Favorite Acoustic Amps?

[Pick&Grin]

Hey all,

Looking at buying a Fishman Loudbox Mini. Been using a Crate CA30DG for a few years, but plugged into my friend's Mini and the sound was great! Before I take the plunge, are there any other comparable amps you'd suggest I consider? I play a wide range of music, from old time and Celtic to bluegrass and rock. Usually play small-to-midsize venues

Thanks, as always!

[Br1ck]

This is one of those times I'd say, if you like the mini, buy the mini. Just like mandolins, higher up the food chain starts costing money.

I am very happy with my Carvin AG 500. Alas, they called it quits a year or so ago.nif you find a used one, buy it. Three way cabinet makes it more like a powered speaker and I can play bass, guitar, Uke,mandolin and sing through it.

The main knock I have on a mini is a not so good vocal tone. Otherwise not much would be better at that cost.

[Mandobart]

I also really like my Carvin AG300 sound. I did have a technical problem that appears to have been fixed. The features I like best on my Carvin are:

1. Can mount it up on a speaker pole
2. 3 inputs
3. High impedance select on 2 inputs - don't need a preamp
4. Three-way cabinet - essentially a powered PA speaker with a lot more functions
5. Can play a bass through it
6. 250 W with an extension speaker, 200 W without
7. ~35 lbs
8. Only about $600
9. Sounds great!

[dang]

I recently saw they had a battery powered version of the Fishman, the Loudbox Mini Charge.

https://www.fishman.com/charge/

Anyone actually seen one of these? Not trying to hijack your thread but thought it might be something to consider.

[Pick&Grin]

The Carvin sounds great guys. Sadly, a bit above my price point, at this time; I'll keep it in mind for future, tho!
Yes, I saw that charge. Great idea and also wonder how it pans out.

[Loubrava]

I tried 3 different amps and the LB sounded better. I started with the mini but for rock thing with full band I returned it for the LB artist. The mini just wasn’t loud enough to keep up with the guys I’m playing with.

[Bill McCall]

Marshall AS50?

[pops1]

If you like the Carvin keep your eye out for a used one, they are not making them anymore.

[multidon]

I like my big brother to the mini, the Fishman Loudbox Artist. Best sounding acoustic amp I have ever used. Light and compact as well.

Hasn’t Carvin ceased production of all their amps?

Music Go Round has an AG100D right now for 249. Little brother to Mandobart’s AG300, only 100 Watts, but pretty much same features.

[Dave Greenspoon]

My Laney LA 65D sounded great with everything but my Rigel. Perfect features, sounds great. Love my Loudbox 100; great sound and features. One question is your use of effects. Do you need an fx loop? The mini does not offer you one.

[Pick&Grin]

Do you need an fx loop? The mini does not offer you one.

Good question, Dave! As of now, I don't think I need one, but maybe that's just out of ignorance :confused:. In addition to my old time playing, I'm in an indie band and it may be useful for that. Again, I'm really ignorant here, but could I plug into pedals and then from there into the mini?

[Marc Katz]

consider a Bose L1 Compact system. I know it's a little more money (around 1000), but you can use it for a wide range of applications from solo gigs to acoustic ensembles. It has been fantastic for our trio. You would have something that would be very flexible for a wide variety of uses. And vocals and instruments sound great.

[Steve Ostrander]

Plus one for the Fishman Artist. I started with a Mini but the tone, volume and controls on the Artist are superior, and they don’t cost that much more, maybe $100.

[chuck3]

I like my big brother to the mini, the Fishman Loudbox Artist. Best sounding acoustic amp I have ever used. Light and compact as well.

Hasn’t Carvin ceased production of all their amps?

Music Go Round has an AG100D right now for 249. Little brother to Mandobart’s AG300, only 100 Watts, but pretty much same features.

I join in recommending the Fishman Loudbox Artist. Workhorse acoustic amp, amazing set of features, great DI out so you can use it by itself or to feed the PA. I've used it not just for mandolin but for upright bass, and for mics of course as well. Probably used it for at least 50 gigs now and never anything less than the right tool for the job.

[UsuallyPickin]

I use a Loudbox Mini for small venues. It also works as a single monitor when I am playing into a larger PA.The weight is what sold me. It really would not be sufficient for a room of any medium size by itself. The Artist model as recommended above would be more of up to the task of larger rooms. The cost with amp cover will be around 600.00$. That's in the neighborhood of 2/3 again the price of the Mini model but worth the wattage increase from 60 to 120 watts. Not to mention all the other bells and whistles. The Roland AC 60 also deserves a look see. I have used one once and was struck by it's tome and volume. R/

[stevedenver]

I use a fender acoustasonic sfxII 160, brown tolex version

56 lbs! This is the real drawback. Really! I use a dolly for more than a parking lots distance.

Ive always preferred an amp thats a bit too big , bigger speakers and cab, for fuller rounder bassier sound, rather than small. Cabs mean weight, but typically bigger sound.
Reasonably featured, but only one xlr. Have to balance vocal and instrument channels via gain, then master volume.

Depends on the environment, a lot. Outdoors seems to suck away sound.

These are pretty affordable used, due to the new sexy revised molded curvy wood eames- chair style cab and gossamer speaker cloth version. Guts are identical.

I also have a roland cube 80 x too. Neat little jazz guitar amp, and mando. Roland voice is like the old jazz chorus amp. Very very nice warm clean channel.

Easier to schlepp, smaller closed back cab, 25 lbs, roughly, one input, fairly natural voice for amplified acoustics, great sound, superb effects and foot control options and loud too. Also cheap used.



The fender is like a mini PA, for one player.
Great room filling sound, clear, full, even enough for a not too heavy drummer.
Decent effects.
I use mine with my rigel, and a baggs di. This amp takes away the shrill boxy piezo sound. This is why I chose it. Ditto the roland.
The fender has a Foot pedal control over effects and a mute. Mute is nice.

[Jim Mullins]

There's a Loudbox Mini posted in the Classifieds today

I've had a regular Loudbox, which I liked a lot.

You might also look at Roland amps; they have a variety of sizes, wattage, features, etc. I have the smallest, an AC33 I think, which is also battery powered and worked great when I played outside at a farmers market with no power available.

[Steve Ostrander]

I didn't realize the Loudbox Artist was that much more than the Mini. I bought both of mine used.

[mandroid]

I have had a Roland AC-60 for a while.. not made by a company thaat also makes the piezoelectric pickups, but it does have an input switch,
on the instrument channel for piezo/magnetic.. Mic channel has 48v phantom power..
powersupply transformer makes it compact but heavy.

Padded gig bag , included, is a good thing ..

back panel has an efx loop and can DI to the house board to be your monitor,

& 1,1/2" pole socket to be a PA speaker- though the knobs being on the top
would be a bit hard to reach then,

it can be power amp & speakers for a submixer for more channels, Or preamp for a bigger basic amp..

& top end for a powered subwoofer.. etc..



...

[Patrick Sylvest]

I have had a Roland AC-60 for a while.. not made by a company thaat also makes the piezoelectric pickups, but it does have an input switch,
on the instrument channel for piezo/magnetic.. Mic channel has 48v phantom power..
powersupply transformer makes it compact but heavy.

Padded gig bag , included, is a good thing ..

back panel has an efx loop and can DI to the house board to be your monitor,

& 1,1/2" pole socket to be a PA speaker- though the knobs being on the top
would be a bit hard to reach then,

it can be power amp & speakers for a submixer for more channels, Or preamp for a bigger basic amp..

& top end for a powered subwoofer.. etc..



...
This is what I use for small gigs. I've utilized it with a mixer and two condenser mic's to power a full bluegrass band for an outdoor gig. Furthermore, this one now comes with rechargeable battery power.

I use a Bose L1 for larger gigs. Simply the best!

[Steve Lavelle]

I've been using powered PA speakers with a Radial Tonebone pz preamp. At Christmas, I upgraded to a Presonus Air10. I also have a Behringer B210D that I used for awhile, but found it wouldn't work when I played with a drummer. Presonus has much more headroom, and a very clean sound.

[Patrick Sylvest]

I've been using powered PA speakers with a Radial Tonebone pz preamp. At Christmas, I upgraded to a Presonus Air10. I also have a Behringer B210D that I used for awhile, but found it wouldn't work when I played with a drummer. Presonus has much more headroom, and a very clean sound.

Presonus products are First Rate! Excellent choice! A Great Louisiana, USA company to patronize!

[mandroid]

Took my recently bought, Roland Mobile AC to an electric (guitars) jam , yesterday evening ,

it sat on the table top next to me ..

worked well.. I got there and back on my bicycle..

[Tomando]

I tried my Loudbox mini at a very noisy bar, it was not happy when cranked up to max. Otherwise fine though. I went for the sa330, aka the “Fishstick”. Granted, more $$, but much nicer sound quality. Very portable too. Good luck with your choice!

[ukrobbiej]

Best amp I’ve ever owned is an Acus One 8. Preferred it far more than an AER compact 60.

Robbing e

[Billy Packard]

I just spotted this thread and thought I'd chime in.
I have had a Acoustic Image Chorus 2 for nearly 10 years and it is an absolute joy for small jobs and especially (these days) rehearsing with my partner who is playing a Steinway grand.
It wasn't cheap but it is sure good.

http://mobi.acousticimg.com/index.php

Billy

[Shelagh Moore]

I use a ZT Amplification Acoustic Lunchbox for smaller jobs and a Bose L1 Compact for slighter larger gigs. I’ve been extremely happy with both. Where I have to go into a house PA I use my Radial Tonebone Preamp to make sure levels match and that I have some personal control.

[Pick&Grin]

Can't thank you all enough for your advice and suggestions. With my budget where it is, for now, I went ahead and got the Fishman Mini Loudbox. If need be, I figure I'll eventually sell it and work up the chain, as I've done with my mandos. For right now, it sounds great! Can tell right out of the box that it's a quality product. For an amp newbie like me, I also appreciated the suggested settings for different volumes.

I'm going to keep checking back here as a reference as I look for different amps for different situations. Been suffering with MAS. Is AAS a thing? (just realized those initials are better spelt than said! :)) )

[kjbllc]

I just went up to the performer fishman, I glad I did, I also use a pitch shifter which really shows up with the bass speaker the artist didn't have.

[Papalobo]

I'm using a Mesa Rosette and am very pleased with the accuracy , it's also very portable.

[Papalobo]

I ran a Marshall ASD 100 for a few years and loved it, I sold it to my Music teacher who is a professional violist. Very good sound, and loads of usable effects on board, and reliable.

[Dave Bradford]

This is what I use for small gigs. I've utilized it with a mixer and two condenser mic's to power a full bluegrass band for an outdoor gig.

Another Roland AC 60 fan and I bought a used one about ten years ago that is still going strong either as a stand-alone unit for instruments (fiddle and mandolin through a Dean Markley DI Plus) and vocals, or a very effective stage monitor within a larger system. Highly recommended and would buy another one if it ever bites the dust.

[almeriastrings]

Just as a footnote for anyone considering acoustic amplifiers, as noted above, you might find it worth looking seriously at a good quality powered PA speaker(8-10" is usually best) plus a good acoustic preamp unit. This will give you pretty much identical (or even superior) results with a lot more flexibility and coverage, as you can get that speaker well up off the ground on a stand. You also have an easy route to expansion (just add a second matching speaker) and mixer as required. The only downside is a few more interconnects and a little less 'compactness'. If you use a really top class speaker (such as the QSC's) to my ear these sound as good as any acoustic amp I have yet heard. You also have the option to use different 'front ends' (e.g. different preamps) as necessary or to taste. Just something to think about.

[Br1ck]

Just as a footnote for anyone considering acoustic amplifiers, as noted above, you might find it worth looking seriously at a good quality powered PA speaker(8-10" is usually best) plus a good acoustic preamp unit. This will give you pretty much identical (or even superior) results with a lot more flexibility and coverage, as you can get that speaker well up off the ground on a stand. You also have an easy route to expansion (just add a second matching speaker) and mixer as required. The only downside is a few more interconnects and a little less 'compactness'. If you use a really top class speaker (such as the QSC's) to my ear these sound as good as any acoustic amp I have yet heard. You also have the option to use different 'front ends' (e.g. different preamps) as necessary or to taste. Just something to think about.

This is good advise. QSC at the top of the food chain, but we've been using little 8" Behringer powered speakers as monitors and at less than $200, they are a great value. Powered speakers can grow with your needs, like the above advise add another and a mixer and you have a small PA. Add two more and you've got monitors and can service a combo.

My Carvin AG 300 can handle bass. Add two powered speakers and a small mixer and you can support a couple mics plus the other instruments in a three or four piece. Mix and match as needed.

When looking at mixers, figure out what you need and add four to six more channels.

[Daniel Nestlerode]

Just as a footnote for anyone considering acoustic amplifiers, as noted above, you might find it worth looking seriously at a good quality powered PA speaker(8-10" is usually best) plus a good acoustic preamp unit. This will give you pretty much identical (or even superior) results with a lot more flexibility and coverage, as you can get that speaker well up off the ground on a stand. You also have an easy route to expansion (just add a second matching speaker) and mixer as required. The only downside is a few more interconnects and a little less 'compactness'. If you use a really top class speaker (such as the QSC's) to my ear these sound as good as any acoustic amp I have yet heard. You also have the option to use different 'front ends' (e.g. different preamps) as necessary or to taste. Just something to think about.

I concur. The best sound I've ever gotten for an acoustic amplified instrument was through a Bose tower thingie. (Terribly technical word that, but I cannot remember the model name or number.)

I recently did a solo gig with a borrowed Bose unit and a 4 channel mixer. (1 vocal, 1 mandolin, 1 octave mandolin, and 1 uku-dola) The set up took an extra hour of my time. But the sound was absolutely worth ever second.

Daniel

[Dave Greenspoon]

...1 vocal, 1 mandolin, 1 octave mandolin, and 1 uku-dola) The set up took an extra hour of my time. But the sound was absolutely worth ever second.

Daniel

It was worth it just to post that you used a ukudola...

[Papalobo]

The Marshall acoustic amps are wonderful , both the 50 and 100 ( I had the 100 and miss it)

[Daniel Nestlerode]

It was worth it just to post that you used a ukudola...

:)

It's a concert size ukulele tuned CGDA. Lovely sound. Much softer than a steel string archtop instrument.

Daniel

[amsmichael]

I play in a bluesband including a drummer and bass player so need a bit of volume, even when the rhythm guys try to keep the volume down.
When we play half-acoustic gigs I use a Fishman Performer and always connect that from the XLR out to the PA. That way I can keep the volume on the Fishman at a moderate level - much better for the sound, I totally agree with Tomando. Also I'm usually close to my amp as we mostly play in pubs and keeping the volume down is one way of avoiding feedback.
I also use a EWS Subtle Volume Control, which sits next to my chair so that I can adapt my volume. A very useful toy!
The EQ settings on the Fishman are a kind of compromise as I switch from guitar to resonator and mandolin. Resetting the settings every time I change is just not possible.
When we play electric gigs I it's a different story. My amp is then a Fender Blues de Luxe. For the acoustic songs I use a Fishman Pro EQ preamp. From the preamp I run an XLR to the PA. The preamp is close to me, so I can change settings and volume.
Hope this helps!

Michael

[Murphy Slaw]

Those little Bose S1 Pro's are getting a lot of attention lately.

[Dave Greenspoon]

Daniel Nestlerode would any concert size would work? What strings are you using? Is that a reentrant uke voicing or just a straight chromatic? Thanks!

[Daniel Nestlerode]

Daniel Nestlerode would any concert size would work? What strings are you using? Is that a reentrant uke voicing or just a straight chromatic? Thanks!

Hi Dave,
There's a thread here somewhere about converting concert ukes to CGDA. But I'm using a set of 31U "concert fifths" Aquilas. It took a while for the uke to settle to the different tension, but it did and it sounds great.

[Mando Mort]

I have been happy using my Fender Acoustasonic, Jr. for mando, guitar and vocals. Can play an instrument through one channel with vocal mic working in the other, like a small p.a.

[Jim V]

I have both a Loudbox Mini and Loudbox Performer. The performer is larger and heavier, but in exchange, it has a handy 3rd channel, phantom power, more effects, ability to take either individual or combined signals to a PA board, and combined low/high impedance inputs that make it much more flexible than the Mini. The Performer can be found at discounted prices around $600.

[Jim]

Kustom PA50 with a Behringer ADI21 is great sounding on it's own , has a hole to mount on a stand and an output for a subwoofer should you need one.

[John Flynn]

I have a Loudbox Mini and really like it, but it didn't have enough power. I was all set to upgrade to an Artist, but I found a Loudbox 100 on Craigslist that was like new. They don't make the 100 anymore, but if you can find one, they were really a great design. I played in a group with a guitarist who used an Artist and I like the 100 better. If I need even more volume, I use them both and slave the Mini to the 100.

The thing I don't like about both Loudboxes is the disappointing lack of headroom. With my Rigel un-preamped piezo running into the #1 input, I can only get the volume up to about 40% with good clean tone. Higher and the tone falls apart to the point that the EQ can't save it.

[Paul Statman]

+1 for the Loudbox Artist Almost got the Mini, but was persuaded to spring for the 120W Artist. I't still small enough to be portable. The Performer (180W) is larger to the point of cumbersome, if you are lugging your own gear, that is.

[Andrew Faltesek]

Another vote for the Fishman Loudbox Performer. Sweet sound and control; 180W 3-way speakers plus tweeter control, phantom power, aux input etc; flexi 2-channel with all these features plus best feedback control I've ever known.

[j. condino]

I just spotted this thread and thought I'd chime in.
I have had a Acoustic Image Chorus 2 for nearly 10 years and it is an absolute joy for small jobs and especially (these days) rehearsing with my partner who is playing a Steinway grand.
It wasn't cheap but it is sure good.

http://mobi.acousticimg.com/index.php

Billy

I've used my Acoustic Image amp for approximately 300 gigs. They make a great US made product; they also have the best warranty in the business- they cover their amps for whomever is holding it - new buyer or someone who bought it secondhand- for life. Try finding that anywhere else. Rick (the owner) is also a great gigging musician who understands. If you have a problem on a weekend gig, call him on Monday, ship it out, and he usually will get the repaired unit back to you in time for Friday night's gig. In a disposable import centered cheap price is more important than everything world, that type of service is priceless and almost unheard of. That also helps explain why there is a thriving secondhand market for reasonable prices.

You may want to consider a separate head and cabinet system or a convertable setup; they are a lot more versatile and much easier to transport. I use my AI head sometimes with an AI cabinet that it slides into, but more often I'll mix and match different combinations of speaker cabinet(s) to meet the needs of different venues. When needed I can use it with other backline cabs that are at the gig. Most of the new class D heads pack a huge punch in a tiny package. My Acoustic Image Focus is 1000 watts (!!!) down to 2 ohms but is so small fits in my (empty) mandolin case or a small gigbag....

[Mark Seale]

I've used my Acoustic Image amp for approximately 300 gigs. They make a great US made product; they also have the best warranty in the business- they cover their amps for whomever is holding it - new buyer or someone who bought it secondhand- for life. Try finding that anywhere else. Rick (the owner) is also a great gigging musician who understands. If you have a problem on a weekend gig, call him on Monday, ship it out, and he usually will get the repaired unit back to you in time for Friday night's gig. In a disposable import centered cheap price is more important than everything world, that type of service is priceless and almost unheard of. That also helps explain why there is a thriving secondhand market for reasonable prices.

You may want to consider a separate head and cabinet system or a convertable setup; they are a lot more versatile and much easier to transport. I use my AI head sometimes with an AI cabinet that it slides into, but more often I'll mix and match different combinations of speaker cabinet(s) to meet the needs of different venues. When needed I can use it with other backline cabs that are at the gig. Most of the new class D heads pack a huge punch in a tiny package. My Acoustic Image Focus is 1000 watts (!!!) down to 2 ohms but is so small fits in my (empty) mandolin case or a small gigbag....

Totally agree with everything said above. I've been gigging with an AI Corus for 8 years, I have no idea how many gigs and/or rehearsals. Solid as a rock and the only issue I had were the rubber feet coming off, which Rick sent me replacements free of charge. I do want to use some other speaker boxes, but haven't really needed to enough to jump into that blackhole.