[matt_theripper]

Do you usually mic/plug into a PA or into an acoustic specific amp?

I'm going more acoustic and want to know if it's really worth it to buy an amp for just acoustic...

[kooldood1]

well im in an acoustic duo and we just plug everything into the PA. less hassle, less cords to worry about so id sayd go for a small PA. Fender makes some like that.

[dadfad]

I prefer microphones into a PA, although I'll plug in sometimes if it's necessary. As far as amplification goes, I prefer (next to mic'ing into it) plugging into a PA, although some guys prefer an acoustic amp. The good ones are pretty expensive and you can buy a good PA for that much, or a very decent smaller one for less. It just depends on your preferences. Some guys really like the sound of good on-board systems plugged in. I prefer mic's whenever possible and practical. Just a matter of choice. In addition to a fairly large PA system (by Earth-Sound, who hasn't been around for over thirty years or so), I have one of those smaller Fender Passport PA systems Kooldood mentioned and they aren't bad at all for the money. Pretty convenient snap-together small suitcase-sized portable system.

[matt_theripper]

I definately wont be buying anything anytime soon in that regard. I also plan on trying lots of acoustic amps first. From what I've read, they don't seem to have good sound replication. Is this generally true? At least in the affordable range?

[Schneibster]

IMHO, it depends on the guitar. Some acoustic/electrics are really fine acoustics with pickups on them; others are more built to be electric, and are only fair or good as acoustics. The first, I'd mike; the second are more likely to sound good plugged in.

As far as the amp type, again IMHO, a tube amp will sound better than a transistor amp. But the real magic comes when you add a little chorus and some plate reverb; it's "the sound" to me. YMMV.

[matt_theripper]

IMHO, it depends on the guitar. Some acoustic/electrics are really fine acoustics with pickups on them; others are more built to be electric, and are only fair or good as acoustics. The first, I'd mike; the second are more likely to sound good plugged in.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've got an Alvarez that actually has a great unplugged and plugged in sound.

I'll be getting a few un-pickuped acoustics here before too long (a D15 and a dobro) so micing is going to be the way to go whenever possible, I think.

[AndyFroe]

I have found that the amp tone is relatively insignifigant in comparison to the pickups. In my experience thats where the sound is either made or broken; you mentioned you had a nice alvarex plugged in sound already. I have found a bunch of those little practice bass amps to sound great with acoustic elctrics and there certainly a great deal cheaper than some acoustic specific amps.