While electric guitars are fully dependent on amps to produce sound, acoustic ones don’t necessarily require one for you to start playing. Nevertheless, acoustic guitarists know that amplifiers can come in handy once they’re on stage performing, as amps can accurately reproduce and amplify the sound of the instrument.
Unlike electric guitar amplifiers, finding the right amp for your acoustic guitar can be difficult. This is because the number of acoustic amplifiers is limited compared to the plethora of amps available for electric guitars. But if you’re able to choose the right amp for your acoustic guitar, it can help you project clarity and volume, which are essential in larger venues. The amp’s onboard effects and anti-feedback features can also influence your tones and give you a fuller or more vibrant sound.
Amps are not made equal—they all perform differently and have different features. Therefore, it’s important to spend some time finding the right amp for you, in the same way that you spent hours (maybe even days or weeks) researching and visiting various music stores back when you were on the hunt for your first guitar.
What to Look for in an Acoustic Amp
Channels
The number of channels is the first feature you should look for in an amp. Most acoustic guitar amps have dual channels that let you plug in your guitar and XLR microphone, which performers find useful since there’s no need to plug the mic into a separate PA system.
If you’re a gigging musician, consider getting a dual-channel amp.
Controls
Channels can be equalized by the controls available on your amp. With this, the sound of your guitar and your vocals can be separated. This evens out the tone of each channel and produces better sound quality.
Feedback controls are also usually present in most acoustic guitar amps. Since these types of amplifiers have more than one channel, feedback may occur. Hence, a control dial or button comes in handy when this happens.
Portability
While a lot of great sounding amps are usually large, the value in smaller, more compact amps is their portability. It’s important to get an amp that you can easily travel with, especially if you regularly do gigs. Most venues will likely allow you to use their in-house amplifier, but if you prefer to use your own, it’s essential that you choose one that is easy to transport.
Also, consider the space you’ll be performing in to get a good idea of what you’ll need. Smaller amps will suffice for smaller venues, while larger venues will require larger amps.
Effects
Most acoustic guitar amps include some form of effects. While some may argue that built-in effects aren’t necessary, you never know when you’ll need one. Acoustic amps usually include reverb, chorus, or delay. Looping effects are also available for some models. These are indeed helpful add-ons, but if a model you happen to like doesn’t have them, don’t worry—that’s what external guitar pedals are for.
Best Acoustic Guitar Amps
- AER Compact 60/3
- Fender Acoustic SFX
- Roland 60W
- Fender Champion 20
- Bugera Trirec Infinium
- Fender Acoustasonic 15
- Behringer Ultracoustic AT108
- Roland AC-33
AER Compact 60/3
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The AER Compact 60/3 is a 60-watt amplifier that offers two channels—one for your guitar and one for your mic. The first channel is a dedicated speaker for your instrument and the second can be used with an XLR mic or another guitar. Each one is mixable as they come with their own EQ controls.
Reverb, delay, chorus, and flanger effects are also available for blending tones, plus it has a nifty effects loop feature that allows you to create and loop guitar sounds to beef up your music.
Despite its compact size, the Compact 60/3 can perform well in small and mid-size spaces with its 60 watts of power.
Fender Acoustic SFX
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The Fender Acoustic SFX is a powerful 160-watt, dual-channel acoustic guitar amp that gives you the option to shape your tone and produce a very natural, lush sound thanks to its studio-quality onboard effects and adjustable SFX technology.
With its lightweight and portable design, the Acoustic SFX is a great choice for on-the-go-musicians who normally play small to mid-sized venues. It can create a rich sound that can really fill the entire room, and it’s packed with numerous effects such as reverb, echo delay, chorus, and vibratone—all of which can be blended and shaped with easy-to-use dials and controls to add texture to your sound.
Roland 60W
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The Roland 60W boasts an amazing array of features and amplification capabilities. It can help you create a compelling soundscape thanks to its dual 30-watt channels and onboard effects, as well as a dedicated subwoofer out for powerful, low-end sounds.
If you want to get creative, this Roland amp includes reverb and chorus effects that are tailored specifically for acoustic guitar instruments. Because of its power and features, the Roland 60W is often used as an amp and stage monitor by violinists, vocalists, and acoustic bass guitarists.
It also features Anti-Feedback controls and a Mute Switch for tuning.
Fender Champion 20
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If you’re looking for an acoustic guitar amp that’s chock-full of rad effects, then the Fender Champion 20 is for you. It’s equipped with onboard effects such as chorus, reverb, delay, and vibratone, as well as selectable amp voices and simple controls that help you take your tone from a clean sound to something with a more distorted feel. These versatile sound-shaping options allow it to be utilized for a wide range of genres such as metal, blues, rock, jazz, country, and more.
This single-channel acoustic guitar amp has 20 watts of power, which may not be ideal for playing venues bigger than your living room, but makes it perfectly suitable for practice sessions. It also has a headphone output jack for when you need to listen to your sound more closely, or if you want to have a prolonged jam session without bothering the neighbors.
Bugera Trirec Infinium
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The Bugera Trirec Infinium allows for maximum versatility with its three independent channels and Varipower dial. Each channel enables control over 3-band EQ, Volume, Gain, and Presence. The first channel offers clean sounds and a drive setting for a crunchier tones, while the other two channels allow you to utilize three different types of overdrive modes that can complement various genres, including blues, classic rock, hard rock, and metal.
The Varipower control, meanwhile, is a very handy feature as it lets you switch up the power range from 1 to 100 watts. This gives you the option to select the power output you need to play in different types of spaces—whether in a packed venue or in your own studio—without losing out on the overdriven tube sounds that are normally only accessible at peak volume.
Should you decide to use it on the stage, this amp has everything you need. It has a line out jack with a dedicated level knob for amp slaving, as well as loudspeaker jacks for connecting to external speakers.
Fender Acoustasonic 15
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Here’s another affordable option for anyone looking to purchase the best acoustic guitar amp for recreational or home use. The Fender Acoustasonic 15 is the perfect low-watt acoustic amp for practice. Unlike the other Fender amp we mentioned in this list, the Acoustasonic has dual channels so you can plug in your acoustic guitar and mic simultaneously. Both channels can also be controlled and mixed with 3-band EQ (treble, mid, and bass), with chorus effects available on the instrument channel to help deliver a cleaner, richer sound.
Weighing just over 10 lbs, this Fender acoustic amp is extremely portable and compact, making it easy to transport in the event that you want to play live performances. But since it only offers 15 watts of power, make sure you stick to more intimate venues.
Roland AC-33
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Much like the 60W, the Roland AC-33 is another highly rated dual-channel acoustic amp from the brand—except that it gives you the option to go unplugged thanks to its battery power capability. This amp, which offers plenty of power for something so lightweight and compact, is built to accompany you anywhere. It’s the perfect amp for performers who play at unconventional areas like the sidewalk, in the subway, at the beach, or some other location where it won’t be possible to plug into a power outlet.
It has a power range of 30 watts and utilizes a stereo design that allocates 15 watts to each channel. You also have the option of controlling and mixing either channel separately, as they both have dedicated control knobs for volume, multi-band EQ, and chorus switch.
For its onboard effects, this Roland amp offers chorus, reverb, and a phrase looper that allows you to record, loop, and play sounds to complement your live performances.
Behringer Ultracoustic AT108
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The Behringer Ultracoustic AT108 is another great acoustic guitar amp for practice or intimate jam sessions. It has everything you need to get started: separate channels for your mic and instrument, as well as tons of effects such as reverb, delay, chorus, tremolo, phaser, and more. Additionally, its virtual tube circuitry lets you emulate the sound of a tube amp for a warm, rich sound.
While its 15-watt power range may not seem like much, the Behringer Ultracoustic AT108 can also amplify other acoustic instruments.
