If you are heading out for a gig and plan to use an acoustic guitar, then an amplifier will serve you well.
However, finding the best acoustic guitar amp can be hard sometimes. Don’t worry! We have compiled a list of the most popular acoustic guitars amps and their features, specs, pros, and cons.
Read on to discover the acoustic guitar amp that will best suit your playing style and needs.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Acoustic Guitar Amps
- OUR TOP PICK: Fender Champion
- Fishman Loudbox Artist
- Fender Acoustasonic 15
Table of Contents
What Would I Use an Acoustic Guitar Amp For?
There are a few things that you can use an acoustic guitar amp for:
To Get the Exact Tone of Your Acoustic Guitar
Unlike electric guitars, where the tone of the amp is so important, the tone of acoustic guitars comes from the guitar itself. It originates from the wooden body that is made with specifically selected tonewoods. Using an acoustic guitar amp will help you amplify the exact tone of the acoustic guitar.
To Achieve a Wider and More Even Frequency Distribution
Acoustic guitar amps are powerful and can achieve a more even frequency with less distortion noise levels before the onset of clipping. They are more like tweeters and woofers, where you can play extremely low and high frequencies.
To Connect Microphones and Other Additional Inputs
The amplifiers have a powerful amplifier stage that reduces signal-to-noise ratios. This makes them perfect for a wide range of applications, including vocal microphones, amplifying keyboards, and other effects that you won’t find on any speaker system.
How to Choose an Acoustic Guitar Amp
Selecting the right amp for your acoustic guitar is important because it determines the final sound of your guitar. The results can be amazing sounds or dull ones, depending on your selection. Here are some of the most common features of an acoustic guitar amp that you need to take into consideration:
Inputs
Most acoustic guitar amps feature varying sizes and types of inputs, such as the ¼-inch connector for different instruments and XLR connectors for microphones. Although most of the amps are very different, some of them can easily accept all types of inputs. Also, others might have stereo inputs to connect stereo systems. It is very important to see the input types provided by the amp, so you can make sure they are exactly what you need.
Feedback Control
Feedback control comes in handy when you want to turn up your amp a notch higher than halfway. When selecting an amplifier, consider the ease and the impact of the feedback control on the tone of your guitar. These will vary from one amp to another. Some might offer varying feedback control options, while others may provide you with a simple feedback control button.
Channels
An acoustic guitar amp featuring more than one channel makes it easier for you to plug in more than just one instrument.
Power Output
For live performances and gigs, search for an amp with 100 watts or more. This is important because acoustic guitar amps with less than 100 watts cannot be efficient for big crowds. They are better at home and for practice.
Built-in Effects
Some built-in effects offered by most acoustic guitar amps include chorus, reverb, echo, etc. These effects may vary from one amp to another. The built-in effects will help you tweak your sound to your satisfaction.
Comparison of the Best Acoustic Guitar Amps
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Review of the Best Acoustic Guitar Amps
This section contains a list of the best acoustic guitar amplifiers that will transform your acoustic sound into something marvelous and breathtaking. Let’s jump in and take a look at them.
Best Overall:
Fender Champion
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to most buyers, this is one of the best acoustic guitar amplifiers on the market. They find the Fender Champion compact, easy to use, and versatile. The amp is sturdy and can get loud enough for your needs.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The onboard effects on the Fender are fantastic and convey a versatile wealth of tonal atmospheric coloring and textures. For private or personal listening, the headphone output jack will serve you well.
Who Will Use This Most
Beginners who are looking for something simple can easily use this amp because it packs a punch that will meet their needs. The Fender Champion contains a simple interface and good effects favorable to beginners.
Bottom Line
This is an amazing amp for people new to acoustic guitars who want to get a sampling of voices and effects. When sound amplification is concerned, the amp is effective because of the help of its various features, such as onboard effects. Apart from the popping sound when it is powered off, the Fender Champion is great and comes highly recommended.
Runner-up:
Fishman Loudbox Artist
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers and users are fascinated by the Loudbox amp that is made specifically for acoustic guitars and other instruments. It offers a sound quality that is nearly identical to that of the guitar. The extra line of input has caught the attention of users because it is great for adding a mic to the amp. It also lets you use mixers when you are having a show. If that is not enough, there is a direct XLR output on the back that relays the signal back to your mixer. It can then be amplified further via your sound system.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The 120-watt power output produces a clean, powerful sound that can be customized with effects from the 2 channels and onboard EQ. With a combo jack input, you can plug in the XLR or ¼-inch cable and supply the necessary power to the microphones. Besides that, the direct output of the amp allows you to send the perfect sound to the house PA system.
Who Will Use This Most
This small but powerful amp works well for acoustic guitarists and vocals for smaller venues or shows. For a larger venue, you can plug the XLR into the house systems. The design of the Fishman Loudbox results in high output and clear, crisp sound on both vocal channels and instruments with no distortions.
Bottom Line
You will get top-notch quality sound of acoustic instruments from the Loudbox. The amp's 120-watt output ensures delivery of the tonal qualities that have made Fishman amps stand out for great acoustic sounds over the years. Featuring feedback-fighting controls, phantom power, balanced XLR outputs, and a dual-effect section, the Fishman Loudbox Artist would be an excellent choice.
Best Acoustic Guitar Amp for the Money:
Fender Acoustasonic 15
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent reports described this product as a “great transaction”, and the service it provides is spectacular. Enthusiasts are pleased with the quality of sound the amp produces and how well-adapted it is for a smaller room. It is good for practice sessions and small groups. The amp produces a nice sound, and there is the added benefit of the microphone channel.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Fender Acoustasonic 15 is lightweight, portable, and comes with a microphone input. This not only optimizes your guitar’s tone but also your vocals. Being simple and flexible, it adapts to a variety of musical performances. The flexibility of this little amp is amplified further by the 2 channels and chorus effects.
Who Will Use This Most
This unit will work better for people who are searching for a smaller yet portable acoustic amplifier. Even though it is small, its sound quality is superb, and it comes with the added advantage of the microphone channel. This 15-watt acoustic guitar amplifier is great for practice and use in smaller settings.
Bottom Line
The Fender Acoustasonic 15 amp is easy to use and gives you flexibility for a wide range of musical performances. While delivering portable amplification, the 15-watt solid-state combo sporting a full-range speaker will offer you juiced high frequencies. Although this amp isn’t the concert type, it still sounds great for practice and home use.
Best Acoustic Guitar Amp Under $200:
Dean DA20
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Top-quality features offered by this amp have fascinated reviewers. Some of these features include its input and output jacks, built-in effects, weight, portability, and power. The 20-watt offers buyers the ideal power to practice with acoustic guitars. This power will amplify your guitar’s sound while still maintaining its original tone.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Dean DA20 features a 4-band EQ comprised of middle bass, treble, and presence knobs. Anyone can easily use it because there are no special channels, modes, utilities, features, or buttons that can confuse a beginner. Also, it is small, compact, and weighs 12 pounds.
Who Will Use This Most
This small and compact Dean DA20 acoustic guitar amp is best for beginner performers and for practicing. Anything more than this will require an amplifier with more juice and stability. It produces a nice, steady, and balanced tone that is convenient for home use.
Bottom Line
This amp is a very sturdy amp that has a lot of power under its belt. It is not the most versatile amp you can get, but it does the job well. Although the equalizer feature isn’t able to achieve fine-tuning of your tone, it is more than capable of shaping or transforming it nicely.
Best Acoustic Guitar Amp Under $300:
Yamaha THR15A
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
“Best amp” and “amazing amplifier” are some words used to describe this portable amp. This amp fascinates many users with its ability to run on batteries and the way it replicates the warmth and natural dynamic range of a tube guitar. Also, a full version of Cubase Al that comes with the amp seems to have caught the attention of many buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Yamaha’s THR15 comes with a lot of useful tools for songwriting, recording, and practicing. You can craft your tone from five modeled tube amplifiers types or plug in your acoustic guitar directly. It uses Yamaha’s Virtual Circuitry Technology to deliver authentic amp sound, as well as HF quality stereo playback and realistic effects. The amp’s stereo audio speakers are great for its internal effects and external playback from your computer or iPod.
Who Will Use This Most
Both beginners and experts alike can use this acoustic amplifier, particularly guitarists who want to gain more distortion and the unmatched response of a high-output stack. With a variety of channels delivering dynamic, intense distortion, the THR15 delivers various unique distortions to give you a tone and response that is perfectly suited to everything.
Bottom Line
With a simple installation process and easy-to-use Cubase and THR editor, anyone can use this amp. Responsive controls emulate a real amp, and the sound produced is of great quality with less distortion. It is probably the best for low-level bedroom playing or as a speaker for your computer.
Best Acoustic Guitar Amp Under $500:
Yamaha THR 10 II WL
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The amplifier's internal battery and the ability to use a Line G 10 transmitter has caught the curiosity of many buyers. They find the Bluetooth speaker credible, especially when the low boost is enabled and cranked up. You have access to every popular amp style because of the excellent 15-guitar tube amplifier emulation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The THR10 II WL amp takes the wireless technology concept to a whole new level, allowing you to cover any genre saving you from the hassle of dealing with cords. With Bluetooth support, a line 6 wireless receiver, and a built-in battery, you can play music whenever you like. This package won’t be complete without the increased bass response and a look that complements any décor.
Who Will Use This Most
Any beginner or intermediate guitarist should get themselves one of these amplifiers because of its realistic tube tone experience. The battery-powered combo features and utilities are easy to use. The sound quality is easily transformed by the great-sounding selection of modulation effects, echoes, and reverbs. The USB connection provides you with 2 channels for recording to your computer and 2 channels for playback from your computer.
Bottom Line
Quality and top-notch performance are what the Yamaha THR10 II WL amplifier assures you. If you are searching for something sturdy and portable for your travels, then this is a good selection. There is no need for 20 of 30 cables anymore since the wireless and Bluetooth features have you covered.
Best Acoustic Guitar Amp Under $1000:
Fender Acoustic Pro
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Guitarists enjoy playing sounds through the Acoustic Pro because it willingly pumps out volume without distorting, compressing, or coloring the sound. The amp also pleased most users with its portability and lightweight.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This Fender model is comprised of two mic channels, each with a set volume of low, mid, or high. It also comes with a phase switch. The selectable voltage and ground-lift switch enable you to set up the amp for maximum performance.
Who Will Use This Most
This Fender will meet the needs of anyone playing for a small venue and gig. Also, it can double up as a personal monitor on large stages when you need it to.
Bottom Line
This Fender has a lot to offer, from the overall style to its lightweight and generous output. The Acoustic Pro’s advantage lies in its straightforward user interface, which is easy to set up. Plus, there is a welcome facility, which allows you to use your onboard effects through the effects loop.
Best Small Acoustic Guitar Amp:
Roland AC-60
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Based on different reviews, users appreciated the fact that they can use the sophisticated signal process of the AC-60 to deliver great sound and tones that are perfectly tuned for any event. This is the ideal amp if you want a clean tone with great projection.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The built-in auto anti-feedback controls allow maximum volume without feedback. The 2-channel design also caught the eye of buyers, as it offers guitar input and a microphone line. The amp comes with a bag that we really like -- it is perfect for protecting your new amp.
Who Will Use This Most
This amp is perfect for practicing music in a room or performing in a small venue. The 30-watt speaker is enough to lighten up a club or a small concert hall, but not large events. Someone practicing music will benefit a lot from its compact size and portability, as well as the rich and natural tone it produces.
Bottom Line
Roland's AC-60 is perfect for traveling musicians because it is small and doesn’t weigh much. Although it is lightweight, its sound is strong and comes equipped with various features. The simple, sturdy design will last you for years to come.
Best Amp for Acoustic and Electric Guitar:
Marshall AS100D
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Acoustic guitar fanatics are pleased with this amp's general design, sound, quality, and built-in features. Manufacturers created the amp for use with a variety of acoustic instruments. Also, the upgraded speakers sparked the interest of many buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The performance of the AS100D is through the roof. The amp offers a sharp, bright, scooped mid sound. The medium EQ produces a thick, quick sound, whereas the mid-frequency on the first channel offers sonic flexibility. The addition of electronic tinge to your tone transforms it into a flawless acoustic sound.
Who Will Use This Most
Expert acoustic players can use the Marshall AS100D for ultimate control of their sound. With multiple channels and built-in effects, it can run two instruments and vocals at the same time. This means musicians with gigs can use this single amplifier for their whole setup.
Bottom Line
The Marshall AS100D Acoustic Amp is constructed specifically for a variety of acoustic instruments without pickups. The four channels give you maximum flexibility to manage magnetic pickups and handle piezo. The amp's built-in effects add dimension to your sound.
Types of Acoustic Guitar Amps
There are quite a few different acoustic guitar amps available on the market. Here are the main ones:
Solid-State Amps
Solid-state amps use solid-state electronics, such as transistors and diodes, for their preamp and power sections. They are dependable and produce a clean representation of the tone.
Tube Amps
Tube amps offer a warm, rich, and natural tone. They have to be maintained regularly because the tubes often need to be replaced over time. Also, they tend to be expensive. They use vacuum tubes to increase the guitar's signal to the amp. They are louder than solid-state amps.
Combo
Most acoustic guitar amps are combo amps. Combo amps are a combination between a tube and a solid-state amp. It uses both solid-state electronics and vacuum.
Conclusion
Choosing the best amp for your acoustic guitar depends entirely on you. Take your time to go through reviews and check out the amps that can meet your musical desires. The above amps are just a few reputable amplifiers on the market. Therefore, you are less likely to be disappointed with them.
People Also Ask
If you have gotten this far and still have a few questions, keep reading below to find out more.
How Much Wattage Do You Need in a Guitar Amp?
Guitar amps' required wattage can vary significantly depending on how the speakers respond to the wattage. 1-30 watts is deemed appropriate for small amps, 30-60 for medium-sized, and 60 and above for large amps.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between a Bass Amp and a Guitar Amp?
An amp is an amp, right? Well, no. There are differences. This is how you can tell the difference:
Bass Amplifiers
Bass amps are less concerned with sound effects, such as distortion. They are more focused on producing or replicating low but sonorous tones that the fat bass strings create. They are associated with producing more volume and driving large speakers to get the job done.
Guitar Amp
Guitar amps are classified into electric and acoustic guitar amps. Electric guitar amps are sophisticated and produce much more musical distortion. Meanwhile, acoustic guitar amps reproduce the full range of the guitar’s sound, from rounded bass notes to trebles.