Musician Forum - Band Discussion Board - BandMix

Hello to Everyone! First time using this feature of band mix. Just getting ready to go back out on stage after many year hiatus.

I have an Ovation Custom Legend Limited 6 String with stereo pick up and a Legend LX 12 String. Back in the day I do not recall there being any dedicated acoustic amps. Today it seems there are tons.

Used to mike the guitars through the PA because in any amp while on stage the instrument was subject to "sympathetic" vibrations caused by other instruments resulting in uncontrollable feedback.

So...Would like advice on dedicated acoustic amps with good natural tone reproduction and wireless hook ups. Never used wireless anything - didn't exist when I last played out!

Don't mind standing in front of a mike BUT would like the ability to "move around" on stage and interact with audience, which is afforded by the use of wireless.

Thanks

WCR - I've played through a bunch of these, but I don't remember specific models. I do recall not liking the Fender all-in-one lil amp, for acoustic & vocals. The best I've used has just been running the thing through the PA. Works great. Sounds wunnerful. You can also use just about any keyboard amp with good results, for acoustic/electric stuff. The full spectrum sound is what you're looking for, for your elect/acoustic, but you'll prolly want to cut some of the highs & mids for an Ovation, ESP the 12 string. I prefer to tweak these on the amp, & not the guitar, for some reason, & then make any final finishing touches on the fly on the axe's controls, like when I play with fingertips instead of a pick, then I hafta boost the highs a touch...

My advice - if you have a PA that you're using, don't bother with a separate acoustic amp, cuz you don't need it, it's heavy, & it doesn't really add anything you can't do with a cpl pedals (if it has effects).

The cool thing about having a separate acoustic guitar amp is that they have a second channel for XLR mic so, if you want to go out and do a little one man show, you don't have to carry any PA at all. Also good for practicing at home without having to drag out any PA equipment.
As far as which one, I'd say take your guitar to a music store like Guitar Center and try a lot of different ones out to find the one that best suits your needs, concentrating on getting the guitar sound first, and the vocal second. That way, if you have any feedback problems, the music store employee can help find a solution right there, maybe just the rubber insert that fits the sound hole, or a feed back destroyer (I don't know if they make on in a stompbox version yet, but they should).
If you find the amp you like, you can take time to think about it and check online for a better deal, weighing your options as to things like the fact that buying online is generally cheaper, but getting it from a local store has better service in case of equipment problems (they'll usually give you a loaner while fixing yours if you are desparate).

My Kustom amp has a built in notch filter; if it feeds back, I turn the dial till it goes away. Turn the dial - problem solved.
Works great.
Get an amp like than, and run the output through the PA.
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But what you REALLY need is the $12 "Feedback Buster," which is a rubber plug that fits in the sound hole.
That solves all problems.

But what you REALLY need is the $12 "Feedback Buster," which is a rubber plug that fits in the sound hole.

Definitely, I love mine. Sometimes I'll have feedback problems, pop it in and feedback is gone. Sometimes it's not needed, you never know until you start playing. I usually keep it on top of my amp so it's within easy reach at a moments notice But it's definitely worth the $10-15 it will cost to have it on hand when needed and it works great. It does tend to dull the sound of the guitar slightly, which is why I run without it when possible.

I've used mine with a wireless, it didn't give me any trouble, but only used an acoustic amp one night to check it out, so I don't know much about those. (that one didn't have enough power for a full band situation) I either run straight through the PA with a cable or through the wireless into my Peavey MX (guitar amp). The PA sounds better, the MX is easier to set up and swap guitars, I have to make sure I run through the clean channel and it takes a bit of tweaking on the guitar controls to get it sounding decent, sound is entirely different from electrics. Most electrics I can just plug in and play with no problem, the EQ on the acoustic takes some tinkering before the show.