Best Acoustic Guitar Amplifiers - When Definition And Transparency Matter

Last Updated: November 19, 2019 As we refreshed this acoustic amp article, we removed the older Marshall AS50D before adding two new models to the chart. These additions included the excellent all-in-one Boss Acoustic Singer Pro combo, as well as Marshall's AS100D.

While an acoustic guitar may not need an external device to be heard, if you are performing to more than a handful of people in a small room you will require something to boost your sound. Enter, the acoustic guitar amplifier! Whether you are looking for a portable combo amp for coffee shop performing, or something with a little more oomph to be heard in a live band scenario, you’ve come to the right place. We have put together a chart highlighting a handful of the best acoustic amps on the market today, ranging from budget options to high-end masterpieces. Let’s dive in and check out what each one has to offer.

Top 9 Best Acoustic Guitar Amplifiers:

What to Look Out for When Buying an Acoustic Amp

Now that we’ve seen what’s on offer, let’s help you narrow things down by looking at what to keep an eye out for when shopping around for an acoustic amp. Format Do you go for a tube or solid-state amp? Both variations exist with acoustic amps and the decision will come down to your budget and tonal desires. Tube amps (which use vacuum tubes to increase the power of a guitar’s signal to the speaker) are the more expensive version, but deliver a thick, organic tone with more dynamic response. Solid-state amps (using silicon-based transistors instead of a tube to boost the signal) are usually cheaper and offer a clean replication of the guitar’s tone. Note that, unlike guitar and bass amplifiers, the standard format for an acoustic amp is a combo. Power This is the time to define what you are buying an amp for. Is it just practicing in your home? Chances are you won’t need much more than 20 watts of power for this. But as soon as you begin expanding your performances to bigger venues then you’ll need an upgrade in power. While every venue and amplifier are different, around 50 watts of power is ample for most coffee houses, while 100 watts will give you all the output you would need for bigger stages. If you need further power, some amps will allow you to hook up to an external speaker or PA system. Channels Another important consideration is how many channels your amp offers. If you are practicing alone, one channel will usually suffice. But having a second channel allows you to plug in either a second guitar (or ukulele/mandolin) or a microphone for a vocalist, depending on the model. If this is the case, having separate channel controls is essential, allowing you to tweak the volume, tone and reverb levels of both channels. Effects As is the case with electric and bass amps, some acoustic amps also offer built-in effects. The most common are reverb and delay, while you will also find popular effects such as chorus and flange too. Some acoustic amps will also feature an FX loop, allowing you to easily add whatever effects pedals you want.

The Final Word

While there are many more acoustic amps on the market, our chart highlights some of the best amps around and has hopefully offered you a little inspiration before you dive into a purchase. Be sure to read some reviews, watch some videos and – if possible – try out some amps before settling on your perfect solution. Good luck!