Choosing the right acoustic guitar amp

Because every acoustic guitar is made of absolutely unique materials and pieced together with an infinite degree of subtle variation, no two instruments will have quite the same tonal character as the next one in line. It is the tall task of the acoustic guitar amp, then, to carefully reproduce and broaden these natural and specific sounds of the instrument in such a way that will reflect its individual character.

Of course, many considerations must be taken into account when calling on an acoustic guitar amp to produce the desired standard of musical results.

A solo guitarist using a classical nylon-stringed instrument in a quiet setting will require different levels of amplifier performance than a dreadnought guitar accompanying a singer-songwriter with a backing band and a noisy bar room stage. Thus the starting point of making any amplifier decision is to determine the performing situation for which the acoustic guitar calls.

Knowing the core parts of a typical acoustic guitar amp is helpful towards understanding the variables that make up its sound. These core parts include a box holding the speakers, usually one large driver and one high-frequency tweeter, and the powered circuitry panel that provides electricity to the unit. Additional elements such as volume and EQ controls, as well as overdrive, reverb and other effects controls are also often available. Acoustic guitar amps are commonly dual-channel combos providing for a single guitar input and an additional separate input for a vocal mic or another instrument.

Acoustic guitar amps can be used in combination powering larger speakers or routed through a public address system to achieve more sonic output levels when their stand alone wattage is not enough for the venue.

Another important consideration for an acoustic guitar amp is its portability, size, shape, and physical appearance. The most common style of guitar amp is the combo cabinet: a square wooden box housing the speakers and electronics covered with a combination of natural and synthetic materials for protection. Today's acoustic guitar amp builders have attended the needs of the traveling, working musician who may need to carry his equipment via public transportation and set up in a public venue. These amps are often lighter weight than traditional amp combos, and are equipped with handles and wheels for easy hauling. They also tend towards an unassuming appearance to complement a musician's professional stage presence.

These design elements, additional tone effects and components, speaker size and output watt count will help determine the cost to the buyer shopping for an acoustic guitar amp. These generally range from around a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for the more professionally advanced units.

Acoustic amps are now better than ever to accurately reproduce the rich, dynamic tones of today's acoustic guitar musicians, and when following the elemental considerations of these amplifier component variables we have mentioned, we are better equipped to fit the right amplifier to the job.

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