Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2022.10: Equal Highest Rated Battery Powered Guitar Amp
  Tied With:
  Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth
  Yamaha THR5
  

• 2021.06: Equal Highest Rated Acoustic Amp Under $200
  Tied With:
  Fender Acoustasonic 15
  

Gearank Recommended

This appeared on our recommended list for Acoustic Amps from January 2019 until May 2022.

It was also included on our recommended list for Battery Powered Guitar Amps from January 2018 until June 2021 when it was removed due to being out-ranked by other amps.

Then in October 2022 its ratings were strong enough to go back on the list in the Equal Highest Rated position!

Overview

Yamaha’s THR5A is an acoustic-focused battery powered guitar amp.

While other THR series amplifiers have varying amp models, on the THR5A these have been replaced with mic models.

Many guitar players dislike the sound of most undersaddle piezo pickups because of their tendency to sound "brittle" when amplified. The THR5A rectifies this by simulating the more natural sound of a miked up soundhole.

A blend knob enables you to mix the simulated mic sound with the direct piezo tone to achieve a balance of attack and body.

The "EG Cln" model on the other hand simulates an electric guitar clean tone and the blend knob becomes a gain knob.

We've seen reports of it being used not only by steel string acoustic-electric players, but also on acoustic-electric nylon string guitars including silent guitars.

Hearing your guitar sound as though it was processed through a pro studio rig with mics and effects adds a layer of excitement to playing, and the THR5A delivers on that.

Specifications

• Power Rating: 10-Watts
• Battery Life: 6-7 Hours
• Power Source(s): 8 x AA Batteries or DC
• Speaker: 2 x 3”
• Controls: Mic Type, Blend/Gain, Master, Tone, Effect, Delay/Reverb, Volume, Tap Tempo/Tuner
• Input(s): ¼”, AUX-IN, USB
• Output(s): Headphones
• Weight: 4.4 lbs
• Dimensions: 10.7” x 6.5” x 4.7”

Demo