Best "first" Amp?

After two years of (mostly) regular practice, I've reached the point in my gradual improvement where I am starting to get more interested in tone.

I started out with a low-end Gretsch hollow body and a mini Blackstar 'FLY3' amp - it's plenty for my practice area in the basement but not really much on offer in terms of settings, etc.

So what is a good first 'real' amp? I'm more into rock/punk/country than anything else, and in addition to the Gretsch I've since started playing a Telecaster quite a bit. I play to improve and to entertain myself, so I am not looking for something gig-worthy by any means - but I do want the ability to get more options (honk! twang!) out of the Tele than I can with the mini amp.

=K

Fender GTX100 modeling amp.  Many built in amps and effects to build your own tones (in addition to many already built tones that come preloaded and 1,000’s more available for download).  Includes a footswitch so you can turn the built in effects on and off while playing.  Allows you can get an into into pedal effects for a very reasonable price. I usually start with a downloaded tone and then tweak it to my liking and how it sounds using my particular guitars.  

I fully agree with ScubaCPA. It’s a fantastic option with a ton of flexibility. Makes finding the right tone so much easier. These modeling amps have only improved over time. 

I would recommend the fender mustang line of amps.

My different opinion:

I think at the beginning it is better using a real tube amp and some stomp boxes, in order to learn how an amp and the effects work. In addition you will have a better interaction between guitar and the amp. Without this experience you will never know what is a good or a bad simulation. 

Low budget tube amp also called monoprice 15.

This one and some pedals (distortion/overdrive, Chorus, Delay) is my recommendation.

I went from the little Orange practice amp to the Fender mustang lt25. Good reviews on YouTube. A reasonable step up. 50w and 100w is loud in a domestic set up

Boss Katana 50 MkII.

I agree that using a real tube amp and some stomp boxes can be a good way to learn how an amp and the effects work. I also agree that the interaction between guitar and the amp is important.
However, I think that using a digital modeling amp can also be beneficial for beginners, especially if they have a limited budget or space. A digital modeling amp can offer a variety of tones and effects in one device, which can save bloxd io money and hassle. It can also be easier to use and more versatile than a tube amp, as it can be connected to a computer or a smartphone for recording or editing.

I mean I reply PeX127

An option not mentioned but something I now use exclusively for practice is Amplitube 5. This is a low cost pc app that is pretty unbelievable in what it offers. If you want to explore tone, even the cheapest version will give more amp/pedals/cabinet options than most people will explore.

In addition to William MG's suggestion, a good rig to build from this would be...

• You need a computer, a decent mid-range laptop is plenty


• You need an interface, a good affordable starter is the Focusrite 2i2


• Some nice speakers/monitors


• You need to get a guitar amp plugin..
  Amplitube5 - Free version, plus you can expand by buying addons
  Search for "free guitar plugins", some are really good
  And you can change this up years into the future, e.g. I'm looking to get the Milkman Creamer plugin which has amazing sounding cleans


• Get a DAW
  Reaper is popular AND cheap
  But there are many to choose from

Now you have a rig where you can...

• Practice many tones and keep a tight control on output volumes
  You can even hook up to headphones


• Record yourself playing and then playback to properly hear yourself


• Load backing tracks into the DAW
  Change playback speed
  Change playback key
  Loop section of backing track
  Record yourself playing against the backing track


• Create your own songs, add MIDI drums, MIDI bass, etc. depending on DAW capabilities

Sure you can't PERFORM to an audience with this setup.
But if I were to start again from scratch I would never buy an amp.
I would put that amp money into gear to be able to record myself.

So you should ask yourself "will I perform to people in the near future"?
Or will you focus on practicing/learning for quite a while?
If you don't see yourself performing in the near future then maybe you should consider more of a studio setup?

YMMV.  Best of luck

Blackstar ID core, in 10w,20w or 40w are all excellent beginner / practice amps which give you a bit more than the basic clean / crunch if that's what you're looking for.   the insider software allows you to interface the amp with your computer and play backing tracks at different speeds until you're comfortable playing up to tempo.  there's also sound editing capabilities within the software and a tuner. as a bedroom amp, the 10w is perfect, loud enough and gives you great tones.  (3.5mm socket lets you plug in your headphones so you don't annoy the rest of the house too much)
https://musicstreet.co.uk/products/blackstar-id-core-10w-v3-stereo-digital-combo