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Old 02-09-2012, 02:18 PM
knuckle knuckle is offline
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Default Acoustic Image Amps?

I was going to pull the trigger on a Fishman Artist for $500 but my bass player is trying to get me to buy a AI 10/2 for $1600

It's more wattage and all but do you think it's really that much better?

Ten2

Balanced, high fidelity sound, a little more "up front" than our other combos
800 watt switch mode power amplifier
Two-way sealed speaker system
10" downfiring woofer
0" front firing woofer
2.5" coaxial tweeter
Phase correcting crossover
Exclusive Room Coupling Control(tm) to help tame boomy acoustic settings
Lightweight (28 lbs), small (17 in high) molded polymer enclosure
Cabrio Docking System(tm) means head is removable for use as stand-alone unit
Combo jack input (either 1/4" or XLR)
Phantom power on XLR inputs
Three-band EQ preamp section per channel
Input and master level controls
Effects loop with return level control per channel
Switchable notch/low cut filter per channel
Balanced direct out with ground lift
Digital effects with 6 presets and level control
Mute switch and pre/post EQ for direct out
Stereo capable with external power amp
Headphone output
Switchable dual voltage operation (115/230V)
Comes with fitted slip cover with cord storage pocket and shoulder strap

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Old 02-09-2012, 03:04 PM
mr. beaumont mr. beaumont is offline
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Which guitar are you thinking of amplifying through it?

AI is known for a very pristine clean...essentially amplifies exactly what you put into it and makes it louder...adds no coloration.

Strangely enough, a lot of folks end up playing essentially electric guitars through them--AI heads and Raezer's Edge speaker cabs were de rigeur with the jazz crowd for a while...lots of cats still using them.

Excellent products...very specific market, though...
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Old 02-09-2012, 03:14 PM
knuckle knuckle is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mr. beaumont View Post
Which guitar are you thinking of amplifying through it?

AI is known for a very pristine clean...essentially amplifies exactly what you put into it and makes it louder...adds no coloration.

Strangely enough, a lot of folks end up playing essentially electric guitars through them--AI heads and Raezer's Edge speaker cabs were de rigeur with the jazz crowd for a while...lots of cats still using them.

Excellent products...very specific market, though...
Hehe, cats.... I thought I was the only one that still used that.

Anyhow, we have a huge system for live, all qsc stuff 2 18's 2 15's and 3 K12's

I'm just looking for something I can get away with using in as a portable type amp if it's just me doing solo stuff. I've had the bose L1M2, the SA 220 and they all sound wimpy and thin to me.

I'll be using this for both resonator guitars and acoustic guitars. Taylor Doyle Dykes Signature, Gibson J-45 Custom, Composite GS, and National NRP and NRP baritone.

Thanks
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Old 02-09-2012, 06:48 PM
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msr13 msr13 is offline
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I have an AI/RE and a Fishman Artist. There is a significant tone difference between the two. The AI/RE is spectacular. The Artist, however, is excellent-- though not equal. If I didn't have both, I would be very happy with just the Fishman. In fact, I have been contemplating selling the AI/RE because the Fishman is definitely good enough, easier to carry around then the two pieces, and I can recoup the investment in the AI/RE. I only use the amps for amplifying archtops. I don't amplify my acoustics.
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Old 02-09-2012, 10:09 PM
jseth jseth is offline
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Kevin - I'm quite sure that the AI gear is well worth the expense, and head and shoulders above the Fishman... they would not stay in business if they weren't REALLY good units!

But, hey! I still love my old Bose L1 Classic, so our ears may be a bit differently aligned!

play on..............................>

John
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Old 02-09-2012, 10:21 PM
knuckle knuckle is offline
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Yeah, a lot of the problem I had with the bose was the lack of bass. I had 1 bass bin and perhaps I should have got 2. It sounded ok for solo but with the band it just sort of got lost in the mix I guess.

I've heard solo performers with them and they sounded fantastic, it could have also been the room that I rehearse in too.

I figure while I have the cash, why not get the best darn acoustic amp there is, which the AI 10-2 seems to be. Maybe the AER Domino 3 is better? I don't know.

Just want something that is going to be my last acoustic amp. So sick of shuffling equipment.
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Old 02-09-2012, 10:27 PM
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I have 2 AI Clarus amp heads (Clarus 2R series III and Clarus 2R series 4)...and I LOVE them. I use them mainly for jazz by way of an electric archtop but I also use them for all other guitars...including a Taylor 912C and 712CE, an Ibanez AM70 (semi hollow), two G&L solid bodies (ASAT and S500) and my Ibanez electric bass.

The key to making this work with "any" guitar: Speaker Cab and pedals (in some cases).

With my acoustics: AI + full range PA Speaker

With my archtops: AI + Raezers Edge or Redstone Audio Speaker Cabs

With my semi hollow or solid body guitars: custom 2x10 open back cab + pedal board

With my bass: AI + SWR 2X10 closed back speaker cab

Works for me...your mileage may vary.
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Last edited by Livingston; 02-09-2012 at 10:33 PM.
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Old 02-09-2012, 11:34 PM
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I've got a Ten2 and I'm really, really pleased with it. I mainly run an acoustic through it, but I've also used it with a nylon string and an archtop jazz guitar. The thing that amazes me is that I just leave it flat or maybe a tad roll off on the mids. It is extremely transparent and the dispersion is wonderful. On smaller gigs I run my vocal through it and get a very natural sound. It is well worth the price in my opinion.
p.s. the customer service from AI is the best I've ever encountered.
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Old 02-10-2012, 06:56 AM
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MINT - Glad to hear it. Thanks
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Old 02-10-2012, 11:31 AM
brokenpretzel brokenpretzel is offline
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i use an acoustic image chorus+ with my 7 string tuned to G below guitar E and it does admirably. i also send the speaker out to a 2x10 markbass cab and that works great. i considered the ten 2 which might have been even better for times i just carry the one amp. I also will send the signal from the di out to a qsc k10 or k12 and i can reach a lot of people with that.
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