Members RecklessYouth411 Posted June 20, 2006 Members Posted June 20, 2006 I am looking for an acoustic amp that is loud enough to play in a coffee shop type of setting. I know this is kinda broad, but I need suggestions and have to start somewhere..What kind of price am I looking at? What brands are good? Any suggestions are welcome! RcK411:mad:
Members rockfan Posted June 20, 2006 Members Posted June 20, 2006 I use a Laney LA65C.Higher end is Genz Benz, which has a tweeter.Stay away from Fender.
Members min7b5 Posted June 20, 2006 Members Posted June 20, 2006 Just got home a half hour ago from playing a coffee shop.... I used a AER Compact 60 2, it really fills the room with great sound, and it's so light and easy. For bigger gigs I have another Compact 60, but one is really enough for a lot of rooms, particularly if you put it up on a mic stand.
Members Singin' Dave Posted June 20, 2006 Members Posted June 20, 2006 I'm going to beat my old drum and recommend that you seriously consider a powered PA speaker over an acoustic amp. I'm sure if you've done some searches here under "Acoustic Amp" you wll see some of my older posts regarding this topic. In summary: Powered speaker = 300-600 watts of clean minimally colored, infinite channels w/ outboard mixerAcoustic amp = Below 200W on average, colored sound (some like it though), two maybe three channels max. Powered speaker typically has better sensitivity and higher SPL than an acoustic amp Most powered speakers have built in mixing section to tweak treble, lows, volume etc. You can also run vocals through most powered speakers in addition to guitar. Vocals sound better through a 12" powered speaker. Powered speaker mounts on top of one speaker stands very easily, perfect for coffee shop gig.Acoustic amp needs special hardware to attach to a stand or sits on a chair, which is pretty cheesy. Powered speaker makes a great monitor for larger gigs when running acoustic through a PA.Acoustic amps generally are not loud enough for a monitor when playing w/ drums, thus you have a limited piece of gear. Get a little 2-4 channel mixer (even a Behringer for $70) and a buddy can join you. Also helps if you want to run good sounding break music for private gigs from an iPod or similar, or use it strictly for recorded music at an outside party. (In short, much more versatile TONS more uses) The only downside to spending your hard earned money on a decent powered speaker is effects. You'll need a separate processor for effects if you want reverb, chorus etc. The powered speaker I'd highly recommend is the Yorkville nx55p. Only 40 pounds and a GREAT speaker for around $650!! On the cheap, check out the Carvin PM15A (~$370)
Members min7b5 Posted June 20, 2006 Members Posted June 20, 2006 I was using Powered speakers before the AER's. I had two JBL EONG215, and I've used the Mackies a bunch of times too. I think all in all the powered speaker rout is smart, but for me the AER stuff just sounds a lot better. But I know there will be a least one outdoor gig this Summer where I'll rent a JBL to go wih my two Compact 60's, but on the whole I'm a lot happier now.
Members sdelsolray Posted June 20, 2006 Members Posted June 20, 2006 Originally posted by RecklessYouth411 I am looking for an acoustic amp that is loud enough to play in a coffee shop type of setting. I know this is kinda broad, but I need suggestions and have to start somewhere..What kind of price am I looking at? What brands are good? Any suggestions are welcome!RcK411:mad: Assuming you will be singing too (along with playing the guitar), there are many two channel acoustic amps that will work well. You may need to raise the amp off the floor (perhaps on an amp stand) to project the sound to the audience better, and you may opt for a powered extension speaker if needed. The powered speaker route is good also, but be careful about using cheesy mixing boards. The preamp, eq circuitry and effects are important parts of the signal chain. Plugging a cheap mixer into a powered speaker will lower the sound quality, compared to a better mixer. Regarding price, a decent acoustic amp will run anywhere from $400 to over $1,000 (or even more if you want). The pwered speaker route (with good mixer) will be $750 to $1,000, more if you add a second powered speaker. With the powred speaker route these is additional cost for a speaker stand and cables. A common choice for a singer/songwriter in the "coffee house" setting is an Ultrasound 50DS3. It's a good functional amp and many here and on other boards like it. Of course, there are several competing makers/models that have good followings too.
Members ESL94 Posted June 20, 2006 Members Posted June 20, 2006 This is the best amp that I have used next to a P.A. I use a Rivera Sedona 55 Combo for my accoustic electrics http://www.rivera.com/sed55-combo.php It sounds great! Good tone, does not get muddy when the volume is turn up. It can be loud when needed. Use these acoustic guitars: Seagull M6, Fender 310, & Taylor T5 (friend
Members Mikeo Posted June 20, 2006 Members Posted June 20, 2006 I have used my SWR Cal Blonde and most of the time I play through a Fender Passport 250. I love Passport and it comes with everything you need to play a small restrurant coffe house. All you will need is a mic stand and speaker stands. I made a lot of cash with that lil Fender over the years
Members Stackabones Posted June 20, 2006 Members Posted June 20, 2006 I've got the Marshall AS50R, and it's pretty good. Nice size, not too heavy (about 35lbs), decent sounding. The best acoustic amp I've played through is the Schertler David. About half the weight, half the size, same wattage I think, and about twice the price as the Marshall! But well worth it. I'm trying to figure out a way to get one (what can I sell). If you're looking at spending $800-$1000, give Schertler a good look and listen. A buddy of mine has the SWR Cali Blonde. He loves it. Real frickin' heavy, though.
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