The Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth is a compact amp that addresses the most common need of guitarists - the ability to practice anywhere and do so at manageable volume levels.

Rated at 3W, this is not a loud amp, but it does what big amps can - it provides great sounding tone at lower volumes. And it does this with Blackstar's patented Infinite Shape Feature (IFS), which gives the amp versatile voicing with just one knob - from tight American tones to jangly and open British voicings.

For a small amp, it sounds bigger than it actually is, and has good definition, even when you set the gain high. As long as you don't drive the volume too much, you can get great sounding overdriven guitar tones. Clean tone is not as good though, but you don't really get amps from Blackstar to play clean.

The 3W amplifier is paired with a 3" speaker, and housed in a modern looking cabinet. It can be powered by 6 AA batteries for untethered use, and it can also be powered by an optional power supply.

Being a more recent release, this version comes with wireless Bluetooth compatibility, so playing along with tracks is easier. This feature also allows the amp to double as a multimedia player for smart devices. This makes it a great amp to carry on the road, great for playing in hotels and apartments where you want good tone but don't want to disturb the neighbors.

With its practicality and portability, the Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth is highly recommend for guitarists who want to keep practicing wherever they go.

Specifications

• Power Rating: 3-Watts
• Battery Life: Up to 20 Hours
• Power Source(s): 6 x AA Batteries or 6.5V DC
• Speaker: 1 x 3”
• Controls: Gain, Volume, EQ (ISF), Delay, Bluetooth, OD, Delay Level, Power
• Input(s): 1/4”, AUX-IN
• Output(s): 1/8" Headphones, RJ45 jack (Extension Speaker)
• Weight: 1.98 lbs
• Dimensions: 4.96” x 6.69” x 4.01”

Demo

Yamaha's THR line takes another top spot in the market, this time with a compact battery-powered amp that's meant for acoustic-electric guitars, the THR5A.

Being an acoustic amp, it's main focus is to improve the sound and realism of under-saddle piezo pickup systems. And it does this by emulating the sound of a miked up instrument, using modern digital sound processing algorithms. This adds back the natural air and resonance of the acoustic guitar body, which can then be blended to the direct piezo output.

Since this is meant for acoustic instruments, it does away with overdrive and amp models, and opts instead for different mic models. The models include emulations of popular mic types including condenser, dynamic and tube. The condenser model is my favorite, as it adds a lot of body to the sound, much like how condenser mics would when using it for recording. The dynamic mic model is a bit more subtle, while the tube model adds a bit more old school warmth and grit to the sound. There is also a special mic model tweaked for acoustic-electric nylon string guitars, and an EG CLN (Electric Guitar Clean) mode where the blend knob behaves like a gain knob.

In addition to these tone enhancing mic emulations, the amp also comes with useful effects like compressor, chorus, flanger, tremolo, delay, reverb and noise gate. Note that some of these effects are only accessible via software editor.

All of these features are packed inside a compact amp that looks like a vintage radio, which gives it an aesthetic edge over the usual look of compact amps. Speaking of compact, at 10W and with two 3" speakers, this is meant for small rooms and studio use. It does not have enough volume for band settings, let alone gigs.

The Yamaha THR5A can run on 8 x AA batteries for 6 to 7 hours, so it is truly a "play anywhere" acoustic amp. Interestingly, the label "amp" doesn't really do it justice, the more proper description for the Yamaha THR5A is that it's a portable all-in-one studio rig for acoustic-electric guitars. Definitely worth a closer look if you're into acoustic-electric guitars.

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

At 100W, the Fender Acoustic Junior Go is a battery powered acoustic amp that can go loud enough for busking and gigging. It comes with a full range speaker system that includes an 8" woofer and a compression tweeter, so it can be likened to a portable PA system, but with some extra features that guitarists like. More importantly, all these features are powered by a built-in Lithium-ion Rechargeable battery, that can run for up to 5 hours at high volume levels. It can even run for up to 12 hours when set to moderate volume levels.

It has two independent channels with dedicated combo XLR inputs and controls, allowing for two acoustic guitars, or for plugging in a mic and acoustic guitar together. And since both channels have their own EQ controls, you have more freedom to shape the sound without negatively impacting the other sound source.

Speaking of sound, the amp has a very balanced sound, with good highs and deep bass, which is quite surprising given its small woofer. Sans its built-in effects, there's not much coloration going on, so you get an amplified transparent version of what you put into the amp. This clarity is actually the main advantage that this amp has over other similar gigging amps.

Onboard effects include different types and combinations of reverb, delay and modulation effects. It also has a built-in looper which is nice for looping. It would have been nicer if it had some sort of acoustic body resonance modeling. Also note that you'll need to get a separate footswitch to use the looper hands-free.

Another feature that makes this a good gigging amp is its versatile output options - having two XLR line out jacks that can be set to stereo overall, or as dedicated outputs for each channel. It also has USB audio recording capabilities, which can be nifty when you want to record your busking or gig audio.

I've noticed that recently released Fender amps are getting lighter - without compromising build quality and reliability. This amp is a good example, everything about it feels solid, yet it is light enough to carry with one hand.

All in all, the Fender Acoustic Junior Go - 100W is a good sounding and road worthy busking amp for those who need to play in places with no power outlet to plug into.

Specifications

• Power Rating: 100-Watts
• Battery Life: 5-12 Hours
• Power Source(s): Built-in Lithium Ion Battery or AC
• Speaker: 1 x 8” with compression tweeter
• Controls: Main Controls( Power, Looper (Record Play/Stop, Undo), Bluetooth Pair), Per Channel Controls (Volume, 3-Band EQ, FX Level, FX Select, Phase)
• Input(s): 2 x XLR-1/4" combo inputs, 1 x 1/8" Aux In
• Output(s): 2 x XLR (line out), 1 x Headphones
• Weight: 15.7 lbs
• Dimensions: 12.02” x 15.71” x 9.4”

Demo