I need an acoustic guitar amp

[60's guy]

I’m on the verge of buying an acoustic guitar amp because the bass player from my old band and I are considering doing a two man band thing at small venues. We have a PA system that can be fed via feeds.

I’ve been exploring a couple of options as to amp choice.

http://www.marshallamps.com/product.asp?productCode=AS100D

and the

http://www.genzbenz.com/?fa=detail&mid=2267&sid=420&cid=94

I like the features of both of these amps but I’m open to any further recommendations based upon whatever amp is it that members here are using for acoustic guitar amplification.

[markb]

The Marshalls sound good, never tried the GenzBenz amps. In the interests of simplicity and lightening the load though, I'd suggest going straight to the PA and arranging your main speakers so you can hear yourselves OK.
I'd question the need for that kind of power for what is effectively a personal monitor in a small venue. Just my opinion.

[Radioboy950]

The Rivera Sedona Series (http://www.rivera.com/products/sedona/sedona.php) was the first that came to mind.

Cool vid here too...

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[t_ross33]

I'd question the need for that kind of power for what is effectively a personal monitor in a small venue. Just my opinion.

I'm with Mark on this one. I would look at an EQ pedal and a good DI (Radial etc.), or one of the combo pedals from the likes of Fishman or LR Baggs and DI straight to the PA.

[wingsdad]

Yo, 60's -
I'm in the 'thru the PA' camp, assuming you'll have stage monitors in the system, and for that solution I strongly recommend this for your DI:
L.R. Baggs ParaAcoustic DI (http://www.lrbaggs.com/paradi.htm)

I picked up one of these year or so ago. Used in good shape it was about $100. (I traded stuff for it at R.O.B.'s). Takes a bit of tweaking its gain settings until you understand the relationship of your guitar's pickup or system, with or without an onboard preamp, and the DI's to the PA board or, as a recording tool, to your DAW's inputs (it can route the guitar to stereo). But once you find the sweet spot, I doubt if you'll get a truer, more realistic acoustic sound. You could even try pushing its output thru a tube pre to the board.

I can also vouch for the fact that it works extremely well as an electric bass guitar DI....so beware: your bass player may want to steal it from you if you let him try it. Make him buy his own.

Years back, I had an acoustic trio gig for a year or so (2 guitars, bass, 3 vox) and the only thing not going thru the PA was the bass. 50 seat Coffee house to 150 cap bars, occasional auditorium things.

[bigG]

I'm w wingsdad on this one. I, too, had a three-piece for abt three years in the early '80s (two acoustic guits, mic'd thru PA, electric bass thru amp, and three vox mic's thru PA).

If ya want an amp, the new Vox AGA70 has got nothing but rave reviews. Not a bad price:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Vox-AGA70-70W-Acoustic-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=423494

Also, the Fishman Loudbox Mini gets high ratings (for $100 less):

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fishman-Loudbox-Mini-PROLBX500-60W-1x6.5-Acoustic-Combo-Amp?sku=430859

Hope this helps.

G

[60's guy]

Thanks guys for your input!

[hubberjub]

Yep, IMO DI is the way to go if you're playing on a stage with a decent PA system.