Many will say that today the situation with combo amplifiers in the CIS countries is sad, and in part they will be right. You can often see a famous musician who, stepping on the stage and taking out a rather expensive acoustic guitar, "sticks" it into an inactive acoustic guitar stack. After all, you can pick up something suitable.
Many people use the combo amplifier for an acoustic guitar today and their choice is very wide. It is necessary to distinguish between electric guitar and acoustic amplifiers. What is the difference? The difference is huge, but despite this, many guitarists are not clear, and they use electro-acoustic amplifiers along with electric guitars.
In such situations, the best guitars will sound very clumsy, and if everything is completely bad, then squeak. An acoustic guitar does not have a graphite coating and an empty cavity, so the sound will be loud and squeaking from the electric guitar amp. Acoustic guitar combos are a bit different and are arranged differently. Sensors of shielded electric guitars are much less exposed to interference. Piezosensors of an acoustic instrument - no. The following is an exclusive review of combo amplifiers for acoustic guitar.
Types of amplifiers on a complete set
- Transistor To date, the most popular combo amplifiers are transistor, since they have a relatively low cost.
- Lamp. They will sound much better, but they cost significantly more.
- Hybrid.
The difference in sound between them will be heard especially when playing clear sound without adding various effects and “lotions”.
At the beginning of playing the guitar, the transistor one will be the best choice, because at first the formation of the performance technique will be most important, and only after that it will be necessary to establish the purity and accuracy of sound.
Amplifier components
The device has:
- slot
- switch;
- slots for microphone and headphones;
- frequency tuning scale;
- scale for adjusting the strength of sound;
- switch from clear sound to overload.
To evaluate all the details of the sound of any instrument with this combo amplifier, you need to take a personal guitar to the place of purchase and check. All of them will vary from model to model. In special installations of acoustic combo amplifiers, it is possible to block sound waves that fall into a graphite uncovered guitar, which can create a strong squeak.
The main factors affecting the type of combo purchased
- Dimensions of the room in which the tool will be used.
- Musical preferences of the musician.
- Budget.
- Built-in effects.
Acoustic guitar combos have a low cost, absolutely no need to buy the most expensive ones. A decent installation with good sound can be purchased for a relatively small price. More and more often on the streets, in the passages and the metro you can meet musicians. They plug in microphones and play to the accompaniment of phonograms. True fans of the best sound possible can try to assemble a combo amplifier for an acoustic guitar with their own hands.
When an acoustic combo amplifier is purchased, it should be borne in mind that each model contains individual specific differences. You should again be attentive to the fact that the price of a combo amplifier for an acoustic guitar will not always be a fundamental factor in its quality. A cheap amp will sound great too. It is quite comparable in level with expensive models that have built-in unnecessary effects that may never be needed. Below is a review of combo amplifiers for acoustic guitars of the most famous models.
Behringer (Beringer)
In the ranking of combo amplifiers for an acoustic guitar, it is worthy to take one of the first places in the simple Beringer acoustic combo amplifier, 15 watts. Given its modest price, this small 2-channel device has a sound significantly different from other models in quality. A feature of this sample will be a special "cascade" that will make the sound unsurpassed.
The Behringer Acx450 Ultracoustic has acoustic precision and a Bugera speaker. The amplifier has different programs and an ultra-musical graphic equalizer, it has a new type of system that detects FBQ, which is able to instantly suppress feedback. The 90-watt Behringer ACX900 Ultracoustic contains eight-inch speakers, a pair of channels and seven equalizer bands.
According to musicians, the advantage of this combo amplifier is that there is an option in which you can connect directly to the installation and use all the processing and sends to the processed sound. The models in this series are similar to the Boss ("Boss") combo amp. The Beringer AXC1800 Ultracoustic (180 Watts) is the choice of those who perform in small spaces. There he will be heard perfectly along with the drums and other instruments. The capabilities of this combo amplifier are completely equal to the functionality of the ACX900, in addition to increasing the equalizer lines and the knob, which adjusts the signal to individual channels (they go separately).
Benefits
Its advantages, according to users, include:
- low cost;
- small size;
- rehearsal option in headphones without interference to others;
- the ability to connect external sound devices.
The difference of this model is that it does not overload the channel. Often such a combo amplifier has a chorus, reverb and microphone slot, which you can use at performances and rehearsals. Due to the design features, the acoustic amplifier emphasizes the uniqueness of the sound, and the combo amplifier for the electric guitar removes all these subtleties.
Ibanez (Ibanez)
The Ibanez of the Troubadour series has the main advantage, characterized by a clear and transparent sound. These amplifiers are made in a "retro" style. They are convenient to use when playing on the floor. Models of this series can be found from 15 to 80 watts. They will be in many respects similar to some other analogs, but all individual sound properties of this acoustic instrument are saved.
Roland ("Roland")
Amplifiers "Roland" are very respected by jazz performers. The characteristic features of this device can be found in a large number of guitar processors, stereo speakers and high-quality effects in them combine and create an amazing sound of jazz music.
The first model is Roland Mobile-AC, which, being small in size, is convenient for transportation. The built-in battery allows it to work for fifteen hours or more. Therefore, this thing is most rationally used on trips somewhere. Turn it on, adjust the sound and admire the colorful, clear stereo sound of a small combo amplifier. In addition, you can add the effects of chorus or reverb to the instrument after connecting the player and microphone.
As many guitarists note in the reviews, the combo amplifier can be used instead of a monitor right at the performance. Regardless of the size, it is really possible to make the sound very impressive. The combo amplifier for acoustic guitar and microphone "Roland AC-40" is best suited for a musician who performs on small stages. It allows you to make a high level sound and in addition its size is small.
The effects of the reverb are of high quality, and the existing chorus does not interfere with playing music, allowing you not to feel any interference or extraneous noise. The advantage of the Roland AC-60 is a digital processor that optimizes sound by adjusting it for a typical pickup that removes noise and unnecessary string sounds. In addition, this thing has an output to which additional low-frequency functions are connected.
Vox ("Vox")
These amplifiers are small acoustic VX types. VOXVX50-AG, has a microphone slot. Freely transferred to concerts. Using Nutube ("NewTube") allows you to achieve a power of 50 watts. It is lightweight and energy efficient. There is a two-way coaxial speaker and a "clean maximum". The result is a clear sound. The last difference is the positioning given by the coaxial speaker.
Marshall (Marshall)
These amplifiers produced by Marshall have earned respect among musicians of all levels. These models are very high quality and have a neat sound, which has a pronounced "top" and "middle". In addition, if you have perfect hearing, you can adjust the excellent sound when recording. "Marshall As50D" is a good acoustic amplifier (50 watts) that has channels, including a microphone.
Any type characterizes the presence of a three-band equalizer. There is also stereo. "Marshall As100D" is distinguished by an unusual form and new specific "lotions", which are included in the standard package. According to musicians, this amplifier is better than no other, will convey the features of your instrument and will be the best solution for performing artists. The combo amplifier has four channels available. Pickups for singing or guitar are connected to them. Balance and reverb are regulated. AS100D has flexible settings.
Fender (Acoustasonic Series)
The Fender combo amplifier for the Acoustic Guitar Fender Acoustasanic 15 Combo and the Fender Acoustasanic 40 is a good solution for improving sound. These 15 and 40-watt combo amplifiers have full-range speakers with a special design that has the speaker needed for impressive reproduction of different frequencies.
The channels have their own sound controls. For demanding performers looking for professional approaches to working with sound, "Acoustic SFX Fender" is suitable. Having the latest features, it gives rise to unique auditory sensations. The best choice for musicians performing with electro-acoustic guitars who need to give concerts in small rooms. Compact, mobile, creating a warm atmosphere for connoisseurs. Many guitarists note that this model is the perfect combination of form and function.
Amplifiers for acoustic electric guitars can reveal the real sound of your instrument, highlighting its features. When planning a device purchase, review and study in detail all its characteristics, select a model with the power you need.
For large rooms, halls or venues there are quite powerful models of 1-2 kW. When using various “lotions”, it’s better for you to buy pedals when buying an amplifier. They create a higher level effect. Personally choosing a pedalboard, you will create even more pleasant conditions for playing music.
If you like rock music, then you should choose an amplifier company "Marshall". They, as the musicians note in the reviews, have a bright sound and do not let themselves be forgotten by the well-known “Marshal’s crunch”. The best combo amplifiers for acoustic guitars were presented above. Do not use the first electric power tool that is at hand. Take some time and money and create your own unique sound.