Acoustic amp choice

[Thin Crust]

I recently sold my cumbersome PA and bought an ACUS Oneforstrings 8 Simon. My musical partner plays the 6T Simon. Acoustic guitar and vocals are wonderful.

[jseth]

I'm another big fan of the Bose systems... I have an 8 year old Bose L1 Model II, and I've yet to hear anything that even comes close, so far as acoustic guitar and voice go. I also have an AER Compact 60, and that little thing kicks some serious butt, for both guitar and vocals...

But, really? Get a hold of one of the Bose rigs (either the older L1 Model II's or the L1 Soloist; I think the current L1 Pro 16 is the equivalent of the Bose L1 S) that employ the "line-array" aspect - which the Compact does NOT. Get a small mixer for it, if you need more inputs and dial the thing in for your use... pricey, true, but absolutely the BEST portable PA I've played through in over 5 decades of performing!

[JWJ915]

Genzler Acoustic Array Pro. Best amp out there, IMO.

[ljguitar]

Hi BobbyG

I'd go with a small mixer and powered speaker.

Using an instrument amp as PA (and I've done it) has limits when you have other environmental noise (like steam wands on espresso machines, people talking etc).

Actually I own a PA which is a powered mixer and a pair of 12" 2 way cabs which will do as few at 20 people or up to 250 (most we've ever used it for).

But it's 15 years old, so if I were replacing it I'd use a non-powered mixer with a powered pair of QSC 12" or QSC 8" (but not their 10")

[rockabilly69]

Schertler Jam 200, this is one versatile amplifier, I've been using one regularly for the last few years and its a great amp, and it slaves out to powered speakers with variable output on XLT out. It also has a low freq cut for using it with subs, or bigger powered speakers.

https://stores.soundislandmusic.com/...r-jam-200-g-w/

[DjFuzzyMcPickle]

Originally Posted by JWJ915

Genzler Acoustic Array Pro. Best amp out there, IMO.

I've been saying this for a yr+. Between the Fishman price point and the Schertler / AER's best in the 2500 range, this thing at a grand is to me the best amp on the market PERIOD!

[douglasfan1]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi BobbyG

I'd go with a small mixer and powered speaker.

Using an instrument amp as PA (and I've done it) has limits when you have other environmental noise (like steam wands on espresso machines, people talking etc).

Actually I own a PA which is a powered mixer and a pair of 12" 2 way cabs which will do as few at 20 people or up to 250 (most we've ever used it for).

But it's 15 years old, so if I were replacing it I'd use a non-powered mixer with a powered pair of QSC 12" or QSC 8" (but not their 10")

I cannot agree more. Extremely important to remember not to get QSC 10". Their QSC 8" and QSC 12" are excellent!

[PANDAPANDELO]

Originally Posted by douglasfan1

I cannot agree more. Extremely important to remember not to get QSC 10". Their QSC 8" and QSC 12" are excellent!

Why not the 10?

[willymartin]

Originally Posted by JWJ915

Genzler Acoustic Array Pro. Best amp out there, IMO.

I second this. It's by far the best, for my arrangement, than so many that I've tried. Acoustic tone is right up there with my Bose (I think better than the three I've owned....currently have the 32 for my band). But vocals through an amp is where this baby shines. I could never live with my vocals through any guitar amp I've ever tried...You gotta try one if you can find one. I ended up getting the cab and use this set up for all solo/duo gigs (medium size..keeps up with a noisy bar situation easily with the cab.)

[leew3]

I often sign the praises of the LB Artist here on the forum and will do so again. My 7 year old Artist just keeps on trucking. The tolex cover is indeed rough looking. I've yet to have an audience member or venue manage tell me that it detracted from the great sound that comes out of it.

[nightchef]

Originally Posted by PANDAPANDELO

Why not the 10?

Yeah, same question. I bought a K10.2 a little over a year ago, and it sounds good to me. What are my ears missing?

[RogerPease]

The K10 is said to be harsher for guitar and vocals. The K8, cp8, K12 and cp12 are liked.
I have no direct experience myself, just reporting what I’ve read here.

I say if it sounds good use it!

Hope that helps, _Roger

[jricc]

Originally Posted by Goat Mick

I really don't think you can get much better than a Loudbox Artist for a versatile all in one amp with DI out capabilities. I've used mine in just about every configuration you can imagine and it has performed very nicely. Some do sound better but for all around utility the Artist is a great amp.

I agree with all of this.

[nightchef]

Originally Posted by RogerPease

The K10 is said to be harsher for guitar and vocals.

Interesting, especially since so many people are recommending Loudboxes. I bought my K10.2 after trying a Loudbox Artist and finding it over-the-top harsh in a way I couldn’t fix without radical, tone-killing EQ settings. The K10.2 was much, much smoother.

So much depends, I suspect, on the specifics of guitar/pickup/room.

[pipe dreamer]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi BobbyG

I'd go with a small mixer and powered speaker.

After years of using acoustic amps (Marshall as 50r and aer compact and domino 3, Acus one for Street) I also agree with Larry 100%

To me, it just sounds way better and has more versatility…..

A battery powered amp is when an acoustic amp becomes really useful though for busking etc..