Choosing amp for acoustic guitar

How to choose the right acoustic amplifier?
Choosing the right amplifier for an acoustic guitar is very important and there are many options to consider during this process. Let's first ask ourselves why we need such amplifier? It all depends on our style of play and where we will play. Although the natural sound of the acoustic guitar is relatively loud, there are situations when it turns out to be insufficient. In this case, the acoustic amplifier, which is supposed to have the most accurate transmission of our guitar's sound, in other words, does not change its character, will be a great option.
Features of acoustic guitar amplifier
Probably the most desirable function in acoustic amplifiers is the ability to connect the guitar and the microphone at the same time. This is due to the built-in XLR connector and the ability to turn on the phantom power. This configuration turns our amplifier into a self-sufficient PA system, allowing us to play concerts in clubs and on smaller stages without additional loudspeakers.
As the signal coming from the acoustic guitar to the amplifier usually comes from a
pick up piezo or a microphone, there is a chance of a noise. In order to reduce this phenomenon, amplifier manufacturers provide them with special suppressors.
Another feature of acoustic guitar amplifiers is the built-in effects. It is important to consider what type of effects we will use during our performances. The built-in reverb will give us a "bigger" sound. For solo performances, a looper function can be useful to record a rhythm part and then to play a solo for it. What we need and how we use it is a strong individual matter.

What power amplifier to choose?
If we use our amplifier mainly for home exercises, 20W (eg Joyo AC-20 Combo) to 30W (eg Hiwatt AC 30 Combo) should be enough for us. In the case of small concerts in small clubs, we should think of more power that will allow us to reach the audience. A 60W power amplifier (eg Stagg 60 AA R Combo) should be sufficient in such circumstances. When playing a full band with a drummer behind us, we should choose a model with a power of about 100W (eg Marshall AS 100D Combo).
Is it worth to buy a stereo amplifier?
Choice between stereo or mono amplifier depends really on the sound we are looking for and what effects we are going to use. If, for example, we will use echo in style of ,,ping pong', the mono amplifier will not provide it, but if we are just looking for a good amplifier that will give the sound of our acoustic guitar the right way, there is nothing wrong with an amplifier with one speaker.
On what we should pay attention during choosing an acoustic guitar amplifier:
Type of amplifier system - There are two main types of amplifiers: transistor and tube. The first ones use transistors in the preamplifier section and power terminals. They are characterized by high reliability and faithful reflection of the input signal. Tube amplifiers are characterized by warm, fat and saturated sound. In their case, we will have to replace the lamps from time to time, which over time they consume.
Number of input channels - If we belong to a group of singing guitarists, it is worth looking for an amplifier that offers an additional XLR connector to which we will connect the microphone. When our microphone is condenser, we should additionally pay attention to the built-in phantom power.
Power - smaller spaces will require less power, but if we are going to play on bigger stages or with a drummer , we should choose a stronger amplifier.
Mono or stereo - if you want to use effects that require stereo, then definitely choose also this amplifier. Otherwise, the mono amplifier will be sufficient.
Built-in effects - depending on what effects we are looking for: flanger, chorus, delay or looper, surely there is an amplifier that is equipped in these effects..
Controler of noise - The pick ups or microphone that we broadcast the guitar may produce noise, so make sure our amplifier is able to deal with them
At the end
Knowing the above features of acoustic guitar amplifiers should make it easy to choose the right equipment. It remains to us to determine the maximum amount we can spend on our dreamed equipment. Remember that before buying an amplifier it is worthto tested it thoroughly, because the specifications and opinions of others will never replace the real experience of the game.

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