Let’s get right into it—the Fender Acoustasonic 15 is a compact acoustic amp that’s perfect for players who need something light, simple, and effective.
It’s not going to shake the walls with volume, but that’s not what it’s built for. The Acoustasonic 15 focuses on delivering clear acoustic sound in a portable package.
I recently bought it and here’s what I think about it.
My Experience
I’ve spent quite a bit of time with the Fender Acoustasonic 15, and here’s my take. I first got it because I wanted something portable for casual jam sessions and home practice.
I’ve got plenty of amps that are huge and powerful, but sometimes you just need something simple, right?
Here’s my video review.
The first thing I noticed was just how lightweight it is. At only 4.76 kg, I could carry this thing around without breaking a sweat. It fits in the trunk of my car with ease and doesn’t take up much space at all.
Now, onto the sound. For a 15-watt amp with a single 6-inch speaker, the Acoustasonic 15 delivers surprisingly clear and balanced tones. Let’s be honest: 15 watts isn’t going to make the walls rattle, but that’s not the point of this amp.
It’s perfect for small spaces—like your living room, a bedroom, or a small coffeehouse gig. When I first plugged in, I wasn’t expecting much. I mean, it’s a tiny amp. But the clarity of sound took me by surprise. My acoustic guitar came through with sharp, clean highs and warm mids.
Channel 1 is where you can plug in a microphone (XLR input), and it gives you its own set of controls—volume, bass, middle, treble. I used this setup for vocals during a small gathering, and it was perfect for that environment.
You’re not going to feel drowned out, but don’t expect it to project across a noisy bar. It’s more suited to intimate settings. Definitely not loud enough for crowded pubs.
Channel 2 is for your guitar and offers the same EQ options as Channel 1, plus a built-in chorus effect.
The chorus effect was one of the more pleasant surprises—it’s not too strong, but it adds just the right amount of depth to your tone. It’s especially nice if you’re fingerpicking or playing some open chords.
This chorus effect really gives your sound that extra shimmer and makes even simple playing sound a bit more professional.
Also, one evening I decided to test the headphone output. Sometimes, you want to practice late at night without waking up the whole house, right?
Plugging in headphones is super convenient, and I found that the sound through my headphones was just as clear as through the speaker.
The amp’s compact size also made it an excellent choice for quick jams at a friend’s place. I didn’t have to worry about finding a power strip or setting up complicated gear. Plug and play—just how I like it.
Who Should Get It?
The Fender Acoustasonic 15 is a solid pick for a variety of players, but it’s not for everyone. Let’s break it down:
- Beginners: If you’re just starting out and need an amp for home practice, this is a great option. It’s not going to overwhelm you with a bunch of unnecessary features, and it gives you enough control to shape your sound without getting lost in the details.
- Singer-songwriters: This amp is perfect for those who play and sing at the same time. The dual input channels (one for your guitar, one for a microphone) make it easy to create a balanced sound in small venues. You don’t need a mixer or extra gear—just plug in and go.
- Buskers and Small Venue Performers: If you’re gigging at small coffee shops, restaurants, or busking on the street, the Acoustasonic 15 is an excellent choice. It’s light enough to carry around without hassle and has enough power to project your sound clearly in smaller spaces.
- Home Players: If you mostly play at home and don’t want a massive amp taking up space in your room, this one’s ideal. It’s compact, easy to use, and gets the job done for bedroom jamming or casual sessions with friends.
This amp isn’t for players who need a lot of volume or play in larger venues. It’s also not for those looking for a wide range of effects. It’s built to be simple, and that’s where it excels.
Specs
Let’s get into the numbers and details for all the gearheads out there. Here are the main specs for the Fender Acoustasonic 15:
- Power: 15 watts (just right for smaller spaces)
- Speaker: 1x 6″ special design full-range speaker
- Inputs: Two channels—one XLR (mic), one instrument (guitar)
- Controls:
- Channel 1 (Mic): Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble
- Channel 2 (Guitar): Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Chorus
- Headphone Output: Yes (for late-night practice or private sessions)
- Dimensions: 29.2 x 28.4 x 18.1 cm (super compact)
- Weight: 4.76 kg (easy to carry around)
Pros & Cons
Before you hit that „buy” button, here’s a quick breakdown of what I liked and what could be improved:
Pros:
- Portable: It’s light, compact, and easy to carry.
- Great for small gigs: Perfect for coffee shops, busking, or home use.
- Simple controls: You don’t need to be a sound engineer to dial in a good tone.
- Chorus effect: Adds a nice depth to your sound without needing extra pedals.
- XLR input: Ideal for singer-songwriters or anyone who needs a mic channel.
Cons:
- Limited volume: Not built for larger venues or loud performances.
- No reverb: Chorus is nice, but having reverb would’ve been a bonus.
- Basic effects: Chorus is all you get, so if you’re an effects junkie, you might want to look elsewhere.
Acoustasonic 15 vs Acoustasonic 40
If you’re trying to decide between the Acoustasonic 15 and the Acoustasonic 40, here’s what you need to know:
The Acoustasonic 40 gives you more power (40 watts) and a larger speaker (12 inches), which means it’s more suitable for larger venues or gigs where you need more projection.
The 40 also comes with additional effects like reverb, delay, and tremolo, so if you want more flexibility in shaping your sound, it might be worth spending a bit more for the 40.
I really like the 40 one though. You can check out my video review below:
That said, the Acoustasonic 15 is much more portable and better suited for casual playing or smaller gigs. If you don’t need the extra volume or effects, the 15 could save you some cash while still giving you the essentials.
Other Amps to Consider
If you’re still shopping around and want to explore some alternatives, here are a few other amps that might catch your eye:
Roland Mobile AC
- Battery-powered: This one is great if you’re often on the move or don’t always have access to a power outlet. It’s also extremely light and portable.
- Stereo sound: Offers a richer, fuller sound than the Acoustasonic 15, which can make your acoustic guitar really shine in small spaces.
Fishman Loudbox Mini
- 60 watts: This amp has more power than the Acoustasonic 15, making it more suitable for larger venues or outdoor performances.
- Built-in reverb and chorus: Fishman is known for its high-quality acoustic gear, and this amp is no exception. It’s pricier but worth it if you want more features and volume.
Yamaha THR5A
- Desktop design: This amp is a great practice tool and looks cool, too. It’s designed for acoustic players who need a compact, all-in-one solution for home practice or small gigs.
- Wide range of effects: The THR5A offers several effects and amp models, so if you like to experiment with your sound, this could be the perfect option.
FAQ
1. Does the Acoustasonic 15 work for electric guitars?
Technically, yes, but it’s designed for acoustic-electric guitars. Plugging in an electric will work, but it won’t sound as good as through an amp specifically made for electric guitars.
2. Can I use pedals with the Acoustasonic 15?
Absolutely. While it has a built-in chorus effect, you can still add pedals to your chain for more tonal flexibility.
3. Is this amp loud enough for busking?
For small, quiet areas—yes. If you’re busking in a more open or noisy environment, it might struggle to be heard without a PA system.
4. Can I use this amp with a keyboard?
Yes! The Acoustasonic 15 can handle more than just guitars. It’s capable of amplifyingwith keyboards too, but keep in mind that this amp is primarily designed for acoustic-electric guitars. You might not get the most out of it for other instruments, but it can work in a pinch.
5. Does it come with a footswitch?
No, the Acoustasonic 15 doesn’t have a footswitch input. If you’re looking for more control over effects, you’ll have to look for an amp that offers that feature, like the Acoustasonic 40.
6. How does the chorus effect sound?
The built-in chorus is subtle but effective. It adds a slight shimmer to your tone, perfect for adding texture to fingerpicking or open chords. It’s not going to blow you away with complexity, but it’s just enough to give your acoustic sound more depth.
Final Thoughts
The Fender Acoustasonic 15 is a fantastic option for anyone who needs a simple, portable amp for acoustic performances or home practice. While it’s not the loudest or most feature-packed amp out there, it excels in what it was built for—delivering clear acoustic tones in a small, easy-to-use package.
If you’re a beginner, singer-songwriter, or a busker, this amp could be the perfect addition to your setup. It’s affordable, reliable, and gets the job done without overcomplicating things.
If you’re looking for more volume or effects, there are other options out there, like the Acoustasonic 40 or Fishman Loudbox Mini, but for what it is, the Acoustasonic 15 offers great value and sound.
