Acoustic Guitar Amplifier?

[Ron-N]

I bought a Boss Katana 50 a couple of years ago. It has plenty of power and has some clear settings for acoustic guitar. I don’t own an electric but I wanted something versatile enough for both. I had the guitar geek in the store play an electric to get an idea an idea what the amp could do. I think the cost is around $230.

[JeffM.22]

First you need to decide what you will be doing with it. Gig’s, jam club or home studio. Some amps are designed specifically for acoustic guitars and often have two channels and can accept a mic. Modelling amps are digital and offer lot’s of flexibility. Make sure you look at the Positive Grid Spark 40 and Spark Mini. Also the small Yamaha is excellent.

I have the Spark 40

[OhWowMan]

@JeffM.22 Right now I’d like to start out small and inexpensive, just for something to practice with at home. Eventually, I’d like to do an open mic, probably a solo. However, in the future maybe even get together with other players for some jammin’ 🙂

[Kitman]

Hi @OhWowMan , I have a Roland Cube 30X. It has a great clean channel for acoustics and also it models a number of popular amps (VOX, Tweed, Twin Reverb, Marshal). It travels well and with 30 watts puts out enough power for smallish jams.

[albert_d]

Tony (and Tommy Emmanuel) use an AER Compact 60/4. He mentioned that recently on an Acoustic Tuesday. I went for something a little less expensive and have purchased a

Coolmusic BP80 Battery Powered Acoustic Guitar Amplifier- Portable Bluetooth Speaker 100W, 6 Inputs,3 Band EQ,Orange
Coolmusic BP80 Battery Powered Acoustic Guitar Amplifier- Portable Bluetooth Speaker 100W, 6 Inputs,3 Band EQ,Orange

arriving next week. One of my 2023 objectives is to learn about amplifying acoustics and gear related thereto. I read a book “Essentials of Acoustic Guitar Amplification from Acoustic Guitar and have re-visited some Acoustic Tuesday episodes in trying to appease my Enneagram Five side. I am also trying to research the recording aspects. Tony’s last episode talked about microphones and I like the Ear Trumpet Labs Edwina (but again a little pricy for this beginner) and I am researching a Scarlett 4i4 Audio Interface to try to hook up to a computer.

Again I am in the middle of this learning process but that is what I have done as if this year end.

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

@OhWowMan – all the above are very good recommendations. I have been using a BOSS Acoustic amp. It’s got some nice features such as a looper and harmony operated by foot switch, inputs for mic and guitar. I use it for playing at long term care facilities as a volunteer for hospice. It’s easy to travel with. I got it using Reverb for substantially less than retail price as it was an open box item from Guitar Center.

[hobie_perry]

Another option is the ToneWood amp (https://www.tonewoodamp.com/). It turns the guitar itself into an amp. You DO have to have some minor work done to install it. Check out Mike Dawes’ demos! (https://youtu.be/MEBlKQo0yfk).

[OhWowMan]

Thanks everyone for your feedback and suggestions. I recently had a K&K Pure Mini installed in my Taylor DN3. Although I don’t yet own an amp, I thought it might come in handy someday. I had it installed if/when I work up the courage to play at an open mic. 😊🤞

[Philb]

The K&K Pure Mini is great. I put one in a guitar of mine I used to have. It will give great acoustic sound no matter which amp you decide on.

I have the Tonewood Amp. It is great for adding effects without having to plug into a bunch of equipment, and just uses the guitar body. It doesn’t really amplify the sound; but you can plug it into an acoustic amp also if you wanted to.
Look for used if you don’t want to invest a lot to start, or not sure what you want. I found a great deal from someone locally on a used Epiphone acoustic amp which is great to mess around with.

[Loraine]

Hi @OhWowMan I have an inexpensive 10 watt amp that was my first amp, and it works great. https://www.amazon.com/JOYO-Portable-Acoustic-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B0871R5HW6/ref=sr_1_7?crid=T7TDY6O873BZ&keywords=Small+acoustic+amp&qid=1673872123&sprefix=small+acoustic+amp%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-7

I then purchased a a Spark amp from Positive Grid, which I absolutely love. It has a lot more capability,. It is currently on sale. https://www.positivegrid.com/products/spark