Amplifiers

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John Gundrum on June 21, 2011 at 10:35am

The simple answer to your question "whether my acoustic/electric is a good match for my new Roland Micro Cube" is a "No"

 

There are most definitely differences in amps for electric or acoustic guitars.  The Micro Cube is for an electric.  You can try the JC clean or even the Acoustic setting to hear what it sounds like.

An amp for an acoustic guitar, like your 414CE, can be something like the Fishman Solo Amp, Bose L1 Compact, Bose L1 Model I or Model IIand any number of other acoustic guitar specific amps.  A good list of acoustic guitar amps can be found here on Musician's Friend.  The Fishman Solo Amp is at the top for best seller and is an good choice.  It sells for $999 and is probably the average price you'll pay to get a good acoustic guitar amp.  Many of the acoustic guitar amp have two channels.  One for the guitar and another for a vocal mic.  If you are singing definitely look for a two channel amp made for acoustic guitar and mic.  There are cheaper models which have gotten good reviews. 

 

Personally, I have a Bose L1 Model I and love it.  I tried the Bose L1 Compact but found it couldn't handle higher volumes well and the inputs were limited.  I wanted something that could handle more than just an acoustic guitar and mic - more like 2 guitars, 2 mics, a keyboard and drums that were mixed down to it.  The L1 Model I has handled this requirement for me quite well.

I know there are other discussions on ACG regarding amp.  This is the main group but conversations have popped up over at the Coffee House Players group as well.

 

John

 

Permalink Reply by Hugh McCloskey on June 21, 2011 at 11:19am

John,

Thanks for your comprehensive reply.  How to handle singing did cross my mind but I hadn't yet tied it into how it would relate to the amp.  Since I just play chords right now, to play a "song" requires me to sing along to include the melody.  I tried singing with the Micro Cube but naturally my voice was overpowered. 

Also thanks for the suggestion to check out Coffee House Players.  It looks like that group can be very helpful.

Now I'll have to work on the delicate task of returning a Father's Day gift that was given to me with great pride.

Thanks again.

Hugh

Permalink Reply by Robert on June 21, 2011 at 2:02pm

John posted a good overview reply, but I thought I'd add my 2 cents (probably about what it's worth)
Anyway - the Fishman SoloAmp is one sweet unit except for the price. If you look it up, as suggested, you'll see that it has a mixer section in it to accommodate both instrument and voice. ***Personal Opinion*** - I much prefer this to the Bose. The cost is the same as the L1 Compact (with which John was disappointed) and it is smaller, lighter and all one unit (the Bose comes in 3 pieces). The L1 Model 1 runs about 2 grand and frankly, I like the Fishman's sound better.
One of the nice things about the SoloAmp is that it's expandable. It it's just you playing and singing, all you really need is one for small venues. But with the addition of another SoloAmp and an outboard mixer of the appropriate size, you have a complete PA for an acoustic band and it's highly transportable. (With the Bose, each player has to have his own unit and there's no overall control of the whole PA)

If those prices are too steep for you, Fishman also makes a couple of more traditional acoustic guitar amps: the Loudbox and Loudbox Performer. The LB Performer would be my second choice in a acoustic guitar amp. And it costs a couple hundred less than the SoloAmp. I've tried both with both my Martin D12-35 and a new Martin GPCPA1 and the sound is luscious.

The fact is, most amp manufacturers make an amp for acoustic guitar and many of them have mic inputs for a vocalist. I'd suggest you shop around for places to try out various units to see how they sound with your Taylor. Hard to tell what's best for you from a catalog.
Bob M

Permalink Reply by Rick Heenan on June 21, 2011 at 3:44pm

That Taylor needs to be plugged in.  You don't have to pay out a bundle either, check out Fender's line of Acoustasonics, amps made specifically for acoustics.  I have an Acoustasonic 30, angle cabinet.  I also have an Electar by Gibson, a 15 watter.  Same configuration with input for instrument and mic.  There are also a plethora of boutique acoustic amps out there too.  Some are pretty pricey.

 

I thought those Roland cubes were more for electric pianos and keyboards.  Good strong little amps.  JMO but those Bose systems are small PA's, same with the Fishman.  If you aren't out performing with them, they are a waste.  Like I said JMO.

Permalink Reply by Jud Hair on August 22, 2011 at 2:31pm

Hugh ---

 

Since all of the open-mic venues I frequent have their own sound systems, I decided to go "affordable" when I bought my own acoustic amp.  I was going to order a Fishman Loudbox Mini at $299, but then I looked on Craigslist and found an almost brand new Kustom Sienna 30 Watt for sale for only $80 (sells for $150-$170) and it has given me everything I need to amplify my practice sessions for both guitar and voice at home.  Because I haven't needed to try it, I'm not sure how it would do if I tried to take it out and use it in a performance setting.  I'm pretty sure it would be fine in a smaller cofee shop type venue.  In a large church sanctuary or other big room ... I dunno.