Best Acoustic Guitar Amp for the Money (Our Reviews and Comparisons)
Music Authority may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
Acoustic guitars produce sound from their hollow bodies. The production is good if you play alone but you get blocked out trying to rock the stage with a single acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars are intended for silent, solo shows because they don’t create a colossal sound. If you want an audience to hear your acoustic guitar talents, you would certainly need an acoustic guitar amp.
What is the purpose of the acoustic guitar amp? Basically, the acoustic guitar amp enhances the acoustic guitar signals (sensed by an integrated piezoelectric pick up) so that they can be emitted by a loudspeaker.
Most of us have seen guitar amps being used by rock stars at big concerts. Though, if you’re on the hunt for anything to amplify your acoustic guitar, you’re hunting for certain specific models. Acoustic guitar amplifiers are designed to accurately replicate the natural sound of the acoustic instrument.
Unlike the distortion and saturation that electric guitarists frequently chase, a good acoustic amp is all about a smooth, consistent sound. Some acoustic guitar amps allow you to plug in acoustic-electric guitars as well as micro acoustic guitars that don’t have electronic pickups.
Read Related Article: Best Acoustic Guitar Amplifier Under $200
We have shortlisted the top 5 best acoustic guitar amps that are high on performance and low on price. Dive into our list to find out more.
Best Acoustic Guitar Amp for the Money Comparison Table
Product | Features | Latest Price |
---|---|---|
1. Fender Acoustic 100 [amazon fields=”B06XTB28J1″ value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B06XTB28J1″ value=”button”] |
2. Roland AC-60 [amazon fields=”B0002D0KZU” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B0002D0KZU” value=”button”] |
3. Boss Acoustic Singer Pro [amazon fields=”B01N4OWAUM” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B01N4OWAUM” value=”button”] |
4. Fender Frontman 10G [amazon fields=”B07ZP7ZLJ1″ value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B07ZP7ZLJ1″ value=”button”] |
5. Orange Crush Acoustic 30 [amazon fields=”B07YXFT4GN” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B07YXFT4GN” value=”button”] |
Our Best Acoustic Guitar Amp for the Money Reviews and Comparisons
1. Fender Acoustic 100
Product Highlights
We consider Fender Acoustic 100 to be a great-sounding choice for those searching for an inexpensive amp that’s versatile enough for small gigs or to perform with a band.
Although it is simply a digital signal generator, the one thing that is apparent when plugged in is that it does not minimize the natural color and charisma of your favorite wooden package. If anything, the comprehensive, zero tolerance design of the digital brain at play enhances the EQ and phase cancellation capability in a much better way than basic circuitry would.
Through the Acoustic 100, you can take some of the boosts enough at the low end to bring it closer to the dreadnought warmth without straying into the imitation arms.
Features
The Acoustic 100 is a portable amp with 100 watts of power flowing into an 8-inch tube. A natural-colored wooden enclosure offers an organic look. Also, two similar channels with a single 1⁄4-inch / XLR input provide a selection of easy-to-use features, including volume and three-band EQ.
With a weight of only 17.6 pounds, the amp can be easily carried with one hand. Built-in audio effects feature room and hall reverb, tape echo, repeat, vibratone chorus, and repeat and chorus variations as well as delay and reverb. Separate results can be attributed to each channel.
The Acoustic 100 has a Bluetooth button for connecting to audio players and a USB port that can be used to connect directly to a device. The Acoustic 100 is a sleeker, a much more streamlined model.
There are two parallel channels that mirror each other on each side of the top layer. The inputs facilitate both TRS and XLR inputs, pitch the amp directly to the singer/songwriter set, and both sides control the pitch inverter, the simple three-band EQ, and the digital effects stage.
See Related Article: Best 4 Channel Amps of 2020
What We Like About Fender Acoustic 100
All of these amazing features are housed in a super stylish Scandinavian-inspired, polished plywood back and side. Extra blossoms like a headphone out, aux in, and optional footswitch make the machine not only nice to look at but also more flexible than its predecessors.
What We Don’t Like About Fender Acoustic 100
This amp is not as loud as you would expect it to be. Its sound is more on the low end.
PROS
- Aesthetic
- Highly portable
- Highly durable
CONS
- Not loud enough
2. Roland AC-60
Product Highlights
Roland AC-60 works perfectly with both piezo and magnetic pick-ups and can be used at the same time. Furthermore, this amplifier has a variety of built-in features, specially designed for acoustic instruments.
Includes three forms of Chorus (Space, Rich, and Wide), Stereo Reverb, and Delay. Every one of them can be triggered by a foot controller.
Features
Roland AC-60 Acoustic Chorus is a 30-watt stereo-powered amplifier that is quieter than one can expect from its power efficiency. It provides the sound from twin, specially built 6.5″ wide-range speakers.
It has a two-channel configuration, using both guitar and Mic/Line inputs (using phantom power). This way, you can conveniently use two guitars at the same time or add vocals to your sound. AC-60 has an anti-feedback system that detects the feedback point either with “Manual Settings” or “Auto Settings.”
A mute function is also included, which noiselessly connects both channels or access the tuner output for silent tuning. In fact, it contains a “folding frame” and a “speaker frame connector” that allows you to use the device much more conveniently.
There are several inputs and output connectors available. The AC-60 has two inputs for your instrument and microphone (the second one is a combination of XLR and TRS), a single input for your headphones, a Line Out jack to connect a mixer, a recording console, or any other device. Along with this, there’s also a SubWoofer output that ensures a punchier low end and Aux inputs for external audio sources, DI Out/Tuner Out output, and two inputs for output.
There are two sets of encoders in there. The higher one is responsible for the guitar line, while the other is responsible for the Line/Mic line. They also have their own EQs, Volume buttons, and Chorus keys. The Pickup button allows you to select a different style based on the pick-ups you have – magnetic or piezo.
The Shape button accentuates the middle and makes it lighter, showcasing the strumming and brushing sounds. The Phantom Power switch eliminates the possibility of a disconnection between the amp and the external devices. It allows you to connect microphones that require such power so that everything operates as a single body.
The Volume button controls the frequency of the channel; Bottom, Middle, and Treble act as equalizers and lets you mold the sound to perfection; the Chorus button turns this effect on and off. Next, we have the Chorus knob, which allows you to choose between the different types of the said effect and thus step up to the desired extent, while the Reverb/Delay knob lets you choose either of these two effects.
Next, we have an anti-feedback encoder that lets you set the frequencies at which the anti-feedback mechanism is triggered. The Start button will activate automatic feedback detection.
What We Like About Roland AC-60
Roland AC-60 can produce a highly powerful tone with simple adjustments. It pays a lot of attention to the details, allowing you to create something that is well-optimized. The pick-up operator makes a big difference as it knows the precise features of the incoming signal and responds accordingly.
This amp has enough headroom to get loud without getting buzzy or noisy, and it can even drive the PA system. Roland AC-60 displays acoustic sound in the best possible way.
While many acoustic amps are on the market today, none of them can compare with the warm, natural sound of the portable AC-60 Acoustic Chorus amplifier. The stereo amp makes use of digital signal processing to produce a sound that is crisp and consists of a lush stereo/multi-band chorus. It includes a new “wide” mode along with delay/reverb and an impressive auto anti-feedback control. The AC-60 is a clear favorite among guitarists with its 2-channel Mic/Line design and stand-up configuration.
The AC-60 is available with stunning rosewood-shaped cabinets, providing an option to the regular stage-ready black finish. The woodgrain design of the amp fits well in your living room or studio and complements the aesthetics of acoustic guitars.
What We Don’t Like About Roland AC-60
Some users were not happy with this amp’s performance in live settings.
PROS
- Allows you to create a well-optimized sound
- Anti-feedback encoder
- Multiple inputs and output connectors
CONS
- Average performance in a live setting
3. Boss Acoustic Singer Pro
Product Highlights
The built-in looper feature of Boss Acoustic Singer Pro helps make the one-man-band feel like a room full of performers, and the special harmony feature produces vocal harmonies. In the meantime, USB connectivity allows you to record directly to your computer, while it also has a headphone jack and an aux input, as is standard on most amps.
Changing the settings for each channel is a breeze due to the elegant nature of the controls. Pushbuttons and keys are the name of the game here and are ideal for seeing where a certain environment is at a glance (as opposed to trying to search into a menu).
Features
The Acoustic Singer Pro was designed for quick setup on stage. It loads 120 watts of solid-state capacity and an 8 “speaker, along with a 1” dome tweeter, into its elegant brown enclosure. It’s not too hard to switch around at 32lbs.
Two ‘channels’ are available but there are no two separate channels just for your acoustic – the Acoustic Singer Pro is designed to have one channel with its own guitar input, and another with a separate voice microphone input.
The guitar channel has an EQ section along with other features designed specifically for managing plugged-in acoustics, while the vocal channel is tailored to make your voice sound great at the same time. The anti-feedback option in each channel enhances the overall sound. Special effects like chorus, reverb and delay have been incorporated into the channels.
As mentioned, both guitar and mic channels have their own EQ and Effect Controls. The Harmony and Looper parts have their own LED indications to show their working modes, and the master volume button controls the overall sound level. Remember that each channel each has its own volume knob, and you can change the settings to match your taste.
The chorus on the guitar channel is a really nice touch to sweeten up a dry acoustic while being able to add a touch of delay and reverb to your vocals adds a richness that the standard PA just can’t match.
The looper and harmony features really do work well, so when you get used to them, you can quickly reach the point of no return – you’ll find that you can’t perform without them.
What We Like About Boss Acoustic Singer Pro
The tone coming from the small 8″ speaker is almost unbelievable. Not only is it extremely bright, but every channel also lets you dial in the perfect sound.
What We Don’t Like About Boss Acoustic Singer Pro
Some of the very few places where the Acoustic Singer Pro may fall a little short is that it doesn’t come with a footswitch. For this price, it definitely should be – particularly if the footswitch allows all the versatility that this amp can offer you in a live environment.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Anti-feedback option
- Loud sound
CONS
- No footswitch
4. Fender Frontman 10G
Product Highlights
In this review, we’re looking at one of the most popular small amps available, Fender Frontman 10G.
The specifications are pretty good for an amp that costs very little. It is important to note that there is only one channel with an overdrive switch. This means that you can play with a clean tone, dial up the gain to give a little crunch. Then, if you want more distortion, just hit the overdrive switch.
Features
The headphone output is a must in a hands-on amp, as it is often used in small rooms or homes where it is so important to be able to play silently. Adding au input means that you can plug in an MP3 player or a CD player and play along with your favorite songs or tracks.
While this is sold as a guitar amp, you can definitely use another Fender Frontman 10G amp. Keyboards, bass guitar, and vocals are obvious options. But even other stringed instruments like violins are going to be perfect. Any instrument that can be plugged into a standard input jack will work. If your instrument doesn’t have a pickup, a standard mic could be used to amplify the sound.
As you might expect from this affordable little amp, the controls are pretty simple – an advantage for beginners in particular. Set on the front of the amp, these controls consist of a rotary push-button control switch, which allows you to instantly add an overdrive to your tone.
Next comes the volume control, along with the bass and the treble, before the power switch to the far right. Simple, but this amp provides all the guitarists really want.
Built to blend well into the Frontman range, it looks robust and powerful, sporting a rugged black case with a small carrying handle, a silver grille cloth, and a classic Fender emblem on the nose.
There’s a 6″ Special Model speaker with 10 watts of power underneath. The two 1/8 “inputs on the control panel are accessible by an external music player and headphones which allows one to indulge in quiet late-night practice sessions.
The 10-watt capacity isn’t going to blow anybody away – so it’s definitely not worth anything than casual performance – but that’s why it’s such a nice practice amp. The tone on offer is great at such an affordable price.
The cleans are just as you would expect from the Fender guitar, while the gain control makes for a bluesy snap right up to a heavy overdrive in punk rock. It’s not the strongest distortion, but it’s a great tool for practice.
What We Like About Fender Frontman 10G
The Frontman 10G is a good practice amp. The styling is fine, but the power output is the best thing about the amp. It will maintain tonal quality at higher volumes, which is something that can not be said for all practice amps.
The simplicity of the procedure would suit the inexperienced guitarists, but it will not cope with the success of the stage. It’s robustly built, so it’s supposed to last you a long time. Portability makes it great to be on the road with you so you don’t miss out on practice.
What We Don’t Like About Product Name
Fender Frontman 10G is a 10-watt solid-state guitar amp suited for solo performance or with another artist. With such a small speaker and casing, the sound won’t be far away or it won’t be able to compete with the drums.
PROS
- Good for beginners
- Highly portable
- Easy to use
CONS
- Sound is not loud enough
5. Orange Crush Acoustic 30
Product Highlights
Orange Crush Acoustic 30 runs on 10 AA batteries and can be easily carried anywhere thanks to its lightweight body.
Sticking to the aesthetics for a moment, this amp looks amazing and is totally in line with the company’s history: the orange Tolex, a tweed grille cover, and the cool coat-of-arms insignia.
Features
This amp comes has a tilt-back feature along with a powerful projection of sound.
Its control panel embodies the hieroglyphic names that are a signature style of the brand. The amp has two channels: one for a guitar and one for a microphone or an external instrument.
The two channels have gain and EQ with Channel 1 embodying a semi-parametric midrange power. This amp is small in size and expecting it to have a massive sound would not be wise. Nudging the bass and treble knobs provided a powerful tonal shift — both controls have a lot of range.
The Color Switch also boosts lows and highs, while dipping slightly in the middle, and can get you in trouble if you’ve already cranked the EQ knobs.
What We Like About Orange Crush Acoustic 30
The semi-parametric midrange section gives you control of the frequency and the cut/boost level and is capable of making subtle or drastic changes to your tone. You may also use it to track inappropriate feedback-inducing frequencies.
The Crush Acoustic 30 might be a perfect personal control on a large gig, using the XLR DI to feed the PA room.
What We Don’t Like About Orange Crush Acoustic 30
It has only 3 hours of battery life when used at full volume.
PROS
- Good range on the controls
- Lightweight
- Aesthetic
CONS
- Average battery life
Final Verdict
Fender Acoustic 100 is the best acoustic guitar amp according to us. Not only is it lightweight and highly portable but also carries the brand value of Fender. It has an efficient performance and also looks good on stage.
However, you are free to choose from the other options that we have mentioned as they are equally good. So choose a model and keep strumming.
More to read: