Ashdown Acoustic Radiator 1 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier (60 Watts, 1x8 in.)
This classy, portable amplifier is great for practice or the studio. It features 2 channels, digital reverb, and an 8" speaker with dual tweeter array.
Overall User Ratings (based on 0 ratings)
Submitted April 22, 2008
"A pleasant surprise"
I suspect it will last a good long time. I'd have to replace it if it broke, because it's the only amp I've heard in this price range that sounds this good. Add a midrange EQ knob and another 40 watts or so, and you'd have the ideal small acoustic amp.
Sound
On recordings of gigs, my acoustic Selmer-style guitar sounds like it's not being amplified at all--this was surprising, to say the least. I thought the sound was being colored more, made into a mid-rangey kind of sound that's hard to avoid with amplification, but from a few paces away, the Ashdown does a remarkable job of amplifying acoustic sounds in a very natural way, even if you can't tell right next to it. I've had no problems with feedback even at high volumes. I'd put this amp on par with the other best acoustic amps I've heard, AER and Schertler. Only this was half the price. I sometimes play an electric semi-hollowbody through this amp as well, and it provides a warm, full-range sound that's perfectly usable and surprisingly rich--but that's only possible if you crank the input as high as possible. I'm thrilled with this amp. Its only drawback is that, 60 watts or no, I frequently find myself cranking the volume to its max to be heard well in a medium-sized room full of talking people.
Features
No frills, but plenty to get the job done. The notch filter is very useful, and the reverb is surprisingly good. The two channel setup with phantom power and an active/passive switch is great. I only wish it had an EQ knob for mids.
Ease of Use
It can take a little while to navigate the options, but once you find the right sound through EQ, notching, setting the input and so on, you're good.
Quality
Very well made. The only problem I've had is that one of the rubber feet fell off. I can live with that.
Value
If you can't afford a Schertler or AER, you'll be in fine shape with this amp.
Manufacturer Support
No idea. Everything's worked fine.
The Wow Factor
People often comment about how cool and retro this amp looks (I have one with a stained wood finish).
7 of 8 people (88%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted July 8, 2006
"The best small acoustic amp ever made??? YES!!!"
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I can't find anything wrong with this at all!
It sounds so smooth and I plug my Audix OM5 into and sing as well, sound like a concert ...what a great way to practice.
Sound
It is the best I have ever heard and I tried them all. remember this is only an opinion, but if you try this you may be totally blown away! I am very serious about this as an acoustic player and studio owner for 25 years.
I don't care what anyone thinks here at all! this is killer! and I know this for a fact!!!
Features
What else do you say? it has everything you need to pull off a small show!
The reverb is second to none... WOW ...incredible... this is so usable(as most aren't)
Quality
No problems to report after 6 months
Value
It kills the Fishman and FENDER. not even close!!!!!
Manufacturer Support
not needed yet
The Wow Factor
The look is totally retro cool.
8 of 9 people (89%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Please wait.