The majority of guitarists purchase the best acoustic guitar amps for their guitar. However, most amplifiers aren't designed for this purpose if you have an acoustic-electric guitar. Sure, it won't harm your guitar or amp, but it might not do justice to the rich tone of your acoustic.
It makes all the difference to have an acoustic guitar amp designed specifically for your acoustic-electric instrument.
Today, we'll offer you a rundown of the greatest acoustic guitar amplifiers and explain how to pick the ideal one for you. We've chosen our favorites from a variety of pricing points, so whether you're a beginner guitarist on a budget or a seasoned pro searching for high-end options, we’ve got what you’re looking for here.
BEST ACOUSTIC GUITAR AMPS: OUR TOP PICKS
An acoustic guitar amplifier must meet a few basic requirements, like having a clear, transparent sound that allows your guitar's natural tone to come through, and being made to withstand the demands of being transported from concert to show.
Furthermore, each of the amps listed below has two channels for connecting a microphone, making them excellent for singer-songwriters.
What Are the Best Acoustic Guitar Amps?
1. Fishman Loudbox Performer (Best Overall)
2. Fender Acoustic 100 (Editor’s Choice)
3. Marshall AS50D (Best Value)
4. Fender Acoustasonic 40 (Best Under $200)
5. Fishman Loudbox Mini
6. Fender Acoustasonic 15
7. Yamaha THR5A Acoustic Modeling Combo Amp
1. Fishman Loudbox Performer (Best Overall)
My Review: The Fishman Loudbox Performer is the most powerful acoustic guitar amp from Fishman, with 180 watts of power, and we're blown away by its design and versatility. One of the most expensive amps on our list, this one is designed for players looking for a really strong and loud acoustic guitar amp that retains the authentic original tone of their instrument even when amplified to extremely high volumes. This two-channel amp and sensitive speaker system delivers a warm, balanced, and authentic acoustic tone, as well as a variety of cool effects to explore with. Finally, Bluetooth connectivity allows you to perform while listening to a background track.
Overall Design: The Loudbox Performer is designed to help your sound pierce through a crowded room, and it accomplishes so admirably. It boasts a one-of-a-kind integrated kickstand that allows you to tilt it 50 degrees to deliver superior sound even at shorter distances. It has two independent channels for instruments or microphones, both of which accept 1/4 inch and XLR inputs.
It has an additional phantom power switch to accommodate the extra power requirements of condenser microphones. There's also a headphone jack for solo practice, and Bluetooth connectivity makes it simple to play your favorite backing track while jamming or performing. It's a little on the heavy side at 25 pounds, but it's a 180-watt amp, so we're not complaining.
Output and Wattage: At 180 watts, this amp is not just one of the most powerful acoustic amps on the market, but also Fishman's most powerful. This level of output makes it ideal for a small-group performance, but it may also be connected to a PA system for a larger audience. We were particularly struck by how transparent its tone is even at the highest volume levels, which is the ultimate test of quality for a high-end acoustic amplifier.
Control and Built-In Effects: Each of the amp's two channels includes its own 3-band EQ, anti-feedback knobs, and a separate midrange control for adding more definition to your tone. We also liked the reverb, chorus, delay, flanger, and slap echo effects, as well as how they enhanced the tone.
2. Fender Acoustic 100 (Editor’s Choice)
My Review: Acoustic 100 is one terrific looking amp that has been a highly popular choice for its sleek style and outstanding range of features. It is intelligently designed and sturdily manufactured. With outstanding sounding 8-inch full-range Whizzer cone speakers, this 100W Scandinavian-influenced beauty correctly amplifies your guitar's true acoustic tone. The amp includes two channels, one for acoustic guitar and the other for a dynamic microphone, each with its own set of effects and settings. This amp is really versatile, with a large range of effects and in and out jacks.
Overall Build: Fender has created a distinctive-looking wood shell enclosed amp with the AC 100, which sets it apart from its Acoustasonic predecessors. The amp comes with a long number of impressive features, including two channels for guitar and microphone, an integrated tuner, a Bluetooth device for wirelessly streaming backing tracks, a convenient USB connector, and so on. It's not easy to travel, weighing 17.6 pounds, although the inbuilt handle helps. This all-rounder amp is an excellent choice for anyone searching for a dependable, stage-ready acoustic amp with a rich sound thanks to its high-end boosting 8″ full-range Whizzer cone speakers.
Output and Wattage: The amp's 100 Watt output power and 8″ flat frequency speakers offer the acoustic's broad, natural tone as well as a sound loud enough for even large-format gigs. Fender thoughtfully included universal voltage functioning in the AC 100 to make it even more handy for traveling artists.
Control and Built-In Effects: The AC 100 features a number of onboard digital effects, including tape echo, delay, chorus, vibratone, and a room, hall reverb, as well as a 3-band EQ, allowing you to fine-tune and dial in the precise tone you want. Experiment and fine-tune the sound to your heart's delight with the huge range of effects available.
3. Marshall AS50D (Best Value)
My Review: Marshall is a legendary name in the world of music, and rightfully so, having been founded in the 1960s. Their amplifiers are known for being among the greatest (and loudest!) in the business. Another model that does not disappoint is the Marshall AS50D. The Marshall AS50D is a workhorse on stage and for smaller, intimate performances, boasting power and features that are hard to surpass.
The control panel resembles that of any other Marshall amp; it has an XLR input, is simple to use, and is simple to master. This powerhouse's tone is really transparent, with that classic Marshall quality. Overall, the Marshall AS50D is one of the best acoustic guitar amplifiers available since it provides excellent value.
Overall Build: The AS50D is a sturdy stereo combo amp with a two-channel layout for your instrument and the vocal mic. You'll also see an additional phantom power switch on the voice mic channel. The two 8″ speakers, along with a 1″ high-fidelity tweeter, deliver a rich, full-bodied tone from your acoustic.
When compared to the rest of the selections on this list, the Marshall AS50D is a heavyweight, so keep that in mind – but then again, so are its features. The anti-feedback notch filter eliminates any unwanted feedback that may arise.
Output and Wattage: With 50 watts of output, this amp is ideal for small, private shows, but when connected to a PA, it can also be used for large onstage performances. Getting a quality 50-watt acoustic amp in this price range is fairly good value for money in our opinion.
Control and Built-In Effects: Both the guitar and microphone channels have individual EQ controls and onboard effects. Its stereo quality reverb knob lets you choose how much of the effect you want to apply to either of the channels – fully to the left applies the effect just to channel 1, while fully to the right applies the effect only to channel 2. Two independent knobs can be used to adjust the pace and depth of the chorus.
4. Fender Acoustasonic 40 (Best Under $200)
My Review: If you're looking for a strong, lightweight, and dependable acoustic guitar amp around $200, the Fender Acoustasonic 40 is well worth considering. This amp produces an amazingly clean acoustic tone thanks to Fender's trusted technology and expertise. With a power output of 40 watts, it may easily be used for a small audience or a large rehearsal area. This amp is amazing value for money at its pricing point, with nice controls, two distinct 1/4′′ XLR-capable channels, and an AUX as well as a mic input.
Overall Build and Controls: The Fender Acoustasonic 40 is a lightweight and portable amp that weighs only 17 pounds, making it convenient to transport to and from a jam session or a show. The two-channel system has inputs for both your guitar and microphone, allowing you to play as well as sing, whether you're practicing alone or playing for a small audience.
Whether you plug in your acoustic guitar or other acoustic instruments like the ukulele, its 6-inch speaker offers a rich and well-balanced sound. This is also due to the speaker's distinctive whizzer cone, which boosts the higher frequencies. A 3.5 mm aux input comes in handy because it allows you to plug in your phone for a backup track. The brown and wheat finish is also a wonderful, subtle touch that stands out from the sea of black amps.
5. Fishman Loudbox Mini
My Review: It's a well-known truth among guitarists that Fishman knows how to amplify a guitar, whether acoustic or electric, thanks to the fact that almost every other guitar on the market has a Fishman pickup. The Fishman Loudbox Mini is undoubtedly worth a look if we're talking high-end amps that will keep the clarity and integrity of your original acoustic tone even at high volumes. It also has Bluetooth wireless communication, which is a unique feature in and of itself.
With 60 Watts of power, this acoustic amp is ideal for performing in front of a large crowd at a pub and cuts through the noise with ease. You'll like the effects conceivable on this one, which features Fishman's renowned preamp effects and tone settings. Despite its powerful sound, it's still smaller and lighter than other big amps with similar output. This one is well worth the money because of the settings, effects, and tone clarity.
Overall Design and Amp Type: We were pleased by the Loudbox Mini's ability to pack so much power into such a small and light package. For such a powerful amplifier, it is relatively light at 9 kg. You can expect a well-balanced sound that precisely communicates the tone of your acoustic guitar thanks to the 6″ woofer and 1″ tweeter. This amp has two channels: one for your instrument and one for your microphone. You may jam along to your favorite music while recording performance, thanks to an XLR input for dynamic mics and an AUX DI output.
Output and Wattage: At 60 watts, this little fella puts out a booming sound – enough to easily fill a fairly sized room with a crowd. Even better, unlike other small guitar amps that distort the tone when the volume knob is turned up, this amp manages to generate a clear and clean tone even at the highest level settings.
Controls & Built-In Effects: Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this amp is that Fishman has used their famed amplification skills to get the finest sound out of the Loudbox. While you may use its instrument channel to add nice digital reverb and chorus effects, you can also use it to provide reverb to your vocals for that sweet auditory halo. The Loudbox also has a three-band EQ for managing low, mid, and high tones, which gives you a lot of control over your tone and allows you to modify it to your liking.
6. Fender Acoustasonic 15
My Review: The Fender Acoustasonic 15 is a lightweight, well-built amplifier that excels at what it does. It's an excellent choice for guitarists looking for a budget-friendly entry-level amp. This 15-watt combo amp has 6″ full-range Fender speakers with a high-frequency Whizzer cone for creating and radiating high-frequency response. Only the instrument channel contains a 3-band EQ and a built-in chorus effect. There are two channels with dedicated volume control. This budget-friendly and simple-to-use amp wowed us with its pleasant and transparent tone and will be ideal for beginners or practice.
Overall Build: The Acoustasonic 15 has a traditional fender design and is well-built, with a black grill cloth finish and a weight of only 10.5 pounds. The guitar channel on this Fender amp has its own volume control knob, 3-band EQ, and chorus effects. The additional XLR microphone input allows you to sing along with your music while playing, making this amp ideal for both vocal and acoustic performances. The 6″ Fender speakers on the amp produce high-quality sound while accentuating the high end. A 14″ headphone out connection allows you to carefully examine what you're playing, making it ideal for practice.
Output and Wattage: The 15-watt power output of this compact amp, when supplied through Fender special speakers, produces a sufficiently powerful sound that is ideal for practice rooms or intimate shows at small venues.
Controls and Built-In Effects: The Acoustasonic features a 3-band EQ with bass, middle, and treble bands, as well as an outstanding built-in chorus effect that lets you tailor the tone to fit your performance. The amp lacks reverb, but if you're looking for a solid, portable amp that sticks to the basics and performs admirably across the board, the Fender Acoustasonic 15 is certainly worth investigating. This is, in my opinion, the best acoustic guitar amp under $100.
7. Yamaha THR5A Acoustic Modeling Combo Amp
My Review: The Yamaha THR5A is one of the more unique-looking amps here, with its vintage-inspired style and gold grill design – but that's not why we were drawn to it. Yamaha's time-tested expertise has produced a superb acoustic modeling combo amp that is tiny and light at a budget-friendly price point.
The THR5A's most notable feature is that it successfully simulates both a tube condenser and a dynamic mic, as well as a variety of effects, allowing you to create and record professional guitar tone. Don't be fooled by the 10-watt output; the wide, deep sound it produces can easily fill a room.
Overall Design: The THR5A is small, light, and robust, but it packs a powerful punch. It's really easy to carry and travel with, weighing only 7 lbs. You can use it with either AC power or AA batteries. Its stereo technology, which includes two 8 cm speakers, produces a surprise well-balanced, expansive, and luscious sound. You may also jam to backing tracks via the aux input.
Another great feature is the amp's built-in chromatic tuner, which allows you to tune up your guitar whenever and wherever you want. Finally, you can't discuss about this amp's overall build without mentioning its string appearance. With its unique grill shape and burnished finish, this golden gem stands out in a sea of cookie-cutter amplifiers. Finally, when you turn it on, a ‘virtual' tube illumination illuminates the amp in a vivid orange, providing a lot of pizzazz to your entire presence.
Output and Wattage: The THR5A manages to put out a decent volume for a 10 watt output – excellent enough to comfortably practice as well as jam with your band for rehearsals. Another amazing feature of this amp is that if you use it in battery mode and then plug it into an AC adapter, it will transition to AC mode automatically, preventing the batteries from being drained.
Controllers and Built-In Effects: This amp really shines when it comes to controls and built-in effects. This amp features a variety of incredible effects, including four separate acoustic simulations and clean amp modeling for electric guitars.
Choosing the Best Acoustic Guitar Amplifier (Buying Guide)
Adding an acoustic guitar amp to your collection is a great way to maintain your unplugged acoustic tone's natural beauty while amplifying it for larger audiences without affecting it. We hope this guide helps you select the perfect amplifier! The best acoustic guitar amp depends on your budget, playing style, requirements, and feature preferences. So, while you read through this list, keep your specific requirements in mind. Have fun jamming!
Most Important Amp Features
Here are the factors you should keep in mind when choosing an acoustic guitar amp:
Output and Wattage
Acoustic guitar amplifiers come in a variety of wattages, ranging from 5 watts to 60 watts and even 100 watts. What you'll use your acoustic guitar amp for and how loud you want your amplified tone to be will determine the wattage. If you're largely going to use it to practice at home at low volumes, a 5 or 10-watt amp would suffice. However, if you plan to perform in front of an audience, we recommend that you look for speakers with a mid-range output – from 30 to 200 watts – depending on how loud you want your music to be.
Channels and Inputs
The majority of acoustic guitar amplifiers are two-channel, while single-channel and three-channel models are also available. 2 channel amps are perfect since they allow you a channel for your guitar and another for your voice mic, making it a full setup if you're a singing guitarist who wants to practice their entire performance. Look for an AUX input so you may plug in a backing track to jam to, as well as a headphone out port so you can practice alone to a track at low volumes.
Weight and Design
Most acoustic guitar amplifiers are available in a variety of weights, ranging from 4 pounds to 30 pounds. If you plan to travel with your amp or take it to rehearsals frequently, choose one that you can easily carry without breaking your back.
If you plan to leave your amp in one area and not move it around frequently, a heavier model may be preferable. Of course, weight can't be considered in isolation; you'll need to strike a balance with the amp's features as well, as amps with more features will normally weigh a little more.
Controls
While some acoustic amplifiers include a simple tone knob for EQ modification, others have a three-band EQ that allows you to modify the lows, mids, and highs to your liking. Everything is determined by your personal preferences and financial limits. It's also a good idea to make sure that each channel of a two-channel amp has its own set of controls.
Effects
Most acoustic guitar amplifiers come with a few built-in effects like reverb and chorus, but some go above and beyond by including flanger, delay, echo, and other effects. Because built-in effects aren't required for a clean, pure acoustic tone, this feature is largely a matter of personal preference.
Price
Acoustic guitar amplifiers are available in a wide range of pricing points, ranging from $60 to $800 for the most basic models. The cost is largely determined by the features, effects, design, and brand. If you're a novice on a tight budget who wants to practice at home or with your band, a modest acoustic amp for under $100 is a good option.
If you want a more feature-rich amp with outstanding stereo sound for onstage performances, there are some great alternatives in the $200 to $300 range, with some in the $300 to $400 area. If you're searching for advanced, high-end models with a lot of effects and controllers to experiment with, expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $800 depending on the features.
Acoustic Guitars Need Not Be Quiet
We all know that acoustic guitars may be heard without any electronics, yet there are instances when amplification is required. Even if you're primarily an electric guitarist, you'll be amazed at how often an acoustic guitar amp will come in handy, and there are plenty of good options available.
The goal of this list was to provide you with some of the top options for acoustic musicians (and vocalists) out there. They all have a lot in common, but it's the fundamental differences in each model that you should focus on.
Consider how much volume you'll need, whether you'll need effects, and whether you'll be singing into the amp. These types of inquiries can help you in determining which acoustic guitar amp is perfect for you.
If making a choice is difficult, the good news is that all of the amplifiers on our list are excellent. I believe these will all satisfy the majority of players.
Now go ahead and play your acoustic guitar loudly for everyone to hear.
FAQs About Best Acoustic Guitar Amps of 2022
What amp does Tommy Emmanuel use?
60/3 amp AER Compact
Emmanuel, like Atkins, has always been open about his gear, so it's no surprise that he produces his signature sound using a Maton acoustic guitar outfitted with the company's unique AP5-Pro pickup system, AER's superb Colourizer preamp, and an AER Compact 60/3 amp.
Why Do I Need An Acoustic Guitar Amp?
While every acoustic guitarist loves their unplugged tone, it can be difficult to replicate that tone in an amplified setup without affecting the color and sound. This is where high-quality acoustic guitar amplifiers come in handy.
While amplifying your guitar, these amps are specifically designed to preserve and translate your guitar's natural, authentic acoustic tone. This allows a much bigger audience to hear your trademark acoustic sound without affecting its original tone in any manner.
Can You Use a Regular Amp For An Acoustic Guitar?
Yes, you can connect your acoustic guitar to a standard amplifier. However, expecting your acoustic guitar's tone to sound exactly the same on a standard amp is unrealistic — simply because it wasn't designed to do so. Electric guitar amplifiers are not built for acoustic guitar amplification, and as a result, enhancing your acoustic tone will change the quality of your tone.
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