Fishman Loudbox

Basic controls, just the way I like it. That makes it easy to use and dial in a good sound.
My thinking is that it's better to have a good, usable sound than to have million options that all sound so-so. I generally dislike an overly processed digital type sound. I want to hear wood and strings vibrating together (not cheezwhiz oozing from the grill).
The reverb is subtle and sounds nice; just don't expect Fender surf sounds.
The feedback sweep notch filter is very effective to kill a problematic frequency.
The phase switch I've never had to use. It sounds good with it activated or not, so I just leave it off.
The extra Brilliance knob gives an interesting character to the top end that is different than just cranking up the treble knob. It's hard to describe, but used in conjunction with the High EQ knob, it's easy to get a very sweet top end sound that is not harsh.
The three-position tilt-back brace is easy to use, solid and very good for positioning the amp as an on-stage monitor. I always tilt it back to hear it better and for better sound dispersion to the audience.

For features I'll give it an 8, since it would be nice to have a mic input to take advantage of all the power and clarity this amp offers. It's also freakishly HEAVY. If it was 20 lbs lighter or had built-in luggage style wheels with a telescoping handle, I'd give it a 9.

The key words with this amp are clarity and power. It has so much more of both than any other acoustic guitar amp I've ever played through (SWR, Fender, Roland, Marshall, etc.). It super-responsive to playing dynamics and has huge, solid bass which never farts out. I think you could use this for stand-up bass if you wanted to. It will feedback with the instrument way before you will ever hear the amplifier or the speakers distort. It's really remarkable how loud it will get and still sound balanced and natural. It must be due to the three amps and speakers sharing the work.

I primarily play an early 1990s nylon string Takamine C128 equiped with a factory-installed on-board preamp and under-saddle piezo pickups through this amp in live performances at loud restaurants and intimate clubs. Typically, I use the amp as an on-stage monitor and run an line out direct to the board from the XLR jack on the back of the amp. Before I got the Takamine I'd been playing a Prudencia-Saez nylon string guitar with K&K Classic transducers installed ( those pickups required no preamp...they had plenty of output and very warm, flattering sound without one). Both guitars sound excellent through the Loudbox, though it takes a bit more effort to eliminate the quack of the piezos, but it's possible to get a nice, warm sound even with the older electronics. Honestly, I prefer the K&K pick-up to the Takamine's saddle piezo, but the Prudencia-Saez itself was no match for the Takamine, which is just a much more present and lively guitar.
I've also played my Guild steel-string acoustic through the LBox (though not in performance situations) and it sounds *just like* the guitar, only louder. This amp really does not color the sound of the guitar; it just amplifies it while allowing you to equalize to taste. If you have a good sounding guitar (and good taste), it will sound through this amp.
It sounds so much better than anything else out there that I've tried, I have to give it a 10.

I bought this amp in pristine used condition from a private party. Since then I've gigged with it a couple of times per month and used in rehearsals for several years and never had a problem. I hope I never do 'cos I'm sure the tri-amp configuration would be expensive to repair.
The only backup I take with me is an LL Baggs direct box. If this amp ever craps out I'll just run my guitar straight into the board from that.

Never needed it.

I'm very happy with this amp.
The only negative thing about it is the weight. That, combined with its cube shape, makes it a real bitch to carry. If you will be moving this amp any further than 40 feet on a regular basis, you will need a collapsible hand cart.

About a month ago when I was looking to purchase an
acoustic guitar amp I made the mistake of buying a different'
amp because I thought the other amp was a better value since
it came with two channels and 99 effects presets. However, the
novelty of all those bells and whistles wore off within
the first few hours and I was left with the disapointment of
realizing that the amp had no juice. It barely irritated my
wife who was downstairs watching TV. This would not do.
Since in addition to the above the amp also had some
functional problems I was back at the Guitar Center the next day
exchanging it for the "Loudbox" and am I glad I did. This amp is
properly named and it does what I need. This thing is as loud or
louder than my electric combo amps. The benefit of the volume and
far outweighs the trade off of not having a second channel for voice
or on board digital effects.
This seems like a high rating for an amp that basically has few extras. But in this case I think the features are less important
than the obvious fact that this is problably one of the few acoustic
amps that really amplifies.

Im playing a Martin DC Aura through this amp and I'm now
convinced they were pretty much made for each other. The amp is
silent and transparent leaving the on board Aura system to supply
the versatility. I don't use effects units much. However I am
using an Alesis Nano verb through the effects loop in order to add
just a touch of chorus.The six mike settings on the guitar electronics give me all the tonal variety I'll ever need. I can't
emphasise enough how great the Fishman Aura system sounds with this
amp. What impresses me most is how the amp holds its sound at all
volume levels. It holds its presents even at low volumes.

I havn't owned the amp long enough to really know. However, it
seems to be built solid. The one observation I would make here is
that the Tolex skin seems a bit thin and I wonder how it would
hold up under road conditions. Also Fishman might consider breaking
down and putting some better quality knobs on what is otherwise
a class act.

N/A

I had originally purchased a Behringer and Exchanged it
the the Loudbox even though the Behringer had many mor features
and cost about $150.00 less. Since I already own a PA system
for vocals and a Nanoverb for effects those weren't that important
to me. I'm giving the amp a high overall rating because it's a
strait forward quality product that does what it claims to do.

I bought this amp around christmas time in 2005, and it has been great ever since. As far as features go, there really aren't many. It has the usual bass-mid-treble combo, but it also has an antifeedback knob, a brilliance control, reverb, and a handy mute button. It only has one input, but then you should only need one anyway. On the back of the amp is an xlr output and an effect send. The amp only gets an 8 because there aren't many features, and its freaking heavy.

The sound is nothing short of amazing. This is the first acoutic amplifier that actually sounds like my guitar. I have a d-28 with a fishamn natural II pickup, and you would not believe how clean it sounds. It has all the horsepower you would ever need, and the reverb is very very smooth. This is the only acoustic amp you should ever buy, unless you are buying a more power fishman amp.

Its built like a tank, and has never given me and trouble. I use it 2-3 times a week for several hours, and its awesome. I know I should get a back up, but I am seriously never going to use one. I wish all manufactures made amplifiers this well.

n/a

Seriously, don't buy any other acoustic amp. Don't get an acousticsonic, a trace elliot, a roland, or antying else. Once you play on a fishman amp, you will understand why it has won so many awards. The only negative drawback is that the amp weigh around 65 lbs. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but it is so boxy that it becomes difficult to carry from the handle.

The only thing I don't like about this amp is that there is no separate channel for mics or etc. The feedback filter is amazing on this amp, and amazingly easy to use. Doesn't have any other adjustables though...No chorus or anything. But I guess that's what pedals are for. I use this amp at church, festivals, and concerts. It is SO LOUD. It will almost knock pictures off the wall (please don't try it though, I'm not saying it would never bust the speaker).

I love the sound. It is rich and full. You can tell it has the power to push every detail of your guitar to the limits. Not really good if you're a bad player though, because just about every mistake will be blasted to the masses. I play acoustic rock, kinda like Dave Matthews or John Mayer. It's perfect soundwise.

As far as I know, it is very reliable. Like I said earlier, I take it everywhere and I've never had a problem with it. Of course, I treat it like it's my second-born (first-born being my Korg Triton). It feels very solidly built. The metal grill on the front is very strong and sturdy. Not some cheap crap they threw together.

I haven't had to call them.

The only thing, and I mean the ONLY thing, keeping this amp from getting a 10 from me is the lack of multiple input channels. I wish it had some built-in effects, but it's not that important. If I lost it or if some punk stole it (God forbid) I would instantly purchase another one. I considered buying the Marshall AS50R, but the guy where I bought it said, "if you have your heart set on that Marshall, don't even plug into that Fishman." Needless to say, the rest is history. If you're thinking of getting an acoustic amp, look no further than this one.

Simple features, that deliver the goods!

Gamboa classical and Tacoma steel.
Various styles of music
Great noise to ratio
sound is straight forward no tricks just power and clarity

The amp is very reliable it's built like a tank.

very nice people @ fishman they respond very quickly if you have any questions.

If my loudbox was stolen I would surely buy another one. I tried SWR but it wasn't very good. Ialso tried AER but it's way over priced.
Fishman has a good reputation and builds great acoustic pickups, I trust them with their products. Great job Fishman!!!!

250 watts triamped
8" woofer
4" midrange
2x1" tweeter
Gave it a 7 for features because of the lack of a seperate mic channel....although from what I've heard this was to keep the price down.

Use a Martin HD28 w/ RMC pickup system and Chandler delay. It has a clean, full sound and handles feedback very well. The sound may not be as good as a high end PA but it is satisfactory if you consider where this unit shines---VOLUME. This sucker is the loudest acoustic amp I've heard yet. It actually rattles the walls on 4 or 5. If you are looking for an all in one combo unit for acoustic guitar, and especially if you are playing with other musicians (i.e. a drummer) this will definetely cut through the mix. The pickup system I'm using is better than most typical under the saddle pickups though.

Only had it a few months but it is built pretty solid. Metal grill over the speaker. I would guess I probably won't have any problems