This amp will always be with me. I imagine at some point, a bigger rig will become necessary, but that has nothing to do with this one. Even when I do replace it with something bigger and badder (as technology and engineering are bound to continue to evolve, better suiting mine and everyone else's needs), this amp will still accompany me on smaller gigs, into the studio, and at home when the BBQ is in full swing. It may even get handed down to the next generation of musicians in the family, provided they can be trusted with it!!!!

Sound
Well, the first time I got to a sound check and plugged this little gem in, the piano player just sat there. After about a minute and a half, she asked if I was going to turn it on! Talk about natural reproduction of the guitar! This amp might as well be a high end PA. I cannot believe the transparency and the quality that comes out of this amp. The shape option really lets you get the extra 'oomph' when playing rhythm with the full band, and when you want to be more expressive with a finger style, the natural option simply sounds like you're not plugged in... only louder! I love finger style with the shape option on. It is just an awesome richness and smoothness normally only achieved without an amp! I play folk and blues through this amp. The only amp I would consider as well as this one (not in preference to) is the Roland AC 60 (I think that's what it is!).

Features
The most… read more useful feature here would have to be the balanced XLR output. Not loud enough? Just send the signal straight to front of house! Of course, you lose all control over how everyone else hears you, as it's left up to the guy up the back who has been working the same tired desk since he was 21, and you can only hope he has an ear for acoustics, but hey! You've just expanded your little 35 watt amp and it didn't cost you a fortune! I also love the shape and natural option. This is just a sweet as addition. I don't use the on board chorus, as I think my Boss CE-5 is a better chorus, and when used with a DD-7, you can make this thing sound like three or four guitars are coming at you! That being said, the on board chorus is useable. The seperate mic channel is clear, clean, and just as reliable as the reproduction of the acoustic channel. I only use it in smaller gigs where this is the only amplification I am using. In a larger gig, of course I'll bum a mic input from the sound desk! But whenever I can, this amp is all I use for my guitar amplification.

Ease of Use
If you throw everything at 12:00, I get a sound that sounds just like my guitar not amplified. How much easier can it be? If you need more, then just take it easy! The EQ on this thing is a bit ferocious (or should I say, a little too keen to please). I strongly suggest finding your tone early and leaving the thing alone. It is a good enough amp to reproduce your acoustic tone, so it's hard to make it sound 'bad' without really giving it a good go, but if you try to shift on the go, you can go too far and some poor guy in the corner is going to go home with a headache because of your aggressive mid range mistake. Effects need to be run in-line, but that's fine with me. Acoustic is supposed to be simple. Too many leads in and out of the thing just gets confusing, so to run everything in-line is simple, and if your pedals are good to start with, then this amp will faithfully reproduce whatever you ask it to.

Quality
The faux leather cover could be glued on better, but hey, I can always go to work with the glue gun! I think if anything, the vinyl will start to peel away first if maintenance isn't done on it. The tilt legs are a bit fragile. It is advisable to keep them/it in the non-tilt position unless you're actually using the thing. A couple of times, it's popped closed on me, so it's important to make sure the tilt leg is fully engaged!!! None really likes that reverb bang when an amp drops, no matter what they say!

Value
This produc is very much worth what retailers are asking for it (obviously, if you can get it cheap, then do so!). For the price, you get much more than a basic amp, and other amps in this price range are missing a lot of things that this one has in abundance (such as maste volume controls!!!???).

Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed to address any issues with this product, but previous dealings with Ibanez have always left me feeling as though I am an individual with important musical needs!

The Wow Factor
This amp has a great retro look. It looks like it's been dragged around the world (albeit very sheltered) since 1963. It's right at home on stage next to a 67 Fender Jazz bass, or a vintage Maton. The fabric cover matches the earthy wood colouring of many acoustics today, and it is very tastefully presented as an acoustic amp.

Musical Background:
Musician.

Musical Style:
Folk, Jazz, Funk, Soul, Rock. read less