Two days with a fancy acoustic guitar amp...

[kellyb]

Yesterday, I found good deal on a used Godin Acoustic Solutions ASG-150. Many here are aware that these are made in the same factory as Schertler, a popular higher-end amp maker.

The only acoustic amp I'd owned before that was the Fishman Loudbox Mini, that I really liked. After getting the ASG home and A/B-ing it with Mini, I actually preferred the Mini. It was warmer, nearly as loud (though rated at less that half the ASG's wattage), and I liked Mini's verb more, as it was darker, less pristine. Also, there was more sub bass from the ASG's 8" speaker than I liked, and it seemed to kill the bass dynamics.

After a couple of hours, however, I started to realize what I'd purchased...a mini hifi PA. I started hearing the limitations and blurriness of the Mini, and then I realized that I'd been kind of relying on the Mini's "vibe" to make up for my lack of performance. As I kept practicing/tweaking, I started to hear quite a bit more of what I was and wasn't doing and singing well, and it started to improve. Tonight, another songwriter and I traded songs at an outdoor dinner/farm benefit, and the ASG filled that large space with volume in reserve, in a way the Mini couldn't have.

I feel lucky to have this thing and can't recommend it enough (for now). I prefer the Mini's verb, and will adjust to the ASG's accuracy, but the ASG sounds undeniably good and it makes me want to practice!

[Hinto]

I've been using an ASG-150 for a couple of years now and absolutely love it. Loud, clean, and great features.

I was looking for a Schertler amp at the time but they're hard to find in Canada while the Godins are available in most shops.

I like the tilt back, handle, and pole mount features of the Godin over the Schertler.