Members guitarist21 Posted August 19, 2007 Members Posted August 19, 2007 My trusty Crate bass amp I've used for my solo shows is out of commission. I almost played my show two days ago with an electric amp when my buddy showed up with his Crate acoustic amp. I was really impressed with it and decided to check out some acoustic amps instead of my usual bass amps. The only feature I really truly "need" in an acoustic amp is headroom. I can't function well without it. So we're talking upwards of 40W solid state for sure. Some other features that would be nice to have would be a plug in the back for my mixer and a direct out for when I'm playing with a band. Some things I don't need/want but wouldn't necessarily have a huge problem with would be EQ (I do it all on my mixer), effects/an effects loop (I do it either on my mixer or with stompboxes between the guitar and the mixer), and 2 channels (The mixer has this covered as well). I guess I'm just looking for a no-frills amp with plenty of headroom. I'm on a pretty tight budget, so I'm probably not going to pay a whole lot more than $400-$500. So far, I loved the Crate but could deal with a few less features if possible. The Roland looks nice but is a little expensive, and I've used the Fender Acoustisonic amp and was not a fan. I'm interested to hear what you guys use and what you like/don't like about them. Ellen P.S. What do you folks think of buying amps used? The less money I can spend here, the better.
Members brahmz118 Posted August 19, 2007 Members Posted August 19, 2007 If you can go to Guitar Center when it's not too noisy, compare the best Roland AC (even if it's out of your price range) with a Peavey KB4 or KB5 (these are keyboard amps) and note the difference. This is what I did, and I thought the Peavey was cleaner, less colored. Even if you don't like the Peaveys, it might be worthwhile to bring your rig into the keyboard section, to test out some alternatives to the typically bass-deficient acoustic amps.
Members ihateyouguys Posted August 19, 2007 Members Posted August 19, 2007 How big an issue is size / weight to you?
Members denvertrakker Posted August 19, 2007 Members Posted August 19, 2007 If I were you, I think I'd consider waiting til you get to Boston - first of all, there's going to be a great variety of places to shop, new and used - second, I'm sure there's a large amount of amps in the classifieds on campus. And third, why drag an amp halfway across the country - get it there!
Members guitarist21 Posted August 19, 2007 Author Members Posted August 19, 2007 If I were you, I think I'd consider waiting til you get to Boston - first of all, there's going to be a great variety of places to shop, new and used - second, I'm sure there's a large amount of amps in the classifieds on campus. And third, why drag an amp halfway across the country - get it there! So considered. The benefit to buying here would be the folks I know at GC that generally give me a good deal. Ellen
Members ihateyouguys Posted August 19, 2007 Members Posted August 19, 2007 I'd rather not have another huge/heavy amp. My Mesa Boogie Mark I Reissue is a beast. Heavy is a bigger issue than just big. Ellen I can't find the specs for the MKI online, so I'm not sure of the weight - maybe 50 or so? Based on your single channel requirements and need for headroom, I was going to suggest trying to find a used original fishman loudbox -250W, but it weighs in at 55 lbs. Another fishman amp that has more features than you need but is very light is the loudbox 100. 23lbs and it has direct out options you'd probably like. And it's 23 lbs - did I say that already? Bad news is that it sells for $599 new, but you can find the 'resealed' ones online for $499 at some online stores. If you have friends at GC they may be able to cut you a deal on a new one.
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