Roland AC-100

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