Any suggestions for a good acoustic amp that coast less than $200. I am borrowing a Fender Acoustasonic 30 and I really like it, but it is way out of my price range for now. I would want something 15w or less, 5w would actually be fine since I am just going to use it to play around the house. Any suggestions?
Best acoustic amp under $200?
- Thread starter MojoTooth
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tjmangum
Senior Member
If you can find an older SWR Strawberry Blonde for your price range, check it out. This was my first acoustic amp and still one of my favorites. It's 60 watts, but can be played softly too. Very realistic sound. Like almost all things, SWR was bought up by Fender not so long ago and production moved to Mexico. Look for an American made one. I've seen them go for 200-250 on CL.
Good luck,
tj
Good luck,
tj
Graham
Venerated Member
I snagged a Marshall AS-50R off of eBay for 180.
JimbowF212
Member
I have a Michael Kelly 16 watt that is $129.00 through Musicians Friend. It should do nicely for your situation and it is right on your 15 watt requirement. It is also brand new with a full 1 yr warrenty. If you want something with more power you can try the Behringer line of Acoustic Amps they have a 45 watt @ MF for $179.00 and the reviews are mostly good on it. I am thinking about trying to acquire one of these for using @ church. Both the MK and Behringer have mic inputs but the Behringer can take either Low impedience or High, the MK can only take High. Both are made in China but, what isn't these days in this price range.
JimbowF212
Member
The one I have is very good for home duty or small venue work but, in a crowd it will be on the light side that is why I told you about the Behingers incase you need something bigger for bigger apps. However, the MK is a good 16 watt Acoustic practice and small duty amp. The handle on mine broke so if you don't have to move it around much that will be better.
tele4tone
Member
Graham said:
I second this referral. They are easy to use and low hiss. I've had one for more than 7 years.
alpep said:
I'll second Genz Benz. I bought a Shenandoah 60 (60 watt) off Craigslist for $300 and really like it. no hiss, either.
Taylor Martin Guild
Senior Member
See if you can test drive a Crate acoustic amp. They have several models and start at about $150.00.
I like mine.
I like mine.
Bill Ashton
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I was also going to mention Crate...tried a little tiny one in the local music store and it sounded very good, much nicer than I expected. Almost bought one for my daughter. Couldn't decide whether I wanted Reverb or Chorus...then a moment of clarity ensued and I moved on...too many other amps in the basement!
Scratch
Enlightened Member
tele4tone said:
+2 on the Marshall. I've been gigging with one for a couple of years now. Outstanding IMHO...
Terry Allan Hall
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Yes, Indeed.Taylor Martin Guild said:
Crate makes an excellent acoustic amp and has a lot of bang-to-your-buck!
I, personally, find that the Limo 50 (TX50) is extremely handy...I find that it's my go-to amp/mini-PA for maybe 70% of my gigs, as it's the perfect size/volume for restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. And it's built-in 12v battery makes it indispenible for outdoor weddings and the like (I never realized just how handy this feature was until I owned an amp/mini-PA with it...now, I'll never again choose not to have such! 8) )
If you look around, you can often find one used for about $175, w/ the charger wall-wart.
