Acoustic amp recommendations

[TexMexMike]

I have played around with the idea of getting an acoustic amp for my J-45. I have gone through the threads and I belive that this is a discussion yet to be tackled.

I would be interested in finding an amp that would do well in the occasional small venue. Small wedding or private party sort of gig.

Also, would I be better off, since I do not have one yet, getting some sort of poratable PA system and killing two birds with one stone? Also, a PA system may give a bit more flexibility if I wanted to mic an acoustic that has no electronics. What do you guys use?

Any ideas or suggestions?

[Justpickin]

I have a Peavey Ecoustic 112, nice amp, but usually just go through the PA when we go "unplugged".

[nothin but the blues]

Mike, I don't know what your budget is, but trust me on this one, the best sub $500.00 amp I have played through (and own because of it) is the Marshall ASR50. You can get them at GC for about $350.00. It is perfect for the occasional small gig etc. It reproduces the Acoustics of the guitar wonderfully for that price range.

If your looking to spend more money, maybe a Genz Benz, or best case a AER or Ultrasound. I believe the AER's and the Ultrasounds to be the crem de la crem. Just depends on what your looking to spend, and weather or not you need a lot of power.

Of course, micing the Acoustic is always the best way to get the true acoustic sound of your guitar. Other than that, your really relying on the pickup system, and amp to try and come close to it. :thumbsup:

EDIT: I may even consider selling you mine since I don't have an Acoustic with Electronics in it anymore. :smoke:

[TexMexMike]

Taking notes Erik! I hope to get down to the music store this weekend. I know that they have the Marshall. And if I decide to go with an amp vs some sort of small PA system....and of course agree with your stellar opinion....I may just have to take yours off your hands!

Thanks!!! :thumbsup: :bannana_g

[TexMexMike]

I have a Peavey Ecoustic 112, nice amp, but usually just go through the PA when we go "unplugged".

Im looking into the PA route also. Any suggestions on an affordable set-up?

I was thinking the versatility that one could provide. Adding vocals, drum and backing tracks. Along with plugging or mic'ing an acoustic.

[Justpickin]

Im looking into the PA route also. Any suggestions on an affordable set-up?

I was thinking the versatility that one could provide. Adding vocals, drum and backing tracks. Along with plugging or mic'ing an acoustic.

I can't Mike...I've never really paid much attention to PA systems, was always forunate that the other guy(s) had one, I just plugged in either mic'ed or direct, I will say that you get what you pay for in a PA system. If you plan on getting serious and want one that a full band could use, you'll need power. If you want to do acoustic gigs in small venues, or just as a hobby for home use, some of the Fender PA systems I've played through aren't bad and they are low cost.

[Bytor1975]

I'm a big fan of Carvin PA's. Owned a nice set-up of my own for some time, till I quite playing out and it was just too damned big to have sitting in the garage. I turned it into a Roth IRA that year. My last band also used a Carvin PA. Very happy with it, but the stuff I was using is probably larger than you are interested it for small venues.

My Uncle on the other hand just bought a small Carvin PA setup to do his solo act with, but I have yet to travel up to Ohio to hear it yet, so I can't comment on it.

I like the Yorkville acoustic amps myself. Pretty affordable, and I thought they sounded very rich. I haven't played the Marshall though. I use an Epiphone Regent 220 right now. It is ok, but the price was right and since I don't have to use it that often it isn't that big of a deal to me.

[nothin but the blues]

I'm a big fan of Carvin PA's. Owned a nice set-up of my own for some time, till I quite playing out and it was just too damned big to have sitting in the garage. I turned it into a Roth IRA that year. My last band also used a Carvin PA. Very happy with it, but the stuff I was using is probably larger than you are interested it for small venues.

My Uncle on the other hand just bought a small Carvin PA setup to do his solo act with, but I have yet to travel up to Ohio to hear it yet, so I can't comment on it.

I like the Yorkville acoustic amps myself. Pretty affordable, and I thought they sounded very rich. I haven't played the Marshall though. I use an Epiphone Regent 220 right now. It is ok, but the price was right and since I don't have to use it that often it isn't that big of a deal to me.
Was this the equiptment you had on the Purple Helmet Tour? :lol:
Be sure to bring me along when you come up to Ohio!!!

I'm not sure about PA's either Mike. But, I suspect you will like that Marshall ASR50 after you play around with it at the guitar shop.

Keep us updated!:thumbsup:

[TexMexMike]

Darn! I didn't make it to the Music store this weekend. The wife had "other" plans. I hope that I can make time to swing by one durring an extended lunch break this week!

[nothin but the blues]

Darn! I didn't make it to the Music store this weekend. The wife had "other" plans. I hope that I can make time to swing by one durring an extended lunch break this week!
Keep me posted bubba :bunny:

[TexMexMike]

Keep me posted bubba :bunny:


As always...!!!! :thumbsup:

Real busy this week trying to get ready for my trip to Denver next Monday. Keeping my fingers crossed. Or I will have to find someplace in Denver next week!

[WireNWood]

You may be suprised at the next words you read:

The Behringer Ultracoustic is great.

Yes, most Behringer guitar and bass amps suck bigtime - I've played lots of them and hated most.

The Ultracoustic is a seriously different story. Mine did my club gig flawlessly - four nights per week for four years & still going.

Many nice features, too much to list. Here's a partial: 2 X 60 watts, loud as hell when you need it, clean as hell all the time, Fender-style kickback leg, rock-solid sealed-back cab, two discreet instrument channels, 2 feedback killers per channel... it operates like something between a guitar amp and a good PA system. It makes an asskicking keyboard amp and a pretty good lil' PA. The second channel has an XLR input and switchable phantom power. Good for recording - this thing has beaucoup connection possibilities - the back panel has more damn jacks than the Chicago phone book.

Extremely sturdy, and under $300. I commonly got complimentary remarks on the sound of this amp from the other local players who came into the club for Sunday jam sessions.

Some silly features - for example they must have had a couple million old-fashioned mechanical VU meters to expend.

Down sides - It ain't light. It ain't small. It's a little too bright for violin.

[TexMexMike]

Wow Wire! I'll add it to my "MUST SEE" list! Thanks! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[WireNWood]

Unfortunately, seeing it first is the tough part. Most brick-and-mortar stores don't stock Behringer amps although they can be found on occasion. Once in a while I see a used one, too.

Success, no matter what you choose.

:)

[nothin but the blues]

As always...!!!! :thumbsup:

Real busy this week trying to get ready for my trip to Denver next Monday. Keeping my fingers crossed. Or I will have to find someplace in Denver next week!
Certainly, I'll give you a good deal on mine if you likey :muahaha:

[TexMexMike]

Thanks Erik! I'll let you know soon! I hope to get a chance to test drive one before heading to Denver. Thanks again. :rock: