Amp Question

[WuTang]

I am currently using a midpriced soundhole humbucker pickup for my acoustic. I'm running it through a traynor electric amp. Needless to say, this isn't a top notch setup. I am planning on getting an acoustic amp then an electric acoustic in the near future. I'm going with either the acoustasonic 30 or a used Ultrasound for the same price (can't remember which model). Will an acoustic amp get a decent sound out of the humbucker?

[muttley600]

In short not really. What pickup have you got in there now? How are planning on using the guitar? In a band, solo, recording etc. That will help you make some decent decisions and work out where your compromises need to be.

Consider spending a bit more on a decent sound hole pickup and DI to the PA rather than spend a ton on just the amp.

I still use a Trace Elliot TA50R when there is no PA option. I have yet to play something thats better that isn't a whole lot more money. YMMV, go audition them if you can. Micing up is even better but often not an option.

As I said you need to pinpoint how you'll be using the guitar first then go from there.

[cusebassman]

I think DI'ing to the PA will sound fine enough for live needs, I wouldn't spend the money on an amp. If you wanted to invest in some mics for acoustic guitar, and blend them with the direct sound, that often adds a little something, depending on the venue (how much the mics can be turned up before feedback occurs varies), and depending on how complicated you want the live setup to become.

As a point about the soundhole humbucker, I use a Dean Markley ProMag Grand in the soundhole of my Taylor 312, and it sounds great through my Fender Blues DeVille, and it functions for live use, but sounds very little like an acoustic... it basically sounds like an electric running through a nice amp, with a bit of acoustic tone behind it. Mics blended with DI or the amp works very well.

[WuTang]

Using a Seymor Duncan tube pickup. The amp would be all purpose, for practicing, monitoring and using as a DI in mid sized gigs... not that big of a fan of DI boxes

[muttley600]

Originally Posted by WuTang

Using a Seymor Duncan tube pickup. The amp would be all purpose, for practicing, monitoring and using as a DI in mid sized gigs... not that big of a fan of DI boxes

Don't bother getting a dedicated amp for acoustic unless you really need it. DI is just better. Spend the money on a decent pickup, EQ and DI box. You wont regret it, and it's one less lump to carry to the gig. The only other thing you might need is a bit of extra floor monitor for your guitar.

If you plug that pickup into any acoustic amp it's going to sound pretty bad. YMMV

[Dani Pace]

If you can, why not install (or have installed) an undersaddle pick up? There are various models to choose from and there is quite a variation in prices. Acoustic amps don't seen to give an acoustic sound unless you are prepared to make a sizeable investment. In some situations a keyboard amp actually seems to perform better. Many people use a PA to amplify acoustic with acceptable results. What you use depends on your preferance and the venues you intend to use it in. In my opinion you should start with a better pick up and go from there.