Tools for the Task: Acoustic Amps

Rich Osweiler

July 03, 2015

Acoustic amplification has gotten more sophisticated over the years. These days, players seeking pure amplified tone have a mouth-watering array of options. Ranging in size, price, and features, here are a few you might want to consider.

AER Compact 60/3

At less than 15 pounds, this 2-channel 60-watt amp is extremely portable, yet it can still fill a room with clean volume. Onboard effects include reverb, chorus, and delay.
$1,199 street
aer-amps.com

ACOUSTIC A1000

Boasting four inputs for instruments or vocals, this 2x8 neodymium combo features discrete 3-band EQ for each channel and two programmable digital-effect processors with LCD readouts.
$499 street
acousticamplification.com

Fishman Loudbox Performer

The 180-watt Loudbox Performer features independent 3-band EQ for each channel, feedback-fighting controls, onboard digital effects, a kickstand for a 50-degree tilt, and phantom power.
$769 street
fishman.com

Associate Editor Rich Osweiler started playing guitar at the tender age of 8, but over the years bass has become his main instrument. Prior to joining Premier Guitar, Rich worked at Acoustic Guitar for close to 10 years, most recently as associate publisher and director of marketing. He loves all types of music—from gypsy jazz to lo-fi and grindcore—provided the genre name isn’t preceded by the “contemporary” tag. Outside of music, Rich enjoys travel, skiing, woodworking, coaching baseball, and being a dad. He lives in Marin County with his 9-year-old daughter and their dog, Kiko.