It is very common when reviewing auction pages for guitar or PA amps to see the incorrect wattage rating for the amp being listed. When you look at an amp and wonder how much "power" this thing has, your question really is "what's the rated output" of this amp. The mistake I see many sellers do is use the wattage number listed on the reverse of most amps that is listed to show the wattage consumption - how much juice it takes to crank this thing. The consumption wattage will always be higher than the output (unless you have high tech transformer installed-I doubt it seriously, they're hanging on the pole outside by the street). The bigger/more powerful an amp is, the more valuable it is in most cases. Unknowing sellers use the biggest number they can find to get the most for their merchandise. They are honest in saying it is XXX wattage - it's written right on the amplifier, most of the time right by the power cord - you better know what wattage they are talking about.  Even when I've had a question about a certain guitar amp and have nicely included the fact that this a 50 watt amp, not 200 as they are advertising, most shun me or don't answer the email at all.

Where is safe refuge - who can you trust? My advice is to download the amplifier manual from the manufacturer's web site. Look at the rated RMS power, you'll see it listed at various ohms, mostly 2, 4, or 8. The rated power will depend on the load you're placing on the amplifier. Most single unit, self contained guitar amps will have the existing load identified and it's simple to understand.

My point is - be sure of what you're buying - the big difference in sound quality due to lower wattage will become a big disappointment. Any amp can be loud - the quality of the sound is richer with the higher wattage.

Who am I? I've actually had people pay me to play guitar since 1983. My wife and I are into country and we have an 18 year old who plays heavy rock and light metal, proving that there is not such a thing as too much soundproofing. We had our own band for many years and have played for others as well. We've opened for various artists, including Neil McCoy and Daryl Singletary. I've retired from the gigging and now enjoy a little gospel group that travels around three churches in our Yoke parish. I'm currently looking for one more smaller bass amp so I can quit lugging around the big stuff - just leave one in each church.

I've enjoyed my time on the "soap box" and hope this is helpful in you getting what you really want.