Christoph Penny - Posted - 04/05/2019:  05:26:40

Hi, I play a Crafter Mandolin with built in preamp pickup and I am on the lookout for a great Amp, I was wondering what everyone would advise please as I have been told to either get an Acoustic amp, a Bass Amp or even a Keyboard Amp? Thanks for that I live inLiverpool England 

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 04/05/2019:  07:18:14

Take a look at Fishman Loudbox amps. fishman.com/products/type/amplifiers/ There are three sizes so one is likely to be right for you. Secondly look into Roland amps those folks make excellent equipment also. I have both varieties and am satisfied with their manufacture. roland.com/us/categories/amplifiers/     R/ 

Mandodennis - Posted - 04/07/2019:  15:45:10

I'll second the Fishman Loudbox and Roland suggestions. For Roland I'd start with the AC series or the Boss Acoustic Singer line. I have no idea if they are commonly available in your area. Really any decent acoustic guitar amplifier should do the job. They are essentially self contained, full-range PA systems. Same for Keyboard amplifiers with low impedence XLR mic inputs.



And you might also consider a portable PA Systems including stand-alone powered speakers. One difference in using these is that they can be mounted on a stand to get the sound up off the floor to project over people's heads in a venue. Some of the smaller offerings from the likes of Behringer (B205D, B207MP3), Mackie (SRM150, Freeplay) or Roland (BA330, Mobile BA or possibly the Boss Cube Street) can serve you well for practice and small performance venues. It depends on your budget and how you intend to use the gear. It's a slippery slope once you get into it.

Edited by - Mandodennis on 04/07/2019 15:47:11

MandoTom2 - Posted - 04/12/2019:  21:05:51

DogHouseMando - Posted - 10/13/2019:  19:09:10

Amps are something that took me a long time to find what I liked for the sound I was trying to produce. This is just my personal recommendation based on the MANY amps I went through to finally settle on the one I did. And I should also state that it's not just the amps that can drive you crazy on this journey of projected sound; it's the pickups, cables, preamps, and interaction with other instruments on stage and in practice. In short, don't take my recommendation for gospel truth, it's just what I found out for myself after about 10 years of "searching for the sound."



The Fishman amps are fine for mandolins, but don't expect them to be an exact replica of your mandolin's natural sound. I have a Loudbox Mini that I use for occasional solo gigs when I don't want to bring the whole PA system. The amp that actually has produced the closest sound to what I like and keeps clear signal with effect pedals is the Fender Blues Junior. I thought that "acoustic amps" would be better for an acoustic instrument, but in reality I think it might have something to do with the tube amp that helps control feedback and signal. I'm not an amp expert, but that's just what I've observed.



Please let us know what you learn on your own journey!

Edited by - DogHouseMando on 10/13/2019 19:10:20