Acoustic guitar amplifiers include a preamp section that boosts an instrument’s signal before sending it to an amp for its final stage. This makes it easier to play louder and more clearly without compromising tone or battery life.
The list covers online sales, you can find the most affordable offers on the market.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
Here is a list of items you need to check:
Wattage:
All the amps included in this list have a minimum 50 watt rating. You can go lower if you want to save some money and power consumption, but we don’t recommend going much lower than that.
50 watts will be loud enough in most situations, though if you’re performing regularly in larger spaces it pays to have an amp that’s capable of putting out at least twice that.
Number of Channels:
Most guitar amps fall into two categories: tube or solid-state. Tube amps tend to sound warmer and more natural, while solid-state ones are usually brighter and more sterile (a lot like digital signal processors.)
If you’re playing a wide variety of styles it’s best to find an amp with multiple channels. Each channel lets you tweak the EQ and gain for a different style of music, though some modern amps do this automatically via digital modeling.
Number of Inputs:
You shouldn’t be playing your guitar through more than one amp at the same time, so the number of inputs on an amp is usually less important than it is for a PA system. It pays to have enough inputs so that you can plug in several different guitars and/or effects pedals without having to unplug and replug them between performances.
Number of Power Outputs:
This depends on how you intend to use the amp. If you’re playing through an electric bass amp, for example, you’ll probably want to choose one with a lower power rating.
On the other hand, if you’re using the amp as only an extension of your guitar, it doesn’t matter quite as much. You might still want one that can produce enough power to fill a larger venue.
5 Best Acoustic Guitar Amplifiers
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1. AER COMPACT 60/4 ACOUSTIC AMPLIFIER
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The AER Compact 60/4 is a highly portable solid-state amp that delivers crisp, distortion-free sounds along with a natural response to pick attack. It features an analog tone control section with two channels and a switchable impedance for versatile functionality.
Pros:
- Crisp, distortion-free tone & Natural response to pick attack
- Solid-state design delivers excellent reliability and long-term durability (tank looks like it should last decades)
- Built in tuner for quick tuning accuracy (when you’re at home you can plug in your guitar for quick tuning, when traveling you can set the tuner to tune)
Cons:
- Can be difficult to turn up at max volume, especially if using an Amped Extension Cab.
2. BOSS Amplifier Speaker (ACS-PRO)
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This compact amplifier is compatible with most BOSS compact effect pedals, and offers separate volume controls for the preamp and output sections. The built-in power supply supports 18V operation of BOSS’s PSA-120S power adapter for extended operation without interruption.
Pros:
- Compact design for optimal portability
- Separate preamp and output volume controls
- 18V operation using BOSS “PSA-120S” power adapter (included with amp, so you don’t have to buy one separately)
Cons:
- Replacing the fuse requires taking the amp apart. The fuse is placed in a chamber that can only be accessed after removing six screws. Fuses are not available due to the nature of this amplifier.
3. Yamaha THR5 Mini Acoustic Guitar Amplifier with Cubase AI Production Software
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This mini amplifier delivers the same great tone found on Yamaha’s THR series of full-size amplifiers, but in a portable size that’s ideal for acoustic guitar players. It comes with an audio interface that lets you record unlimited tracks straight to your computer.
Pros:
- Cubase AI4 music creation program included
- Excellent tone that can’t be beat for the price (this is probably the best sounding amp in the list)
- Can use with electric guitar, acoustic guitar, or other instruments if you have an external mic or pickup system.
Cons:
- May require minor assembly upon arrival, depending on the shipping company. We managed to put it together in less than ten minutes without any issues.
4. Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge 60-Watt Battery Powered Acoustic Combo Amp
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The Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge Head is a simple, compact amplifier with two channels that can be used with an instrument amp or straight into your computer with the Fishman Audio interface. It’s equipped with an onboard digital delay, tone control, and built-in tuner for instant access to the perfect sound.
Pros:
- Very good tone for the price (smaller portable amps aren’t known for great tone, but this one is surprisingly good.
- Easy to switch between acoustic and electric guitar without needing to re-amp (You can run your electric guitar through it just fine, but you’ll want to use an external pickup or microphone for optimum performance.
- Built-in tuner is easier to access than the tuners on most amps of this size.
Cons:
- May require minor assembly upon arrival, depending on the shipping company. We managed to put it together in less than ten minutes without any issues.
5. Orange Crush Acoustic 30 30-watt 1×8″ Acoustic Combo – Orange
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This compact 30-watt acoustic combo amp is designed with a 1×8″ custom-voiced speaker that delivers Orange’s signature sound, but at a lower volume level. It features two separate channels for easy switching between electric and acoustic tones.
Pros:
- Great tone for this price point
- 1×8″ speaker offers good tone for this size of amp.
- Aux input is nice if you want to jam along to your favorite tunes without turning up your speakers. You can also plug in other devices, like an MP3 player.
Cons:
- We don’t have any cons about it. It sounds great, and it looks cool.
Conclusion:
There’s no question that getting the right acoustic guitar amp reflects the kind of music you play. If you’re playing Led Zeppelin songs, then you probably want an amp that will push your amp to its limits.
On the other hand, if you’re playing off-beat little tunes played on a tiny 12-string guitar, then you’re probably aiming for a more subtle tone.
FAQ:
Q: Does an acoustic electric guitar need an amp?
A: When it comes to the famed electric guitar and acoustic guitar, you will need an amp specially catering to both contrasting instruments. That’s where I step in. This post is my guide to separate both amps disusing functionality, tone, and the application they are adopted for. So let’s dive in…
Q: Can you plug an acoustic-electric guitar into an electric AMP?
A: If you want to plug your acoustic guitar into an electric amp, that is definitely an option. Depending on the sound you are looking for and with the right electric amp and some tweaks to the EQ settings, you might even get a sound that’s just right for you.
Q: Do I really need an acoustic guitar amp?
A: You need to understand, Acoustic guitar Amps are designed to amplify the sound without changing its actual acousticy tone. So, if you’re doing any gigs and want to retain your actual acoustic guitar tone, you should consider buying one acoustic guitar amp for yourself.
Q: Can you play and electric acoustic guitar without an amp?
A: Therefore, no, an electric guitar will not work properly without being plugged into an amp. The main difference between an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar is in the name, the acoustic guitar’s sound is made using the ac the way the acoustic guitar works is there is a hole in the guitar called the sound hole.