Top 5 Acoustic Guitar Amps in 2020

We start with an amp that embodies the urge for independence like no other: the battery-powered Elite Acoustics A4-8 MK II. “MK II” already indicates that it is an improved version. In fact, it has grown compared to the original version, and not just figuratively: the housing is significantly larger and, with an output of 80 watts, it is twice as powerful. So the fact that it runs on a battery is even more impressive. The running time at full power goes up to 6 hours – which is definitely longer than the busking regulations allowed in most pedestrian zones. The great sound has remained, of course, and what has also remained is that players, phones, tablets etc. can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Schertler belongs to the guard of the very first acoustic specialists; first with their pickups, and later with their amplifiers. And as it should be for a Swiss company, everything is state of the art and is constantly being improved. The Schertler David X Wood is not entirely unknown either; it also has a successful predecessor – which is still available. In this sense, it’s more of an upgrade than an update. The magic words are usually “more power” and “wider frequency response“. The Schertler X provides both – 120 watts and 45 Hz to 20 kHz – and all that with a really classy hi-tech look that offers a pleasant alternative to the retro finish of most other amps.

The devices from Recording King come from Asia, but the name, image and design date back from the 1930s, when the American manufacturer Recording King had its heyday. Sure, there weren’t any acoustic amps back then, so the Songwriter 60 is a new development, but it has a charming retro look. With two channels, one of them with a mic input and phantom power, it is more than adequately equipped considering its low price. The songwriter pushes 60 watts of power through two 6.5 ”speakers, which give it a warm and full sound.

Blackstar was actually a British specialist in all-tube heads for electric guitars before their portfolio expanded a bit. The Blackstar FLY Acoustic Pack is very unusual. Less because of the fact that it can also be operated with a battery – which means over two days of uninterrupted operation – but more because of the small size and the possibility of using this stereo setup as a computer speaker. It is still not a toy, because despite the low power of 2 x 3 watts, the FLY 3 can definitely make the guitar loud enough to sing along to and, above all, give it a great sense of space thanks to the built-in delay.

Does anyone here consider Boss a manufacturer of acoustic amps? No? Serious mistake! It’s not their first shot at an acoustic amp and the Japanese company is drawing from almost unlimited resources and long experience when it comes to making instruments sound beautiful. And so was created the Acoustic Singer Live LT: an incredibly flexible, two-channel sound system for voice and guitar, packed with all kinds of tools and effects, tailored to each respective purpose. The package is rounded off by a looper – also a Boss specialty – delivered through 60 watts of power that should handle pretty much any situation!