New to acoustic amps - looking for suggestions

[Ds114]

I know electric amps fairly well, but am starting to feel the bug to get a decent acoustic amp and know really nothing about dedicated acoustic amps. I have been playing through a Katana 50.

As far as features, I will only play at home, so battery powered is not a requirement, nor is a mic input, but an aux input for source / backing material would be something I'd want and basic decent quality reverb, chorus etc.

I'm seeing the Loudbox mini, Fender Acoustisonic 40, Roland AC-40 and Marshall AS50D as possible starting points to my search.

Can anyone recommend these or others? What are the staple / go-to / can't go wrong amps in the ~$400-and-under new price range?

[lkingston]

The first big question is whether or not you need a mic channel for singing? For guitar alone, the Katana 50 is fine.

[Ds114]

Originally Posted by lkingston

The first big question is whether or not you need a mic channel for singing? For guitar alone, the Katana 50 is fine.

No mic. I can get by with the Katana but I think with the relatively large speaker for an acoustic it is a little woofy and dull sounding

[Billy Reams]

I have the JBL Eon One Compact. I got it on sale at a Black Friday event last year for under $440. My buddy has the Bose compact and they're very close in sound quality - each with their own slightly varied pro's and con's. I didn't think I'd need the battery thing either - until I found how incredibly convenient it is.

I really like it and it is small enough but fine for even a coffee house or party. But here's the thing ... it sounds SO VERY NICE that I find myself plugging in almost every time I sit down with my acoustic guitar. My playing time has probably doubled because I enjoy that little extra depth and kick that I get with the amp.

For the price (especially on sale) the JBL Eon Compact is a pretty good little amp!

[varmonter]

I use an EAE D-68. But it is 2x
Your price range. But is hifi .and has
Multiple inputs including an aux ch
And bluetooth for backing tracks.
I might suggest the loud box mini.
Small and sounds pretty good for
At home use.
If you have a small mixer the qsc cp8 is a great little speaker.
But lacks the typical eq adjustments.. thus the mixer.

[SupremeDalek]

I use the Marshall AS100d. It's a really great acoustic amp. I'm my search I read lots of good things about the AS50.

But if you don't require a mic I believe you could simply use the Katana for playing around the house.

[JakeStone]

I have a Katana 100 and it "gets by" as an acoustic amp...
But nothing magical or anything.

I have owned the Marshall 50. It is great amp and I'd grab one used for $150-175 used. But would not be my first choice.

Boss Acoustic Singer Live. Awesome amp. But may be out of your price range. This is very versatile and does have mic channel with harmony settings. So may be over kill. BUT the Acoustic amp side is amazing. Full sound with nice low end when needed. Reverb, chorus and Acoustic Resonance settings (to enhance the pickups).

Loudbox Mini is killer little amp. My opinion best acoustic amp for around $300. It's small put amazing. Especially for home use. It will def get the job done and gets high praise on every forum.

[Thom PC]

I second the Fishman Loudbox Mini suggestion - you really can't go wrong with that one.

If funds permit I would recommend looking into the ACUS range of amplifiers as well. They are slightly more costly, but worth the difference in my opinion.

[Ds114]

As luck would have it, I was browsing Reverb and there is a Loudbox mini, "local pick only" at a pawn shop less than 10 miles away for about $200.

..on my to do list for this afternoon for sure!

[rmp]

Originally Posted by Ds114

As luck would have it, I was browsing Reverb and there is a Loudbox mini, "local pick only" at a pawn shop less than 10 miles away for about $200.

..on my to do list for this afternoon for sure!

That'll do it!

[Neal Pert]

The Loudbox Mini is a great amp. I have a Loudbox Artist which is a wonderful step up but we have the Mini at work, so I hear it a lot. We've used it for amplifying an acoustic guitar in a very resonant 900 seat chapel (the rest of the choir is unmic'ed) and it's been perfect for giving the guitar some clarity and depth in that space. .

[dnf777]

The entire Loudbox series generally gets great reviews. I have a mini and artist, and think they really capture acoustic tones very well. Only caution, is the brown tolex is pretty thin and Known to tear.

[Goat Mick]

Get the Loudbox Mini. It'll do everything you want it to do and more.

[lkingston]

Originally Posted by varmonter

I use an EAE D-68. But it is 2x
Your price range. But is hifi .and has
Multiple inputs including an aux ch
And bluetooth for backing tracks.
I might suggest the loud box mini.
Small and sounds pretty good for
At home use.
If you have a small mixer the qsc cp8 is a great little speaker.
But lacks the typical eq adjustments.. thus the mixer.

That would be my recommendation as well.

[Denandannie]

I have the Marshall and am totally satisfed. No complaints.