Main Forums => Recording, Pickups, Live Sound, etc. => Topic started by: HangFire on August 27, 2005, 05:02:27 PM

Title: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: HangFire on August 27, 2005, 05:02:27 PM
Looking for a good acoustic guitar amp that can deliver the goods in small to mid size room with line-out for P.A. (Maybe 50-100watts)

Any input greatly appreciated!
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: 63falcon on August 27, 2005, 06:15:44 PM
SWR Strawberry Blonde. 
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: HangFire on August 27, 2005, 08:50:12 PM
Quote from: 63falcon on August 27, 2005, 06:15:44 PM
SWR Strawberry Blonde. 

Do you like the Strawberry Blonde over the California Blonde?
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: 63falcon on August 28, 2005, 07:29:37 AM
Strangely enough, yes.  I have the Strawberry, and my church has a California Blonde.  Side by side my Strawberry smokes the California.  I am not a scientist (but I did sleep at a Holiday Express last night) but my theory is that it is the physics of the smaller box.  I am not alking about subtle differences; I mean the strawberry blonder just BLOWS away the California Blonde.  It sounds so much tighter and crisper and fuller.  Very strange, indeed.  After we play, I have people always coming up wanting to know what amp I am using.

Steve
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: HangFire on August 28, 2005, 11:29:43 AM
Guess I'll have to visit my local GC :SHK> and take them both for a test drive!
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: sdelsolray on August 28, 2005, 12:46:42 PM
Quote from: HangFire on August 27, 2005, 05:02:27 PM
Looking for a good acoustic guitar amp that can deliver the goods in small to mid size room with line-out for P.A. (Maybe 50-100watts)

Any input greatly appreciated!

Budget/good sound - Ultrasound DS3
Mid-priced/excellent sound - AER (many models)
High priced/stunning sound - Pendulum/Hafler/Daedalus C-81 component system
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: guitaradoptions on August 28, 2005, 02:01:05 PM
Don't leave out Schertler!
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: lestrouble on September 09, 2005, 10:20:54 PM
I got Trace not bad tho but have you heard AER better check it out before you burn a hole in your pocket.
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: HangFire on September 10, 2005, 03:40:33 AM
Quote from: lestrouble on September 09, 2005, 10:20:54 PM
I got Trace not bad tho but have you heard AER better check it out before you burn a hole in your pocket.

Yeah, those look pretty nice but I'm not sure if there is anywhere I can test drive one that's close by. :huh:
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: dberch on September 10, 2005, 01:32:56 PM
Hangfire, do yourself a favor and try an AER Compact 60.  Expensive but well worth it.  It is an awesome little amp. By all means compare it with others, but I think you'll like it.  18 pounds, less than a cubic foot, and the sound is amazing.   

David
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: HangFire on September 10, 2005, 05:00:41 PM
Quote from: dberch on September 10, 2005, 01:32:56 PM
Hangfire, do yourself a favor and try an AER Compact 60.  Expensive but well worth it.  It is an awesome little amp. By all means compare it with others, but I think you'll like it.  18 pounds, less than a cubic foot, and the sound is amazing.   

David

Thanks David, I'll see if I can locate one;-)
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: lestrouble on September 11, 2005, 05:39:03 AM
HMMM AER is in my want list.
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: guitaradoptions on September 15, 2005, 07:22:00 PM
Ultrasound
Schertler
AER

Demo all 3 if you can, then decide!
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: jambrose on September 15, 2005, 08:19:50 PM
I gotta tout the Fender Blues Jr. tube amp. I don't know if it really fits your desire for an "acoustic" amp, but with playing it clean, it's great, clear. I use it every week at church with my D-03, and miked into the PA.
When no one's looking, I turn up the master, just a little bit more......
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: HangFire on September 24, 2005, 11:25:27 AM
Quote from: guitaradoptions on September 15, 2005, 07:22:00 PM
Ultrasound
Schertler
AER

Demo all 3 if you can, then decide!

Words of wisdom... -_-
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: guitarforlife on October 02, 2005, 08:06:20 AM
does anyone have or used the ultrasound pro 100? i've heard very good things about features etc. compared to other amps. its hard narrowing choice down. i have no experience whatsoever with amps.
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: HangFire on October 09, 2005, 11:24:14 AM
Quote from: guitarforlife on October 02, 2005, 08:06:20 AM
does anyone have or used the ultrasound pro 100? i've heard very good things about features etc. compared to other amps. its hard narrowing choice down. i have no experience whatsoever with amps.

I've been reading a lot of amp reviews at Harmony Central, check 'em out here:

http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data/#man

:ph34r:
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: Randy_R on October 09, 2005, 01:50:01 PM
Quote from: HangFire on October 09, 2005, 11:24:14 AM
I've been reading a lot of amp reviews at Harmony Central, check 'em out here:

http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data/#man

:ph34r:

I just played thru a new Ultrasound compact 100 that is smaller than the 50watt model. It had great sound in a very compact package.
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: lestrouble on October 28, 2005, 04:03:47 AM
someone wants to sell me the AER compact 60 for .........500USD less then three months old ....not sure worth it all?
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: HangFire on October 28, 2005, 10:37:47 AM
Quote from: lestrouble on October 28, 2005, 04:03:47 AM
someone wants to sell me the AER compact 60 for .........500USD less then three months old ....not sure worth it all?

Very much worth it from what I've heard!

If it were local I'd jump all over it;-)
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: omegaman416 on October 28, 2005, 12:38:46 PM
AER! Heard one in January, I couldn't believe it!
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: mcozma on October 28, 2005, 04:04:27 PM
Quote from: omegaman416 on October 28, 2005, 12:38:46 PM
AER! Heard one in January, I couldn't believe it!

I second that - unbelievable sound.
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: Brad166 on October 29, 2005, 10:54:06 AM
What about the Carvin AG100D. Little Brothers gave it a great review. Iv never actualy heard it live, but I have alot of faith in Carvin products. Id check it out.
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: LookingForLarri on October 29, 2005, 01:29:28 PM
Carvin AG100D is a great amp, be sure and read LB's review.  It really helps when determining your amplification if you consider your application first.

The AG100D has onboard effects and three channels, great if you are going to plug in a mic and a guitar or two, but if your playing in the bedroom and sound like a frog with a cold and wouldn't sing if your life depended on it it is overkill.   I played one of the 100's on a recent trip so San Diego and it is one awesome amp for the price but more than I needed. 

I went with an ultrasound AG30 for the frog in the bedroom application and am very happy with it.

ribbit  -_-
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: lestrouble on October 30, 2005, 11:05:24 AM
my eye is set on the Compact 60 now......no turning back...wait for the good news yo.
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: lestrouble on November 09, 2005, 04:31:38 AM
oh man the seller decided not to sell it.................sob sob :<> :<> :<> :<> :<>
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: HangFire on November 10, 2005, 01:41:07 AM
Quote from: lestrouble on November 09, 2005, 04:31:38 AM
oh man the seller decided not to sell it.................sob sob :<> :<> :<> :<> :<>

You may want to give Dave @ Guitar Adoptions a PM for a price;-)

I've been looking at those too! -_-
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: dberch on November 10, 2005, 09:55:58 AM
I've been using and AER Compact 60 for about 9 months.  Absolutely love it.  Fantastic sound, and I can't help but break out in a big grin every time I pick it up  :GRN>  (18 pounds in less than a cubic foot)

At first I was concerned about the lack of a notch filter, but I've not found it to be a problem.  If you get guitar feedback stick a notch filter equipped preamp in your chaing and go.  I always start with K&K's Pure preamp, and if I have feeback (maybe 1 out of 5 times) I'll swap it out for a Baggs PADI. 

Another plus to the AER Compact 60 is vocals.  I've never sang through a better amp for being able to hear myself.  It's really astounding.  I'm not an especially powerful or talented singer, but this thing makes singing fun.

David
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: dshilh01 on November 25, 2005, 09:46:36 PM
I can't believe no one's nominated thye Fishman Loudbox. I have started using one recently after playing thru a California Blonde in Church for 3 years. We switched venues and the SWR stayed so I needed to start bringing my own amp. I used my Hot Rod Deluxe for awhile but needed a true acoustic amp. I tried the Crate Ca-6110 first and the piezo made my ears bleed so took it back and plunked down another $100 for the Loudbox. It's heavy for its size but unreal tone quality. I use a Fishman Bllender system and have it dialed in now. Great amp!!
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: lestrouble on November 28, 2005, 04:30:34 PM
never seen one in my area.....kinda rare in Asia....but has great review on net .
Title: Re: Best Acoustic Amp
Post by: HangFire on December 03, 2005, 10:28:36 AM
Quote from: dshilh01 on November 25, 2005, 09:46:36 PM
I can't believe no one's nominated thye Fishman Loudbox. I have started using one recently after playing thru a California Blonde in Church for 3 years. We switched venues and the SWR stayed so I needed to start bringing my own amp. I used my Hot Rod Deluxe for awhile but needed a true acoustic amp. I tried the Crate Ca-6110 first and the piezo made my ears bleed so took it back and plunked down another $100 for the Loudbox. It's heavy for its size but unreal tone quality. I use a Fishman Bllender system and have it dialed in now. Great amp!!

Got any pics?