Treb |
| Built-In Effects | Reverb | Reverb | None | Reverb | 15 |
| FX Loop | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Control | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| AUX In/Out | Aux Input | No | No | No | Yes |
| Pre-Amp Valves | ECC83 | ECC83 and ECC81 | ECC83 | ECC83 | N/A |
| Power-Amp Valves | EL34 | EL34 | EL34 | EL34 | N/A |
Marshall DSL
The Marshall DSL series is ideal for guitarists who want a versatile valve amp. With the two split channels you can get a wide variety of tones to make the most out of your LP.
It also has plenty of features including a power reduction control to make the amp usable at lower volumes as well as an FX loop which is great news if you like using modulation and delay pedals.
Key Features
- 5W, 20W and 40W Combos
- 1W, 20W and 100W Head
- 2 Channels (Both are Split)
- 4-Band EQ
- Built-In Reverb
- FX Loop
- Power Reduction Control
- Aux Input
Image links to Amazon
Why It Works Well with a Les Paul
The Marshall DSL and Les Paul are an iconic combination. You can get great clean tones with this amp but it really shines when you crank things up. With the bridge pickup you’ll get the iconic crunchy classic rock tones that a Les Paul is famous for.
Check out this YouTube video to hear the Marshall DSL and Les Paul in action.
Orange Rockerverb
The Orange Rockerverb is a high-gain amplifier by trade, but actually has some really nice clean tones as well. It’s a good one for gigging as it packs plenty of volume, but the power reduction control also makes it easier to use at home as well.
The controls are pretty simple and straightforward. You get a 3-band EQ, built-in reverb and a channel selector switch to adjust from clean to dirty tones.
Key Features
- 50W Combo
- 50W or 100W Head
- 2 Channels
- 3-Band EQ
- Built-In Reverb
- Power Reduction Control
- FX Loop
Image links to Amazon
Why It Works Well with a Les Paul
If you’re using your Les Paul for hard rock and metal then you’ll love the tones you can get with a Rockerverb. It has a pretty heavy, dark and distorted tone with plenty of depth making it perfect for metal heads.
Check out this YouTube video to hear the Orange Rockerverb and Les Paul in action.
Marshall Studio Vintage
The Marshall Studio Vintage combo and head unit are perfect if you want a plexi-style amp. It keeps things simple with a single channel, bass, mids, treble and high treble controls so you don’t have to spend long dialling in those vintage tones.
It also has a power reduction control to make the amp suitable for gigging and home-use as well as an effects loop which is ideal if you have an extensive pedalboard.
Key Features
- 20W Combo or Head
- Single Channel
- 4-Band EQ
- FX Loop
- Power Reduction Control
Image links to Amazon
Why It Works Well with a Les Paul
If you want the classic vintage rock tones out of your Les Paul then this plexi-style amp is ideal. It’s not designed for modern high gain stuff, but for blues and rock ‘n’ roll it really shines. If you have a Les Paul with PAF humbuckers or P90 pickups then this amp is highly suitable.
Check out this YouTube video to hear the Marshall Studio Vintage and Les Paul in action.
Fender Bassbreaker
The Fender Bassbreaker offers something a little more modern. It has a single channel but 3-way “structure switch” which allows you to change between clean, crunch and high gain tones so it’s a lot more versatile than you’d expect at first glance.
Key Features
- 7W, 15W, 30W and 45W Combo
- 15W and 45W Head
- Single Channel with Structure Switch
- Reverb
- 3-Band EQ and Presence
- FX Loop
Image links to Amazon
Why It Works Well with a Les Paul
If you’re looking for versatility from your Les Paul then this is a great amp to consider. You can get crystal cleans and super saturated tones from this amp without much adjustment and you can go from vintage bluesy tones to all out metal with this combo.
Check out this YouTube video to hear the Fender Bassbreaker and Les Paul in action.
Boss Katana
The Boss Katana is the only solid state amp on this list but it sounds as good as the rest in my opinion. This amp is highly praised in the guitar community and works well with all guitars because it is so verstile.
It’s packed with features including 5 channels each with two voicings, 15 built-in effects an FX loop, power reduction control, Aux In/ Out and the option to connect it to an app to get even more tones.
Key Features
- 50W and 100W Combo
- 100W Head
- 5 Channels (Split)
- 15 Built-In Effects
- Connect to app for more effects
- FX loop
- Aux In/ Out
- Power Reduction Control
Image links to Amazon
Why It Works Well with a Les Paul
If you’re on a tighter budget but still want versatility then you can’t go wrong with a Boss Katana. It’s great for gigging and at-home practice, you get tonnes of effects and extra features and it sounds great when you pair it with a Les Paul.
Check out this YouTube video to hear the Boss Katana and Les Paul in action.