Amp or P.A.? I have a Taylor 814 w/ new Expression System pickup. I'm looking to get a new guitar, but that will be the subject of another post.
Please keep in mind, I play stuff other than ITM like Grateful Dead-esque jams, jazz/blues, bluegrass and that would would be the main focus. I've never played live before so I have no idea what's better...
It's important to know what you want to do with it, where you intend to use it. You might just want something small and portable, or are you wanting bigger? Do you seek a guitar-specific amp with special effects, or an inexpensive but good full range amp to do justice to the Taylor as is. There are even a few nice keyboard amps out there, basic stuff, but with good highs and lows, even three-way: woofer-mid-tweeter (Bass/Low-Midrange-Highs)... Be more specific so folks can better help you. Those specifics can just be about the situations you would like to use this amp in and the price range you have to work within...
It amplifies. It makes your acoustic instrument sound just the same as always... but louder.
Being a Marshall, you can pick it up for a reasonable (or very reasonable) price in the UK. In the states, I guess it would be a pretty expensive import.
If money is no option, the Line 6 amps are nice, as are the Orange, or the Marshall as mentioned above, all have various models and features and are available competitively both sides of the Atlantic, definitely shop around - music stores will most always 'deal', which means if you find a price you like you might be able to buy it from a nearby store who's willing to match it or even better it. I really like the Behringer KX1200, also available both sides, and it is three way, three speakers of different sizes, and it is what I'd call reasonably priced, around $300 stateside...but none of the guitar specific special effects, but these you can get later with something like one of the Line 6 or Roland external effects processors between the guitar and the amp. Behringer also makes guitar specific amps, and they are 'European', but I'm not being jingoistic, I promise... I will admit a bias though, against single speaker amps and those that just house several of the same speaker. I prefer range specific speakers, especially for decent acoustic representation, full range...
By "amp or PA" do you mean your own amp vs the house audio system? There are so many variables, it's hard to make a general recommendation. If you have a basically competent sound technician at the mixing board, you shouldn't need a separate amp. If you go through an onstage amp, the sound tech can't control your level in the mix.
If you want your guitar to sound like a guitar, try first to mic it without pickup, preferably with a condenser mic. If miking is impractical, go through a DI box into the house system. It won't sound as accurate as a decent mic, but it'll get the job done. Using pickup and mic together gives the sound tech more options. Of course, that assumes the sound tech knows what to do with it.
I have been using an AG-50DS2 (the current model is DS3) with a Taylor 814-CE (with Fishman blender, the "old" transducer/mic) with great success. Great sound with the advantage of direct out so you can go into a PA system if you wish.
I've been scouring information and music friends and other soucres for a niece the same age as you, just saw your site, her wanting an electro-acoustic and amp - - - aside from previously mentioned, here's a bit more:
Europe to start, I really like the Schertler amps, for example their twin-channel 80 watt "David"...nice, really sweet ...
The other "Orange" one previously mentioned that got rave reviews in the Guitar mags over here is their "Rockerverb 50", but it is one of those boxes with a lot of built in effects. I personally would prefer those external.
Getting closer to you, there are the Crate amps - for example their 60 watt "Gunnison", 120 watt "Durango, 125 watt "Telluride" - etc. - with circuitry built in to fight feedback, for those who like to push the limits.
Let us know where you're going with this, and the outcome.
For me, liking speakers with a purpose and a dedication, 'crossover', the other sweet plus of the Schertlers, and others will do it to, is that you can later pick up their bass cab and do it three-way with that dedication for the grumbly laid back lows - as well as being able to fill most halls and venues, but the single two-way cabs will do that too.
What I'd be doing is a very small acoustic combo or, probably, just me playing a 6-string and maybe a bouzouki once I get one. I already have a Peavey Ecoustic 110 which isn't that good IMHO, and I have a nifty little toy in the form of the new Boss RC-20XL loop station that allows me to loop guitar parts and then solo overtop.
I'd be playing in primarily coffeeshops and the like, so I don't need a gargantuan setup here...I WOULD, however, like the option of several channels/inputs because I'd be playing multiple instruments: 6-string, maybe 'zouk, acoustic bass, maybe even keyboard, who knows...I'm just going for an ambient acoustic sound. I also need to get some acoustic effects...any suggestions? I've heard Zoom, Boss, and Yamaha make good stompboxes...keep in mind this will be a live application.
I'm looking at JBL Eons, Mackie active loudspeakers, Electro-Voice, Behringer, Sampson, Carvin, etc. As far as amps go, I've read about Ultrasounds, Schertlers, the Marshall acoustics, Crate, the Behringer looked cool but I want "real" electronics (I've heard that Behringer is all digital-like...yuck), etc.
I'm posting a new discussion on guitars...I'm looking at Takamines, Martins, and even other Taylors...be sure to check it out and any input is always appreciated,
JBL - Mackie - EV - - - are you wanting a full set-up? I would still go with the Schertlers if you had the dosh, but these three I've worked with in the past and they are grand, but less portable usually. You can put the Schertlers on a stand, and as said, you can later add a bass cab... But if you want two-way, two stands, a mixer, etc. - then the others will do. My favourite of the three are the Mackie, in particular their 3 and 4 way boxes...but that is probably overkill in your situation. Most places will allow you to set up and give the gear a go, if you can find them in music shops nearby. Always, where you can, try them out, give yourself some time to do that before laying out the dosh...or going into debt...
Trace-Elliot has an excellent reputation as a top-of-the-line acoustic amp. My wife uses a TA-50, which at 25 lbs is small and very portable, and handles 2 guitars and vocals with high quality reverb & delay options included.
The new Bose Personal Amplification System is expensive, but sounds great! Only heard it once.......it was an Irish or Celtic group using it. They are expensive.
Hehe actually I just got a new toy for my electric guitars - a Boomerang looper that I'll be using for (hopefully) small coffeehouse gigs. It does the same thing, +/- a few features, that the Boss will do.
My theory is that you need a multichannel keyboard amp with an effects loop. Here's how this would work:
1) Run your guitar into a dedicated channel on the amp
2) In a second channel run a "utility" mike for secondary instruments (bazouki, in your case)
3) If necessary, a third channel mike for vocals.
4) Run your Loopstation through the effects loop on the amp.
Say you want to add a tambourine, backings vocals, or bodhran or whistle - whatever. With this set up you can get them looped in addition to just the guitar/zouk.
Keyboard amps that fit the bill are the Peavey KB 1, KB2, etc. series. Also Yorkville makes a wedge-shaped powered monitor/keyboard amp that would work. I'd have purchased one of these myself but I just blew a big wad on a new flute.
Acoustic Guitar Amplification
Acoustic Guitar Amplification
For all you guitarists out there...
Amp or P.A.? I have a Taylor 814 w/ new Expression System pickup. I'm looking to get a new guitar, but that will be the subject of another post.
Please keep in mind, I play stuff other than ITM like Grateful Dead-esque jams, jazz/blues, bluegrass and that would would be the main focus. I've never played live before so I have no idea what's better...
Thanks,
Sean
# Posted on January 30th 2005 by DADGADLad
Re: Acoustic Guitar Amplification
It's important to know what you want to do with it, where you intend to use it. You might just want something small and portable, or are you wanting bigger? Do you seek a guitar-specific amp with special effects, or an inexpensive but good full range amp to do justice to the Taylor as is. There are even a few nice keyboard amps out there, basic stuff, but with good highs and lows, even three-way: woofer-mid-tweeter (Bass/Low-Midrange-Highs)... Be more specific so folks can better help you. Those specifics can just be about the situations you would like to use this amp in and the price range you have to work within...
A Taylor 814, nice ax...lucky you...
# Posted on January 30th 2005 by ceolachan
Re: Acoustic Guitar Amplification
If you're looking for a fairly small, but also reasonably powerful, acoustic amp, I recommend the Marshall AS50R.
http://www.marshallamps.com/images/products/acoustic/as50r.html
It amplifies. It makes your acoustic instrument sound just the same as always... but louder.
Being a Marshall, you can pick it up for a reasonable (or very reasonable) price in the UK. In the states, I guess it would be a pretty expensive import.
Anybody got some stateside equivalents?
# Posted on January 30th 2005 by Jeremy
Re: Acoustic Guitar Amplification
If money is no option, the Line 6 amps are nice, as are the Orange, or the Marshall as mentioned above, all have various models and features and are available competitively both sides of the Atlantic, definitely shop around - music stores will most always 'deal', which means if you find a price you like you might be able to buy it from a nearby store who's willing to match it or even better it. I really like the Behringer KX1200, also available both sides, and it is three way, three speakers of different sizes, and it is what I'd call reasonably priced, around $300 stateside...but none of the guitar specific special effects, but these you can get later with something like one of the Line 6 or Roland external effects processors between the guitar and the amp. Behringer also makes guitar specific amps, and they are 'European', but I'm not being jingoistic, I promise... I will admit a bias though, against single speaker amps and those that just house several of the same speaker. I prefer range specific speakers, especially for decent acoustic representation, full range...
# Posted on January 30th 2005 by ceolachan
Re: Acoustic Guitar Amplification
By "amp or PA" do you mean your own amp vs the house audio system? There are so many variables, it's hard to make a general recommendation. If you have a basically competent sound technician at the mixing board, you shouldn't need a separate amp. If you go through an onstage amp, the sound tech can't control your level in the mix.
If you want your guitar to sound like a guitar, try first to mic it without pickup, preferably with a condenser mic. If miking is impractical, go through a DI box into the house system. It won't sound as accurate as a decent mic, but it'll get the job done. Using pickup and mic together gives the sound tech more options. Of course, that assumes the sound tech knows what to do with it.
# Posted on January 30th 2005 by Bob himself
Re: Acoustic Guitar Amplification
I have been using an AG-50DS2 (the current model is DS3) with a Taylor 814-CE (with Fishman blender, the "old" transducer/mic) with great success. Great sound with the advantage of direct out so you can go into a PA system if you wish.
http://www.shorelinemusic.com/amplification/ultrasound.shtml
http://www.ultrasoundamps.com/main.html
# Posted on January 30th 2005 by rob zouk
Re: Acoustic Guitar Amplification
I've been scouring information and music friends and other soucres for a niece the same age as you, just saw your site, her wanting an electro-acoustic and amp - - - aside from previously mentioned, here's a bit more:
Europe to start, I really like the Schertler amps, for example their twin-channel 80 watt "David"...nice, really sweet ...
The other "Orange" one previously mentioned that got rave reviews in the Guitar mags over here is their "Rockerverb 50", but it is one of those boxes with a lot of built in effects. I personally would prefer those external.
Getting closer to you, there are the Crate amps - for example their 60 watt "Gunnison", 120 watt "Durango, 125 watt "Telluride" - etc. - with circuitry built in to fight feedback, for those who like to push the limits.
Let us know where you're going with this, and the outcome.
# Posted on January 30th 2005 by ceolachan
Schertler USA - Acoustic Guitar Amplification
http://www.schertlerusa.com/
http://www.schertlerusa.com/speakers.htm
# Posted on January 30th 2005 by ceolachan
You'll find links to magazine reviews of their amps at the links above...
# Posted on January 30th 2005 by ceolachan
For me, liking speakers with a purpose and a dedication, 'crossover', the other sweet plus of the Schertlers, and others will do it to, is that you can later pick up their bass cab and do it three-way with that dedication for the grumbly laid back lows - as well as being able to fill most halls and venues, but the single two-way cabs will do that too.
# Posted on January 30th 2005 by ceolachan
Re: Acoustic Guitar Amplification
Thanks guys.
What I'd be doing is a very small acoustic combo or, probably, just me playing a 6-string and maybe a bouzouki once I get one. I already have a Peavey Ecoustic 110 which isn't that good IMHO, and I have a nifty little toy in the form of the new Boss RC-20XL loop station that allows me to loop guitar parts and then solo overtop.
I'd be playing in primarily coffeeshops and the like, so I don't need a gargantuan setup here...I WOULD, however, like the option of several channels/inputs because I'd be playing multiple instruments: 6-string, maybe 'zouk, acoustic bass, maybe even keyboard, who knows...I'm just going for an ambient acoustic sound. I also need to get some acoustic effects...any suggestions? I've heard Zoom, Boss, and Yamaha make good stompboxes...keep in mind this will be a live application.
I'm looking at JBL Eons, Mackie active loudspeakers, Electro-Voice, Behringer, Sampson, Carvin, etc. As far as amps go, I've read about Ultrasounds, Schertlers, the Marshall acoustics, Crate, the Behringer looked cool but I want "real" electronics (I've heard that Behringer is all digital-like...yuck), etc.
I'm posting a new discussion on guitars...I'm looking at Takamines, Martins, and even other Taylors...be sure to check it out and any input is always appreciated,
Sean
# Posted on January 31st 2005 by DADGADLad
Re: Acoustic Guitar Amplification
JBL - Mackie - EV - - - are you wanting a full set-up? I would still go with the Schertlers if you had the dosh, but these three I've worked with in the past and they are grand, but less portable usually. You can put the Schertlers on a stand, and as said, you can later add a bass cab... But if you want two-way, two stands, a mixer, etc. - then the others will do. My favourite of the three are the Mackie, in particular their 3 and 4 way boxes...but that is probably overkill in your situation. Most places will allow you to set up and give the gear a go, if you can find them in music shops nearby. Always, where you can, try them out, give yourself some time to do that before laying out the dosh...or going into debt...
# Posted on January 31st 2005 by ceolachan
Re: Acoustic Guitar Amplification
Trace-Elliot has an excellent reputation as a top-of-the-line acoustic amp. My wife uses a TA-50, which at 25 lbs is small and very portable, and handles 2 guitars and vocals with high quality reverb & delay options included.
The new Bose Personal Amplification System is expensive, but sounds great! Only heard it once.......it was an Irish or Celtic group using it. They are expensive.
# Posted on January 31st 2005 by ceciltguitar
Re: Acoustic Guitar Amplification
Hehe actually I just got a new toy for my electric guitars - a Boomerang looper that I'll be using for (hopefully) small coffeehouse gigs. It does the same thing, +/- a few features, that the Boss will do.
My theory is that you need a multichannel keyboard amp with an effects loop. Here's how this would work:
1) Run your guitar into a dedicated channel on the amp
2) In a second channel run a "utility" mike for secondary instruments (bazouki, in your case)
3) If necessary, a third channel mike for vocals.
4) Run your Loopstation through the effects loop on the amp.
Say you want to add a tambourine, backings vocals, or bodhran or whistle - whatever. With this set up you can get them looped in addition to just the guitar/zouk.
Keyboard amps that fit the bill are the Peavey KB 1, KB2, etc. series. Also Yorkville makes a wedge-shaped powered monitor/keyboard amp that would work. I'd have purchased one of these myself but I just blew a big wad on a new flute.
# Posted on February 8th 2005 by wormdiet