Best Acoustic Guitar Amp (2022 Reviews Updated)
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So, you are looking for the best acoustic amp? Unfortunately, nowadays there are so many options available that choosing the perfect acoustic guitar amplifier can be a real hassle.
Well, help is at hand. We’ve read hundreds of reviews, talked to a load of musicians, and listened to hours of people playing their favorite acoustic tracks through the latest amplifiers. It was fun.
It was also so we can tell you that the Marshall Acoustic Soloist AS50D is the best amplifier for acoustic guitars available at the moment. It delivers that signature Marshall sound in spades, has more than enough power for most players, and looks great.
Whether you are busking, playing venues, or just practicing in your bedroom, this amp really delivers. If you are looking for an acoustic guitar amplifier that will give you clear, clean sound for years to come, then this is the amp to buy.
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Editor’s Pick
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What is an Acoustic Guitar Amp?
An acoustic amp is designed, to specifically amplify the natural sound of the acoustic guitar. They have different tonal qualities and don’t focus on compressing and distorting the sound as with electric guitar amplifiers. Despite more and more acoustic amps coming equipped with effects in recent years, the main objective is just to increase the natural sound of the guitar.
The best high-quality acoustic amps can accurately reproduce the dulcet sounds of your acoustic guitar in a super clean and crisp way with no hint of distortion, even when cranked up to the max. That being said, there are also a multitude of electric guitarists that value a clean and crisp tone just as much as a compressed or distorted one.
Can I Use An Electric Guitar Amp On An Acoustic Guitar?
You may be tempted to use the electric guitar amplifier that you already have at home, which wouldn't do any damage to your acoustic guitar or the electric guitar amplifier, but you would definitely being doing your ears and the ears of those around you a disservice.
Although amps for electric guitars are also equipped a clean channel, it widely varies from the clean channel on an acoustic amplifier and can be detrimental to the sound quality. It would be best for you to invest in a proper amp that was designed for acoustic guitars to accurately magnify the natural tone of you guitar.
Choosing An Acoustic Amp To Meet Your Needs
Despite there being a myriad of acoustic amplifiers to choose from, deciding which is best for you doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. We're here to help you navigate through the various uses and features of different kinds of acoustic guitar amps.
For Home Or Practice
A small amplifier with a wattage of 15 watt to 20 watt will provide more than enough power for you to fine tune your sound at practice sessions or jamming at home.
In The Studio
When buying an acoustic guitar amp specifically for a studio, it's best to consider a model equipped with extra features that will help add depth to your recordings.
Small Venues
When playing small venues, your 20 watt practice amp should be able to give you a good, clean, tone with enough power to be heard. For slightly larger spaces it's best to invest in a guitar amp with a bigger capacity, somewhere in the 40 to 100 watt range to enhance your performance.
Playing With A Band
When playing with other musicians, depending on the size of the space, these amps can range from 100 to a mind-blowing 300 watts, for when you don't want your guitar to be overpowered by the drummer.
Playing large and outdoor venues
Many music venues aren't set up set up to accommodate acoustic guitars, so this may be a challenge. You may have to provide and set up your own equipment, so it's best to select an acoustic amplifier that is powerful enough for your guitar to shine through in a large, open space.
Busking
When performing in an outdoor public space, or busking, there are different factors to consider, namely portability. Street musicians need an amplifier that is large and powerful enough for your guitar to be heard, but is also easy to transport from place to place. There may be an ideal spot you where you want to jam, but find that there is no power source available. In that case, it may be best to consider a battery powered model.
Typical Features Of Acoustic Guitar Amps
Feedback control
The signal sent from an acoustic guitar is generally produced from either a transducer pickup or microphone, creating possible feedback. To reduce the risk of feedback, acoustic guitar amplifiers are equipped with anti feedback technology.
Built-in effects
From a simple compressor to a loop function. It’s important to consider which effects are going to be an essential part of your sound. A built-in loop function is a great way for a lone performer to lay down a rhythm track and play a solo over it. What you need is really up to the individual and how you intend to utilize the effects offered.
Dual channels for guitar and microphone
The mic/line input is one of the most important features of acoustic guitar amplifiers. This usually includes an XLR input and possibly an option for phantom power. Balancing your vocals with your guitar using this XLR input turns your acoustic guitar amplifier into a self-contained PA system.
Things To Consider When Buying An Acoustic Amp
Types of amplifiers: The two common types of acoustic guitar amplifiers are solid-state and tube.
Solid-state amps: These use transistors for their preamp and power sections. They are very reliable and tend to amplify a clean depiction of the signal.
Tube amps: Tubes amps provide a warm, fat, and natural tone, but tubes may have to be replaced over time.
Dual-channel amplifiers: If you like to sing while you play, be sure to look for an amplifier that offers an XLR input. Make sure the amplifier provides phantom power if you plan on using a condenser mic.
Power: Smaller spaces require less wattage and larger venues require more, so make sure you purchase an amp with the appropriate amount of wattage.
Mono vs. Stereo: An acoustic stereo amp is only needed If you want to run your signal through stereo effects.
Onboard effects: In addition to looping, acoustic guitar amps now offer a plethora of onboard effects to suit every style and preference.
Mini PA: Be performance ready with just your guitar, mic and amplifier if you choose one armed with an XLR input.
Feedback control: Most acoustic guitar amplifiers have a built-in anti feedback system to handle any issue caused by onboard pickup systems.
Now that you know what to look for when choosing a great acoustic guitar amp, let's get in to the review.
1.Editor’s Pick: Marshall Acoustic Soloist AS50D
Believe it or not, Marshall doesn't just cater to metal heads, rockers, and blues lovers. They also make one hell of an acoustic amp!
Marshall is widely known for producing electric guitar amps that offer killer distortion and overdrive tones, but the Acoustic Soloist AS50D is in a category of its own. It's one the best combo amplifiers for acoustic guitars today. It delivers that signature Marshall sound and has more than enough power to accommodate the needs of most players.
At 50 watts of power, the AS50D combo amp was built to deliver the best acoustic studio-quality sound. Versatile, this guitar amp is designed for an abundance of acoustic instruments, it can accommodate instruments with magnetic pickups, piezos and microphones – passive or condenser. It is the best amp for intimate acoustic gigs, no matter which instrument you play.
The dual-channel layout of this compact and robust 50 watt amplifier lets you plug in your guitar and a vocal mic for a complete PA experience. Built-in chorus and reverb are perfect for adding subtle depth and breath to your acoustic sound. A dedicated line out and DI Out XLR on the back panel allows for connection to external equipment when playing larger stages.
Whether you are practicing at home, busking downtown, or playing gigs, this amp really delivers. If you are looking for a speaker that will amplify the sounds of your acoustic guitar for years to come, this is the best acoustic amplifier for you.
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Really, that should be all we need to say. This amp sounds the best, period.
But if you want lots of extra fancy features, it’s got those too:
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- Marshall’s AS50D is a 50 Watt amplifier that features two 8 inch drivers. Making it loud enough to be used on stage as well as in the studio. One thing that is interesting about AS50D is how Marshall designed the second channel. Instead of installing a combined XLR/TRS input, they have actually decided to include an individual instrument and individual mic input.
- Marshall is known for having some of the best features and effects and they are well displayed in this amp. The reverb and digital chorus effects are a joy to listen to, and really add quality to that classic acoustic sound. If you are searching for an acoustic guitar amp that will really bring out your creativity, and add another level to your music this is the amp for you.
- This amp also features two channel inputs, each with an identical set of controls. These are Volume, Bass, and Treble. Then comes the FX section where you will find a Chorus and two types of Reverb. Overall. The controls are pretty intuitive and are easy to master.
- The Marshall AS50D is the perfect amp for intimate acoustic gigs, no matter which acoustic instrument you are playing.
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- None, that we experienced. This is the all-around best amplifier you can buy for gorgeous, clean tones that will last for many years to come. This also doubles up as a great practice amp for your guitar.
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For more comprehensive reviews of Marshall amps - check out this guide.
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2.Fishman PRO-LBX-700 Loudbox Artist
A great amp for a great value.
If our review was based solely on the cleanness of tone, the Fishman PRO-LBX-700 Loudbox Artist combo amp would certainly top the list as one of the best. Fishman has built an enviable reputation for producing equipment that delivers amazingly clear tone and this amplifier is no exception.
The PRO-LBX-700 Loudbox combo amp delivers 120 watts of room-filling, natural-sounding amplified acoustic tone. Two channels accommodate your guitar and a microphone, and thanks to built-in Bluetooth connectivity, you can bring backing tracks or other accompaniment into your performances.
Aside from featuring Fishman’s legendary tone and anti feedback controls, a dual-effects section, phantom power, and balanced XLR outputs make the Loudbox Artist a great choice for any acoustic musician.
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In addition, is has these great features:
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- The Loudbox Artist has 120 watts of ultra-clean, bi-amplified acoustic power and features Bluetooth connectivity
- This powerful acoustic guitar amplifier also features an aux input and a balanced XLR DI output — great for playing along to or capturing your live performances.
- You can easily add backing tracks or other accompaniments to your performances, jams, and practice sessions with the Bluetooth technology.
- The front panel, includes an Auxiliary level, Master volume control, and a headphone jack. There are also three controls: Channel Mute, Tweeter level, and a 24V Phantom power switch, that pack a big punch
- The back panel is where you'll find on/off switch, a foot pedal input, both 1/4" and 1/8" aux ins, a post-EQ Mix DI out, and each channel has independent effects send/returns and pre-EQ DI outs.
- Features anti feedback controls when connected to a PA, and an effects loop enables you to integrate your external stompboxes and effects
- In addition to Loudbox's crisp tone, the bass response is impressive. This amp incorporates a long throw acoustic suspension woofer, which allows the bass to be thrown across a large room while still managing to keeps a clean tone.
- There is also a smaller, more portable version of this guitar amplifier that's built for street performances, the Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge 60 watt acoustic guitar amp.
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- Can be a bit bulky to drag around. Although this guitar amp is amazing, and has many cool effects and features, this certainly isn't an ideal choice for a portable busking amplifier. Check out the smaller, battery powered version of this amp .
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3.Roland AC-60 Acoustic Combo
A classic re-imagined for the modern age. 
Although there are many acoustic amps on the market today, few of them can compete with the rich, natural sounds of the compact Roland AC-60 Acoustic Chorus combo guitar amplifier. This innovative 60 watt stereo amp uses sophisticated digital signal processing to deliver a crisp sound with lush stereo/multi-band chorus, delay/reverb and an impressive Auto Anti-Feedback control. There is also a 2-channel Mic/Line design and stand-mountable configuration.
The dual-channel inputs of the Roland AC-60 offers both a Guitar channel and a Mic/Line channel with Phantom Power. This makes it the perfect companion for small venues or in the studio. The Guitar channel gives you a choice between pickup inputs, plus powerful Anti-Feedback controls. Rounding out this package is a Mute switch for silent tuning and a Stereo Line Out for connection to mixing consoles and PA systems. Lastly, there is an FX cluster that includes the Chorus and Reverb/Delay.
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In addition, this amp comes with some great features:
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- The Roland AC-60's anti-feedback controls on this amplifier are top notch. Even at maximum volume you can rest assured that you will maintain a crisp, clean sound during your performance.
- The delay and reverb effects on the Roland AC-60are great. For most acoustic tracks, these two effects are all that you will ever need. If you want some seriously weird sounds from your acoustic, perhaps for that extended prog section in your new song, you can always plug a pedal in before this amp!
- Onboard DSP delivers lush stereo/multi-band chorus, newly developed "wide" chorus and delay/reverb with footswitch control. which allows you to swap between tones mid-song.
- A mute switch on this speaker can be especially useful when on stage, as it allows you to silently tune your guitar.
- This speaker also has a built-in tilt stand to offer better acoustic projection; can also be mounted on commercially available speaker stands.
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- None that we can think of, the Roland AC-60 guitar amplifier is great for playing coffee shops and other small venues.
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4.AER Compact 60 Combo
Compact and powerful
The Compact 60 combo amp was built with the artist in mind. AER filled the need for an amplifier that was powerful, yet mobile enough to be taken from gig to gig. The Compact 60 is one of the lighter acoustic amps available and in terms of power, 60 watts is more than enough to fill a small venue with incredible sound.
The AER Compact 60 is a powerful twin-channel acoustic guitar amplifier, carefully designed to deal with piezoceramic pick-ups, microphones and any sort of line signal. It's dynamic power provides a clear, brilliant and sustaining sound performance.
This amp is a real workhorse, often praised for its reliability and light, compact design. If you've got a lot of gigs lined up, you want an acoustic guitar amplifier that you can take everywhere with you and the Compact 60 is a great option.
In addition, the build quality on this amp is amazing. It seems that AER have really thought about the types of knocks and scratches that amps are subjected to, They've designed this guitar amp to take a beating, while making sure the sound quality is unaffected. The dials on this amplifier are protected by the housing, and the sturdy frame means that you will get years of reliable service from it.
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In addition, this amp has several big advantages:
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- The AER Compact 60 is extremely transparent. Whatever guitar you plug into it, the amp will reproduce an incredibly accurate rendition of its natural tone.
- The control layout on the AER Compact 60 is simple and clean. This German brand is well known for their no-nonsense approach to controls and overall amp design.
- The design of this amp is subtle and non-flashy. Great if you are into minimal styling.
- The two channel inputs on this amplifier greatly improve the sound quality, and each has a dedicated EQ, to help you craft a signature sound.
- The EQ on this amp also appeared to have a far greater range than some of the other acoustic guitar amps that we have seen, so if you are looking for a solid bass-laden sound, this amplifier is up to the task!
- AER pride themselves on designing equipment specially for acoustic guitarists, and this amp is a great example of that, the sound is amazing. Tones stay crystal clear even at high volumes due to the built-in subtle dynamic control.
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- Some may find its minimalist design a bit boring, but If you are looking for an acoustic guitar amplifier to go on the road with, this is the one!
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5.Fender Acoustasonic 150
Powerful, compact, lightweight
Fender had long been a revered name in electric guitar amplification when the company introduced its Acoustasonic line of acoustic guitar amplifiers in the mid-1990s. These amplifiers finally granted acoustic guitarists access to the consistently great sound and roadworthy packages electric guitarist had been enjoying for decades.
Fender has built on the success of this line recently by unveiling two new Acoustasonic combos, the 100 and the 150, both of which includes an impressive smorgasbord of features into a tight package. At 150 watts of power, the new Fender Acoustasonic combo amp is perfect for the acoustic guitarists who are seeking a versatile amplifier with a plethora of features and tonal innovations. This amp is also great for connecting a bass, mandolin or any other acoustic instrument.
The front control panel is uncomplicated and easy enough for even the novice musician to program. There is also a quartet of knobs that control the amp’s Voicing, String Dynamics, and effects types and level. There is also an XLR jack with phantom power.
The amp’s rear control panel is armed with a standard power switch, XLR output with adjustable level controls, and a stereo effects loop. Another unique and very useful feature of this amp is its USB port for computer connectivity which can make life much easier for guitarists that do a lot of direct recordings.
Plug both a guitar and a microphone into the inputs and you'll have an instant solo PA. This 2-channel performer gives you independent control over each input, so you can balance your vocals and guitar perfectly. You'll love the balanced XLR direct line out when playing bigger gigs, which lets you use the Acoustasonic 150 as a monitor. An included USB connection also lets you record straight to your computer from the amp!
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Of course, this amp also has several more advantages:
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- For a guitar amplifier of its capacity, the Acoustasonic 150 is super lightweight, a mere 22.5 pounds and it's also fairly compact.
- With its vintage-inspired look, this guitar amp could easily be mistaken for an early 1960s Fender combo.
- The Acoustasonic 150 also comes with a mute button that bypasses the sound of the amp, making it easy tune or change guitars without having to fuss with the volume level.
- Amazingly versatile! This guitar amplifier is great for musicians who like to switch between acoustic and electric guitars, sparing you the cost of purchasing a separate amplifier.
- The crystal clear sound of the Acoustasonic is never compromised, even with all 150 watts pumping out of the speaker.
- Has an XLR line out with level control and ground lift, stereo effects loop and an included USB connector on the back panel allows you to record straight to your computer.
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- None that i experienced. If you are looking for an acoustic guitar amp that will allow you to play large venues and swap between acoustic and electric guitars, you’ve just found it!
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6.Boss Acoustic Singer Pro
Rich, vibrant sound with unmatched clarity
The Acoustic Singer Pro combo takes the acoustic stage amplfier to new levels of sound quality and creative versatility. This compact 120 watt powerhouse produces rich, vibrant sound with unmatched clarity. This custom, bi-amped speaker set dispenses punch and dynamics never before available in its class.
It also includes a dedicated mic channel, giving singing guitarists a compact, all-in-one guitar amplification solution. A discrete analog input circuit delivers full, clear sound, and phantom power is on tap for using studio-grade condenser microphones.
Independent channels are provided for acoustic guitar and vocal, and each is equipped with discrete analog input circuits and three-band EQ for studio-quality sound. And with additional features such as Acoustic Resonance, looping, automatic vocal harmonies, effects, and much more, the Acoustic Singer Pro gives acoustic musicians everything they need to deliver inspiring and impactful live performances.
If you’re using the Acoustic Singer Pro for guitar only, this channel can alternately be used to mic up your acoustic. For players that use advanced setups, it also works great for blending another amplification source installed in the guitar, such as a second pickup or an internal mic.
Of course, this amp also has several more advantages:
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- A powerful bi-amped design with extended peak capacity delivers tight, high-definition sound with ultra-clean broadband frequency response.
- BOSS’s Acoustic Resonance employs advanced processing to eliminate the hard, sterile sound produced by the piezo pickups in most stage guitars. This powerful feature not only enhances the character of your pickup, but also restores the complex natural resonances that are so often lost when amplifying your acoustic.
- The Acoustic Singer Pro’s rear panel is well stocked for your interfacing needs. Dual DI/Line outputs are provided on XLR connectors, and each features a versatile mode switch for outputting both channels mixed together, or individual channels direct or post-effects.
- A USB jack offers a direct computer connection to a DAW, while the Rec/Phones jack provides a stereo connection for quiet practice sessions or recording to portable devices. Numerous jacks are also available for controlling the harmony function, looper effects, and more via optional foot switches.
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- It would be awesome if the foot switches were included, but overall we've got no complaints.
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Our Final Thoughts
Amps are an integral part of a guitarist’s playing routine and choosing the one that best suits your needs will require some thorough researching. When buying an acoustic amp, there are several things to take in to consideration, such as its intended primary use, feedback controls, inputs, amount of wattage and onboard effects etc.
Also, go for an amp with a solid build that can stand the wear and tear of frequent, heavy use. It's not always the case, but more often than not, more expensive, well-known brands tend to be of a better quality and last longer. If you want an amp that with be of service to you in the long-term, it is definitely worth investing a bit more upfront, than to have to keep replacing a cheap amp later.
Amps are not something you buy every day, so take your time, review our checklist of things to consider when purchasing an amp, try out a few at your local gear shop, peruse online reviews, and your preferred price point. There are dozens of acoustic amplifiers to choose from, and ultimately you will find one that will suit you and your style of playing perfectly.
Good luck in your search!
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