Best under-$1000 amps for gigging in small venues?

[bho]

Hi,

What are your favorite under $1000 amps for gigging in bars and cafes. I play in a band with other vocalists and instrumentalists, not just solo.

Thanks.

[Tony Done]

I used electric guitar amps, a Peavey Classic 30 and later a Fender Blues Deluxe, as I had no need of a mic input, I liked the somewhat mellower tones (I don't like piezo jangle), and the reverb on both was good. The Fender wasn't as good as the Peavey, as it didn't have much clean headroom before it started to compress.

[Mandobart]

I tried a few - acoustasonic, Bose L1, various Rolands, then I bought a Carvin AG300 based on reviews here and advice from an on-line friend. Really a great, feature-filled amp that IMO outperformed everything I tried for the money. Of course, they're out of business now, but you might try ebay, reverb, craigslist, etc.

[Murphy Slaw]

Originally Posted by Mandobart

I tried a few - acoustasonic, Bose L1, various Rolands, then I bought a Carvin AG300

I own an AG100D 100 watter with a 12, and was wondering......

Since they're out of business.

My amp has three channels, one voiced for acoustic guitar, one vocal input, and one for BASS.

Does anybody besides Carvin (did) build an acoustic combo with a BASS channel. This is so darned useful, making it very handy to have around.

[varmonter]

Aer an shertler jam series amps can be found
For 1000 used

[kaos]

I like my Line6 L2T. But if weight is an issue, it may not be for you. The optional rolling gig bag is great, but I still need to lift it up onto the speaker stand.

[Stratcat77]

LD Systems Maui 11 G2 $899

I've been using one for a couple of months now and it's pretty amazing. Plenty of power. Easy setup. Mic and guitar inputs along with stereo xlr inputs (from a mixer, etc).

I'm using mine for solo and trio work, but would absolutely use it as an amp for my acoustic in a band setting.

[ljguitar]

Hi bho

Acoustic guitar amp or Electric guitar amp?

[PhilipSteen]

The Acus-line is quite nice. I use one with multiple channels - 2 line/XLR ins and 1 line in. EQ and FX per channel. Nice sound, though a bit sharp to my ears.

Two of my bandmates use Schertlers. I haven't used them myself, but they seem like a slightly better (and pricier) option.

[vinnie1971]

I use my Roland Blues Cube. I have used it for small to medium sized venues and open air festivals through a PA mic’d up attenuated down to 5 watts - yes that’s right, 5 watts and that’s plenty. It means I can crank it and the stage volume isn’t too loud and it sounds awesome through the monitors and the PA.

[Ed-in-Ohio]

I own the Carvin AG-200 and absolutely love it. It would be perfect for your application. As others have pointed out, however, Carvin in no longer in business, so it will be hard to find one of these.

However, if I was looking for an acoustic amp for your type of application, and I had your budget, I would contact John at AGF sponsor Shoreline Music and I'd get a Schertler JAM. It's more expensive than the Carvin, but it's also probably a step up.

[hotroad]

Shertler David is the one. Has the most incredible clear and punchy tone with plenty of bass. Easy to carry and surprising dispersion for a small cabinet. You will always be trying to find this tone and power in an amp. I suggest you just save yourself to pain and go get one now.

[RockerDuck]

Use a DI and plug your acoustic into the PA.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by RockerDuck

Use a DI and plug your acoustic into the PA.

Hi RD

I do that, and I split the signal to a stage amp for monitoring…which I set the tone, volume etc to my liking. Because I split it as it exits the preamp, I can adjust it without affecting the house mix (which keeps sound techs happy).

I realize I could pull the signal from my amp to send to the board, but then I cannot adjust it without messing with the house (which tends to alienate one with the sound crew).

[bho]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi bho

Acoustic guitar amp or Electric guitar amp?

Acoustic, thanks.