Combo amplifier for acoustic guitar: types, description, specifications, photos and reviews

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Many will say that today the situation with combo amplifiers in the CIS countries is sad, and they will be partly right. It's not uncommon to see a famous musician stepping on stage and pulling out a rather expensive acoustic guitar and sticking it into a non-acoustic guitar stack. After all, you can pick up something suitable.

Combo amplifier for acoustic guitar today is used by many and their choice is very wide. It is necessary to distinguish between electric guitar amplifiers and acoustic amplifiers. What is the difference? The difference is huge, but despite this, many guitarists do not understand this, and they use electro-acoustic amplifiers along with electric guitars.

In such situations, the best guitars will sound very clumsy, and if everything is really bad, then they will squeak. An acoustic guitar does not have a graphite coating and an empty cavity, so the sound from an electric guitar amp will be tinny and squeaky. Acoustic guitar combo amps are slightly different and have a different setup. Shielded electric guitar pickups are much less susceptible to interference. Piezo sensorsacoustic instrument - no. The following is an exclusive review of acoustic guitar combo amps.

Types of amplifiers by configuration

• Transistor. Today, the most popular combo amplifiers are transistorized, as they are relatively inexpensive.
• Tube. They will sound much better, but they cost significantly more.
• Hybrid.

The difference in sound between them will be heard especially when playing a pure sound without adding various effects and "gadgets".

At the beginning of playing the guitar, the transistor will be the best choice, because at first the most important thing will be the formation of the technique of performance, and only after that it will be necessary to establish the purity and accuracy of the sound.

Amplifier components

The device has:

• slot;
• switch;
• microphone and headphone slots;
• frequency tuning scale;
• sound intensity adjustment scale;
• switch from clean to overdrive.

To appreciate all the details of the sound of any instrument with this combo amplifier, you need to take your personal guitar to the place of purchase and check it. All of them will vary from model to model. Acoustic combo amps are specifically designed to block out sound waves entering a non-graphite guitar, which can create a strong squeak.

The main factors that affect the type of combo amp you buy

• Dimensions of the room in which it will be usedtool.
• Music preferences of a musician.
• Budget.
• Built-in effects.

Acoustic guitar combo amps are inexpensive, there is absolutely no need to buy the most expensive ones. A decent setup with good sound can be purchased for a relatively small price. Increasingly, one can meet musicians on the streets, in the underpasses and in the subway. They connect microphones and play to the accompaniment of the phonogram. True fans of the best possible sound can try building their own acoustic guitar combo amp.

When purchasing an acoustic combo amp, be aware that each model contains individual specific differences. Again, you should be aware of the fact that the price of an acoustic guitar combo amp will not always be a fundamental factor in its quality. A cheap amp will also sound great. It is quite comparable in level with expensive models that have built-in unnecessary effects that may never be needed. Below is an overview of the most famous acoustic guitar combos.

Behringer ("Behringer")

In the ranking of combo amplifiers for acoustic guitar, a simple acoustic combo amplifier "Beringer", 15 watts, deserves to take one of the first places. Considering its modest price, this small 2-channel device has a sound quality that is significantly different from other models. A feature of this sample will be a special "cascade" that will makesound unsurpassed.

The Behringer Acx450 Ultracoustic is acoustically accurate and features a Bugera speaker. The amplifier has different programs and an ultra-musical graphic equalizer, it has a new type of FBQ detection system, which is able to instantly suppress feedback. The Behringer ACX900 Ultracoustic has 90 watts of power, eight-inch drivers, a pair of channels and seven EQ bands.

According to the musicians, the advantage of this combo amplifier is that there is an option in which you can connect directly to the installation and use all the processing and sends to the sound being processed. Models in this series are similar to the combo amplifier for acoustic guitar Boss ("Boss"). The Behringer AXC1800 Ultracoustic (180 Watts) is the choice for those who perform in small spaces. There it will be heard perfectly along with drums and other instruments. The features of this combo amp are exactly the same as those of the ACX900, except for the expansion of the EQ lines and a knob that adjusts the signal to individual channels (they come separately).

Benefits

Its advantages, according to users, include:

• small cost;
• small size;
• option to rehearse with headphones without disturbing others;
• possibility to connect external audio devices.

The difference of this model is that it does not overload the channel. Often such a combo amplifier has a chorus, reverb and a microphone slot that can be used in performances and rehearsals. Acousticthe amplifier, due to its design features, emphasizes the uniqueness of the sound, and the combo amplifier for electric guitar removes all these subtleties.

Ibanez ("Ibanez")

"Ibanez" series Troubadour ("Troubadour") has the main advantage, characterized by a clear and transparent sound. These amplifiers are made in "retro" style. They are convenient to use when playing on the floor. Models of this series can be found from 15 to 80 watts. They will be similar in many ways to some other analogues, but all the individual sound properties of this acoustic instrument are retained.

Roland ("Roland")

Roland amplifiers are highly respected by jazz players. The characteristic features of this unit can be found in a large number of guitar processors, stereo speakers and high-quality effects are combined in them to create an amazing sound of jazz music.

The first model is the Roland Mobile-AC, which is small and easy to transport. The built-in battery allows it to work from fifteen hours or more. Therefore, this thing is most rationally used on trips somewhere. Turn it on, adjust the sound and admire the colorful, clear stereo sound of a small combo amplifier. In addition, you can add chorus or reverb effects to the instrument after connecting the player and microphone.

As many guitarists note in the reviews, the combo amp can be used instead of a monitor right at the performance. Regardless of the size, it is possible to make the sound very impressive. The Roland AC-40 combo amplifier for acoustic guitar and microphone is best for a musician who performs on small stages. It allows you to make a high-level sound and in addition its size is small.

High quality reverb effects, and the existing chorus does not interfere with music, allowing you not to feel any interference and extraneous noise. The advantage of the Roland AC-60 is a digital processor that optimizes the sound, adjusting it for a typical pickup that removes noise and extra string sounds. In addition, this thing has an output to which additional low-frequency functions are connected.

Vox ("Vox")

These amplifiers are small acoustic VX types. VOXVX50-AG has a microphone slot. Freely transferred to concerts. Using Nutube ("NewTube") allows you to achieve a power of 50 watts. It is lightweight and energy efficient. There is a two-way coaxial speaker and a "clean maximum". The result is the purest sound. The last difference is the positioning given by the coaxial speaker.

Marshall ("Marshall")

These amplifiers, manufactured by Marshall, have earned the respect of musicians of all levels. These models are very high quality and have a neat sound, which has a pronounced "top" and "middle". In addition, if you haveperfect hearing, you can adjust the excellent sound when recording. "Marshall As50D" is a good acoustic amplifier (50 watts) with channels, including for a microphone.

Any type characterizes the presence of a three-band equalizer. There is also stereo. "Marshall As100D" is distinguished by an unusual shape and new specific "gadgets" that are included in the standard kit. According to musicians, this amplifier is better than any other, will convey the features of your instrument and will be the best solution for performing performers. The combo amp has four channels. Pickups for singing or guitar are connected to them. Balance and reverb are adjustable. AS100D has flexible settings.

Fender ("Fender", Acoustasonic Series)

The Fender Acoustasanic 15 Combo and Fender Acoustasanic 40 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier is a good solution to improve the sound. These 15W and 40W combo amps feature full-range drivers with a special design that has the horn needed for impressive multi-frequency reproduction.

Channels have their own volume controls. For demanding performers looking for professional approaches to working with sound, the Fender Acoustic SFX is suitable. It, having the latest features, gives rise to a unique auditory experience. The best choice for acoustic-electric players who need to play gigs in small spaces. Compact, mobile, creating a warm atmosphere for connoisseurs. Many guitarists comment that this model is the perfect combination of form and function.

Acoustic electric guitar combo amps can bring out the real sound of your instrument by highlighting its features. When planning the purchase of a device, view and study in detail all its characteristics, select a model with the power you need.

For large rooms, halls or venues, there are quite powerful models of 1-2 kW. When using various "gadgets" it is better for you to purchase pedals when buying an amplifier. They create an effect of a higher level. By personally choosing a pedalboard, you will create even more pleasant conditions for playing music.

If you like rock music, you should choose a Marshall amplifier. They, as noted by the musicians in the reviews, have a bright sound and the well-known "Marshal's crunch" does not let themselves be forgotten. Above were the best combo amplifiers for acoustic guitars. Do not use the first electric amplifier that comes to hand. Take some time and money and create your own unique and inimitable sound.