Acoustic Amp Comparison

[LNSJR1]

I'm in the market for an acoustic amp. I've narrowed it down to: (1) the Fishman Loudbox 100; (2) the AER Compact 60; and (3) the Traynor Am100.

 

I've researched the features and prices extensively, so I don't want to waste your time asking about those issues. Instead, I'd appreciate comments from owners or those who have tried these amps about their experiences. I'd especially appreciate comments regarding how well the amp has performed as a personal guitar monitor and/ or with a back-up band.

 

Thanks,

Louis

[bardsley]

A bump from me because I've been looking at the compact 60 too. They seem to be great amps, from the couple of times I've played through one, but I'd love to see what people hear think.

[min7b5]

I've had two Compct 60's, along with Ultrasound and SWR... didn't know Traynor made acoustic amps... But my favorite has been the Fishman Loudbox Performer.

 

It's triamped, the reverb is better (though still not great), 48V phantom doesn't limit mic choice. It's louder than the AER and Ultrasound, though still no match for the California Blonde.

 

The Compact 60 is a great amp too. It might depend on your own guitar and pickup/mic. I think the mag sounded great in the AER, but I couldn't get a great tone with the K&K without using an external eq box. With the Fishman the K&K mini was a plug and play.

[maxed]

I got the Loudbox 100 - it REALLY kicks for a small amp! I use it as a stage monitor in a fairly loud acoustic band (piano,guitar,bass,drums) sending the DI out to the PA. It's super clean and super loud enough for just an 8" woofer and 1" tweeter. It helps that I got a good amp stand (Quiklok QL616) to position the amp to the perfect sweet spot for monitoring. It has all the features as it's bigger siblings (Performer & Pro) except it's bi-amped instead of tri-amped (it has no mid-range speaker). But it's so compact and super light with plenty of power under the hood that I chose this over the other models sight unseen/unheard (website purchase - not available locally). They're kinda spendy for such small units - but I'm fully satisfied as it fulfills my gigging needs perfectly!

[min7b5]

.....I'm fully satisfied as it fulfills my gigging needs perfectly!

 

awsome

[LNSJR1]

Thanks for all the input. I decided to go with the Loudbox 100. I gigged with it the night I bought it (against my better judgment), and it was fantastic. It's so user-friendly that using it the same night was no problem. The sound is unbelievable for such a small amp. Litterally, as a band we sounded so much better because we could actually hear the guitar for once. (As opposed to letting the sounguy/ girl figure out the monitor mix).

 

I can't say a bad thing about the amp. It's really that good (and I'm picky as all hell, too).

 

Thanks for all the input.

 

Louis

[maxed]

Louis,

Glad you were able to gain some insight from our input. Yes, Fishman got it right with the Loudbox series of amplifiers. Portable, Powerful, Pristine!

Happy Gigging!

 

...Oh, and Eric (min7b5) - that's a clever handle (minor 7th flat 5)...!

I totally intend on checking out one of your gigs at Grolla's very soon, as I'm not too far away in Salem. Though, I seem to have gigs scheduled the same time you're playing : (

Very nice work / tunes on your website!

 

Aloha,

miKe

[pikappant82]

Anyone tried Genz-Benz? I had a Shennendoha Jr. (not sure on the spelling). It was actually a pretty clear sounding amp. Genz-Benz has some other models, but I haven't tried them, so I couldnt tell you.