Does Nita Strauss Use a Guitar Amp?
Currently, no.
While Nita Strauss has used several Marshall and Blackstar tube amps over the years, her current setup consists of a Boss GT-1000 and a Kemper Profiler. For live shows and recent recordings, she does not use any additional amplification.
While Nita Strauss has used larger tube amps in the past, she has been a consistent fan of the Boss GT-1000 multi-effects pedals, all the way back to the Boss GT-10. Currently, this multi-effects pedal makes up the bulk of her live rig, particularly on smaller tours that she does for her solo material.
She also uses the GT-1000 for playing in larger venues like WrestleMania and when she's playing the national anthem at sporting events.
It's literally just the GT-1000 and an XLR cable.
In the studio she uses a Kemper Profiler for both effects and amp models.
Here's the Premier Guitar video where Strauss walks through some of her reasoning for this approach:
What amps has Nita Strauss used in the past?
At the beginning of her career and into the 2010s, Strauss used primarily Blackstar and Marshall tube amps:
- Blackstar Series One
- Marshall JVM410H
Equipboard has the rest of Nita’s gear from those earlier years.
Read more: Nita Strauss Equipboard page
Going into 2020, Nita Strauss used a Boss GT-1000 for her effects and amp models. Flickr Commons image courtesy of Gonzata
Can the GT-1000 replace my amps?
The Boss GT-1000 is not just a multi-effects pedal, but an amp modeler capable of producing the signal you get from an amplifier's speaker or direct out.
It's important to note that even with amp modelers, you still need the right kind of outputs to avoid an external amplifier.
The GT-1000 has two outputs that allow you to skip the amp entirely:
- Left and right XLR (sub outputs)
- Left and right balanced main outs
The main outs can take you from the pedal straight into a mixing console. So yes, the GT-1000 can completely replace your amplifier.
What other multi-effects pedals can replace my amps?
Larger multi-effects pedals usually have these outputs, and many of the modern and popular units have a ton of amp modeling built in. So a lot of them can replace your amplifier.
Here are a few notable options:
- Line 6 Helix
- Line 6 HX Stomp
- Kemper Profiler
- Neural DSP Quad Cortex
You'll need to make sure the pedal was designed to model amps and has the proper outputs. If it does, your physical amp will become optional.
What are the advantages of going without an amp?
Nita talks about enjoying the minimalist approach to her rig with a small pedalboard and consolidation. On the more obvious end, it's a lot easier to transport which is worth considering if you move around a lot.
But it's also a lot more flexible, because you have access to a lot of different amp sounds, as opposed to just one.
But all of that is a matter of preference.
Nita has come to prefer the simpler setup. If you agree, these new age multi-effects pedals will get it done for you.
Conclusion
These days it's not only possible to go without an amplifier for your electric guitar rig, but it can also be a better setup for you depending on where and how you play. It's not for everyone, but you're seeing more pros adopt this type of rig while forgoing the larger setups.
Personally, I like having access to both.
It's nice to have a JCM 800 or Rectifier when you want it, but it's also nice to just have everything in an HX Stomp.
What's your preference?
Let us know in the comments section.
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