Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Topic started by: cassidy9914 on February 12, 2017, 07:51:30 PM
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Haven't started a thread in awhile. But does anyone know of or have a amp that you can plug in an acoustic or electric guitar other than the Acoustisonic by Fender, the Vyper by Peavey and the Spider V series by Line6 thats basically less than the Fender model I mentioned. I haven't been able to find another manufacturer that does both in one amp. Too bad Taylor doesn't make amps like PRS.
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Any amp will work, natch. But there is a fundamental difference between an acoustic and electric amp that you should perhaps consider. The acoustic player wants a sonically transparent amp that offers no tonal coloration whatsoever so that the acoustic instrument's timbral qualities come through. And in my personal experience, the better (i.e. more transparent) the acoustic amp, the more costly it is. And for my money, the best acoustic tone is forgo an amp and just go through a PA system (if this is at all possible, but admittedly not the solution for everyone).
Contrast the acoustic player to the electric player whose amp serves as a quasi-instrument in itself. The amp adds flavor to the guitar: from clean to gritty to saturated overdrive, and tone stacks that further shapes the amp's inherently unique voice, the electric player chooses an amp that "sounds right" for his sound, and not for acoustic accuracy. The amp is, more often than not, an integral component of his tone, and not mere "amplification" of his guitar's tone. Not to mention the dramatically different frequencies you're reproducing in an acoustic vs an electric guit. Ask any electric geek (ahem ;) ), and they can wax on forever about different amps and their unique voices as much as an acoustic player can parse tone across various tone woods or guitar builds. So the two approaches are at diametrically opposite ends of amp design: pure, transparent amplification vs a voice that supplements the guitar and its player.
OK, so the long answer is you can use any amp that suits your ears; it simply depends on what you want or are willing to accept for tone. Or get as best an amp you can for an acoustic guitar, and rely on a pedalboard for your electric tones. Hope that gives you some things to think about :)
Edward
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I saw Chuck Prophet last night and he used a small Fender combo for his telecaster but he had his acoustic in its clean channel.
He could have just been using it as a monitor though because the PA didn't sound like it was going through an amp.
Craig
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My experience with acoustic amps isn't wide, but I don't think you should buy an amp until you've played both the Roland AC-40 Acoustic and the Fishman Loudbox Mini and Fishman Loudbox Artist. These three are some of the very best in my opinion. I have an earlier version of the Roland, an AC-60, which is awesome and I just bought the Fishman Loudbox Mini and both are simply awesome. No, not a lot of power, but both can be routed through the house sound board it they're not enough. But, I recently played an accompaniment at a 500 seat church and used only the Mini and a good quality microphone for voice and it was crisp and clear and powerful enough to fill the room with no further amplification.
Give these a try before you buy...you won't be disappointed. Look for YouTube reviews as well.
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I have a Yamaha THR10 that has one acoustic setting, several electric settings and effects/reverb. Whether it has the 'oomph' you're after, I'm not sure. But it sounds great.
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I wouldn't mix the two. A good acoustic amp usually has two 8" or 10" speakers and is set up to cut acoustic feedback.
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As ParisTNDude mentioned, the Fishman Loudbox Mini has provided me with exceptional sound. At least my dog doesn't complain much. :)
But in all seriousness, try the Fishman Loudbox series. Really great sound.
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Another vote for the Loudbox Mini. Great sound, lightweight and portable, and not crazy expensive.
The Ultrasound amps are also very nice. I haven't followed what's going on with them lately, but they were once bought out by Dean Markley (who didn't do a very good job marketing the amps,) and then they were making amps under the Ultrasound name again. I have one of the smaller models with two inputs, and it's awesome.
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Ultrasound amps were great. The problem is Dean Markley no longer gives factory support and you can't find parts if they need repair.
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I'll add my vote for the Fishman series being the best bang for the buck. There are others that are voiced for acoustic guitar for similar money, but the Fishman works. A smaller PA system is also a good choice, but not nearly as convenient. I also have Carvin acoustic amp. Very versatile. The AD series is a good choice for both acoustic and electric guitars. I use mine for acoustic and electric bass also, in smaller venues. The Boss Katana is another way to go. It is primarily an electric guitar amp, but has settings voiced specifically for acoustic guitar. YMMV.
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You might want to consider a Rivera Amplification Sedona 55 & Sedona 25 if you need one amp for both this might be a good option but a bit pricey