Best acoustic guitar amp under $500.00

joey777 · #1 08-29-2006, 04:29 PM

I am looking for an amp for acoustic guitar. The amps I have been looking at are:

Ultrasound AG-50DS3 Acoustic Amp
Roland AC-60
Genz Benz
SWR CAL

I really don't need two channels but really not a problem. I would mainly be using this for home use and recording. I need a amp that is dead quite that has a pure acoustic sound with a nice bottom end.

cpmusic · #2 08-29-2006, 04:31 PM

I'd go with the Ultrasound. The others are good, from what I hear, but I think Ultrasound has tonal transparency down to a fine art.

MikeGates · #3 08-29-2006, 04:55 PM

I've seen quite a few ads for Ultrasound amps in the classifieds. Maybe you'd like one down there. Give it a look.

schizorage · #4 08-29-2006, 05:32 PM

Marshall AS50R
Roland AC-60 (are they 4 or 599 now?)

Those are the only two acoustic amps ive played that I liked... i own the former.

I also played an SWR Strawberry Blonde, but that's outta your range.

joey777 · #5 08-29-2006, 06:11 PM

I would spend the extra cash for a better amp but it would have to be MUCH better. I would love to get a Rivera Sedona from what I hear but thats too much money for what I have in mind.

CitizenAudio · #6 08-29-2006, 10:25 PM

I vote Roland AC-60. For less than 500, you get 2 channels, 60 watts, tilt stand, amp cover, phantom power, boss effects and ability to put on PA stand. Amazing value. After the Roland, I whole heartily put faith in Ultrasound products.

ljguitar · #7 08-29-2006, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey777

...I need a amp that is dead quite that has a pure acoustic sound with a nice bottom end.

Hi Joey...
The best amp I've ever played was an AER - the model that is about $1500. It was awesome. I own two UltraSound amps - an AG-30 and an AG-50.

An amplifier which meets all your requirements
-home use
-only one channel
-some recording
-dead quiet and a good low end
is the humble UltraSound AG-30. When I only need a single channel, this is what I carry. It is a great stage amp as well, and I've used mine in the middle of bands with the volume control on 6 (it goes to ten).

Also, the UltraSounds are one of the only amps I've ever owned that 6 is louder than 5, 7 is louder than 6, 8 is louder than 7 - all the way to 10. I've never pushed it to distortion, but I have pushed it to my pain threshold...once.

joey777 · #8 08-30-2006, 09:41 AM

Thanks guys for your input. Does the AG-30 have the same circuitry like the AG-50DS3 without the 2 channels? I know the AG-50DS3 also has 16 digital effects. Are they worth the extra money or is it better to use external effects?

Herb Hunter · #9 08-30-2006, 10:06 AM

While I don't understand why one would need an acoustic guitar amp at home or for recording, given the price limit you stated, I'd prefer one of these to a guitar amp: Carvin PM15A powered speaker. 2-way with 15" speaker. 3 dB down at 60 Hz. 350 watts of biamped power. Well below $500.

http://www.carvin.com/products/singl...=1540A&CID=APS

The Carvin S400D, also below your price limit, is an interesting alternative.

http://carvin.com/products/single.ph...=S400&CID=SYS1

joey777 · #10 08-30-2006, 10:55 AM

Hey Herb...I sometime use a guitar amp for recording with a mic for a different sound instead of going direct. Also I may take my amp out once in a while and weight is a factor. Usually I use the house PA and a smaller amp for a personal monitor. I see your point about getting more for your money but I have to have a quite amp and I am not so sure about the Carvin. Really can't demo a Carvin before you buy. I did played though a Carvin AG-100G before and the transformer went bad in a few days. I guess that could happen with any brand. Do you have personal experience with the Carvin Pa 1540a you suggested?? Is it quite?? It does seem overkill for my needs.

ljguitar · #11 08-30-2006, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey777

Thanks guys for your input. Does the AG-30 have the same circuitry like the AG-50DS3 without the 2 channels? I know the AG-50DS3 also has 16 digital effects. Are they worth the extra money or is it better to use external effects?

Hi Joey...
Same designs.

I don't think the extra money for effects is warranted, but I don't use effects. If you are one to use effects, the internal ones sound fine.

sharkydude50 · #12 08-30-2006, 12:57 PM

+1 for the AG50DS3.

joey777 · #13 08-30-2006, 03:06 PM

Hey Larry.. I usually don't use effects but once in a while a little reverb is nice

Herb Hunter · #14 08-30-2006, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey777

Hey Herb...I sometime use a guitar amp for recording with a mic for a different sound instead of going direct. Also I may take my amp out once in a while and weight is a factor. Usually I use the house PA and a smaller amp for a personal monitor. I see your point about getting more for your money but I have to have a quite amp and I am not so sure about the Carvin. Really can't demo a Carvin before you buy. I did played though a Carvin AG-100G before and the transformer went bad in a few days. I guess that could happen with any brand. Do you have personal experience with the Carvin Pa 1540a you suggested?? Is it quite?? It does seem overkill for my needs.

I own a Carvin mixer, two Carvin power amps and, until I gave it to my nephew, a Carvin DC200 guitar. The poweramps and mixer are very quiet. You could call them and ask what the signal to noise ratio is for the PM15A. Also, they have a ten day return policy.

joey777 · #15 08-30-2006, 08:31 PM

Thanks Herb