Acoustic Control Corporation 360

Bought this amp in the early 70's. Quit playing in the early 80's, at least on the road playing. Sold the amp to one of our roadies with the option to purchase it back if he ever wanted to sell it. Now that I have it back, I know I should have never sold it. It is still in very good condition, and sounds like it did in the 70's. Thinking about playing again after almost 25 years. The amp brings back memories of that time. Still have my Fender Telecaster bass too. Incredible sound setup. Probably the best bass amp ever made. The company must have had major management issues, because the product was the best.

Company is out of business

I have 2 360's. One was made in 1967 and the other 1971. These amps have 1 channel with a cool variamp feature, they also have fuzz and tuning a occilator which I don't use anymore. Having a bass amp that sounds like this leaves nothing to be desired. I used these on tour and in clubs, where they reach everyone in the audience, even in the bathroom the bass rumbles!

I play a 63 p-bass with labella flat heavy gauge strings, a 69 jazz bass with labella flats medium gauge, and finally a newer fender delux jazz bass with round wound Dean Markley strings. The amp is sometimes noisy where there are lights, but a ground lift will help! I don't need much variety from an amp, I basically use the heavy bottom to convince the drummer not to rush the time. Works everytime!

I've used 360's since 1971, never had any major problems, just little fuses always blowing.
However, recently I am going through loss of power problems, when I came off tour in 2001 they went into storage for about 6 months, after that they both are not working like I know they can.....I am looking for a repairman to get my loss of power back!

The company went out of business so long ago, all we can do is get lucky with some knowledgeable repair people or companies. I'm looking!

I started working as a pro in 1966, I also have a small Ashdown bass amp that has 4 10's and sounds pretty good for casual gigs. These are too big & heavy to steal, You wouldn't leave it on the sidewalk for an hour would you? I love these amps because they are the real deal, the only other bass amp that has this power and punch is the SVT 300 watts tube monster, which is truly a backbreaker!
If anyone knows of a repair shop in the LA area, please email me! Thanks

Mine is late 60's/early 70's model. Versatility is not really an issue with me, seeing as how I only really have ears for vintage sounds. JPJ, Tiran Porter, J Jamerson, McCartney, and Larry Graham are my main inspirations, technically and tonally, so this thing is for the most part, all I really need.<p> This thing was certainly a challenge for me in the biginning, dialing in tone. It has that variamp thing that I (new bass player at the time) struggled with for a while. Getting the right tone with this thing is all about the variamp and it absolutely needs to be messed with, every time you enter into a new room/playing environment - you can't just have your favorite settings marked on the amp (a sure sign of a hack player anyway).<p> It has enough power for most any circumstance, provided that you again, are familiar with the variamp.<p> It is Solid state and oddly, the power source is in the speaker cab, not the head, which is strange but still functional.<p> I only rate it a six in this catagory because I know that most players today would not appreciate this beast unless you're sincerely into classic sounds (flatwounds, etc.) or 'indie rock'. Though if you do fit into either of those catagories, I would argue that this is certainly one of three amps, in this power range, that top the list of vintage bass sounds. The other two being the (vintage) Ampeg SVT and the Sunn 2000s.

I play a '65 J bass with Deam Markley medium flats, muted with foam. I played a '65 P, previous to that, also with foam-muted flats.<P> It is a near perfect match for this type of vintage instrument set-up - very Led Zeppelin.<p> Noisy? what would I care? I've never paid attention to soundguys/engineers whining about noise, I wont start caring now!<p> This thing, when dialed in, sounds fantastic. Solid and soft at the same time, booming when you need it. Also, if your strings are sufficiently dead, you can crank the hell out of all the high-end and get that great, grinding Immigrant Song/Houses of the holy/Whole Lotta Love bass sound. JPJ used two of these things live, almost exclusively. Listen to the song remains the same (movie) audio and you'll get a perfect idea of what these things are capable of, in the right hands.<p> The fuzz is worthless, It cuts all the low-end. Though if I could get that fuzz tone in Sly and the Stone's Dance to the music, I'd be eccstatic.

Well, the amp has one major design flaw, the electronics in the head get the shit shaken out of them and constant loud use can make for a few visits to the repair shop. You'll notice in old LZ footage, JPJ always had his heads off to the side, not on the top of the cab - I'm assuming for that very reason. Otherwise, the thing is bullet-proof.

Well, the repairs were never that expensive. And of course with the internet, you can pretty much find out anything you need about these things.

I've been playing for 16 years and have been focused on vintage sounds from the get-go. I also own a great little Univox 1x15 piggback; a fantastic sounding ampeg 8x8 cab and a Sunn 2000s/1x15 set-up - which is also part of the trifecta of the holy high-wattage vintage bass amps. I currently play a 65 J.<p> Things don't like about it? Well, being an 18" speaker, the sound fully forms about 30' in front of it so you can sometimes be killing audience members with it, while you're still turning it up to hear it. I also hate how awkward the thing is physically and that sickly blue color. But all is certainly moot, in light of the umparalelled sound.<p> And if the 360 were stolen? no sweat, I'd hunt the guy down.<p> I give it a 10 dispite its flaws because, if it's vintage sound you're looking for, with this sort of power, it really doesn't get much better - not that I know of anyway.<p> In comparing it to my two other fav big rig set-ups, the 360 has a solidity to it's sound that can't really be matched by the 2000s or the SVT - though any of the three are fantastic big amp choices.

Not sure what year it was made. I bought the head and one cab, then added another cab a few months later in '75 for a total of $630. Solid state, there are four preamp outs on the head, and a speaker out on each cab. I rarely use the fuzz. This thing sounds great about 25 feet in front of it, due to the cab design, and seems to cover lots of styles well.

Using a '70 P-bass, '75 J-Bass or Rick, it sounds really good for a lot of styles. It's occasionally noisy, mostly under flourescent lights or beer signs. The fuzz can peel paint off walls!

This amp has been very dependable. One cab went down when a resistor got smoked; it was repaired by my neighbor for about $10, including parts & labor. I still have the manual & schematic.

As said earlier, the only time it needed repair, it was taken care of by a neighbor, as I couldn't get it to a repair location quickly enough. The lifetime warranty doesn't work when the company's out of business!

I've been playing for over 30 years, and love this amp. Only drawback is the size and weight, as I'm almost 50, but for large venues, it really kicks butt. I bought it in '75 so I could keep up with guitarists using full stacks, and never had a problem. I'd buy another one if this one ever died, if I could find one.

This amp was made in 1969. All Acoustic junkies know the features!
These amplifiers kick ASS!! How about this?...This amp was given to me by a guitarist I work with. Not only is the amp in PERFECT working condition, but it is finished in blue sparkle Naugahyde (no roll & tuck), and I'll be danged if it doesn't look like a factory job! All seams and corners are perfect, as is the fit around and under the hardware. I know they made some white units for Sly & The Family Stone, but I've never seen any other colors. The guitar boy bought the amp at a mom&pop music store in southern CO.ten years ago for $100.00, and suprized me with it at a gig in Pueblo about a month ago...WOW!

I play Fender basses -'78' P-bass,2000 J-bass,2002 Roscoe Beck 5-and (as we all know),the 360 ROCKS Fenders! I'm a touring Blues bassist, and plan on casing this baby up and gettin' it out there. Here's a cool way to augment the already killer sound of these amps. I've added a small{one 10 and horn) 200 watt powered P.A. cab, which I place about a foot off the ground next to 361 cab and run out of the preamp. It really helps define the mids and highs in a cool transparent way.

This is one of those magical situations where the amplifier wasn't used much. Minimal wear and tear.
I've had some great Acoustic amps during the 38 years I've been playing (140B,150B,136 combo and three 371-301 stacks) and only lost one to mechanical failure. Given that this 360 is 36 years old, I'll be as gentle as I can, but I expect, like most Acoustics, it will chug right along.

What company??? Good luck to all of us!!

I've been a working musican since 1967, and have done, seen and been it all!!
Please God...don't let it get stolen!!!!!
I love it because it is a FREEKIN' CLASSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hate that it's really heavy and I'm really OLD...
I wish it had permanent built in roadies.
I'll share this...If you play bass, young or old, own at least one Acoustic amp. Anywhere from 1969 thru 1975, they were, and are absolutely wonderful amplifiers!

Beaucoup watts. Badass rear mounted 18" Cerwin Vega woofer. The Variamp feature was slick for coaxing further EQ'ing per room sound. For me the fuzz and tuning circuits were as useless as tits on a frog. No offense to R.V. Allee intended. What was he thinking?AMP RATING: Then, 10; nothing else compared. Now it's a whole different world.

LOUD. Great tone. In early '70s best bass sound out there. P-bass, J-bass, Ricky, Gibson, it didn't matter. Rock, Blues, Metal, Jazz, Country, it did it all.

Still thumpin' like a big dog after 33 years and many, many gigs. Kudos, Mr. Allee.

Early in life the full wave bridge rectifier in the power amp blew out. Drove amp to nearest authorized tech 50 miles away. Quickly, courteously repaired under warranty on the spot while I waited. No issues since. No more company either. You're on your own.

Bought my Acoustic 360 head and cab new way back in late '71. Played it through the '70's and early '80s in Blues, Rock, Metal and Country settings. Worked great for bass. Tucked the amp away in the mid '80s, forgot about it. It's 2004, my 15 yr. old new-to-bass-playing son asks "Hey, Dad, what's this old amp?" Damn, if the rig didn't fire right up for him. Now he's got tone and it's his turn to groove. New life for a classic. Cool. And hey, didn't Jaco play through one too? God, I miss him. Newer rigs from Ampeg, SWR, GK, Carvin and such might be more the way to go now for working players. They're even cleaner, offer more watts (headroom) and processing, etc. And the fact these 360's nor the Acoustic Control Corporation itself just aint around any more. But value? How's 'bout cost of $22.73/yr. sound to you?

1972,probably one of the very last 360s made. The 371 was already on the market when I purchased mine brand new.This is probably one of the most versatile amps ever produced. Iused it from '72to '74 playing Deep Purple, Zeppelin, Uriah Heep.From '75 to '78 Playing country/country rock. 78 to 79 surf music backing the original Jan and Dean. '80 to '85 oldies. '85 to '88 top forty. '88 to '94 oldies,
'95 to current..Blues. I'd say it's somewhat versatile. I do not use the fuzz really unless we're playing "Dance to the Music" or something similar. I never use the tuning fork.I have used the amp in clubs, theaters, Arenas and any other application you could possibly think of.

'60 Fender stack Knob Jazz Bass, '57 Fender Precision, '62 Jazz Bass,New custom shop P-bass. It suits my style very well as it is a very quick responding amp. A little noisy under the lights sometimes but usually the ground switch or a ground lift will take care of it.The sound that sold me on the amp was the feeling that someone was hitting me in the stomach there was so much low end punch

I have owned this amp since '72 and have spent probably less than $100 in repairs.I purchased anvil cases immediately which probably helped greatly in keeping repair costs down. I also might add the Amp looks like the day it left the Acoustic factory in '72.

Dealt with the company in the early '70s and they were easy to work with.I did have it repaired once under warranty with no problem. The warranty service center was in Denver which is a 100 miles away but it was worth the trip. The warranty is lifetime but doesn't do much good when the company is out of business. Thankfully it never breaks down and I just used it on New Year's eve in an 8,000 seat arena.

39 years, I use the 360 along with a mid '70s Ampeg SVT, Yes I'd buy another if I could fine one in great condition.I love the fact that it still sounds great, looks incredibly cool, and the respect it deserves for being probably the most widely used (along with the SVT) amp ever made. I chose this amp because every bass player who was anyone was playing an acoustic 360. It took me a long time to save enough to buy it, especially with a new wife and baby, but I cherish that amp as much now as I did then.

Not sure the year, I use it for playing out.

I use a 1976 fender p-bass, the amp has a ground switch on the front do if i do pick up a slight buzz a flick of the switch usally takes care of it. The amp can kick very loud with no distortion

I bought it used for $165.00 about 10years ago, when I asked why so cheap, the salesman said nobody wants to lug it around. I installed a grounded plug on the head since then and thats it.

this bass amp kicks ass. It was owned by "The Rods"
If any one has info on this band please contact me. I know they signed the wall of fame at the rochester (NY) house of guitars.
Thanks.

I believe the amp is from 1974, however other reviews have said 1971. The salesman,who told me it was manufactured in'74, is a very experienced bass player who now works for modulus. He was also very knowledgable of Jaco Pastorius who used ttwo of the same model amp. It has one channel, bass and treble controls, and a vari-amp function which is a pioneering version of todays amp simulators. This control comes in handy when playing on different types of basses and dullness of strings. It also has a built in fuzz effect control that sounds distinctively '70's, and an electronic tuning fork. The tuning fork produces interesting tones,almost sounds like a mad scientists lab, but does not tell you what key or note is being heard. This amp is perfect for gigging when you can't be miked or run direct.

I play on a custom made Ibanez 6-string with bartolini style active pickups. This amp is incredibly loud and sometimes distorts the high end frequencies of newer electronics. I run through an Acoustic model 361 cabinet which has a folded 18" enclosure so it has no problem with lows and low-mids. My amp gets some interference buzzing if an outlet is not COMPLETELY grounded or too many other devices are running at the same time. As i said before the distortion is very '70's and reminiscent of the "Ox". With the vari-amp controls I have a pretty good variety of tones and amp simulations to choose from. The amp does distort the high end at loud volumes if the input signal is too strong. It's hard to get a low volume from the amp itself due to the fact that the volume does not completely cut out when the knob is turned all the way down. It is a great amp for gigging because, so I've been told, when at a decent volume it sounds best at 100ft. away, in front.

I have had a few problems with static, sound distortion and the power switch, however maintence usually fixes the problem easily. Sometimes the amp just ground out. I did notice that many of my problems were coming from running a speaker cable with one-way flow inthe wrong direction from head to cabinet.

The only support you will find are from people familiar with this amp.

I have benn playing for 11 years and gigging for 10. It is a wonderful amp with many great tonal qualities. I paid roughly $320 use for the head and the 361 cabinet and have put at least $100 into maintainence. This is a great amp for any bass player who is on a tight budget, if you can find one. But you're not getting mine I would never wish to part with this amp.

I think my amp was made in the very early 70's.
It has one channel (but thats all it needs)
Its fine the way it is.
I use it for every gig I play.
Its also got a folded horn cabinet with a single 18" speaker.

I have a custom made Chenango Bass.
The amp covers all the bases.
it has a very slight hum under beer lights.
It doesn't distort unless I hit my fuzz box.

It broke once.
My repairman had no trouble fixing it.

The company has been out of business for quite some time.

I've been playing 25 years.
I own another bass, 6 guitars, three other amps, many effects, and a small recording studio.
I will never get rid of it

I believe this amp to be a 1971 model. It is a very large and loud amp and is perfect for rock. I keep it at home as it is too large for me to move around as I am not 19 anymore! It has a high and low input, bright and normal rocker switch, volume, treble, bass, variamp control with balance and effect controls, a Fuzz channel with attack and gain controls, and an electronic tuning fork with fine and course controls, an on off switch for the tuning fork, a ground rocker switch and finally an on/off rocker switch. The amp came with a foot pedal to control the fuzz but mine was long gone. It has all of the features and power I need with its 18 inch folded horn cabinet with built in power amp. The preamp is the head.

It gives me the sounds I always heard on my favorite bands records. Kenny Aaronson used 4 of them with Dust! Larry Graham used these with Sly and the Family Stone! These were THE amp back in the 1970's and I am very lucky to have found one for my own use. The clean sound is awesome and very earth shaking and the fuzz channel is very brutal!!

Never had any problems with this amp, and it is nearly 30 years old!! Well, I did replace the speaker, but that is to be expected. It has an 18 inch Peavey Black Widow in place of the stock Cerwin Vega speaker.

Not really fair since the company is out of business. I do hear that there is a reissue of this amp and look forward to comparing them! Acoustic made some very fine bass amps.

I've been a player for nearly 23 years and use Trace Elliot, SWR, Peavey, Korg, and Rackrider gear for my amplification and speaker use. My basses are G&L L-1000, Ovation Magnum II, Fender Jazz Bass, and a Washburn Bantam to name the main ones. This amp is irreplacable if it were lost or stolen. They are very hard to come by. Mine is not mint but it is very valuable to me. I chose it because it is what a lot of my bass heros used.

1971
This amp is good for all styles
One channel; equiped with fuzz & electronic tuning fork!
Fuzz rarely gets used today.
All gigs; indoor & outdoor, All the power you'll ever need!
Solid state, infinite variation of tones

'69 Fender Jazz Bass
New rock & classic rock suits me just fine
Always quiet

Always ready when you need it!

Lifetime warranty, too bad the company is out of business. Don't know why. Had to be poor management because the product was pure "kick ass" superb! Never had to deal with company.

Been playing 34 years; also have '68 Standel Artist combo amp, '99 Hartke Kickback 15, '99 Squier P-bass Can't buy it anymore unless you have a time machine then yes I would! Never have to worry about not being heard! Bulky to haul around. In 1971, everybody had one, after I bought one I knew why! For bass I don't think you need any kind of gimmicky effects. Set the variamp on 3, the bass at 9 o'clock, the treble at 3 o'clock, the effect at full bore, and the volume at half, then stand back! You'd better have a large wall of modern day equipment to match it and if you do I would just hook up another 361 bottom to surpass it!

This amp was made in 1971. This is the best amp I have ever heard. It has enough low end to move a mountain and enough edge to cut through steel. It has four outputs, a footswitch hookup, and a preamp built in side of it. You can get ALOT of tones with this amp. The speaker is 28 years old and it still soulds like a brand new one.

I am using a 4001s Rickenbacker bass. Just like Paul McCartneys set up. When he played with Wings he had the same thing, the amp, the bass and everything. This amp also has distoration on it. I don't like distortion so, I never use it. The cabinet is a folded horn version and has a vari amp in it,it has 1 18 inch speaker in it also.

This amp HAS TO BE the best built amp! This amp was in back of a truck and it fell out onto the highway and tumbled end over end and it didn't really do anything to it. The amp has never broke down and it's just the best there is to me. For this category rating...I would put 20 down if I could.

It's hard to answer this question because the Acoustic company went out of business some years ago. But...all of there amps warranty's were for life. If something went wrong, they would fix it free of charge.

I have been playing for about three years. This is my dad's amp, and he has been playing for about 30 years. My Brother own's a Hofner Violin Beatle Bass, I own a Greco Hofner copy Beatle Bass, and a 4001s Rickenbacker (which is left handed and is my dad's). My dad also own a 1979 Acoutic 406/220 bass amp, a crate guitar amp, and a Kustom 250 with 2 12's in it. I also own a Kustom bass amp with 3 15's in it.