If you’ve ever played your acoustic guitar in front of a crowd, you’ve probably noticed that it is easy for the sound of your instrument to get overwhelmed by a crowd.
The good news is that you don’t have to go buy a full PA to make your acoustic heard for larger crowds.
All you need is an amp designed specifically for acoustic guitars.
Fair warning: don’t plug your acoustic into your electric guitar’s amp (unless it has an acoustic setting on it). Whereas electric guitar amps try to distort and color the instrument’s tone, acoustic amplifiers aim to minimize feedback and amplify your signal as cleanly and as accurately as possible.
Whether you are looking for a way to boost your sound in a coffee shop, for a wedding ceremony, or with a full band, there’s a great acoustic guitar amp on this list that’s ready to work for you.
Snapshot: Top 5 Acoustic Guitar Amps In2024
- Fishman Loudbox Performer Acoustic Guitar Amp – Best High-End
- Fender Acoustic 100 Acoustic Guitar Amp
- Boss Acoustic Singer Pro Acoustic Amplifier
- Roland Mobile AC Guitar Amp – Best Budget
- Fishman Loudbox Mini Guitar Amp – Most Popular
The Best Acoustic Guitar Amplifiers On The Market
An acoustic guitar is a hand built instrument that is made so that it sounds a certain way unplugged. The best acoustic amplifiers replicate that sound as pristine as possible.
There’s quite a bit of engineering that goes into achieving this. The best acoustic amps have some kind of tweeter/woofer combination that allows for both the high end and low end sounds to be amplified appropriately. This can be further accomplished with proper EQ controls.
That being said, the modern acoustic player may want some tonal options that an unplugged acoustic can’t get such as reverb or modulation effects. Many of the companies on this list are not just great amp builders, but top of the line effects designers as well. As a result, many of the amps on this list have built in effects as a bonus.
Then there is the constant battle with feedback. Because acoustic guitars have a resonating chamber to them, feedback is bound to occur. This is why amplifiers designed for electric guitars aren’t appropriate for acoustic guitars. In the electric world, feedback is sometimes sought after!
Finally, I wanted to put together a list of acoustic guitar amps that had something to offer for a wide variety of acoustic players. Whether you are playing in larger venues, on the beach, or anywhere in between, I picked amps of all sizes for this list.
Because each of these amps might be the right fit for different players, they are presented in no particular order.
Without further ado, here is my list for the best acoustic amplifiers on the market in2024.
The 5 Best Acoustic Guitar Amps In2024
1. Fishman Loudbox Performer Acoustic Guitar Amp Review – Best High End
- Bi-amplified 2-channel Acoustic Guitar/Vocal Amplifier with Bluetooth Connectivity
- Feedback Suppression
- Dual Effects Loops
The Fishman Loudbox series has been the top selling acoustic amplifiers for years, and for good reason. This is an amp for the big dogs that needs to make their acoustic as big and as loud as possible, while still keeping the amp luggable for regular gigging musicians.
Build
The Performer is the largest of the Loudbox series from Fishman and it is designed for the amp’s namesake. It has just about every single feature that a professional would need, starting with two channels that can be used for guitar, vocals, or any other DI instrument. It packs 180 watts of power independently through its 8” woofer, 5” midrange speaker, and a 1” soft dome tweeter to ensure that the full frequency spectrum is covered.
In addition to time/modulation effects, the Loudbox Performer is also Bluetooth compatible and has a headphone out jack. The back of the amp has effects loops for each channel and DI out, giving you a place for extra effects and to send your signal to the front of house PA system.
Controls
The controls are identical for each of the two available channels. They both feature a gain control, 3-Band EQ, and a feedback controller that acts as a sweeper to eliminate problem frequencies. They also each have a phase inverter switch that helps to eliminate feedback. There are two banks of effects that include two reverbs, Delay, Chorus, Flanger, and two types of Echo.
These effects have controls for Level, Time, and Depth. On the far right of the amp are controls for AUX level and the Master Volume. This allows you to control the volume of an auxiliary device or the Bluetooth connection. Finally, there are buttons for Mute, Tweeter, Bluetooth, and Phantom Power, making this an incredibly versatile amp for gigging.
Sounds
Perhaps the most notable thing I can point out with this amp is how the Fishman Performer replicates acoustic tone in an extremely natural way. The bass and midrange are extremely resonant, with multiple ways of shaping the high end. With a good set of pickups, it sounds like a great microphone has been placed in front of your acoustic.
The effects are pretty tame, but they offer enough variety to keep playing on the amp fun and interesting. The EQ and feedback controls allow the player to shape their tone for any room one might find themselves in. It’s also a loud amp, so it can work in small or large rooms alike. I really don’t have any bad things to say about how it sounds.
Spec Summary
- Type: Solid State Acoustic Combo
- Power: 180W, bi-amped
- Channels: Two
- Speakers: 8” Woofer (100W), 5” Midrange (60W) 1” soft dome tweeter (20W)
- Features: Blue tooth connectivity, FX loop, built in Time/Modulation
Best Large Acoustic Amplifier
Final Thoughts on the Fishman Loudbox Performer
The Fishman Loudbox Performer has everything a working professional acoustic player could possibly need. It may be a little big to lug around comfortably, but it is a small compromise to pay for all its features. Fishman knows how to build acoustic amps, that’s for sure.
2. Fender Acoustic 100 Guitar Amp Review
- The Fender Acoustic Guitar Amplifier features 100 Watts, 14Hx18.5Wx9.25D inches
- Two channels designed for instrument or microphone use deliver studio-quality effects
- The 8 inch full-range speaker with "whizzer" cone delivers enhanced clarity
While Fender is most well known for their electric guitars and amps, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had a fantastic offering for acoustic amplifiers in the Fender Acoustic 100. This is a well built and cleverly designed amp that reimagined acoustic amplifiers for the modern player.
Build
There’s no question that the Acoustic 100 is the most stylish looking acoustic amp out there. You could place it in your living room, and it would blend in nicely, but out in a gigging situation it is sure to stand out in a good way. It also has a clever, hidden handle that adds to the slick look.
The good designs are not all cosmetic. The Acoustic 100 has a Whizzer Cone speaker that is two speakers laid on top of each other. This allows for accurate high end response. It also features two independent channels with their own effects, so you could have one effect on a guitar, and another effect on vocals, or whatever combination you can think of. It features Bluetooth, USB connectivity, an optional footswitch, and DI Out for going straight to a PA.
Controls
The controls on the Acoustic 100 are set up as mirror images of one another. Starting from the outside are your inputs for either ¼” or XLR, followed by the Volume controls, giving you independent control on the volumes of each channel.
The only combatant against feedback on this model is the phase switch, which will take care of most feedback issues, but isn’t a perfect solution. Following this is a 3-Band EQ and knobs for FX Level and the FX Select. The FX Select allows you to navigate the LED lit effects list at the center of the amp.
Sounds
I found that the Whizzer Cone speaker was a creative solution to keep the amp small, while sounding resonant and lively. It makes the amp great for acoustic/vocal combinations and is a great option for gigging songwriters that play in coffee shops.
I found the effects to be quite pleasing too. While there isn’t much control over the effects other than the level, they are tastefully programmed and will work in a wide array of applications. At 100 watts, the Fender Acoustic 100 also has enough punch to work in most live settings.
Spec Summary
- Type: Solid State Acoustic Combo
- Power: 100W
- Channels: Two
- Speakers: 8” Full Range Speaker w/ Whizzer Cone
- Features: Bluetooth, USB, DI Out, Built in Effects
Best Looking Acoustic Amp that also sounds Great!
Final Thoughts on the Fender Acoustic 100
Fender has surpassed my expectations for acoustic guitar technology. Their Acoustasonic Telecaster made it onto our list of “Best Acoustics Under $2,000” and now this amp is on the list for best acoustic amps. It’s safe to say that I underestimated Fender. At around $400, this is a great amp for singer/songwriters wanting to get started playing live.
3. Boss Acoustic Singer Pro Amplifier Review
- Professional acoustic amplifier with premium sound and features
- Harmony function automatically creates smooth and accurate vocal harmonies via real-time key/chord analysis of the guitar input
- Dual channels with discrete analog input electronics and three-band EQ
Roland makes great acoustic amps. Boss makes great vocal pedals. Why not combine them into an easy to use combo amp for singers? Turns out they did with the Boss Acoustic Singer Pro.
Build
The Singer Pro is a combination of Roland amps and the Boss VE-8 Singer Pedal in one combo amplifier. It has singer in mind, with one channel dedicated to a vocal mic, and a second channel for an acoustic guitar. It’s a 120W bi-amp design, which means the woofer and tweeter are separately powered and thus have great clarity. The amp can even be attached to a PA stand to elevate the speaker to a standing audience’s ear level.
Controls
The controls for the two channels look similar at a glance, but there are some minor differences for vocals and guitars worth noting. Each channel has its own Volume, PAD attenuator, 3-Band EQ, Anti-Feedback, and Reverb controls. The Mic channel has a ¼” / XLR shared input for whatever cable you have.
It also features a Phantom Power switch to accommodate any microphone type. In addition to Delay/Echo effects, the Mic channel also has a build in harmonizer to help beef up those vocals. The guitar channel has an Acoustic Resonance (for use with Piezo Pickups), two types of chorus, and an onboard Looper (up to 40 seconds) that is great for live use or practicing at home.
Sounds
The Singer Pro sounds as good as any other amp on this list. What separates it from the pack is the Harmonizer. Boss knows that solo singer/songwriters are the most likely to use this kind of amp, and this is a really cool effect for solo singers. I will say the Unison setting is a little off-putting, as this is achieved from a slight delay/doubling effect. That being said the High setting is really pleasing.
Boss hasn’t left guitarists out though. Because Piezo pickups can take away some of the natural sound of a guitar, the Acoustic Resonance button restores some of that natural sound and I think it achieves it quite well. The Chorus effects live up to the Boss standard, with the first circuit sounding tame, and the second a bit more intense.
Spec Summary
- Type: Solid State Acoustic Combo
- Power: 120W, Bi-amp
- Channels: 2 (Mic/Guitar)
- Speakers: 8 inch Woofer and Dome Tweeter
- Features: Anti-Feedback, Looper, Channel dedicated effects, Harmonizer, PAD Attenuator
Best Amp for solo singers
Final Thoughts on the Boss Signer Pro
At first, I thought that having dedicated Vocal/Guitar channels would be limiting, but now I see that this allowed Boss to create an amp with two highly usable channels, as compared to two “catch-all” channels with limited use. It may not be the acoustic amp for everyone, but if you are a solo singer/acoustic guitar player, I don’t see how you can go wrong with this one.
4. Roland Mobile AC Guitar Amp Review – Best Budget
- 15 hours of use with six AA alkaline batteries (Best with Polaroid AA Batteries)
- Five-watt (2.5+2.5) stereo amplifier for acoustic guitar
- Simple, intuitive controls
Not everyone needs a professional/full sized amp. Some just want to play their guitar at a fire or a party to help bump up the volume a bit and to do it on the go. If this sounds like you, then the Roland Mobile AC is a great option.
Build
Weighing in at just 5.5 pounds two 4-inch speakers, this is the smallest acoustic amplifier on the list by far. It can easily fit into a backpack or carry on bag. Each of the speakers are independently powered (2.5W) for a total of 5W, giving it just enough fire power to fill up a really small room or party. It has 1/8” inputs for a guitar and a microphone, as well as stereo audio inputs for playing along to. This battery powered guitar amp can even last up to 15 hours on six AA batteries.
Controls
The controls on the amp are extremely intuitive and easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners. It has Volume controls for Audio, Mic, and Guitar inputs, as well as Chorus, Wide, and Reverb effects to thicken up your sound. The Tone Control affects the overall circuit, allowing for some minor tone tweaking if needed. That’s it!
Sounds
While the amp won’t get loud enough for any gig bigger than a quiet coffee shop, the Mobile AC offers great sound quality that one can expect from Roland. The two 4-inch speakers are just big enough to help make your guitar sound bigger, not smaller, as can be risked with small amps like this. The stereo sound is also really impressive and helps to accentuate the chorus and Widening effects.
Spec Summary
- Type: Solid State Acoustic Combo
- Power: 5W
- Channels: Single
- Speakers: 2 x 4”
- Features: Chorus, Wide, Aux In, Reverb, Battery Powered, Compact
Best Amp for Travelers and Beginners
Final Thoughts on the Roland Mobile AC
The Mobile AC is a fun little amplifier that sounds bigger than one might expect. I am always a fan of amps that are lightweight and manage to get the job done. The Mobile AC does just that. I would recommend it to anyone who is traveling or for budding acoustic guitar players.
5. Fishman Loudbox Mini Guitar Amp Review – Most Popular
- 2-channel Acoustic Guitar/Vocal Amplifier with Bluetooth Connectivity
- Feedback Suppression
- Built-in Effects
Rounding out our list of best acoustic guitar amps is another from the Fishman Loudbox series. The Mini is the one of the best-selling acoustic amps of all time except this new version includes Bluetooth. With its small stature, easy to use controls, and wide versatility, this is an amazing little amp for beginners and professionals alike.
Build
The Loudbox mini lives up to its name, packing 60W of power and weighing under 20 pounds. Its loud enough to fill up most rooms but is still light weigh enough to take around town. It has two channels that are set up slightly different from one another, one dedicated for guitar and the other for a microphone. The cabinet is filled with a 6.5” woofer and a tweeter.
The newest feature is the built in Bluetooth capability for streaming audio from your connected device. If you would rather use an aux cable, the amp has ¼ and 1/8” inputs, as well as a DI output for connecting to a PA. Finally, the amp has a more durable Tolex than previous models, meaning that it will stand up to road wear much better than before.
Controls
Starting on the Instrument Channel, the amp features a Phase switch to combat feedback. It has controls for Gain and 3-Band EQ for you to dial in your sound based on your instrument and the room you’re in. It also has a built in plate Reverb and Chorus effect to thicken up your sound.
The Mic side of the amp has an XLR input, Gain, 2-Band EQ and Reverb. On the far right is the Master volume control that affects both channels overall. The buttons for Bluetooth are located on top for easy connection. The controls are just easy enough for a beginner to understand, while offering enough power and versatility to appeal to professionals.
Sounds
The Loudbox Mini sounds every bit as good as its larger brother, the Loudbox Performer, except on a smaller scale. The 6.5” woofer and tweeter offer ample clarity for both guitars and vocals. The DI sound is insane. It sounds as good as a microphone and is much more convenient. 60W also makes the amp way louder than it has any right to with its size.
It will get you through just about any gig situation. I also like the modulation sound, as it could be really simple or deeply modulated based on whatever setting you choose.
Spec Summary
- Type: Solid State Acoustic Combo
- Power: 60W, Bi-amp
- Speakers: 6.5” Woofer and Tweeter
- Channels: 2 (Guitar/Vocal)
- Features: Bluetooth, Chorus/Reverb effects, Phase
Best small acoustic amp. My recommendation to most.
Final Thoughts on the Fishman Loudbox Mini
Whenever I am asked to recommend an Acoustic amp to someone who has never owned one before, I always suggest the Loudbox Mini. Though not as powerful or versatile as the Performer, it has a streamlined design with controls that anyone can understand. It hits the perfect balance of lightweight and loud, high quality tone.
The improvements on the latest model make it even better, and the price is hard to pass up on. This is a fantastic amp for acoustic guitar players on the road.
Acoustic Guitars Need Not Be Quiet
We all know that acoustic guitars don’t need any electronics to be heard, but there are obviously times when some amplification is needed.
Even if you are primarily an electric guitarist, you’ll be surprised at how often having an acoustic guitar amp will come in handy, and thankfully there are a great deal of quality choices out there.
My intention for this list was to present you with some of the best options available for the acoustic players (and vocalists) out there. They all share a lot similarities, but it’s the key differences in each model that are worth paying attention to.
Ask yourself how much volume you need, if you need effects, and if you plan on singing into the amp. These kinds of questions will help you decide which is the best acoustic guitar amp for your needs.
If making a decision is hard, the good news is that all the amps on this list are good. I think that they will all make most players pretty darn happy.
Now go and play your acoustic loud for all to hear.
Back to: Best Guitar Amps: All Types & Budgets
Further Reading:
- 3 Best Beginner Guitar Amps (Perfect For Starter Guitarists)
- 5 Best Acoustic Guitar Amps In 2024 (Chosen By Musician)
- 5 Best Battery Powered Guitar Amps (Budget to High-End)
- 5 Best Cheap Guitar Amps Under $100 (One Under $30)
- 5 Best Guitar Amps Under $1000 (These Are Awesome)
Davis Wilton Bader is a professional guitarist/writer based out of St. Louis, MO. He plays in the bands Lumet and The Outskirts.