Gearank

At publication time this was the Equal Highest Rated Acoustic Amp Under $200.

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.

Features:

• 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”

Pros

For recording acoustic guitar, users found the mic models to be a great tool for making their tracks sound better. Users with the Yamaha Silent Guitar say it pairs well with the THR5A. Others have used the headphone out to feed the mic simulated output and effects into the P.A. for live use to great success. Audience members have told one user that his tone through the THR5A into the P.A. sounded big and inspiring.

Cons

Users who enjoyed the amp wished that it had an XLR out for live use.

Overall

You're probably wondering why you'd need a small amplifier for use with acoustic guitar. Apart from adding volume, the answer lies in the microphone models and stereo effects built into the amplifier. 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. Not to mention having all these tone shaping tools at your command for recording makes it a winner for songwriters.

At publication time this was the Equal Highest Rated Acoustic Amp Under $200.