Buying Guide for the Best Acoustic Amps
Choosing the right acoustic amp can make a big difference in how your acoustic guitar sounds during practice, performance, or recording. Acoustic amps are designed to amplify the natural, clean sound of your instrument without adding too much coloration or distortion. When shopping for an acoustic amp, it's important to think about where you'll use it, how loud you need it to be, and what extra features might help you get the most out of your playing experience.Wattage (Power Output)Wattage tells you how powerful the amp is and how loud it can get. Lower wattage amps (under 30 watts) are great for home practice or small, quiet settings. Medium wattage amps (30-60 watts) work well for small gigs or group rehearsals. Higher wattage amps (over 60 watts) are best for larger venues or outdoor performances. Think about where you'll be playing most often—if it's just at home, you don't need a lot of power, but for performing in bigger spaces, more wattage will help your sound carry.
Speaker SizeThe size of the speaker affects the tone and projection of your amp. Smaller speakers (6-8 inches) are more portable and can sound crisp, but may lack deep bass. Medium speakers (10 inches) offer a good balance for most uses. Larger speakers (12 inches or more) provide fuller sound and better bass response, which is helpful for bigger spaces or if you want a richer tone. Choose a speaker size based on your need for portability versus sound depth.
ChannelsChannels let you plug in more than one instrument or a microphone at the same time. Single-channel amps are simple and good for solo practice. Two-channel amps are popular because they let you play guitar and sing with a mic at the same time. Some amps have even more channels for extra flexibility. If you plan to perform solo with vocals and guitar, or play with a friend, more channels can be very useful.
Built-in EffectsMany acoustic amps come with built-in effects like reverb, chorus, or delay. These effects can add depth and interest to your sound without needing extra pedals. If you like experimenting with your tone or want a more polished sound for performances, look for amps with the effects you enjoy. If you prefer a pure, uncolored sound, you might not need many effects.
Inputs and OutputsInputs and outputs determine what you can connect to your amp. Common inputs include standard instrument jacks and XLR for microphones. Outputs might include headphone jacks for silent practice, line out for connecting to a PA system, or a DI out for recording. Think about how you plan to use your amp—if you want to record, connect to bigger sound systems, or practice quietly, make sure the amp has the right connections.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to move your amp around. Smaller, lighter amps are easier to carry to lessons or gigs, while larger amps may be heavier but offer more power and features. If you travel a lot or need to move your amp often, look for something compact and lightweight. If your amp will mostly stay in one place, portability may be less important.
Feedback ControlFeedback can be a problem with acoustic amps, especially at higher volumes. Some amps have features like phase switches or notch filters to help control feedback. If you plan to play live or at higher volumes, having good feedback control can make your sound clearer and prevent unwanted noise.