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best acoustic guitar amps

Best acoustic guitar amps

cases, the signal will be sent into a D.I. box and then out to the house sound or recording system. While this method is simple and tried-and-true, you might want to explore the different sounds that acoustic guitar amps provide.

With an acoustic guitar amp, you can expand your sound by adding effects and microphone modeling, as well as being able to amplify your direct signal, a microphone, or even vocals. Whether you’re busking on the street, doing a set at the coffeeshop around the corner, or wanting to get adventurous in the studio here are some of the best acoustic guitar amps available today.

How are Acoustic Amps Different Than Electric Guitar Amps?

Unlike electric guitar amps, acoustic amps are designed to fully replicate the sound of the guitar. This means they provide a clean, transparent platform for you to build on and generally don’t introduce any extra “mojo”. While it’s entirely possible to get a great electric sound by using a nice amp with a guitar made from a countertop, acoustic guitar amps respond very differently in their relationship with the guitar.

Feedback is the worst enemy of an acoustic guitarist, and if you add in an amplifier, things can get out of control quickly. Luckily, many acoustic amps come with ways to combat feedback. These include phase, filtering, or altogether noise reduction. These features go a long in keeping things under control but remember proper sound techniques are still critical.

Why Use an Acoustic Guitar Amp?

So, what’s the advantage to using an acoustic amp? For starters, it puts control of the sound more in the hands of the player. They are great for smaller gigs where there might be an underpowered sound system – if there is one at all. And if there’s not, you can run a vocal into the amp.

They’ a’re also very convenient and portable for smaller gigs. Beyond that, they really do provide a sound all their own – which you may or may not like.

Effects on Deck 

Pedals are becoming increasingly popular in the acoustic world, and many acoustic amps now come with onboard effects – or at the very least reverb. These let you expand your tonal options without having to lug around additional gear.

Best acoustic guitar amp overall: Mesa Boogie Rosette One:Ten

mesa boogie rosette one ten acoustic amp
Best acoustic guitar amp overall
Mesa Boogie Rosette One:Ten
A 300W monster with two channels and a versatile EQ section and multiple output options.
Pros
300 watts pumps out of a 10″ speaker
Tone section has a lot of tweability
Three DI outputs
Onboard reverb and FX loop
Cons
Might be too loud
Fairly expensive

Like most Mesa Boogie amp, this is an absolute monster. It packs 300W into a combo amp with a single 10” speaker. It has two channels, so you can also run vocals through it. The midrange portion of the EQ section is semi-parametric and each channel has additional high-pass filtering.

It also has onboard reverb and FX loops with control over the send level. The three D.I. outputs open up all kinds of routing and recording options. All of this comes in a package that weighs less than 30lbs.

Runner-up best acoustic guitar amp: Fender Acoustic 100

fender acoustic 100 amplifier
Runner-up acoustic guitar amp
Fender Acoustic 100
An affordable 100W acoustic amp that has a retro look and inputs for guitars and microphones.
Pros
Cool vintage look
Combination XLR/TS inputs
Onboard FX and tuner
Cons
8″ speaker might not have enough bass response for some


This isn’t the priciest or sexiest option, but Fender’s Acoustic 100 is sleek and simple. Dual combination inputs accept guitar or microphone cables. There are a ton of great effects included reverbs, delays, and modulation. And a built-in tuner adds convenience.

It’s not small, but the vintage aesthetic is very cool, and at 100W, the single 8” speaker might not produce as much low end as a larger options, but it can fill even the most cavernous concert halls.

Best mid-priced acoustic guitar amp: BOSS Acoustic Singer Live LT

boss acoustic singer live lt amp
Best mid-priced acoustic guitar amp
BOSS Acoustic Singer Live LT
A versatile, 60W option with two channels that have individual EQ, reverb, and FX.
Pros
Two channels with individual EQ and FX
Direct and USB outputs
Tiltable cabinet
Cons


Each channel of this convenient solution has an individual 3-band EQ, reverb, and rotary selection of effects like chorus, echo, and delay. The cabinet can tilt back for increased projection, and it has direct and USB outputs.

BOSS has figured out how to pack 60W of power into an extremely useful and portable design. If you are in need of an all-in-one gigging solution the Acoustic Singer Live LT should be on your radar.

Best mp/P.A. acoustic guitar amp: Marshall AS50D

marshall as50d acoustic amp
Best mp/P.A. acoustic guitar amp
Marshall AS50D
A great option for the gigging guitarist that can run guitar and vocals. Phantom power lets you use a condenser microphone and onboard FX polish your sound.
Pros
Easily portable
Can run guitar and vocals through it
Phantom power
Onboard FX
Cons
Volume limitations in a full band context
Buy From


This hybrid from Marshall has two channels – one for guitar and one for vocals. Each has independent EQ, chorus, and reverb. The mic channel has phantom power, so you can run condenser microphones into it.

The onboard FX loop and a DI and line outputs make it useful for all types of gigs. RCA inputs let you even run playback through it. For the gigging guitarist this 50W acoustic amp with dual 8″ speakers is a great pairing for smaller shows.

Best acoustic guitar amp for playing live: Acoustic A1000

acoustic a1000
Best acoustic guitar amp for playing live
Acoustic a1000
A two channel, two speaker, 100W powerhouse with onboard effects perfect for getting loud with a band.
Pros
100W amp perfect for stage use
Both channels can take line or mic level
Individual FX and EQ for each channel
Cons
Too loud for some contexts
7


Sometimes you want to take your acoustic sound to the stage and be able to hang in a dense, full band mix without going direct. Acoustic’s A1000 is the perfect choice.

100W of solid-state power pumps through two 8″ coaxial speakers. Dual combination inputs allows you to use either for line or microphone instruments meaning you can use it for guitars, vocals, even keyboards (watch that low end though!).

Each channel has 3-band EQ with sweepable mids and digital FX. Polish your sounds with delay, chorus, reverb, or flange. And with 20 preset and user patches you have instant recall so you won’t have to dial your sounds in every time.

Best acoustic guitar amp for recording: Yamaha THR5A

yamaha thr5a acoustic amp
Best acoustic guitar amp for recording
Yamaha THR5A
A modeling acoustic guitar amp with multiple microphone emulations and FX that provides novel tones.
Pros
Acoustic modeling is a unique approach
Condenser and dynamic microphone emulations
Cons
Needs an additional cabinet for live use unless going direct
Some FX only accessible through the software


Acoustic modeling isn’t very common when it comes to acoustic amps, which makes this entry from Yamaha all the more unique. It provides a clean modeling amp platform and includes a host of condenser and dynamic mic simulations. Also included is a host of effects and a tuner.

It’s compact, easy to dial in, and can really push the envelope when it comes to creating new acoustic sounds. It comes with its own editing software, but unfortunately some of the effects are only accessible through it.

Best acoustic guitar amp for $100: Fender Acoustasonic 15

fender acoustasonic 15 acoustic amp
Best acoustic guitar amp for $100
Fender Acoustasonic 15
A small, 15W option with two channels, chorus and a 3-band EQ that’s perfect for small gigs and practicing.
Pros
Great for small gigs and practicing
Two channels
3-band EQ and chorus
Cons
Too under-powered for a band mix


If you are looking for a versatile option that costs next to nothing, this 15W entry from Fender’s Acoustasonic line is a solid choice. It comes with two channels, chorus, headphone out, and 3-band EQ.

If you’re looking to hang in a full band mix it’s probably too under-powered unless you’re micing it. But where it shines is for small gigs, recording sessions, or just practicing at home.

FAQ

Are acoustic guitar amps worth it?

Yes. They generally offer additional features like on-board effects and have a preamp that’s designed to work with acoustic/electric pickups. If you prefer to have your sound coming from an amp on stage instead of going direct and hearing it through monitors they are a great addition to your acoustic guitar setup.

Do you need a special amp for acoustic guitars?

Technically – no. But acoustic guitar amp circuitry is tailor-made to handle the electronic differences between acoustic and electric guitars. They are made to respond to piezo pickups as well as magnetic soundhole pickups

What size amp do I need for an acoustic guitar?

There is no size requirement. But the same concept applies as it does to electric guitar amps. Higher wattage and larger speakers produce more sound. Consider your needs when shopping around and that will help you narrow down your options.

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