Subject: Choosing an amp
From: GUEST,Phil
Date: 08 Jan 15 - 09:24 PM

I am looking at buying an amplifier to use at gigs. I sing mainly traditional Australian, British and Irish songs and occasionally play some tunes in a swing/gypsy jazz style. I am not guitar virtuoso but capable either finger picking or flat picking. My voice is load, untrained, deep, and with a large dynamic range. I have been looking at a Fishman Loudbox Mini. Can anyone offer any comment or advice that may help me in my selection ?

Phil in Melbourne

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: pdq
Date: 08 Jan 15 - 09:29 PM

Think vacuum tube, or 'valve" as most Brits tend to call them.

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: Wesley S
Date: 08 Jan 15 - 09:30 PM

How much can you afford to spend? And are there resources in your area where you can try some amps out before you buy?

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: GUEST,Phil In Melbourne
Date: 08 Jan 15 - 10:12 PM

Thanks for your responses. I do have the opportunity to try out various amps and have already played with a few. The best one by far was an AER but it was too expensive AUD2,300. The guitars I will use will all be acoustic with a sound hole pick up. Mandolin will be mic's. I used to have a Fender valve amp but it was too heavy. And of course I don't want to pay too much, say about AUD600.

Phil still in Melb

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: michaelr
Date: 09 Jan 15 - 12:21 AM

I've been using a Fishman Loudbox 100 for a number of years, and I'm quite happy with it. For solo gigs it will accommodate the guitar and a vocal mic; for band gigs it's an onstage monitor with a PA feed. Works for me.

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 09 Jan 15 - 05:04 AM

the lightest weight one is the fender 150watt acoustasonic. just 20lbs. most versatile too, i paid about £320.

i had to let it go because, i messed up buying it. if you get a problem Fender will mend it -don't let the local fender shop insist on doing it as i did.

having said that fender told me that they'd had hardly any back. and i was just unlucky.

the aer is favoured by many good players, but ididn't get on with it. the sound is too clean and doesn't suit modelling guitars like variax that i play. if you like it - why not look for a second hand one.

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Jan 15 - 05:31 AM

I would suggest that whatever you settle on , bear in mind that circumstances can change , and extra channels may well become important - Yamaha do a very handy four channel amp with two speakers as a transportable single unit which would work well for a solo or a duo

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: GUEST,Johnmc
Date: 09 Jan 15 - 05:48 AM

A couple of features of amps I think are important:
input sockets that are dual mic lead or jack,
and a switch at the inputs to choose line or mic level.
A line out too.
Not too bothered about FX loop.
In my case, weight is probably the deciding factor, depending on affordability.
Nothing worse than gear you dread lifting.

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 09 Jan 15 - 07:15 AM

If you are looking for an affordable versatile portable multi input / multi instrument / vocal combo amp
I'd suggest checking the Aus dealers for Laney AUDIOHUB Amps

http://www.laney.co.uk/products/range/26

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 09 Jan 15 - 07:17 AM

or the more specific Laney Acoustic Amps

http://www.laney.co.uk/products/range/30

http://www.laney.co.uk/products/range/25

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jan 15 - 07:56 AM

Thanks everyone for comments - it's all good food for thought.

Phil in Melbourne (well 30k east of Melb)

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 09 Jan 15 - 10:22 AM

I use a Marshall 80 watt Acoustic Soloist for the rare solo gig and occasional duo gig which weighs about 40 lb.,costs 700US (about 15 years ago) and functions pretty well in some places. It's actually 2 40 watt amps in one cab and you can dial in a pretty good acoustic instrument sound with it's built in E.Q.,notch filter, reverb, and chorus on one side. The mic side is somewhat disappointing for vocals in most rooms. I think my partner's Fishman Loudbox is better all around for use as a small P.A. but the Marshall does do well as a (somewhat heavy) monitor and preamp when going through a big P.A.

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: Kampervan
Date: 09 Jan 15 - 12:40 PM

Hi there

Contact Matt Walsham at NZ Rock Shops in Auckland. He's the man!!

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: Will Fly
Date: 09 Jan 15 - 05:00 PM

I use a 40w Roland Cube - very good for amplifying acoustic guitars, etc.

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: BrendanB
Date: 10 Jan 15 - 04:47 PM

I second that Will. For the money I think that the Roland Cube is hard to beat, although I   Use it with a solid bodied electric bouzouki (made by Oakwood in Leeds, I love it!). For acoustic stuff I use an Ibanez Troubabadour which is OK.

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Subject: RE: Choosing an amp
From: BrendanB
Date: 10 Jan 15 - 04:49 PM

Troubadour! Doh!