Category: Amps and PA Systems

Gear Review: Trace Elliot’s Transit-A Preamp and Effects Unit is Tailored Specifically for the Acoustic Guitarist

Trace's Transit-A packs practically everything an acoustic guitarist needs before going into a PA system into a compact unit that weighs around 2.5 pounds.

Adam Perlmutter
August 7, 2017

Review: Fishman’s New SA Performance Audio System (SA330x, SA Sub, SA Expand) Adds Power and Flexibility

Fishman raises the bar and lowers the weight with this flexible component system

Doug Young
June 30, 2017

Review: Boss Acoustic Singer Pro is Made For the Gigging Singer-Songwriter

This amp packs a lot of power into a small package.

Doug Young
May 22, 2017

Fender Acoustic 200 Amp Review

Think Fender and your mind fills with images of Stratocasters, Telecasters, and a wide array of tube-driven electric-guitar amplifiers. However, of late, Fender has been busy developing several lines of acoustic amplification that range in price from $99 to $999, offering options for every level of player.

Pete Madsen
May 18, 2017

Gear Review: Henriksen’s “The Bud” Is a Powerful, Portable, Acoustic-Friendly Amp

Intended for use with everything from vocals to upright bass to banjo to acoustic guitar, the Bud is a user-friendly amp with a rich range of sounds.

Adam Perlmutter
November 4, 2016

Gear Review: Fender’s Acoustic Pro and Acoustic SFX Amps Make a Big Impression

Two new lightweight digital amps with robust power and lush effects.

Adam Perlmutter
November 4, 2016

Review: AER Introduces a Tommy Emmanuel Signature Amp, and It’s Pretty Dang Cool, Mate

There are some critical variations to AER's standard Compact 60 design that make the TE edition noteworthy

Nathan Bell
October 11, 2016

Gear Review: The Truly Acoustic, Acoustic Guitar ToneWoodAmp [VIDEO]

The ToneWoodAmp is an affordable, cutting-edge product that serves the traditional needs of the performing guitarist. It belongs in every guitarist’s toolbox.

Nathan Bell
August 16, 2016

Review: The AER Compact 60/3 is a Small but Powerful Version of the Perennially Popular Acoustic Amp

The Compact 60/3 is virtually interchangeable with the previous version, the trusty AER Compact 60.

Teja Gerken
April 1, 2016

Review: All the Power Without the Fuss—the Fender Acoustasonic

Fender’s Acoustasonic 90 amplifier weighs in at a mere 18 pounds, but has a brawny voice and a wide range of sound-shaping capabilities. It’s a smart choice for the portable guitarist.

Adam Perlmutter
March 29, 2016

Review: The Fishman Loudbox Artist is a Powerful, Portable, Flexible Acoustic Amp

This 25-pound amp delivers plenty of clean sound and volume, with a compelling array of features

Doug Young
March 27, 2016

Review: JazzKat TomKat, a Whole Lot of Guitar Amp in a Small Package [VIDEO]

JazzKat’s TomKat has long been a favorite of jazz guitarists, but now that the cat’s out of the bag, it should earn its devotees in the steel-string world.

Adam Perlmutter
February 18, 2016

Review: Fender Acoustasonic 90 Amp is Light but Powerful

It's the perfect little amp for the guitarist on the go.

Adam Perlmutter
April 20, 2014

Review: AER’s Popular Compact 60/3 Acoustic Amp Gets a Small but Sonically Solid Update

Updates to the AER Compact 60/3 were focused on making it more open, dynamic, and modern sounding.

Teja Gerken
February 12, 2014

Review: Yamaha THR5A Amp is an Offstage Amp with Impressive Tone and Effects

With battery or external power options, powerful software effects, and a small footprint, this amp has a lot of potential for home practice sessions, in the studio, or even for a house concert or quiet gig.

Doug Young
September 19, 2013

Fender Passport Mini guitar amplifier top-panel view

Review: Fender Passport Mini Portable Amp

With a dedicated guitar channel featuring three types of guitar modeling and four electric amp models, along with a separate vocal input, and a 1/8-inch input for CD or MP3 players, the Passport Mini offers a ton of flexibility within its diminutive 7.25-pound package

Andrew DuBrock
April 30, 2013

Review: Schertler Jam 100 is Lean and Mean, With Tone That’s Clean

A powerful yet compact acoustic amp with four flexible channels.

Acoustic Guitar Editors
February 18, 2013

Review: Fender Passport 500 Pro is an All-In-One PA System Designed for Portability

Acoustic solo or small-combo acts will find plenty of use for it in everything from house concerts to cafés to small clubs.

Stevie Coyle
January 4, 2013

Review: Fishman Loudbox Artist Amp Delivers Plenty of Clean Sound and an Array of Extra Features

The Loudbox Artist replaces the older Loudbox 100, bringing slightly more power, some subtle changes in features, and a redesigned appearance.

Doug Young
December 12, 2012

Review: Fender’s Acoustasonic 150 Combo Amp Has a Smorgasbord of Features in a Small Package

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 excellent-sounding, smartly priced models finally granted acoustic guitarists access to what electric players enjoyed about Fender amps: consistently great sound in roadworthy packages. Building on…

Adam Perlmutter
December 12, 2012