SeriesRoland AC

Roland says this stereo amp delivers 60 Watt. As with any transistor amp this doesn't really say a lot about the sound it actually projects. You can connect two separate sources to this amp (1 mic input with phantom power and 1 line input) and separately dial in Reverb and Chorus. You also have the option to add an MP3/CD player via the RCA input. On the back there is a Direct Out (XLR) and the amplifier is sold in a nice carrying bag. The EQ section has the usual treble/mid/high and is ok - don't expect too much though. It is good for last minute shaping but doesn't feel very precise. UTILIZATION The amp is very sraightforward. I have sold the AC60 a lot because it doesn't force people to have a degree in audio engineering to get it to sound good. The effects are very useable and especially chosen for acoustic instruments. You can either have reverb or delay and you can add an additional Chorus. The amp can be tilted upwards which helps in projecting the sound to the player or the audience. Roland is pretty good about its manuals but then this amp is really pretty easy to understand. SOUNDS As with the Schertler David (which I describe in another User Review) this one sounds pretty good with classic guitars, violins and mandolins. If you play fingerstyle add steelstring guitar to that. It doesn't sound as nice as the David but then it is not in that price range either (I don't know how the bigger versions fare against the competition as they are more expensive and bigger in size). I really like that Roland has put out a good amp with professional features in a price range that is not so saturated. I feel like the sound is nice and warm but I feel like it is lacking a bit of punch. The highs could have definately been a bit better. OVERALL OPINION I think this amp is a very good option for practicing and performing. You get everything you need to take your acoustic sound on the road and it doesn't blow your budget. This amp is not cheap however. I think there is not really a competing product in this price - most amps are either half as cheap or twice as expensive. I really like the versatility it offers and the overall quality leaves nothing to complain about.

I was looking for just the right amplifier to make my Taylor 615CE sound as great plugged is as it does unplugged. I played through some very nice acoustic amps including a beautiful Rivera Sedona but wasn't ready to cough up $2000+ for an amp. I found this one at Arizona Music Pro in Flagstaff, AZ and was able to get it for less than $800. I knew I'd found the right amp within minutes after plugging in... This amp reproduces a clean acoustic sound perfectly. It'll even fill in the low-end of a small-body guitar very nicely. Additionally it has reverb and chorus controls that allow you to add a hint of one or a dash of the other without taking away the clean acoustic sound. It also has a separate mic input so you can use it as a complete PA for coffee shop gigs and small venues. It has two input channels, one for piezo pickups and the other for active transducers. I've had other musicians plug in with me and it sounds great. This thing is heavy at 55lbs. due to the 2x5" and 1x12" speaker config. But that's what makes it sound great. However, I wish Roland had put removable wheels on the cabinet for easy transport. Also, the vinyl cover seems to tear easily. I have dings in it that I can't explain. I wish Roland sold this amp with protective cover to keep it looking good. Otherwise, I have no complaints. It does everything I expect an acoustic amp to do. The AC-100 is solidly built. The knobs are easy to use and dials/settings are easy to read on stage. I already mentioned the vinyl, but otherwise this amp is rock-solid. This amp normally lists for around $1200 and it's worth every penny. You can find it anywhere for $850 which is a great deal. If you can find one for less than $800 new or less than $500 used/good condition, then snap it up fast...you'll love it. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com