The Best Acoustic Guitar Amp for Every Occasion
The qualities you want in an amp specifically designed for an acoustic guitar may be different then those designed to be used with an electric.
There are a lot of acoustic guitar amplifiers on the market these days. How do you know which one is best for you as an acoustic guitar player?
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best acoustic guitar amps available and help you decide which one is right for you. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, there is sure to be an amp out there that meets your needs, regardless of your playing status or budget.
Whether you need built-in effects, exceptional portability, the capability to play with a backing track, or just a great way to control noise and feedback in your acoustic amps, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading below to find our picks for the best amp for your situation.
How We Choose the Best Acoustic Guitar Amp
Many people don't know where to start when looking for an acoustic guitar amp.
You might end up buying something that doesn't quite fit your needs or is too powerful (or not powerful enough) for your purposes.
After testing and researching hundreds of acoustic guitar amplifiers, we have found the best acoustic guitar amp for beginners, home practice, busking, gigs, and overall performance.
Fender Acoustasonic 15
Why It Rocks
The Fender Acoustasonic 15 acoustic guitar amp is a truly portable and lightweight amplifier that is perfect for practice anywhere, anytime.
The 15 watt Acoustasonic is true, 2-channel sound, and not muddy at all, maintaining a beautiful clean sound at low volume, while totally lacking any background hiss.
The headphone output allows for silent practice, making it perfect for use anywhere (especially if you don't want to be heard while you're just learning to play!). One of the best acoustic guitar amps for beginners, this Fender acoustic amplifier is perfect for those who are looking for a clean, clear sound at an affordable price.
What Else
It features two front-panel inputs, a standard ¼” jack for an instrument (like a guitar input) and an XLR input for a mic channel, making it easy to plug in and get great sound.
The amplifier delivers 15 watts of power through a 6” Fender speaker, which is specifically designed for enhanced high-frequency response.
Specs: 15W output, 2 Channels, 1 x 6" Fender speaker, 4.8 kg weight
Effects: Chorus
Yamaha THR5
Why It Rocks
Not only is this one of the best acoustic guitar amps for home practice, but this versatile amp is perfect for everything from practicing in the bedroom, to warming up backstage, to jamming around the campfire.
And despite its compact size, the THR5 packs a serious tonal punch, offering the same great sound quality as the THR10, but in a more portable form.
What Else
This amp utilizes Yamaha's acclaimed Virtual Circuitry Technology to deliver authentic tube amp sound, incredibly realistic effects, and hi-fi quality stereo playback.
The THR5 has three different channels: Clean, Crunch, and Lead. Each channel has its own distinct sound, and you can easily switch between them with the press of a button. The Clean guitar channel is great for clean tones and subtle effects, while the Crunch guitar channel adds a bit of grit and distortion for more aggressive playing. The Lead guitar channel is perfect for saturated tones and shredding solos.
In addition to its three channels, the THR5 also has 10 different effects that you can use to further shape your sound. These include reverb, chorus, delay, tremolo, flanger, phaser, octave, distortion, noise gate, and EQ.
The THR5 also features a built-in tuner and a USB port for easy connectivity to a computer or other digital device if you want to play to a backing track. With so many options at your disposal, the Yamaha THR5 acoustic guitar amp is sure to become your go-to amp for all of your acoustic guitar needs.
Specs: 10W output, 5 Channels, 2 x 8cm speakers, 2kg weight
Effects: Noise Gate, Compressor, Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Echo, Reverb
Fishman Loudbox Mini
Why It Rocks
Looking for an amp that gives you solo performers great sound without weighing you down? Meet the Fishman Loudbox Mini, a lightweight and portable amplifier perfect for acoustic musicians on the go, making it one of the best acoustic guitar amplifiers for busking.
With 60 watts of clean acoustic power, Fishman’s legendary preamp and tone control designs, and built-in effects, the Loudbox Mini delivers great sound wherever you go.
Bluetooth connectivity lets acoustic players wirelessly stream music from favorite devices and play along with backing tracks, making it easy to keep audiences entertained.
It's perfect for small gigs and practice sessions, but don’t let its small size fool you – the Loudbox Mini packs a serious punch.
What Else
This 2-channel amplifier has plenty of power for acoustic players performing gigs and busking, and it's packed with features that'll make your life easier.
It has feedback suppression, which means you won't have to worry about those annoying squeals when you crank up the volume.
And if you need to amplify a vocal mic as well as your guitar, no problem - the Mic Input lets you do just that.
Plus, the amp comes with digital reverb and chorus effects built in, so you can shape your sound however you like.
And when you're ready to hit the big time, the Loudbox Mini has a balanced XLR D.I. output that lets you connect directly to a PA system.
Specs: 60W output, 2 Channels, 1 x 6.5” and 1 x 1” tweeter speakers, 8.9kg weight
Effects: Chorus, Reverb
Fender Acoustic 100
Why It Rocks
This powerful acoustic guitar amp has a second channel designed for instrument or microphone use, each with studio-quality effects. Plus, the USB jack lets you stream or record audio to your computer.
The surprising amount of power it generates makes it one of the best acoustic guitar amplifiers for gigs, even larger ones.
Other great features of this acoustic amp include Bluetooth wireless streaming, an integrated handle, universal voltage for international use, and more.
What Else
It features Bluetooth connectivity to stream audio from your phone to play along with backing tracks, and an 8" full-range speaker with "whizzer" cone for enhanced clarity.
The amplifier also has a 3-band EQ and separate volume controls for each input, making it easy to get the perfect sound.
And with its built-in effects loop, you can add your favorite pedals to create your own custom sound.
Specs: 100W output, 2 Channels, 1 x 8” full range speaker, 7.9kg weight
Effects: Chorus, Delay, Echo, Reverb
Boss Acoustic Singer Live
Why It Rocks
The Boss Acoustic Singer Live is a powerful acoustic amplifier that is perfect for gigs and live performances. With its 60W bi-amp design and custom full-range speaker system, this amplifier delivers clear, high-definition tone that faithfully reproduces the sound of your instrument.
Onboard creative tools like Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming and universal voltage make this amp versatile and convenient to use, while the integrated handle makes it easy to transport.
One of the best acoustic guitar amplifiers for overall performance, it's the perfect choice for any acoustic musician who wants superior sound quality and onstage creativity.
What Else
The dual-channel setup allows you to connect an acoustic/electric guitar and a vocal mic to a PA system, music player, computer, or other audio device.
The interface has two channels, each with its own three-band EQ and reverb. The second channel has a dedicated EQ and effects for independent sound shaping - Delay/Chorus effects on the guitar channel, Delay/Echo on the mic channel.
The anti-feedback knob isolates and removes offending frequencies.
The interface also has a loaded rear panel that allows you to interface with PA systems, music players, computers, and more, including playing along to backing tracks.
Specs: 60W output, 2 Channels, Bi-amped two-way speakers, 0.4kg weight
Effects: Looper, Reverb, Chorus, Delay, Harmonizer
Acoustic Guitar Amp FAQs
Acoustic guitar amps are a popular choice for guitarists, but it can be tough to figure out which of the best acoustic guitar amps is right for you, especially with all of the different options on the market.
We've put together this FAQ to answer some of the most common questions about acoustic guitar amps, and hopefully help to make your decision easier.
How can I amplify my acoustic guitar?
By amplifying your acoustic guitar, you can increase the sound level of your playing, making it easier to be heard by you and your audience. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as amplifying an electric guitar, where all you need to do is plug it in.
However, there are a few different ways to amplify your acoustic guitar, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
One way to amplify an acoustic guitar is to use a microphone. This method has the advantage of being able to capture the natural sound of the instrument, but it also has the disadvantage of being susceptible to feedback. If you choose to go this route, then condenser mics like the Shure SM81 would be your best bet.
Another way to amplify an acoustic guitar is to use a pickup system that attaches either to the bridge or the strings of the instrument. This method has the advantage of not being susceptible to feedback, but it also has the disadvantage of altering the natural sound of the instrument.
Finally, you can use an acoustic guitar amp, which is an amplifier specifically designed for acoustic guitars.
So, which is the best acoustic guitar amp for you? It really depends on what your specific needs are.
If you need an amp that is portable and easy to use, then the best acoustic guitar amp for you might be a battery-powered amp.
If you need an amp that will give you the best sound quality, then the best acoustic guitar amps for you might be ones with a tube amplifier.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which features are most important to you and your playing objectives.
Do you need a preamp for acoustic guitar?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual and their specific gear setup, and there are many different types of acoustic guitars and preamps on the market.
In general, a preamp is not necessary for most acoustic guitars.
That said, a preamp can be useful for acoustic guitars that have a weak or mellow sound. A quality preamp can help to boost the guitar's signal to increase the overall volume.
It can also make it sound richer and fuller, adding some coloration or tonal shaping to the sound.
However, there are many acoustic guitar players who perform and record without using a preamp and achieve great results.
It ultimately comes down to what works best for you and your instrument.
What is the purpose of a DI box?
A DI box, or "direct injection box", is a device used to convert a high-impedance unbalanced signal (like an electric guitar or microphone) into a low-impedance balanced signal(like the input on a mixing board).
This is useful in connecting instruments such as electric guitars and basses to mixing consoles and PA systems, which typically require a balanced input.
This is necessary because high-impedance signals are "high voltage" and can damage low-impedance inputs, and the impedance matching ensures that the signal from the instrument is transmitted at its optimal level.
So the main benefit of using a DI box is that it helps to reduce noise and hum in the signal by balancing the impedance between the two sides of the circuit.
It also allows for longer cable runs without any degradation in audio quality.
What is the difference between active and passive DI box?
There are two main types of DI boxes: active and passive.
Active DI boxes contain an internal preamplifier, which boosts the signal before it is sent to the mixer or amplifier (sometimes referred to as phantom power).
Passive DI boxes do not have an internal preamplifier providing the phantom power, and instead rely on the input impedance of the device they are connected to in order to boost the signal.
Active DI boxes are typically used when running long cable lengths, as they can help to reduce noise and interference.
Passive DI boxes are generally more affordable than active DI boxes, and are often preferred by musicians who want a “cleaner” sound without any added coloration from a preamp.
What is the difference between an amp and a preamp?
An amplifier is a device that increases the magnitude of a signal. A preamplifier is a device used to prepare a signal before it is passed on to an amplifier stage. The term "amplifier" most commonly refers to electrical amplifiers, although other types of amplifiers exist, such as optical amplifiers and electronic amplifiers.
The main difference between an amp and a preamp is that an amp increases the magnitude of a signal whereas a preamp prepares the signal before it is passed onto an amp stage. Amps are usually used to increase the volume of sound coming from loudspeakers or guitars whereas preamps are commonly used in recording studios to amplify weak signals such as microphones.
Do you need a special amp for acoustic guitars?
There's no hard and fast rule about whether you need a special amplifier for an acoustic guitar. If you're playing small gigs or practicing at home, any basic electric guitar amp will do the trick. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're planning on using electric guitar amplifiers with acoustic guitars.
First, it's important to choose an amp that won't drown out the natural tone of the guitar. Acoustic guitars are typically quite delicate instruments, and acoustic guitar amps are specially designed to avoid overwhelming their sound. Second, make sure the amplifier you choose has good EQ controls. This will allow you to fine-tune the tone of your guitar to get the perfect sound.
What is the difference between an acoustic amp and a regular amp?
Both guitar types can be amplified. Acoustic guitar amps are specifically designed to amplify the sound of acoustic instruments, such as guitars and violins. Regular amps (such as electric guitar amps), on the other hand, are designed to amplify the sound of electric instruments, such as guitars and keyboards.
One thing to keep in mind is that one of the most appealing attributes of an acoustic guitar is the acoustic resonance and natural tone produced by the body of the guitar.
The problem for acoustic guitarists, of course, is the fact that without amplification, acoustic instruments just aren't loud enough for those beautiful natural guitar tones to be heard above the noise of a club or a busy street or anywhere else an acoustic guitar player may be trying to perform.
So acoustic amps are different from electric guitar amps in that they are designed to preserve and enhance the natural acoustic sound created from that resonance in the instrument itself, and frequently will have more controls, settings, and effects to that end.
Also, feedback control is a feature only found on an acoustic amp (especially if it's a powerful acoustic guitar amp), simply because there's no need for it on an electric guitar amp.
Additionally, since so many acoustic acts are solo performers, an acoustic amp may be more likely than an amp for electric guitars to have features such as independent channels, Bluetooth connectivity, and the ability to play along with backing tracks.
What size amp do I need for an acoustic guitar?
If you're just planning on practicing at home, you can go with a smaller acoustic amp, say maybe 5 watts of power.
If you're just starting out and don't really know what your needs will be, maybe go a little bigger, with something like 20 watts.
If you know that you're going to be doing most of your playing busking or playing small gigs, you should look at something in the 60 watt range.
And if you plan on playing larger gigs, then you could go up to 100 watts.
Just remember that you want to preserve that natural acoustic tone as much as possible, and that there are other considerations when purchasing acoustic guitar amplifiers beyond just how loud they can get.
What is a combo amp?
Just like the classic amp setup with a head and cabinet, a combo amp has the same components of amplifier and speaker, but it's all housed in a single piece of equipment instead of two.
There are several benefits of a combo amp, such as the convenience of having a single piece of gear to carry instead of a separate head and cabinet.
Additionally, the cost is generally lower for a combo amp.
Are tube amps good for acoustic?
This is a question that gets asked a lot, and there is no simple answer, as there are more considerations with a tube amp than with a solid state amp. It really depends on several factors, including what type of music you play, what kind of acoustic guitar you have, and your personal preferences.
Tube amps tend to have a very warm, rich sound, which can be great for acoustic music. They can also be quite loud, so if you're playing in a small room or cafe, they may not be the best choice. On the other hand, if you're playing for audiences that want to hear every nuance of your performance, acoustic guitar amps with tubes can help you deliver that much better than with a solid state amp.
Can you use a distortion pedal with an acoustic amp?
As long as you can make tonal adjustments to both the pedal and the amp, you can use just about any combination of amp and pedal.
It's recommended, however, that your amp has a 3-band EQ, so you can manipulate the treble, mid, and bass as necessary.
What do I need to play acoustic guitar live?
There are a few things you'll need in order to make it happen.
First and foremost, of course, is an acoustic guitar that's in good condition. You'll also need a strap to hold the guitar up while you're playing, and picks of various thicknesses to help you get the sound you want.
Beyond that, though, much of what you'll need will depend on your own personal style and preferences. For example, some folks prefer to use an electronic tuner to keep their acoustic guitars in tune throughout a show, while others prefer to tune by ear before each song. Some also make playing along with backing tracks a significant part of their set.
You'll also need some way to amplify your sound, such as a microphone or, of course, an acoustic amp. If you decide to go with an acoustic amp, it's recommended to get one with other features you think you might need such as a second channel, possibly an XLR DI output, and the ability to play along with a backing track.
Can you plug an acoustic guitar directly into a PA?
Whether or not you can plug an acoustic guitar directly into a PA depends on the specific PA system and the type of acoustic guitar.
If you have a piezo-equipped acoustic guitar, you may be able to plug it directly into a PA system without any issues. However, if your acoustic guitar has magnetic pickups, you'll need to use an external preamp before connecting it to the PA system.
Additionally, some PA systems may not have enough headroom to accommodate an acoustic guitar's signal, so you might need to use a DI box as well.
Ultimately, it's best to consult your owners manual or a qualified audio engineer to find out what will work best for your particular setup.
The Best Acoustic Guitar Amp for You
As you can see from the article above, this is very much a personal decision, depending on the situation of each individual acoustic guitar player. Hopefully you found this guide on acoustic guitar amps useful, and here's a recap of the best acoustic guitar amp for the most popular scenarios:
Best for Beginners: Fender Acoustasonic 15
Best for Home Practice: Yamaha THR5
Best for Busking: Fishman Loudbox
Best for Gigs: Fender Acoustic 100
Best for Overall Performance: Boss Acoustic Singer Live
Thanks to all you acoustic guitarists for checking us out, and keep rockin'.
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