acoustic-electric hybrid amps?

[phoenix]

The acoustic guitarist in my band is adding an electric to his arsenal and is interested in the possibility of an amp that would be good for both acoustic and electric guitars (as opposed to lugging two amps to gigs). I know about the hybrid Rivera Sedona. He's interested in a Roland JC 120 too (a solid-state amp -- good clean sounds, but I hear the overdrive channel is pretty useless). Anyone know of any other amps that might work well for this purpose?

Of course, the other possibility is him just buying a great electric amp and running the acoustic into the board, but I think he likes having his acoustic amped.

Thanks in advance.

[johnreardon]

Hi


it's going to be difficult to get an amp that sounds brilliant for both acoustics and electrics. They usually cater for one or the other. I know there are hybrids around, however, they have to make compromises. A friend of mine, who mainly plays an acoustic, has an AER Compact 60, which sounds great for his Taylor. He occasionaly plays his PRS CU 22 through it and it sounds quite weak. I would suggest your friend keeps his acoustic amp and buys a small electric valve amp, such as the Fender Blues Junior and mike it through the PA, if necessary.

I play electric for most of the time and use a BJ. Occasionally I plug my Martin D28 through it and it's not too bad, however, the Martin through the AER sounds superb.

[phoenix]

Thanks very much, guys. I had a similar experience when I played my old Strat through my California Blonde -- pretty weak sound. I hadn't thought about the tweeter issue with an acoustic amp. The Tech 21 Sansamp is a good idea. I used a bass Sansamp in the past when I was playing some bass along with guitar and running the bass directly into the PA. Sounded pretty decent. Thanks again. :cool:

[phoenix]

John,

The Acoustic Simulator might be a good solution - thanks. The acoustic player in my band just bought a Fender Hotrod Deville amp and traded in his Fender Acoustisonic. He plans to play acoustic through the Deville. I haven't heard it yet, but have a feeling the acoustic no longer sounds very acoustic.

[phoenix]

Thanks for the info, John (and sorry for the belated reply!). I was pretty worried about the acoustic+Deville combo so it's good to hear that it's probably not much worse than the Acoustisonic. Will hear how the Deville sounds tomorrow night, and see if the Boss pedal is necessary. :dude: