For the acoustic performer, finding the right amplifier is about more than just volume. It’s about fidelity, clarity, and ensuring the natural tone of your instrument is projected faithfully. Whether you’re a solo singer-songwriter in a cozy cafe or a gigging musician on a larger stage, the right amp is your essential partner, enhancing your sound without coloring it.
With a vast array of options on the market, selecting the perfect acoustic amp can seem overwhelming. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best amplifiers available, each offering a unique blend of power, portability, and features to suit different performance needs and budgets.
The Best Acoustic Amps for Your Performance Needs
- Fishman Loudbox Micro 40-watt Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
- Coolmusic BP40D Powered Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
- Fender Acoustic Guitar Amp, 100 Watts
- JOYO 40 Watt Acoustic Combo Amplifier
- Fishman Loudbox Artist BT 120-Watt Acoustic Combo Amp
- Fishman Loudbox Mini BT 60-Watt Acoustic Combo
- BOSS Acoustic Singer Live LT Guitar Amp
- Roland AC-33 Battery-powered 30-Watt Guitar Amplifier
- Fender SFX II 2 x 100W Acoustic Guitar Amplifier Bundle
- AER Compact 60/4 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
Fishman Loudbox Micro 40-watt Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
The Fishman Loudbox Micro is a compact powerhouse, perfectly sized for practice, small gigs, and sessions. Its 40 watts of power and 5.25-inch speaker deliver a surprisingly full and clear sound that does justice to any acoustic instrument. With built-in feedback suppression, your performance remains clean and professional even at higher volumes.
This two-channel amp accommodates both your guitar and a microphone simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for solo performers. The inclusion of built-in effects allows you to add just the right amount of reverb or chorus to enhance your sound without needing external pedals.
Coolmusic BP40D Powered Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
Versatility is the name of the game with the Coolmusic BP40D. Its six input channels let you connect multiple instruments and microphones at once, making it a great hub for a small ensemble or a duo. With 80 watts of power, it provides ample volume for a variety of performance settings.
Beyond its multiple inputs, this amp includes Bluetooth connectivity for streaming backing tracks directly from your phone. The built-in battery adds a layer of portability, freeing you from power outlets for outdoor practices or impromptu performances.
Fender Acoustic Guitar Amp, 100 Watts
Fender brings its legendary audio craftsmanship to the acoustic world with this robust 100-watt amplifier. The 8-inch full-range speaker with a “whizzer” cone is engineered to reproduce the nuanced highs and full lows of an acoustic guitar with exceptional clarity and presence. This amp is built for performers who need to fill a room with rich, uncolored sound.
Dual channels allow for simultaneous guitar and microphone input, each with studio-quality effects to shape your tone. The classic Fender styling in natural blonde wood offers a professional look that matches the quality of its sound output.
JOYO 40 Watt Acoustic Combo Amplifier
The JOYO BSK-40 is designed for the modern, mobile musician. Its built-in rechargeable battery provides up to six hours of cord-free operation, making it a perfect companion for outdoor gigs, busking, or beachside jam sessions. The included waterproof storage bag further enhances its portability.
This amp doesn’t sacrifice features for its compact size. It includes a dual-channel design for guitar and mic, multiple digital effects, and a 20-pattern drum machine that is excellent for practice or adding a simple rhythm track to your performances.
Fishman Loudbox Artist BT 120-Watt Acoustic Combo Amp
For the serious performer requiring more power and headroom, the Fishman Loudbox Artist BT is a top-tier choice. With 120 watts driving an 8-inch woofer and a tweeter, this amp delivers a full-range, bi-amped sound that is both powerful and meticulously detailed. It’s capable of handling larger venues and more demanding performance situations.
Its two channels are equipped with studio-quality effects, dedicated EQ, and Fishman’s renowned feedback suppression. Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless audio streaming, making it easy to play along with your favorite tracks.
Fishman Loudbox Mini BT 60-Watt Acoustic Combo
The Fishman Loudbox Mini BT strikes an ideal balance between portability and performance. Its 60-watt output and 6.5-inch speaker provide a clear, robust sound that belies its compact size. This model has become a favorite among traveling musicians for its reliability and superb sound quality.
Like its larger siblings, it features two channels with independent controls, built-in chromatic reverb and chorus, and effective anti-feedback circuitry. The addition of Bluetooth makes it a highly versatile and modern practice and performance tool.
BOSS Acoustic Singer Live LT Guitar Amp
BOSS is known for professional-grade gear, and the Acoustic Singer Live LT lives up to that reputation. Its 60-watt bi-amp design uses a custom 6.5-inch woofer and a dome tweeter to ensure that both your guitar’s body and sparkle are reproduced with accuracy. This results in a clean, articulate sound that cuts through a mix.
The amp provides dedicated guitar and mic channels, each with their own independent three-band EQ for precise tone shaping. It’s built to offer premium features in a accessible package, making professional sound quality available to a wide range of performers.
Roland AC-33 Battery-powered 30-Watt Guitar Amplifier
The Roland AC-33 is a pioneer in portable acoustic amplification. Its ability to run on either AC power or eight AA batteries provides unparalleled freedom for buskers and travelers. The 30-watt stereo sound, delivered through twin speakers, creates a wide, immersive sonic image.
This amp includes Roland’s acclaimed Acoustic Chorus and reverb effects to add depth and space to your sound. The dual-channel configuration is straightforward, offering everything a solo performer needs in a highly transportable and reliable unit.
Fender SFX II 2 x 100W Acoustic Guitar Amplifier Bundle
The Fender SFX II is a feature-rich powerhouse with a total of 200 watts of output. Its patented SFX system, enhanced by a side-radiating speaker, creates a room-filling, “more-than-stereo” sound that envelops the audience. This is an excellent choice for performers who want their sound to have significant presence and spatial dimension.
This bundle comes with valuable extras like a cable, tuner, and picks, providing great value. With Bluetooth for audio streaming, two channels with multiple effects, and impressive power, it’s a complete solution for the gigging acoustic musician.
AER Compact 60/4 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
Regarded by many professionals as the gold standard in acoustic amplification, the AER Compact 60/4 is renowned for its pristine, ultra-natural sound reproduction. Its 60-watt Class-A/B amplifier and high-quality speaker are engineered to deliver the most accurate and uncolored tone possible, capturing every subtle detail of your instrument’s voice.
Despite its compact size, it offers comprehensive features including two channels with sophisticated EQ sections and high-quality built-in effects. For the discerning musician who will accept nothing less than the best in tonal accuracy and build quality, the AER is a premier investment.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Acoustic Amps for Performers
As a performer, I know that finding the right acoustic amp is more than just about volume; it’s about faithfully reproducing the natural sound of your instrument. Whether you’re a solo singer-songwriter or part of a duo, the wrong amp can make a beautiful guitar sound thin and tinny. The goal is to find an amp that acts as a transparent window to your sound, not a filter that changes it. The best acoustic amps for performers share a few key characteristics that I always look for.
First, consider the number of channels. If you’re just playing guitar, a single channel might suffice. But most of us need more flexibility. I always recommend looking for at least two channels. This allows you to plug in your guitar and a microphone simultaneously, which is essential for live vocals. Some advanced models even have three or four channels, perfect for a duo or for connecting an auxiliary input for backing tracks. This versatility is a game-changer for a working musician.
Next, pay close attention to the built-in effects. High-quality digital effects are a staple in modern acoustic amps. Reverb and chorus are the most common and are crucial for adding space and depth to your sound, making it feel less “dry” and more professional. Some amps include more advanced effects like delay or even multi-effects processors. While these are nice, I find that a great-sounding reverb is the non-negotiable effect. Also, look for separate EQ (equalization) controls for each channel. This lets you shape the tone of your guitar and your voice independently, which is incredibly important for getting a clear, balanced mix.
Power and portability are a constant balancing act. Think about where you’ll be playing. For coffee shops and small venues, an amp with 50 to 100 watts is usually plenty. For larger rooms or outdoor gigs, you might want 150 watts or more. Remember, acoustic amps are often used as a personal monitor, so you don’t always need earth-shattering volume. Portability is just as critical. A compact, lightweight amp with a comfortable handle makes load-in and load-out much less of a chore. Some amps are even battery-powered, offering incredible freedom for busking or gigs without easy access to an outlet.
Finally, don’t overlook the speaker configuration. While a single speaker is standard, many of the best acoustic amps for performers use a two-way system. This means a main woofer for the low-end and a separate tweeter for the high frequencies. This design is key to achieving a full-range, crystal-clear sound that can handle the complex tones of an acoustic guitar and the nuances of a human voice. It makes a noticeable difference in the clarity and overall quality of your sound.
FAQ
What makes an acoustic amp different from an electric guitar amp?
The main difference is their purpose. An electric guitar amp is designed to color and shape the sound, often adding its own character, distortion, and “grit.” An acoustic amp, on the other hand, is built to be as transparent and clean as possible. Its job is to accurately reproduce the natural sound of your acoustic guitar and voice without adding unwanted coloration. They achieve this with a wider frequency response and a speaker system (often with a tweeter) that can handle the full range of an acoustic instrument.
Can I use a PA speaker instead of an acoustic amp?
You absolutely can, and many performers do! Powered PA speakers are a fantastic and flexible option. They are designed for full-range, flat-response sound, which is ideal for acoustic instruments and vocals. The main advantage of a dedicated acoustic amp is its form factor and built-in features. An amp is an all-in-one unit with channels, EQ, and effects tailored for a musician. A PA speaker might require a small mixer to achieve the same level of control. For ultimate simplicity, an acoustic amp is hard to beat, but a PA system offers more power and scalability for larger shows.
How many watts do I realistically need for a small gig?
For most small gigs like coffee shops, intimate restaurants, or house concerts, you don’t need a huge amount of power. An amp in the 50 to 100-watt range is typically more than sufficient. The key is not just raw volume, but clean headroom. This means the amp can produce the volume you need without distorting or sounding strained. It’s better to have a little more power than you think you’ll need to ensure a clean sound at all volumes. Remember, you’re often using the amp as your primary sound source, not trying to fill a stadium.
Why are separate EQ controls so important on an acoustic amp?
Separate EQ controls for each channel are crucial because a guitar and a human voice occupy very different parts of the sonic spectrum. With separate controls, I can cut the boomy low frequencies on my guitar channel to reduce feedback, while simultaneously adding a little brightness to my vocal channel for more clarity. If you only have a single, global EQ, you’re forced to make compromises that can make one instrument or voice sound worse while trying to improve the other. It’s one of the first features I check for when evaluating the best acoustic amps for performers.
Are built-in effects like reverb and chorus necessary?
While not strictly “necessary,” high-quality built-in effects are a massive quality-of-life improvement and are considered a standard feature on most good acoustic amps. Playing an acoustic guitar and singing with no effects at all can sound very dry and flat in a live setting. A good hall or plate reverb adds a sense of space and depth, making your performance sound more professional and polished. Chorus can add a nice shimmer to your guitar tone. Having these effects built-in means one less pedal to carry and power, streamlining your setup significantly.