Acoustic Guitar Amp

[Professorfingers]

Hi There,
As the post suggests, what is everyone using for an amp? I am looking for something for the guitar and vocals. I appreciate any and all replies. I would like something < XXX but would like to hear what you think is the best.

I can save up some money, as needed.

Thanks,

TW

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[Captain Jim]

You will find a lot of information about acoustic amps in this forum.  And, no doubt, this post will generate more.  A lot depends on what you intend to do: size of venue, size of audience, indoors, outdoors, effects (like reverb).  $xxx will get you some good options... check out the Fishman Loudbox amps, the Marshall acoustic series, Roland acoustic amps; those should all be in your budget.

The Loudbox Mini has supporters here.  Doesn't look as impressive as it sounds (for the size and price).  The bigger amps will have more headroom to handle more volume/space.  I use a Mini and run a line out from that to a Bose PA; very pleased with that combination and the ability to handle small groups to 150 comfortably.

Captain Jim

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[BigSkyTaylorPlayer]

I have a Genz Benz Shenandoah I use for my t5, sounds great!

[astucke1]

I really enjoy my Fishman Loudbox mini. It's a lot of amp for the price.

[stepchildusmc]

i use Roland's AC60 and  AC90 acoustic amps. rarely need the '90 as the 60 is all i'll need( unless i actually start to sound good and start touring with a Kirk Hammett and Chuck Mangione clone band). dual inputs(1/4" and XLR) with chorus and reverb for guitar , separate mic input. choice between piezo or magnetic pickups to better optimize  the sound. comes with it's own bag with room for all your cables and stuff.

[TaylorMate]

I realize it's not within your budget, but if you have time to save a little further I can recommend the AER Compact 60. It's wonderful for both guitar and vocals and super sturdy.

[emidyl]

+2^

[Pie]

Rivera amps are great but not cheap

[michaelw]

jbl eon515xt
http://www.jblpro.com/www/products/portable-market/eon500-powered-series/eon515xt#.U2lZyPldU2C

the eon615 has more power, but only 2 inputs
http://www.jblpro.com/www/products/portable-market/eon600-series/eon615#.U2lawvldU2A

[Earl]

I happily use Roland AC 60 and AC 33 amps for live work these days, both for guitar and ukulele, plus voice, and the wife's flute.

edited for content

[Geez]

...BTW...I play thru a Fishman Solo Amp (vertical array)    It sound great and I love it!

[Clay]

I have both a Fishman Loudbox Artist and a Fishman SA220 (vertical array).  Both have two separate input channels for two guitars or a guitar and mic.  The Loudbox Artist sounds great, but the SA220 is the hands down winner for me.  The sound is much cleaner and the feedback suppression is much better.  That said, the Loudbox Artist has a few more sound effects (reverb, delay, echo, chorus, flanger & slap echo), while the SA220 only has reverb.

[CodeBlueEMT]

I use a Roland AC90, bought it used. The Roland stand for the amp is awesome and built like a tank. If you want to spend more cabbage, try something like my Bose L1 Model 1S system:

http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/l1_model1s/l1_model1s_bass_b2_tonematch_pkg.jsp

[milo_otis]

I think it really depends on what guitar and pickup system you are using.
The Fishman Loudbox series seems to work very well with the ES1...almost like they were made to work together. I've never tried the AER Compact 60. I have tried the Bose L1, the Dean Markley Ultrasounds, Yamaha acoustic modeling amps, the Fishman 220, the Fender Acoustisonic, the Marshall Acoustic and the Fishman Loudboxes as well as a few inexpensive Acoustic amps. I could tell you why the others didn't sound right, but I'll focus on why I like the Loudboxes. For me, the Fishman Performer combined with my NS54, and two ES1 equipped guitars (K26 and 522) sounded like my guitars, just louder. The Loudbox Artist was a bit punchier with slightly tighter bass and a little less air than the Performer. The mini sounded great with so much portability.

In the end, the only right answer for you is the one that's cost effective (that you won't sell in a year or two just to buy an upgrade), portable (for your needs) and sounds like your guitar, only louder.

[MB]

As others have said, I think it depends on what your needs are. Where do you NEED to amplify your guitar/voice?

I get lots of compliments at clubs about how great it sounds. Most of those compliments come from drunk people 
I play an 814ce with ES1 into a Bose T1 mixer and then into the Bose L1S. I love it. With this rig, I've never felt the need to have/haul a guitar amp.
It will handle up to 200 people including me and the singer. If the crowd gets too unruly, I go to the truck and bring in the Marshall