I've always loved the look of classic guitar amps, from the signature criss-cross speaker grilles of Vox through the classic Marshall stack to the old Fenders which look like your grandmother's radio. And now Yamaha's new THR range adds high-tech to arguably one of the best looking case-designs around.

There are two amps, the THR5 and the THR10, and both are tiny, resembling the head unit of a stack more than a full combo. And it is designed with smaller use in mind: Yamaha says that its an amp for use off stage, where you need less noise and more, well, more cool toys.

Both amps are stereo, and use circuitry to model tubes for a big, warm sound. But there are fancy gimmicks in there too, including VCM effects, five different amp types, various pedal effects, a tuner and even (on the THR10) buttons to save up to five custom settings.

You can hook it up to a phones or computer via USB or a jack, and the amp comes with Cubase AI and Yamaha's own THR Editor, which lets you dig inside the machine via computer and really custimize the sound.

Finally, you can run off batteries (AAs) or mains power.

The only thing we don't yet know is the price, but I imagine that people will be willing to pay a decent chink of cash, considering the features and Yamaha's reputation. Both the THR amps will be available in January 2012.

THR amp product page [Yamaha via Uncrate]