Topic: Acoustic amps - what should I buy?

Hey there!
I'm a 17 year old swinger/songwriter (or trying to be anyway!) and I'm after some equipment to be able to do some smaller gigs, e.g. small pubs, so that I don't have to rely on other peoples equipment or hiring etc.
I've been looking at recommended equipment to buy, and am after an acoustic amp and a microphone too.
After looking at what people recommend I've heard that the ibanez troubadour(?) series is a good buy and the AKG D5 a good mic?
I must stress though, being a student, I'm looking for an affordable option, probably no more than at the most £300
After a bit of advice here so any comments, both what to buy and what to steer clear of, would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks smile
Robyn.

Re: Acoustic amps - what should I buy?

Hi Blue and welcome to the Chordie forum.
For small gigs I have used the Marshall AS50d acoustic amp. It has two separate channels,for guitar and mic,built in chorus and reverb. It's fairly light to carry and sounds pretty good. You can find these used for around 200.
For a mic you just can't beat the tried and true Shure 58,around 100 new. Have used both of these for many years and they are still working fine.
There are some really nice folks here that will chime in with some other options too.
Wishing you all the best on your musical journey!
                                                                                                                                                                                     Dave

Re: Acoustic amps - what should I buy?

Thanks for your help there Dave, greatly appreciated! Will definitely check those out smile

Re: Acoustic amps - what should I buy?

Welcome, Blue_Tit. I see you are an aspiring SWINGER / songwriter. We don't get many of them on here. Lot's of good info on here concerning guitar / guitar playing but not too much about SWINGING. If you are looking for an amp for your acoustic guitar look for either an acoustic amp or a key board amp for the best sound. The Marshall amp H N S mentioned is a good-un. I use a Roland AC30 and find it has a very good sound and all the options I need. Just do a search for "Acoustic Amps" and you will find MANY. Most music stores will let you try one out before you buy if you ask.

NELA

Re: Acoustic amps - what should I buy?

NELA wrote:

Welcome, Blue_Tit. I see you are an aspiring SWINGER / songwriter. We don't get many of them on here. Lot's of good info on here concerning guitar / guitar playing but not too much about SWINGING. If you are looking for an amp for your acoustic guitar look for either an acoustic amp or a key board amp for the best sound. The Marshall amp H N S mentioned is a good-un. I use a Roland AC30 and find it has a very good sound and all the options I need. Just do a search for "Acoustic Amps" and you will find MANY. Most music stores will let you try one out before you buy if you ask.

NELA

Nela I am glad I am not the only one who saw that and his on sign in name with T-t in it.

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman

Re: Acoustic amps - what should I buy?

I dont know if you have them in the UK but Berhinger and Bugera ( same company different amp line) are very affordable and good quality.  they also have very good dynamic microphones that are not going to run as high as a SM 51. -PS check your mail for a PM from me.

“Find your own sound.  Dont be a second rateYngwie Malmsteen be a first rate you”

– George Lynch 2013 (Dokken, Lynchmob, KXM, Tooth & Nail etc....)

Re: Acoustic amps - what should I buy?

Settle down Dino - Blue Tit is a kind of bird.  It's beautiful, and for some strange reason is mostly yellow.  It's all good.

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

Re: Acoustic amps - what should I buy?

I've tried a couple of different acoustic amps over the years and currently am using a troubadour T35.  I really can't rate it highly enough.  it is certainly big enough for small gigs without giving you a hernia when you carry it about.  I run my mike through it too and for that I use a benson BA25.  this is a great mike.  bullet proof, great sound and as a copy of a shure it is much more affordable.  good luck with your search.  at the very least it is an excuse to take your guitar to a music shop and play all their amps till you find one that suits your style/taste.  good luck!!!

jd

"...never marry the first girl you fall in love with and never sell your first guitar..."

Re: Acoustic amps - what should I buy?

Welcome to Chordie. jd05. Lot's of good information. here, so feel free to add your comments and questions. I see that you have been reading some of the old "posts" as this one started back in July of last year. I do that as well. Why don't you go to the "Chat" section of this forum and tell us a little about yourself? It's a good place to meet the members and get to know us.

Nela

Re: Acoustic amps - what should I buy?

Check out the Fishman "Loudbox" series - around $600.00 Cdn, should be close to your price range.
Inputs for guitar and mics. Great sound.

Hank's prosepctive gutiar player said: "Mr Williams, I'm not sure I can play for you, the onliest chords I know are C D & G"
Hank repleis, after a short pause: "Well, what else is there?"