For acoustic guitarists looking to amplify their instrument, the right amplifier is essential. While electric guitar amps might seem like an option, they often don’t do justice to the natural, nuanced tones of an acoustic guitar. Many newer practice amps boast an “acoustic” setting, but these are frequently a compromise and don’t truly capture the essence of acoustic amplification.
I’ve experimented with several of these multi-purpose amps with acoustic settings, and in my experience, they often fall short compared to a dedicated acoustic guitar amplifier. You might find them adequate for quiet practice, but when it comes to projecting your acoustic guitar’s sound authentically, especially in a live setting or with other musicians, a purpose-built acoustic amp makes a significant difference.
The advantage of having a dedicated acoustic guitar amp lies in its ability to enhance and amplify the specific frequencies and tonal characteristics of an acoustic instrument. These amps are designed to reproduce the natural warmth and clarity of acoustic guitars without introducing unwanted distortion or coloration. This is particularly important if you’re using effects pedals designed for acoustic instruments or relying on the natural dynamics of your playing.
Consider the power requirements too. Acoustic amps, while not needing the extreme wattage of bass amps, still benefit from sufficient headroom to handle the dynamic range of acoustic guitars, especially when strumming forcefully or playing percussive styles. While a 50W electric guitar amp can be very loud, a 50W acoustic amp provides a more controlled and balanced volume for acoustic instruments.
(It’s worth noting that wattage isn’t the only factor determining loudness; amplifier design and speaker efficiency also play crucial roles. However, wattage serves as a useful general indicator.)
For home practice and small gigs, a dedicated acoustic amp in the 50-100W range, such as a Fender Acoustic Junior or a Fishman Loudbox Mini, can be ideal. These provide enough power for projection without being overly bulky or loud for quieter environments.
My personal recommendation is to start with a dedicated acoustic guitar amplifier from the outset if you’re serious about amplifying your acoustic sound. Explore options like the Fender Acoustasonic series or the Boss Acoustic Singer amps. For budget-conscious players, the second-hand market can be a treasure trove of excellent deals on quality acoustic amplifiers.
You might even find older models of Fender or Roland acoustic amps at attractive prices on the used market.
Cheers,
