I need an acoustic amplifier...

[gregory70]

I need an acoustic amplifier, and pretty soon. I was looking at the Fishman Loudbox Mini and the Fender Acoustic 100. I dont need much. I cant afford an AER. Just good tone, some reverb, a direct out to a PA. Anyone have experience with both? Also, if you direct out to a PA, is the internal speaker still active (to use as a monitor)?

Thank you.

[martingitdave]

Both of those units will sound good. I don't think you can go wrong with either. The Fishman is well liked. The DI out will still allow you to use it as a monitor. The Bose S1 Pro is also nice if you have an active pickup with onboard EQ. Elite Acoustics are good, but they have a digital mixer. Lots of options in that price range including Roland, which are well liked.

[jklotz]

I haven't played one, but the loudbox mini seems to be well regarded around here. My experience with Fender acoustic amps has not been positive, I'd shy away from those, but maybe that is just me.

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by jklotz

I haven't played one, but the loudbox mini seems to be well regarded around here. My experience with Fender acoustic amps has not been positive, I'd shy away from those, but maybe that is just me.

Yes, I purchased one of the 100s that sounded very good, but I am not confident that it would hold up on the road for someone.

[gregory70]

Thank you both. The Fishman does seem well regarded. Now I can't help but wonder if I want the Artist model at twice the price...

[rmp]

ya know, the mini is cool but I would jump to the Artist.

While some may think it is overkill, I am not sure I'd agree.

There's a more complete EQ, and a more robust direct out setup and a bigger woofer.

[jklotz]

Originally Posted by rmp

ya know, the mini is cool but I would jump to the Artist.

While some may think it is overkill, I am not sure I'd agree.

There's a more complete EQ, and a more robust direct out setup and a bigger woofer.

Yes, but the mini is smaller and lighter. Just comes down to what you need I guess.

[rmp]

Originally Posted by jklotz

Yes, but the mini is smaller and lighter. Just comes down to what you need I guess.

The mini is 21lbs

The artist is 25lbs

so I guess it's down to does the 4lbs diff really matter that much?

I have the artist and I like it a lot.

[jklotz]

Originally Posted by rmp

The mini is 21lbs

The artist is 25lbs

so I guess it's down to does the 4lbs diff really matter that much?

I have the artist and I like it a lot.

Ahh, I didn't realize there was that little of a difference. My apologies.

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by gregory70

Thank you both. The Fishman does seem well regarded. Now I can't help but wonder if I want the Artist model at twice the price...

If you can afford the Artist, get it. It's a pro price of gear and you won't outgrow it assuming you really need and acoustic Amp and not a portable PA system.

[Lost Sheep]

Originally Posted by gregory70

Thank you both. The Fishman does seem well regarded. Now I can't help but wonder if I want the Artist model at twice the price...

Of the three models (four if you count the Loudbox Mini Charge) the Mini has only one DI out. The others, (Performer and Artist) have three outputs; separate DI outputs for voice and for instrument as well as the mix. Something to consider if you will have the opportunity to work with a good soundperson who can then control the voice/instrument mix for you. Or, if not, you can just send only the mix that you set on the amp on stage.

[gregory70]

I just bought the Loudbox Artist. Hard to pass up the Sweetwater Artist Bundle.

Thank you for your replies!

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by gregory70

I just bought the Loudbox Artist. Hard to pass up the Sweetwater Artist Bundle.

Thank you for your replies!

Congrats and good choice. It should last you years.

[Goat Mick]

I have the Loudbox Artist and the Loudbox Performer and both are great units. I'm trying to talk myself out of the urge to pick up another Loudbox Mini as well because it's perfect for a lot of low volume applications. But between my two Loudbox models and my Bose L1C and S1 Pro I'm pretty well covered for all venues. There is also a good chance that I just like good gear. LOL The Bose S1 Pro is getting the call for almost all my gigs right now.

[gregory70]

Thank you all. I am looking forward to getting the Artist. As the pandemic decimated my gigging this last year, I have rediscovered my love of the acoustic guitar (and all its money spending opportunities).