Harley Benton’s got a couple of ridiculously affordable options out for budget-conscious bass and guitar players: the new JAMster series amps, each coming in at just $42. These aren’t just your run-of-the-mill tiny amps – they’ve packed in Bluetooth connectivity, Clean and Overdrive channels, and 5” speakers pushing out a surprising 10 watts of power.
Designed for desktop or small-space setups, these amps feature a lightweight, compact plastic build and can run on a standard 9V adapter or AA batteries, so you can jam pretty much anywhere – whether it’s at home, the office, a coffee shop, or even out in the woods. Battery-powered, you’re looking at about four and a half hours of playtime on a full set, giving you enough time for a serious session.
On the control side, things are simple: Volume, Tone, Gain, and a button for Bluetooth are all easily accessible up top. You’ve also got a 3.5mm headphone jack (great if you don’t want to disturb the neighbors) and an input jack, of course, to plug in. For anyone who needs it, there’s a second 3.5mm output for linking to other speakers.
Sure, you’re not getting a three-band EQ or a top-of-the-line speaker at this price point, but for $42, that’s not the priority here. Harley Benton has made a name for itself by consistently delivering budget gear that actually performs.
If you’re wondering about quality, these amps might not wow in terms of materials – they’re housed in plastic and definitely aren’t packing a Celestion – but they still get the job done for casual jamming and portable play. And if you know Harley Benton, you know they’ve been putting out low-cost versions of classic models, with everything from LP and Strat-style guitars to T-style bodies and Fender-style basses, plus pedals, amp modelers, and other solid budget gear.
The JAMster Guitar and Bass amps are live on Harley Benton’s site now for $42.75 each, and they’ve even opened a Reverb store to make it easier for U.S. players to get their hands on them. Harley Benton’s goal has been simple: affordable instruments that don’t compromise on the essentials. And with this new release, they’re sticking to it.
