Fender Acoustasonic Junior

By now you know all the features. 40 watts, 2 channels, yada, yada, yada. 2 x 8" speakers with very small magnets and small voice coils and a piezo-electric tweeter that can be purchased at Radio Shack for about $5.00. Made in Mexico in 2000. No external speaker output or headphone jack.

I use a Martin acoustic/electric which sounds ok at low volume and a Takamine which sounds horible at any volume. Gets way too much feedback. It is noisy with both guitars, hisses very noticable. Very little variety in sound due to speakers, which seam very cheap. Reverb and chorus have very little depth at maximum settings. Feedback notch control had no effect at any setting on either guitar.
String dynamics is simply an attenuation of 6.4khz (reverse treble control) which did almost nothing. Very little bass, when set at max bass, it boomed loudly on certain notes as if the cabinet were experiencing serious intonation. Not a "tuned" cabinet, no bass port.
No external speaker jack. Not much power. Anything past 3 got feedback no matter where I stood or sat.

Been playing a long time. Also own a Hartke bass amp, Fender Hot Rod,
yada, yada, yada. I would glady replace this amp - I am returning it!
My bass amp actually sounds better with the above mentioned guitars than this. This amp isn't worth half of what they charge for it. It is nothing more than an overpriced monitor! Especially since it is made with the cheapest speakers I have ever seen in an amp and assembled in Mexico. This amp is worth maybe $200 max, brand new. The feedback was ever-present from any angle and the controls did nothing to help. The Fender Acoustasonic SFX is a much better (still overpriced) amp than this. I will be exchanging it for an SWR soon. Even more expensive, but it has twice the power, gets less feedback and gets a ton of bass.

This a 2000 model acoustic guitar amp. I am thrilled with the versatility of this amp. It has 2 channels: one for your main acoustic instrument input, and the other for a line signal instrument, voice, or whatever. It also has the good-ole spring reverb box and since it is a twin speaker cabinet, it has an excellent chorus. With the phase switch and the feedback notch filter, i have no worries about feeding back. Very controlled. They also have something called "string dynamics control" which took me a bit to figure out. It is nice though - basically takes the noise, rattle and distortion out of your strum.. My guess is it's just a compressor although they have supposedly pattened it. I use this amp at church, we are set up in a gym. I've gotten nothing but compliments about how I sound now. Great Amp. I'm giving it an 8. It's plenty versatile for me, although there are other amps out there with more features. I wouldn't have minded a 5 band or more EQ instead of the bass, treble, mid knobs.

I play a taylor with a thinline under-saddle pickup. No preamp! I needed a solution that would allow me to hear myself (monitor) and allow me to direct out to the house system. Like I said, i play at church. Everything from soft finger picked stuff to loud strumming. This amp holds up perfectly under both conditions. I have yet to have any problem with distortion, but i have no reason to crank it up much past 4 or 5. It's not a tube amp after all :) All in all, the sound is excellent. It reproduces the sound of my guitar fairly accurately.

I've had nothing but fender amps. Never had problems. Although my tweed/tube amp for my electric is much sturdier feeling than this. At least in the knob dept. I'm worried i'm going to snap off a knob putting the thing in my trunk.. may not happen, but it's the kind of thing where you wiggle on eknob and the whole row wiggles with it. That could have been better. I'll knock 3 points off for that one.

dunno. I just deal with the store where I bought it. It has a 5 year warranty, that's not bad.

I've been laying for 15 years.. i play a Taylor 615 Jumbo, also play a heavily modified Fender Strat thru a Fender Pro Jr. amp. Who knows what i would do if it were stolen. It's an amp. I don't get that attached to amps. Now my guitars... I bought this amp because i needed one that day! Impulse buying is the way to go :) I researched it online though before i went to the store. You could get it 20 bucks cheaper mail order and not have to pay tax, but i like to support my local music stores, as long as it's just a reasonable amount of extra support :) Bang for the buck though, i think this is one of the best ways to go. Especially considering you get 2 8 inch speakers and a tweeter in a sealed cabinet. Beates the Crate and Marshall out in price consideration. I knock an overall piont off though for the knobs.

You can read all the features on the Fender site...Suffice it to say that even their site doesn't reflect the abundance of features available on this amp bearing in mind its marketplace.

I'm playing a Martin D-15 with a Fishman Plus EQ pickup and a Tanglewood (Cort for those of you stateside) single cutaway jumbo SJ-5 through this amp 3 or 4 times a week. It's clean and sweet when I want it to be, can really handle the bass from the Martin and really reflects the acoustic tones I can achieve unplugged. Hardly any colouration at moderate volumes, and to be honest, I rarely push 11 on the volume knob!

I've only had it for about 6 weeks. It gets a measurable amount of misuse when its dumped in and out of a car boot (trunk) and smacked into stages and so on by the venue monkeys here in Ireland. I've no problems with it so far and I'd say it'll take a little more than a few knocks to stop it doing what it does.

No idea and I'm hoping I'll never need to find out.

I'm a happy little leprechaun!

This amp some very well thought out features, better that most other amps. Dual channel, with a standard instrument channel and the other channel for mic (with balanced input and phantom power). The second channel has a 'reverb send' knob and a chorus on/off switch, so you don't have to use those effects if the mic is for vocals. (I just use it as a PA, to chat with the crowd, etc.) I play jazz on a Washburn J6 arch top, and I also play a Fernandez classical with a stick on piezo. I was looking for one amp that could do both, and this was the best solution. I don't use the feedback control, and the string dynamics knob seems to do nothing. I love the stereo chorus. The amp has a really cool retro look with chrome tilt-back legs. It's compact and light (big issues with me). I use the effects loop to send the signal into the house PA if one is available. I found the line out too noisy for recording. I have now owned this amp for over a year and there are some MAJOR issues that I will explain below.

I gave this a high rating because at lower volumes, this amp really sounds beautiful. A very clean, rich 'hi-fi' sound with full bass. There are some problems that I will explain below.

So far, perfect after 18 months.

I had some question for Fender about the problems, and I was pretty much ignored.

I have been playing blues and jazz for about 25 years. I have the Washburn J6, the classical, and a 1933 Gibson L50 archtop acoustic. I own 2 other amps, a Roland Jazz Chorus 77, and a Peavey Classic 30. Here is the big issue with this amp, don't try and turn it up past 3 or 4, it will poop out really quick and distort. I have found that I have to use the Peavey or the Roland if I play with any group larger than a duo, or if the room is larger than 25 people. This amp is advertised at 40+40 watts, but I have very serious doupts about that rating. It's really more like 20+20. The high notes seem to go first. Another issue I have found really annoying is the second channel is only good for using the mic. The instrument input on that channel has very low gain, and the tone of this channel sounds really bad with a guitar. It's really a shame about the power, otherwise this could be the perfect amp. I guess Fender wants people like me to buy the Acoustasonic Pro (80+80w)at $950, more than 2x what I paid. I now use this amp pretty much for solo gigs in small rooms.

I have only had this amplifier for use as a contemporary Christian artist for approximately 2 months at this point. When I bought this fine amplifier I had been looking for one with an exceptional stereo chorus feature that I used to enjoy with my former Peavey T212. I was surprised to find such an outstanding acoustic guitar amplifier in this price-range ($410) since I had purchased a Crate CA30 amplifier some 18 months before. I use the Fender amp at church and play through an older Epiphone 12-string with a bolt-on neck from the late 70's. This guitar has a Fishman Acoustic Matrix I pre-amp system which produces some awesome volume and overcomes the criticism of the less-than-desirable volume feature of the Acoustasonic JR. Therefore, I have to admit that since I have the best of both worlds in the capabilities of the Acoustasonic JR and this awesome Fishman pre-amp system, there just is no equal that I have been able to find anywhere with more expensive amplifiers or guitars. The send-return jack can be used as a line-out to any PA system for surround effects. I have even used the XLR mic for voice accompaniment and find no reason to discount its quality in view of the low price for this amplifier.

I use this amplifier for mostly contemporary Christian music (such as Hillsongs Australia, etc.) and find this unit to perform extremely well in replicating the original sounds from CD releases. There is a buzz, however, once the reverb is set past 4, which cannot be eliminated without a crossover effects device. This is the only drawback that I see. Sounds are clean with little or no distortion at high volumes.

I have no report to give on the reliability of this unit since it is so new.

I have not had an opportunity to deal with te company, so I cannot give an honest opinion here.

I would gladly replace the Fender Accoustasonic with another if stolen. Compared to other choices in this price range, Fender reigns supreme!

I play in a contemporary praise band at church. I wanted an amp that
was light (<60 lbs.), simple to use, and had effects - but not to many
that it would be difficult to adjust while performing. This amp fits
the bill for me. The amp has reverb and chorus, an instrument channel with low, mid and high EQs, and a mic channel with XLR input with Low and High EQ pots. I run my Shure 57 through this input occasionally on small gigs like church camp. Another big seller for this amp was the fact that it DOES have a line out on the back, so I can send my sound to the board and use my amp as my guitar monior. The pots are firmly attached to the amp - they don't wiggle around like some equipment I've tried in this price range. At 2x40 watts, it
is personally enough power for me. Again, if I need more clean amplification, I'll send it through a PA. It also has tilt back legs which I use to make my amp a monitor. The string dynamics control
is a wonderful addition to this amp, taking away the harshness of the piezo sound when I use a pick. You just have to learn how to use this feature. It also has a notch filter for feedback control.

I play a Yamaha APX 6 through this amp. My style of music (besides leading praise and worship) is Christian Ballads. I play a lot of music in the style of Michael Card. I wanted an extremely clean sound, and did not want a harsh bright sound. To me, too many acoustic amps out there are too harsh. This amp has a very nice mellow tone to it. It does sound quite different with different pickups, so go to the music store with your guitar to try out this amp. The one thing that I do not like about the amp is that when you turn the master reverb up past 4, there is a "buzz" that becomes quite apparent. I'm going to have this checked out - it shouldn't do that. It is a solid state amp, so there is some background hiss. I have tried many, many, many amps out there on the market. This amp is the only one I've found that satisfies my musical tastes. I give it an 8 because of the buzz on the reverb. If there was no buzz, I'd give it a 9.

Only had the amp for a month. No problems to this date. As I said above, it is built much better than other amps in this price range. Everything on my amp feels solid, including the pots. I owned a Peavey and the pots would wiggle around on that amp. I'd go out without a backup, but then again, I'd just use my DI box.

5 year warrenty. Had no dealings with the company.

Been playing for 10 years. I own some Mackie gear. I'd buy this amp again if it were stolen or lost. I compared this to Peavey Ecoustic, Fishman, AR, Roland, Marshall, Crate. I just has a better sound than the rest of these amps - save for the Fishman. It does sound better, but is cost prohibitive for me.

I have been playing acoustic guitar for 19 years and currently play in a contemporary Christian worship band as well as lead worship in my church in a sanctuary that will seat 1200 (it's a big venue)! I play a Takamine EF261SAN that just growls out the lows and dances with the highs. I have built my setup strictly focused on getting the best acoustic sound I can. I have owned a Trace Elliot and used Peavey amps but nothing (absolutely nothing)has touched this amp! Prior to owning this amp I purchased the Marshall AS80R ($1000 Can.) and returned it after 2 weeks of trying to get some reasonably clean sound out of it. I paid $599 Can. for the Acoustasonic and would buy another in a heartbeat. If you are looking for a good solid piece of acoustic equipment - you will be surprized and never disappointed with the Acoustasonic Jr..
My only regret with this amp is that it does not have a line out feature. I also replaced the yellow grillcloth with an expanded metal mesh front - looks catchy and speakers are more protected.

Very clean sound right out of the box! - great Chorus - deep reverb - very versatile and easy to shape the sound to your preference and tastes. I have cranked the thing in our sanctuary and i did not experience any distortion at all. This amp controls feedback very well and I have had no problem in this area.

No need for a backup here.
Very reliable.

I have not had a need to inquire yet.
The amp would be serviced through my local dealer which is a very dependable dealer.

I have looked at and listened to just about every significant manufacturer that makes an acoustic amp out there and I can say that the acoustasonic Jr. is the best value for your dollar out there right now (my opinion). I run my Takamine through a Samson wireless system into the amp. I run my vocals through a Telex wireless system into an Alesis Microverb 4 directly into a P.A.
Simply put - Buy this amp.

I picked up this little amp about 2 weeks ago for $310 out the door! I was really amazed at all of the features it had for the money. Two channels, reverb, chorus, Balanced XLR input for vox or anything else, a feedback notch that works GREAT for eliminating that 1 runaway htz, a string dynamics knob that seems too subtle to matter, as well as that great Fender tilt-back leg feature. Effects loops as well as one loop doubling as a line out, are nice.

This amp is perfect for acoustic guitar tone but lacks enough power to play with the big boys. I play regularly, mostly rock, jazz, and blues, and the amp just can't reach the volume without distorting.

This is an excellant amp for entertaining a small crowd. (1 - 40 people)

I bought this amp at the same time i picked up a new Epiphone PR7E acoustic with the Electar integrated e.q. using piezo pickup. I play mostly folk and jazz in a trio at small venues around town and with my ever quiet band mates, this amp is as clean as my old Roland JazzChorus but warmer. For this gig, as well as playing at home, I couldn't be more pleased.

DO NOT attempt to play Led Zeppelin through this amp! It's simply not built for it.

I've only had it 2 weeks, for cryin' out loud! We shall see.

I've been playing guitar for about 23 years, and in addition to the Fender Acoustasonic Jr. I currently own a Crate Vintage Club 5o Watt 2 x 10, a 1990 Mesa/Boogie Mark IV combo(cane face), A'72 Gibson SG Standard, a '79 Fender Strat, and the new Epiphone PR7E Birdseye maple acoustic.

I looked at other acoustic amps and none of them had the bang for the buck that this one has. It's a niche market, but I think acoustic players will understand and appreciate this amplifier.

I read the 14 reviews prior to this one I am writing, and 13 of them rated this amp at 8 or better. Cypher was the only one who gave it a 3. This is perfect example of someone buying the wrong tool for the job. Cypher, Marshall makes just what you need, man.

I'm a bass player who occasionally doubles on rhythm guitar. The amp is very versatile- it makes a surprisingly good bass (!!!) or keyboard monitor, at least at low volume levels. It also sounds OK w/my Dad's Yamaha archtop.

This is a feature-laden little guy. Two channels, one for guitar and the other for mic or line inputs. Phantom power on the mic input. Independent control of reverb and chorus on each channel. Phase reverse switches for feedback control. A built in (undefeatable) feedback filter, and a "String Dynamics" control (a frequency-selective compressor that minimizes "piezo quack").

It has two effects loops: a mono insert on the guitar channel before the chorus and reverb, and a stereo loop just before the power amp.

Tilt-back legs have always been a great idea. Flop it back for a big, diffuse, room-filling sound that doesn't give individual audience members a haircut.

I vaguely wish it had a headphone amp for late-night practice.

I use the amp a few different ways:
1. Backline guitar amp at church (no drummer, folk/light rock vein).
2. Personal monitor (tilt it back facing the performer, plug in guitar and mic, then run a stereo send out to the PA. Dial in EQ, reverb and chorus to taste).
3. Mini-PA for "troubadour" gigs. Stick a mic in your guitar case, and you can get everything out to the car in one trip!

I find it plenty loud enough for my aging ears (40W RMS per side stereo, solid-state), but you'd need more juice for authentic rock levels.

I mainly use it with my Godin Acousticaster. I REALLY like the tone. It somehow manages to blend a suitably hi-fi acoustic sound with my favourite Fender combo characteristics (tight, warm low end, singing mids, spanking reverb tones).

I find the amp impressively quiet, unless I crank the reverb and introduce some hiss. Since I run the reverb at fairly low settings, this is not a problem.

My Acousticaster benefits from the String Dynamics control, which smooths things out a little on single-note lines...

I could wish for a little more sound output before distortion, but what can you expect from a lightweight, compact amp in this price range? BTW, it plays louder and nicer than any of the Trace Elliots I've tried, for a lot less $$$...

Overdrive sounds are not on the menu- if that's what you're after, you'd be better off with an AC-30, or something...

Too soon to tell.

Exellent 5-year warranty. I have personally found Fender amps to be absolutely bulletproof, although customer feedback suggests that some dogs occasionally slip through.

I'll let you know in a few years...

I've been playing for over 30 years. I also own:
- Custom 5-string bass guitar and 5-string upright.
- Godin Acousticaster, cheap acoustic guitar, Appalachian dulcimer.
- Roland digital stage piano (RD-100).
- SWR Studio 220 and Carver PM 1.5 amps, Flite and Electro-Voice cabs.
- Mackie 1202 VLZ-Pro mixer.
- Assorted mics, pedals, Behringer compressor, etc.
- Tascam 4-strack cassette and Sony minidisc recorders.

I love this thing. Definitely a "desert island" piece of equipment. It even looks nice...

I compared it to the Crate, the Fishman, the big Marshall (no longer in production?), SWR, Roland and Trace. I chose the Fender because it was the only one I could afford that didn't suck. Happily, it would have been #3 or #4 on my list, even if price wasn't a factor.

Fender makes me nuts. Some of their solid-state amps are so good, they almost make you forget about tubes. Yet some of their stuff sounds so bad, it ought to be wearing a Peavey label or worse.

There doesn't seem to be much of a correlation between size, sound quality or price, for that matter.

It seems like all you can do is watch out for the good ones. The Acoustasonic Junior is definitely one of them.

Don't know the year of manufacture. So far the Amp is versitile enough for me. I play mainly Contemp Christain and try some blues sounds. The Amp has two channels, with chorus and reverb. Seperate volume. The chorus is very nice. This is my first Amp so I think it sounds great. One of the submissions said there is no line out, but the reference and owners manual cleary states you can use the send on the back panel as a line out. I use the Amp at home now. Will use it in small group worship. Seems like the ideal Amp for coffee shop type setting. Has plenty of power for me. The stereo chorus is nice. Would rate it a 10 but nothing man made is perfect.

I use a Fender DG20S with a Dean Markley Pro-Mag pickup. This combination is very nice. I do detect a low hum when I am not playing and am plugged in to the same wall that has my TV and Stereo going. When on different wall all is quite until I turn the treble, mid, bass and volume up over 8. My power source in my home is not the cleanest. The Amp reproduces my acoutic very nicely. Bright highs and surprising lows. I have had some fun tuning in and out the treble, mid and bass to get slightly different sounds. The 1st channel does not distort. I love the sound. For Vineyard Worship music this is great.

I have had no experience in this department. Guitar Center where I bought it has always been very customer focused.

I've been playing for about 14 months. I own a Fender DG20-2 and a Epiphone PR-250S and a Dean Markley Pro-Mag pickup. I would buy it again if lost or stolen. I love the sound. I compared on Harmony Central by reading the reviews for this and other acoustic amps. I choose this Amp for the price, features and low impedence mic input. It is all I need for small group worship which was my goal in picking up the guitar.