Best Acoustic Guitar Amp Guide – All Budgets

The Fender Acoustasonic 15 is a portable and affordable acoustic combo amplifier, it is a 15W combo with a 6" woofer.

Even with its small design, Fender was still able to outfit the amp with 2-channels, one for mic, and the other for acoustic-electric guitar. This makes the Acoustasonic 15 viable as a low-wattage portable PA system. It's an ideal fit for students who play the acoustic guitar and sing simultaneously

Vocal Channel 1 sports an XLR input jack for mic, and a dedicated volume knob. Channel 2 has a 1/4" input for instrument, with volume and 3-band EQ that includes bass, middle, and treble control knobs. The 3-band EQ allows for shaping the tone of your acoustic guitar. Channel 2 also comes with a chorus knob, which is an interesting choice, given that most amp manufacturers usually go for reverb.

Given its 6" woofer and traditional cabinet design, don't expect much low-end, but it does a good job of reproducing the highs and mids. The resulting sound is clean with some emphasis on the mid-treble.

For a 15W amp, it has sufficient volume for small rooms, but it works best when set to lower volumes for practice. Acoustic amps at this wattage also sound more pleasing at these volumes. Though, with its limited projection and power, this is not ideal for stages. But thanks to these limitations, the amp is portable and lightweight - it would've been nice if it could run on batteries.

Interestingly, the amp comes equipped with a 1/4" headphones out, which is quite awkward because acoustic guitars will still be loud even when you're using headphones.

The Fender Acoustasonic 15 is one of the best acoustic guitar amps. It is a great budget friendly amplifier for acoustic guitar, backed by an established guitar brand. It is highly recommended at this price point.

Features

• Two Channel 15W
• Compact Profile 6" Speaker
• Built-in Chorus

Specifications

• Power Rating: 15 Watts
• Amplifier Type: Solid State
• Channels: 2
• Master Volume: Yes
• Inputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4"
• Outputs: 1/4" (Headphones)
• Controls: Ch1 - Volume, Ch2 - Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Chorus
• Speakers: 1 x 6"
• Weight: 10.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 11.5" x 11.19" x 7.13"

The Fishman Loudbox Mini BT adds Bluetooth wireless connectivity to its already successful predecessor, while carrying over the same balance of power, tone, and portability. This means that you get the benefit of modern wireless audio streaming on an amp that you can use with your acoustic-electric guitar.

Weighing in at 21 lbs., it sports 2-channels--one allows for 1/4-inch cables and the other for XLR. It has a 6.5" LF woofer, and a 1.1"HF tweeter, both of which work together to give this amp extended frequency range. The tweeters allow the amp to reproduce the crisp attack of acoustic guitars, resulting in a more natural sound. Given the small woofers, bass doesn't go deep, but it has enough for acoustic-electric guitar use.

This 60W amp can go loud, enough to cover small venue gigs. It's great as it doesn't get overpowered by the number of instruments in practice and group rehearsals. The extra power and the tweeter make this a good mic amp as well. And when you consider the addition of Bluetooth connectivity, this acoustic amp can become a capable mini-PA system and all-around multimedia wireless speaker. In this day and age, wireless connectivity has become more of a necessity than a luxury feature.

Note that while the amp has quite the headroom, the small speaker it has means that you're not supposed to drive the two channels too hard. On the other hand, this smaller speaker ups its portability. Other features include built-in chorus and reverb, and it has an XLR DI output for recording or for plugging into a PA system.

The Fishman Loudbox Mini BT is a premium sounding multi-channel acoustic amp with wireless Bluetooth convenience and good portability.

Features

• Full Range Speaker: 6.5" Woofer and 1.1" Tweeter
• Dual Channel with 3-Band EQ
• Built-in Reverb & Chorus
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• XLR DI Out

Specifications

• Power Rating: 60 Watts
• Amplifier Type: Solid State
• Channels: 2
• Master Volume: Yes
• Inputs: 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x 1/8" (Aux), 1 x 1/4" (Aux)
• Outputs: 3-band EQ (Instrument), 2-band EQ (Mic)
• Controls: Dedicated Gain, Low, High, and Reverb knobs for each channel, Mid and Chorus knobs for Guitar Channel, Master Volume, Phase, Bluetooth Pairing
• Speakers: 1 x 6.5" LF Woofer, 1 x 1" HF Tweeter
• Weight: 21 lbs
• Dimensions: 12" x 13.7" x 9.7"

The Fender Acoustic 100 is an acoustic amp that combines modern features with elegant looks.

Like most acoustic guitar amps, it has 2 channels, but the extra channel is no longer just an afterthought, both channels have the same input, controls, and features. Each channel has a dedicated Combo XLR input, for plugging in a microphone or an instrument.

And the two channels have dedicated controls including: phase shift, 3-band EQ, FX selector, and FX level. The FX selector in particular offers a lot more effects than you'd expect from an acoustic amp, covering reverb, delay, chorus, vibratone, and combinations.

This means that you can apply different EQ and effects to each channel, which makes the amp great for using two different sound sources, be it a mic and guitar or two different instruments. It can even be good for blending two different pickups from one guitar.

Another interesting feature of this amp is its 8" Whizzer cone. It is basically a tweeter that's built into the woofer, providing increased high frequency response, much like a tweeter, but without taking as much space. As such, it behaves much like a full-range speaker system, with more treble definition than conventional woofer only combo amps. This whizzer cone helps give the amp a more natural sound, especially in the highs. The downside is that it could be too trebly for those who prefer warm bassy tones.

Rated at 100 Watts, this amp can go loud, but with its small 8" woofer - it's not meant to be cranked hard. It also makes sense that you don't max out the headroom since acoustic guitar amps are designed to provide clean tone.

All these nice features are packed inside a stylish-looking combo cabinet that gives it a premium furniture vibe. It also makes it stand out from other acoustic guitar amps in the market. Compared to traditional combo amps, the Fender Acoustic 100 design and aesthetics are well thought out, controls are cleverly hidden from the audience but accessible to the musician, and it comes complete with an integrated handle.

Contrasting its classic furniture appeal, it features modern enhancements which include Bluetooth connectivity and USB output for direct recording. These enhancements expand the use of the amp, making it viable as a wireless home speaker system and a USB audio interface.

The Fender Acoustic 100 is ideal for those who want a slick looking versatile modern acoustic amp.

Features

• Full Range Speaker: 8" Whizzer Cone
• Dual Channel with 3-Band EQ
• Built-in Effects: Chorus, Reverb, Delay, Tape Echo, Vibratone
• USB and Bluetooth Connectivity
• XLR DI Stereo Out
• Plywood shell

Specifications

• Power Rating: 100 Watts
• Amplifier Type: Solid State
• Channels: 2
• Master Volume: Yes
• Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/instrument), 1 x 1/8" (aux)
• Outputs: 2 x XLR (line out), 1 x 1/8" Headphones,
• Controls: Volume, 3-Band EQ, FX Level, FX Select, and Phase (Per Channel)
• Speakers: 1 x 8" speaker with whizzer cone
• Weight: 17.6 lbs
• Dimensions: 14" x 18.5" x 9.25"

Microphone-ready amplifiers are becoming common in busking and gig settings. Boss Acoustic Singer Live takes it a step further with its built-in vocal effects and looper functionality.

The looper is short at around 40 seconds but is enough to develop musical ideas on the fly. The vocal effects included are based on Boss’ VE-8 Acoustic Singer pedal, which allows for many types of effects including smart real-time vocal harmonies. It goes along with the chords you’re playing on your guitar and it does it well.

It also features Boss’ Acoustic Resonance effect which adds fullness and depth to the resulting sound to make it sound more similar to a miked acoustic.

It also comes equipped with essential input/output options, including Aux input with level control, phantom power option for mics, separate DI outputs for voice and guitar, and USB audio interface functionality.

The amp is rated at 60 Watts and comes with two pairs of 6.5″ woofers and 1″ tweeters.

Features

• Bi-amp design with 6.5" woofer and 1" dome tweeter
• Dual channels with three-band EQ, independent anti-feedback control on each
• Built-in Effects: Indepenent Chorus, Reverb, and Delay/Echo
• Built-in looper
• 24-volt Phantom Power for condenser mics
• Dual XLR DI jacks

Specifications

• Power Rating:60 Watts
• Amplifier Type: Solid State
• Channels: 2
• Master Volume: Yes
• Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ Guitar Input, 1 x Combo XLR (Mic/Line In), 1 x 1/8″ Aux Input
• Outputs: 2 x XLR (DI/line out)
• Controls: Per Channel Volume, 3-Band EQ, Anti-Feedback, Phase, Reverb), Delay/Echo Mic: Harmony, Echo/Delay Guitar: Chorus, Looper
• Speakers: 1 x 6.5” Woofer, 2 x 1″ Dome Tweeter
• Weight: 23.18 lbs
• Dimensions: 12.37” x 14.5” x 10.81”

Fishman is known as the go-to acoustic pickup maker for many guitarists and guitar manufacturers. So it only follows that they know what a good acoustic amplifier should be like. The Loudbox Artist BT is one of their best rated offerings, a gig-ready 120W combo amp,

120 Watts of power along with a 1 x 8" woofer and 1 x 1" tweeter add up to give this amp more than enough volume for most small to medium sized venues. Even against larger acoustic guitar amps in this price range, it does all this while still being reasonably portable. More importantly, the tweeter really helps in giving it Fishman's signature crisp and clear tones.

The highs are very detailed, emphasizing percussive attack on the strings. And since it has a lot of headroom, the amp can go really loud without muddying up the sound. To cater to those who are into warmer tones, Fishman equipped this amp with a tweeter button. This turns off the tweeter to make the amp sound more like a traditional woofer only combo amp.

It follows a 2-channel format, with dedicated combo XLR input and controls. This means that there is no better channel, both have the same features and parameters so you can tweak each channel differently. This means that you have different settings that suit different inputs, be it an acoustic guitar, keyboard, violin, mic and more. Factor in its 24V phantom power option, and you have a full pledged mini-PA system.

The Loudbox Artist BT comes packed with various effects, including different types of reverb and delay, along with chorus and flanger. The built-in reverb effect sounds nice, very useful when playing outside. The other effects are unfortunately not as good, but at least they are there when you need them. This iteration improves on its predecessor by adding Bluetooth streaming functionality, a feature that is becoming standard on most modern amplifiers.

If you're looking for a gig-ready 2-channel acoustic amp, then the Fishman Loudbox Artist BT is one of the best acoustic guitar amplifiers in the market today.

Features

• Full Range Speaker: 8" Woofer and 1" Tweeter
• Dual Channel with 3-Band EQ, Anti-Feedback, Phase
• Built-in Effects: Chorus, Reverb, Delay, Flanger
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• 24-volt Phantom Power for Condenser Mics
• XLR DI Out and Effects Loop

Specifications

• Power Rating: 120 Watts
• Amplifier Type: Solid State
• Channels: 2
• Master Volume: Yes
• Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/instrument), 1 x 1/4" (aux), 1 x 1/8" (aux)
• Outputs: 1 x XLR (mix DI out), 2 x XLR (pre-EQ DI out)
• Controls: Gain, Low, Mid, High, Anti-Feedback, Effect Level, Effect, Pad, Phase, Effect B - Per Channel. Master, Effect A Type, Effect B Type, Time, Depth, Aux Level, 24V Phantom, Bluetooth Pairing, Tweeter, Mute
• Speakers: 1 x 8" woofer, 1 x 1" soft dome tweeter
• Weight: 25.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 13.5" x 15.5" x 11.5"

AER is well known among acoustic guitar instrumentalists for its combination of portability and good quality tone, they also have virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel to thank for their popularity. The Compact 60/4 is one of their best seller acoustic guitar amps, a 2-channel 60 Watt amplifier with built-in effects and DI output.

Having a good sounding amp in a small package is every guitarist's dream, this is exactly what the Compact 60/4 delivers. For a small amp, it sounds really big, with high fidelity mids and highs. It also has detailed bass, which is often a problem among small acoustic guitar amplifiers. Because of how detailed the sound is, every nuance of your playing and dynamics are well represented, hence the reason why this amp is a favorite among those who play instrumental acoustic guitar music.

Acoustic guitars with pickups or piezos are meant to plug into the first channel. It has a high and low selector switch for accommodating different pickup types, and it has a color switch that enables a more scooped style voicing. In addition to all that, it has gain and 3-band EQ knobs. The second channel has a combo XLR input allowing for more sound sources like other instruments and mics, it also has 48V phantom power support.

The effects section has 3 knobs which lets you control pan, level, and select rotary switch that lets you choose from 2 different reverb types, delay and chorus. The reverb and delay effects sound really good, I'd describe them as close to studio quality, especially the reverb. The chorus effect is OK, mostly because I'm not too fond of using modulation effects on acoustic guitars.

At the back you'll see its myriad of input and output options, including a stage friendly DI output and an Aux input with level control.

Anti-feedback control is noticeably lacking, and it would've been better if it could run on a built-in rechargeable battery, and if it had modern features like USB recording and Bluetooth connectivity. But even without all these features, the amp does a great job of faithfully reproducing the natural sound of acoustic guitars.

If you're looking for a premium sounding portable amp that even pros rely on, and you have the resources to invest, then check out the AER Compact 60/4.

Features

• 2 Channel
• Compact Cabinet with 8" Speaker
• Color switch (Cuts off Mid Range and Boosts Highs)
• Built-in Reverb, Delay, Chorus
• Multiple Input and Output options

Specifications

• Power Rating: 60 Watts
• Amplifier Type: Solid State
• Channels: 2
• Master Volume: Yes
• Inputs: x 1/4" Guitar Input, 1 x Combo XLR Mic/Line, 1 x 1/8" Aux In
• Outputs: 1 x 1/4" Headphones, 1 x 1/4" Line Out, 2 x 1/4" Send/Return, 1 x 1/4" Tuner, 1 x 1/4" Footswitch, 1 x XLR DI Out
• Controls: Per Channel (Gain), Effects (Pan, Select, Level), 3-Band EQ CH1, High/Low Switch CH1, Color Button CH1, 2-Band EQ CH2, Line/Mic Button CH2
• Speakers: 8”
• Weight: 15.6 lbs
• Dimensions:10.2” x 12.8” x 9.25”

AER still stands strong has been one of the dominant brands in high-end acoustic guitar amps for many years. The 40-Watt Alpha is their popular ‘entry level’ amp.

Tommy Emmanuel is one of the most notable artists who uses AER acoustic amps, albeit with their much more expensive Domino 3.

Although you can plug both your guitar and mic into it, it’s less useful as a small PA than many other options because it only has 1 channel meaning your effects loop is applied to both inputs. It does however provide 24V phantom power on the XLR input.

One notable point is that I didn’t find many customer reviews recommending it for vocals.

The Alpha 40 is recommended by both nylon string and steel string guitarists, for both fingerstyle and strumming. I find it surprising that it can also output good frequency response for violin, mandolin, and banjo. Using this for stringed instruments will give you a consistent sound.

If you want a high-end 40-Watt amp and you have the funds, then this is a great option.

Features

• 2 Channel Input
• Compact Cabinet with 8" Speaker
• Color Switch, 3 Channel EQ
• Onboard Digital Reverb

Specifications

• Power Rating:40 Watts
• Amplifier Type: Solid State
• Channels: 1 with 2 inputs with individual volume knobs
• Master Volume: Yes
• Inputs: 1 x combo 1/4″ instrument input & XLR, 1 x 1/4″ instrument input, 1 x 1/4″ stereo jack for dual footswitch, 1/4″ effects return
• Outputs: XLR balanced DI before master volume after tone control without effects, 1/4″ line out preamp output after master volume, 1/4″ tuner out, 1/4″ stereo headphone out, 1/4″ effects send after tone control before master volume
• Controls: 2 x Input volume, Master volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Effects return volume, Colour switch that activates the midrange contour filter &boosts presence and slightly cuts midrange frequencies on Input 2.
• Speakers: 1 x 8″ dual cone
• Weight: 13.7 lbs
• Dimensions: 10.24“ x 10.43“ x 9.25“