This mic is listed as being good for micing instruments and vocals. This is rather vague and may leave the impression that this microphone is a good all-arounder. While the SM57 performs reasonably on most applications, it's strongest suits are micing toms, snares, and other percussion instruments such as congas and bongos, as well as the beater side of a kick drum. Above and beyond even this is the SM57's performance when micing electric guitar amps. I've worked in many studios with many top price microphones and while the SM57 isn't always ultimately used for close- micing guitar amps, it is always tried out and often is found to give a more flattering representation of the original sound.