When you think about acoustic guitars, you don’t automatically associate them with an amplifier, as you do with the electric guitar. But, in some ways, good acoustic guitar amplifiers have an even more important role to play. We say that because the acoustic guitars are natural instruments and have to remain natural, without losing their character while being projected through an amp. The best acoustic guitar amplifiers also have to act like a mobile PA, because an acoustic instrument is often used by solo performers and singer-songwriters.
From mic channels and phantom power to digital effects and loopers, we are looking at the features of the best acoustic guitar amps available. Discussing what they are suitable for and helping you find the right acoustic guitar amp for you.
Our Top 10 List – Acoustic Guitar Amps In 2022
Contents
- Our Top 10 List – Acoustic Guitar Amps In 2022
- 1. Fishman Loudbox Artist Acoustic Guitar Amp
- 2. Boss Acoustic Singer Pro Bi-Amp Acoustic Combo
- 3. Fender Acoustic SFX Guitar Amplifier
- 4. Yamaha THR5 Mini Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
- 5. Fender Acoustasonic 15 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
- 6. Fishman Loudbox Mini Acoustic Guitar Amp
- 7. Fender Acoustasonic 40 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
- 8. Roland 4 String AC-60 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
- 9. Vangoa Portable Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
- 10. Roland Battery Power Acoustic Portable Guitar Amp
1. Fishman Loudbox Artist Acoustic Guitar Amp
When artists like Dave Mathews swears by an acoustic guitar amp over all others, you know it must sound good. That’s precisely the case with Fishman Amplifiers; the Loudbox Artist Amplifier is widely considered to be one of the best acoustic guitar amps.
The Loudbox is a 2-channel, bi-amplified 120w powerhouse. Controls come in the form of some very robust rotary knobs, well arranged on a tidy front panel. Both channels come with gain control, a 3-band EQ, anti-feedback dial, phase switch, and effects level. All controls are accurate and easy to use.
Each channel has a single input that takes an instrument jack or XLR input. There’s also an aux stereo input, which is handy for playing backing tracks if you are busking. Something we love with this acoustic amp is that both channels have a D.I out (pre EQ) and a dedicated digital effects loop. There’s even a D.I output for the main mix, so you aren’t short of routing options.
The built-in effects are two chorus types, flanger, and a slap effect. Using them is simple; there are two 4-way selector knobs for effect A and effect B. Choose the effect you want, then use your effect level on each channel to activate and tweak effect A or B. The can also be controlled by footswitch (sold separately).
The Loudbox Artist Amp sounds super-clean, it doesn’t color your tone needlessly. It’s ideal for acoustic guitar or vocals, and overall one of the most natural-sounding acoustic guitar amps available.
2. Boss Acoustic Singer Pro Bi-Amp Acoustic Combo
Boss makes some of the best guitar accessories, whether it’s tuners, pedals, or acoustic guitar amplifiers. The Acoustic Singer Pro is by far the best acoustic guitar combo amp from the prolific manufacturer.
The beautifully laid out front panel of this 60 watts of power amp has two channels with their row of controls and LED’s for visual feedback. Channel one takes an XLR or 1/4″ jack, and channel two is a dedicated guitar channel with acoustic resonance for a natural tone. Both of them have a volume control, a dedicated 3-band EQ, reverb, and anti-feedback control. The EQ is absolutely lovely for that mid-high shelf clarity.
Then the channels differ a little, channel 1 has a delay/echo effect, and channel two has a chorus effect. The chorus effect on this combo amp can really thicken up your tone if you have a strumming-heavy style.
60w is a fair amount of power for a small acoustic amp; coming out of Boss’ custom-designed 8″ speakers with a dome tweeter, it sounds awesome.
We mentioned that. Boss makes great pedals, and that’s relevant because there are a couple of amazing built-in effects featured on this amp. First of which is a harmonizer that can create instant vocal harmonies via realtime chord/key analysis. The second amazing feature is an onboard looper, which is a fantastic practice or performance tool.
We would describe this combo amp as the ultimate solo performer amp. The sound quality, along with the harmonizer and looper, is all you need to add new dimensions to your set.
3. Fender Acoustic SFX Guitar Amplifier
From blues to rock, Fender makes some of the most iconic acoustic amp models in the history of the guitar. The Acoustic SFX Guitar Amplifier is a sleek, modern-classic, that sounds bigger than it is.
It’s a 2-channel amp, suitable for small to medium gigs for a solo artist or as part of a duet. Driving this little acoustic amp is 2x80w of power pushing through an 8″ speaker and a 6″ speaker. Each channel has a 3-band EQ that helps you keep an eye on feedback control. Both channels also have a volume control with reverb and built-in effects levels. Stereo SFX has a main level control and selector buttons to choose the effect type on each channel.
Channel inputs can take a 1/4″ jack lead or an XLR cable and are solid. The last of the inputs is an aux in and headphone mini-jack. On the back of the unit, there is a balanced line out, which is a master out and not per channel. The balanced line out comes with a ground/lift and line level control.
Two delay types, chorus, and vibrato are available as stereo SFX. The built-in effects are fantastic, although some more manipulation options would be nice.
This amp looks absolutely stunning; it’s a beautifully crafted cab. It sounds clean and crisp, anything mid-high is particularly lovely through this amp.
4. Yamaha THR5 Mini Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
The Yamaha THR5 isn’t the typical mini acoustic guitar amp; it’s a modern sound wrapped in an authentically vintage style case.
The THR5 is the little brother of the THR10, and it’s the perfect practice or small gig amp. It’s a single channel acoustic amp that simulates various classic amplifier sounds. On the top panel, you’ll find gain, a master level, tone control before you get to the effects controls and volume. Inputs are limited to a single 1/4″ instrument jack, 1/4″ phones input, and an aux input. Despite only being a mini guitar amp, it will still fill smaller rooms without a problem.
The portable amp simulated styles are clean, crunch, lead, Brit hi, and modern. For acoustic playing, clean is what you’d be most interested in, and we are happy to say it’s very natural. All of the other settings add plenty of versatility and room to experiment.
The effects on the THR5 are pretty interesting, mostly in the way they are controlled. A single knob controls the level of a particular effect depending on where it is positioned. So, chorus, flanger, phaser, and tremolo are controlled from the same knob. A second knob controls both delay and reverb. It’s a clever space-saver, though some may feel it takes away some accuracy in tweaking your effects.
If you’re after portable acoustic guitar amplifiers, this might be the best acoustic guitar mini amp for you. We love the style; the blend of modern and vintage is fantastic. As a nice bonus, it also has a built-in digital tuner.
5. Fender Acoustasonic 15 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
The Fender Acoustasonic 15 is another one for the mobile guitar players. This extremely portable mini amp still has the classic Fender look and sound.
It comes with Fender’s specially designed 6″ speaker with an enhanced high-frequency response. The speaker is remarkably clear through all ranges but particularly the mid to highs. It’s more thought of as a practice amp, at just 15w, but it does for small performances and busking.
Surprisingly, for its size, this is a 2-channel amp. Channel one has an XLR input, and channel two has a 1/4″ instrument input. Both channels share the 3-band EQ, but they do have dedicated volume controls. There isn’t much in the way of effects, just a chorus on the instrument channel.
The best thing about this amp is that it’s a miniature version of a classic Fender amp in every way. It has the vintage brown/wheat color and design, and the sound isn’t compromised either – just smaller.
The perfect use for this amp would be the busking singer-songwriter. It does have the clarity for folksy fingerpicking or even jazz playing, but if you want to strum in A minor and sing about lost love, the Fender Acoustasonic 15 will serve you very well.
6. Fishman Loudbox Mini Acoustic Guitar Amp
The Loudbox Mini is one of Fishman’s most portable acoustic guitar amps to date. In a nutshell, it offers the same tonal clarity as to the Fishman Loudbox Artist, but in a smaller, lighter package.
Fishman calls it 60w of clean acoustic amplifier power, and that sounds about right. It still has two channels, one instrument, and one mic input. Impressively, both channels have independent EQ sections and reverb control. The instrument channel has an additional chorus effect, for a small amp, it screams of high-quality.
Like the larger Artist amp, Fishman has included a very useful phase switch to tackle feedback control. An aux input is available for playing MP3s from external audio players. As far as outputs, there is a balanced XLR D.I output to feed to a desk or PA system.
Another thing this mini amp has in common with the larger Fishman amp is its Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. Overall, this is a fantastic amp for guitarists who want a high-end amp that’s easy to get around. It’s available in the standard Fishman colors or a limited-edition black and white.
7. Fender Acoustasonic 40 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
The Acoustasonic 40 is one of the best-selling acoustic amps among working guitar players. The main reason is that it offers the perfect mix of crystal clear acoustic sound and portability.
We already looked at the 15w version; now, this is the 40 watts of power version that is far better for a gigging guitarist. It’s a 2-channel amp with 1/4″ jack and XLR input. The best thing about the two channels is that they don’t share any functions or controls. Each channel not only has an independent 3-band EQ, but they also have separate volume control and reverb.
There are two 6″ speakers with whizzer cones for much more accurate high-frequency response. The Acoustasonics 40 is the only Fender guitar amp that utilizes a whizzer cone. Combined with the built-in reverb, it provides a beautiful, ambient tone.
The added size of the Acoustasonic 40 does wonders for the image. The brown casing and black cloth look every bit the iconic Fender amp. However, it’s still light enough to carry comfortably. As well as a great small gig amp, it’s commonly used as an on-stage monitor in conjunction with a PA system (via the balanced line out).
8. Roland 4 String AC-60 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
Roland is perhaps more famous for keyboard amplification, but they do make some gorgeous acoustic amps, too. None more so that the AC-60, a portable stereo acoustic guitar amp with a big voice.
This 60w amp (2x30w) has two 6.5″ speakers that push out crystal clear natural sound. The control panel is on the top of the cabinet towards the back, in typical Roland Cube style.
There are two channels, clearly separated, one guitar channel and one mic/line channel. The mic/line channel has a phantom power switch (48v) for microphone use.
The guitar channel has a pickup selector switch to alter your tone between magnetic and Piezo style pickups. Other than those differences, both channels are identical, each with a 3-band EQ and chorus effect on/off.
When switched on, the chorus effect can be adjusted with a single knob to create a thick, tight sound or a huge spacious tone with the new Wide Mode. Reverb delay effects are available, and when used with the chorus on the wide setting, they can deliver some psychedelic sounds. Rounding up the control panel is a master volume and anti-feedback control.
Roland are masters of the small details, things like the mute button, so you can tune silently on stage. The built-in tilt stand is another example small touch that helps a lot; it offers far better acoustic projection, and can even be mounted on a speaker stand – not to mention again that it brings true value with its phantom power switch.
9. Vangoa Portable Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
It may have no phantom power, but the Vangoa acoustic amplifier is known primarily for being at the lower end of the scale when it comes to budget and perceived quality. However, perceived quality isn’t always correct, and they might just surprise you.
This one is a 3-channel portable amp, which effectively makes it more like a portable PA system for many users. You can have a guitar, keys, and bass plugged in for intimate performances. It has plenty of power to handle whatever you throw at it; 40w through dual speakers.
The way the three channels break down is like this: mic, line 1, and line 2. All three channels have 1/4 jack inputs and gain control. Only line 2 has a 2-band EQ and reverb. After the channels are a master volume and a handy USB input for MP3 players, etc.
Sound quality is good, especially when you consider that it’s really a multi-purpose amp. Yes, it’s suitable for solo acoustic guitar, but the option of more instruments makes it more interesting.
One slight complaint is the 2-band EQ, bass, and treble only; it’s not terrible by any means, but it misses that midrange clarity.
It’s a great practice, studio, or performance portable amp/mobile PA. It can be speaker stand-mounted, too.
10. Roland Battery Power Acoustic Portable Guitar Amp
Roland’s Battery Powered Portable Guitar Amp is the perfect play anywhere system. This is one of the smallest acoustic amps; it weighs 7lbs and it’s 14″ wide, for the size, it’s incredible.
So, the first talking point is what kind of power comes from something so small. The answer is that it’s a 5w battery powered guitar amp which uses six AA batteries. The next question should be what the battery life is?
The answer to that this battery powered guitar amp is up to 15 hours of continuous playing. Sometimes just seeing the phrase battery-powered can make people think it’s not serious equipment, but realistically, 15 hours is enough for any use at all.
It’s essentially a 2-channel amp, albeit in the simplest form. There is a mic input, a guitar input, and an aux stereo input. The mic and guitar inputs would be your two channels with the aux audio being used for backing tracks. All three have separate volume control with master reverb and tone and natural sound control.
Ultimately, the Mobile AC won’t compete sonically with the other amps on our list. It won’t match the projection of the other amps either. But, for something that can literally fit in your backpack, there’s nothing better. This mini guitar amp a rock up and play anywhere amp.