Function

• Acoustic electric guitars rely mostly on their own internal sound, just as straight acoustic guitars do. The difference is there is a built-in pickup, and sometimes a graphic equalizer, to adjust the sound right on the guitar. So, the choice of amplifier should be based on how clearly the sound of the guitar comes through. Extra effects built into the amps are nice, but not necessary for acoustic electric guitars.
  
  

Types

• There are a range of amplifiers available for acoustic electric guitars, including those from Crate, Mesa/Boogie, Fender, Peavey and Vox. Depending on whether you'll simply be practicing or playing in a small club, large hall or stadium, different sizes and power of amps should be considered. The classic practice amp is the Pignose. So good and popular is this amp that David Gilmour of Pink Floyd once used it on a stadium tour and just miked it into the public address system. Line 6, famous for its "Pod," which uses computer software to mimic special effects and amp models, also makes amplifiers that work well with acoustic electric guitars.
  
  

Considerations

• Acoustic electric guitar amplifiers range from $75 to $2,000. Most cost between $100 and $200 for small practice or club sizes. Most smaller amps have about 30 watts of power, while others range up to 100 watts. Unless you are planning to tour stadiums, the club size is adequate.
  
  

Identification

• A key for any guitar is whether the amp is a tube or transistor model. Many musicians praise tube amps because of the warmer sound. They also add a little more feedback than transistor amps, so that should be taken into consideration. Tube amps went out of style for a few years, but now are back and as popular as ever. The Ecoustic 110 EFX from Peavey is designed, the company claims, specifically for acoustic instruments, "to get the most out of electrical instruments that have delicate tonal ranges and special nuances that may not be heard through standard amps." It also has some special effects built in.
  
  

Benefits

• The best way to choose a personal amp is to bring your guitar into the store and try several amps. Most store managers will allow this. This way, you can choose the amplifier that best fits the sound you are looking for. Even though any amplifier can be used for an acoustic electrical guitar, it really is the choice of the buyer in the debate of choosing an amplifier.