Fender Acoustic 100 amp Versus Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge

[@JohnEmery-jc3dh]

Thank you for the review. I really appreciate your approach and hearing the same riff on each amp. Makes it so easy to really hear the differences in each of the amps. I’m a Fender fan, but I think the Fishman wins for me. Loved hearing you play as well!

[@gair1944]

Thank you for listening and sharing the things that make this amp Comparison meaningful. That helps me know what others find most valuable. Glad it helped!

[@bmoore5868]

just bought the Fender based on collective reviews alone which I rarely do but the price was right and the reviews were consistently good.. thanks for this review

[@gair1944]

You’re very welcome! I hope you love it

[@guitarswh]

Compared both in store today. Bought the Fender. Got it home and it sounds best with my 000-28 w/Baggs Anthem SL, when the amp is off the floor. The Fender has a ton of bass. Had to roll back almost all of the bass control and add some mid for a balanced sound. Great video 👍

[@gair1944]

Glad this was helpful. The Fender brings a lot of value and a nice full sound.

[@DaMaxchi]

Thorough, informative and executed well so that the nuances of each amp could be heard. I play acoustic guitar simply as a hobby and have been thinking of purchasing an amp. Your video was not only useful in hearing how these 3 amps perform but I also enjoyed your thought process in evaluating them. To my "amateur" ear, the Fishman was best at reflecting what the guitar had to offer, while the other two amps seem to embellish the guitar sound towards a more performance oriented nature. Not sure if that makes sense...but that's what I heard. Great review!!!

[@gair1944]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@terryfitzpatrick5602]

Have both a older Fishman (non battery model) and a Bose S1 Pro . I had sold my original Fishman Mini when I got the Bose. Missed that natural sound so much I bought a used Mini. The Bose I love for the vocals and how handy it is.

[@rickheroux3694]

Thanks for the review! Been researching various acoustic amps. Fishman has always been on the possible list (Loudbox mini), 60w. Point taken on the limitation, never picked up on that. Fender sounds good! Interestingly, I chose the Fishman over the Fender while testing at Guitar Center. You’ve got me thinking about the Fender again! I also play a Martin acoustic. Thanks for sharing and providing some valuable input!

[@Gratefulman1965]

I liked all three for different reasons and these three are pretty much the best regarding acoustic amps. As for best all around to my ears, I purchased the Loud box Mini ( Non charge model) to my ears I find it to be the best all around of the three you have demoed here. Thanks!

[@erinikeuchi6447]

Great video. Ive been looking for an acoustic amp and have little experience with mixing. This is the most helpful video I’ve seen. Thank you.

[@gair1944]

Hey thanks for the nice words! I'm glad this was helpful. It's highly valuable to do A-B comparisons to hear the differences between different amps, guitars, or whatever. Cheers!

[@mervpetrachenko4618]

Fender all the way. Going to buy one on friday. Had a Fishman and hardly used it. The Mic channel just stopped working for some unexplained reason.. Have to replace the whole component inside. Seems to be a common occurance. Going to lick my wounds trade ir for not much and get the Fender 100 which sounds great to me.

[@CravenStudiosArt]

I agree with you Gairman about the vocal channel on the Fishman. I have used the loudbox mini for playing out live and really like it (small venues/care homes etc) I really do like the Bose L1 (pro 8) in tandem with the loudbox mini and those two make for a great small-medium gig venue combo for a duo. BTW- you inspired me to get the Bose. Thanks!

[@gair1944]

Thanks for sharing your insight. I use my Bose L1 Pro 8 for all my acoustic gigs. It is in a different league than these smaller acoustic amps however.

[@jconner3891]

I love the fender and actually going to get on now. Thanks

[@gair1944]

Thanks for listening. Please subscribe to the channel if you haven't yet done so. I need one more subscriber to hit 3K!

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

It also often comes down to price and features. For my use I went with a Fender A40 and do not regret it at all.

[@cchan11cc]

Speaker size greatly matters on sonic strength for a neutral preqmp for an instrument. I like the 2x8 conf with tweeter amp sound

[@letsridehard]

I own the Fender 100 and wanted a Fishman so decided to get the new Fishman micro (40w). That little amp sounds incredible and for home use I believe it gives me a better sound and tone than the bigger Fender. It’s become my primary amp for home use.

[@paulopinheiro8126]

Thanks mate, awesome demo of all three amps. Loved the Fishman, I find it so warm it's almost irresistible. I would love to see one video dedicated to the Fishman only where you'd play your guitar and also sing into the amp. Thanks again

[@gair1944]

I actually sold the Fishman loudbox Mini and bought the Fishman loudbox Artist that is more powerful and has a bigger speaker and separate tweeter for highs

[@randphillipsmusic]

Very helpful. You play great. It all sounded so good.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad it was useful

[@jafozdz]

Thank You again - great comparison.

[@hornet224]

The Fender 100 has a cleaner brighter bigger sound. It has a horn tweeter and 8" driver.

[@gair1944]

I agree the Fender does sound bigger and richer.

[@larrydering1598]

Gary, really no bad choice here. I have the Fender and it sounds awesome. I have the Roland AC90 & AC60, a Shertler Jam 100 and the older Crate CA125. Each had their day as a 1st choice at it's time. My outboard preamps are the Baggs Venue, Fishman Aura Spectrum, and a Palmer acoustic preamp. All good stuff with a purpose. I quite like the Roland AC series when used with a bass amp or powered sub. Nice option and big tone. The Fender is a decent amp with good depth and bass. I have yet to own a Fishman Loudbox or play one. Not available in my area. 1st one I seen was the mini and I didn't try it because it looked so tiny. My loss. This was an excellent presentation and comparison of amps. All worked well with your guitar. I like the bass on the Bose but I'm not a Bose fan. It would depend on how reliable tyese are in a live setting and long-term use. Thanks for sharing this.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for sharing your insight Larry. Good info. I mostly use the Bose S1 Pro as a floor monitor. It’s great for that application and the battery makes it even more user friendly.

[@didamnesia3575]

The mini is definitely better than the size would have you believe, but the fishman artist and performer are both even better

[@demotics2005]

Thank you for the video. It helped me pick the one suitable for me. I wish though that you tested it with finger picking. I wonder how they would differ when finger picked. Anyway this is very informative. Thanks a lot

[@gair1944]

I'm nota great fingerstylist. I'm sure it would sound great. Maybe even better

[@shatnershairpiece]

Can this amp be used with electric guitar with distortion pedal? I never use an acoustic.

[@gair1944]

I don't recommend this amp for electric guitar with distortion pedals. But to my ears most acoustic guitar amps don't sound great with distortion pedals. It's easier to overdrive and over extend the small speaker in the mini charge. If you keep things low volume it would work but they sound a little unnatural with drive pedals in my experience. I upgrade to the Fishman Loudbox Artist and it works better since it has an 8" speaker.

[@shatnershairpiece]

@@gair1944 thanks. I had a loud box mini. I also tried their battery operated version on the street but the battery life was terrible. I barely got two hours out of it.

[@simonandthelyricalpoets]

I'll have that lovely tune going around my head all day! This was a very relaxing review to watch, and all three amps sound great. Although I have the Acoustasonic 100 myself, I would rate as follows: 1. Bose 2. Fishman 3. Fender However, there's not much in it between 2 and 3. The Bose sounds more natural than the other two. New subscriber here, all the best, Simon

[@gair1944]

Thanks for your comments. I actually upgraded the fish and loudbox mini to a Fishman Loudbox Artist. It has twice the power of the mini and has an 8” woofer and a separate tweeter instead of the 6.5” coaxial speaker in the mini

[@Hrcak1]

@Hrcak1 0 seconds ago I’m playing only front of family and few friends. I don’t want use pick up, just microphone for singing and acoustic guitar. That means I need two microphones. Any advice, acoustic amp or PA and which one? Many thanks.

[@jeffbellin8224]

Again, and I've said this in other videos, the Bose seems less harmonically complex, as though smoothed over. It may have more headroom than the others, but the midrange suffers. Having both the S1 Pro+ and Mini Charge at home currently for audition, I find the monitor position with the Bose more balanced.

[@001mladen]

Loudbox mini, normal version no battery, is for me the best amp. Small, strong, nice design, portable and huge sound.

[@gair1944]

I love the tone of the Loudbox Mini (either version). They are very natural sounding. Incredibly. nice amps. I definitely preferred the Fishman Loudbox Mini over the Fender I demoed here.I am now using a Loudbox Artist. the extra power and larger speaker and added features on each channel have become invaluable to me for gigging.

[@markthackway274]

there is a richness in the Fishman that isn't as apparent in the other 2. Interestingly enough, I'm on the hunt for an amp that can replace a small pa in a room that can hold up to 100 noisy folks. Looking at the Fishman Performer. now you have me thinking about a smaller Fishman - Great vid - thanks

[@gair1944]

I had a Fishman Performer several years ago and gigged a lot with that. I only replaced it because I moved to Taller/large Bose L1 towers. The Performer was great!

[@Keithphotorama]

The guitar player decides which amp they want, but I wonder if the surrounding audience will notice any differences?

[@gair1944]

I think the answer to that question is usually no. Audiences respond to the songs being played and how well they are played. The quality of tone is for the msuician. The more I am inspired by good sound, the more passionate my performance is.

[@rickeydenler4272]

The Fishman has such a great sound I own the Fishman Artist 120 watts 2 channel with 8 inch woofer and tweeter I haven't played in any room this thing wouldn't fill up what sound I bought it about 10 years ago for $500 now i see there $800 it's rock solid as far as the sound and functionality the vinyl tolex covering did not hold up at all I took mine off painted it that exact color will oil bass enamel it's held up great if I'm play outside or in a huge place and plugging into a PA I use the DJ out which gives you all the effects in the signal as you send it to the PA I've had so many compliments on the sound of my guitar and vocals I absolutely love this amplifier I didn't think the fender even come close in sound quality or bose the aer made in germany will compete has great sound but 1500 dollars was out of my price range when I bought my tailor and I was looking for a really good amp I tried them all how about the Fishman

[@genobourn7423]

I am a Jazz Man and I play in the company as Earl Klugh, Peter White and Ken Navarro- SMOOTH! So I like the Fender!. When I make a statement my finger picking is clear and not edgy. For my taste and comfortable for me. Also it can be the guitars I am using. ( Godin Multiac Nylon Deluxe and Cordoba GK Pro Negra, Cordoba 12. So maybe that is rhe difference.

[@LucaOrtega656]

Thank you for this video.

[@gair1944]

My pleasure. I hope it was helpful. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@stuartburns8192]

An outstanding and extremely useful video. Thank you. Are Fishmans unreliable? That’s my choice but worried re comments here. Is the Artist any more reliable?

[@gair1944]

@@stuartburns8192 my artist has been solid for the past couple years

[@BrokenGString]

Can you please help me by explaining how you got the tags off of the fender 100? I just got mine and im struggling with taking them off and its bugging me. Thanks

[@gair1944]

Its been so long I honestly don't remember if I had any trouble with the tags or not. Sorry I can't offer any suggestions.

[@nelson1953]

The fender is more Hi-Fi if you lower the bass a bit.

[@DjNikGnashers]

The Fender sounds brighter but thinner. It sounds good but just lacks that full natural sound. The Fishman sounds a little coloured but in a nice way, really nice sound more mids and bass, and has a more pleasant acoustic tone. The Bose sounds bassier, but just a little muddy, without the clarity of either of the other two. I use a Fishman artist, and it has a very rich sound, really nice, plus twice the volume of the mini.

[@gair1944]

I agree, I returned the Fender and have since sold the Fishman Loudbox Mini and replaced it with the Fishman Loudbox Artist. I absolutely LOVE the Artist.

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@gair1944 Yes mine is perfect for small to medium rooms, and with clever use of the EQ, a guitar and mic combo can really sound very good indeed. I think the artist is the best option at that power/size, and the performer doesn't really gain anything, it's not 'that' much louder, the sound isn't any better, and it seems to have had a lot of failures, where the artist is reliable. It's the sweet spot 🙂

[@marksmith7789]

I have actually done a solo gig with the Fender 100w and it was fantastic, for the price it's amazing, but, and it's a big but, why oh why Fender didn't put a master volume on the amp I'll never understand. All three of these amps sound great on the vid to be honest and it's hard to choose one for home studio work but for gigging it would be the Fishman purely because of the master volume. Having said all that though the amp I'm about to buy is the Boss Acoustic Singer Pro, it's an amazing amp.

[@gair1944]

@@marksmith7789 I actually upgraded to the Fishman Loudbox Artist and us the DI out to run a QSC K8.2. Stunning portable system that out punches it’s weight class

[@ttaurus393]

Thanks for this video you really know your stuff. you make all three amps sound amazing. I own the Fishman and couldn't agree with you more on the vocals and also own 2 of the the Bose s1. The bose s1 is my go to because of the clean clear vocals. And I use a boss ve8 for a better guitar sound. Again great video thanks for sharing.

[@gair1944]

Glad to help! You sound pretty dialed in as well. Thanks for the kind words

[@stuartmorton662]

How about testing an AER?

[@gair1944]

There are no AER amps in my area. I’d love to try one. I am now using a Fishman Loudbox Artist. It has more power and a better sounding seconding channel for Vocala.

[@kevinbaird2527]

Set those amps on the ground for better sound. I bought an amp stand and put my Fishman LB Performer on it. But when at music stores using same amp noticed sounded much better. Figured out amp needs to interact with the surface of the floor. Went home and put amp on floor and wow what a difference.

[@gair1944]

Great insight Kevin. Because of the size of my small home studio this is the only place they fit so I just went with it. I’ll try the floor position on your suggestion. I sent the fender acoustic 100 back however. But I own the Bose S1 Pro and Fishman Loudbox mini charge. I’ll give those a try.

[@yongyea4147]

4 on the floor

[@bourgoineric8492]

Bonjour c’est quoi comme modèle de Bose...? Merci de me répondre

[@gair1944]

That is a Bose S1 Pro.

[@elclubdewallace3770]

Which one has more power?

[@gair1944]

The fender 100 has more power and as bigger speaker

[@mjnrfcbm1900]

Hey Gary! Nice video you did! Btw…. What you suggest is the best Amp for Guitar + Vocals to play on Live Shows? … Also, I’m looking for an Amp that makes the Lows of the guitar more surrounding!…. I play Country Rock, Blues and Folk music….. so that’s kinda my profile of the sound I’m looking for. I’d really appreciate your perspective 🙏🏼 Cheers!

[@gair1944]

I gig with a Bose L1 pro 8. Highly recommended!

[@giovancastro9518]

I like the BOSE .. a true sound.

[@dgrassey]

Well done.

[@mbhunter2011]

In order I prefer the Fishman the fender than the bose. The Fishman has a nice warm tone overall.

[@gair1944]

I agree the Fishman has a natural warm sound.

[@michaelsmoot8726]

Thxs...very good demo

[@gair1944]

Glad it helpful! Thanks for stopping by

[@davidmurphy4844]

Interesting comparison. I have the Bose and I quite like it. Mainly use it as a monitor for open mics.

[@gair1944]

I use the Bose S1 Pro as a monitor all the time. Works great!!

[@MeeeVsWeee]

@1:40 fender vs @2:55 fishman

[@smacker360]

Bose l1 or pro 8 combined with a Voice Live 3 or 3 extreme is unbeatable.

[@gair1944]

I agree. I gig with a pair of Bose L1 Pro 8’s

[@eolden7749]

I have tried and owned both. The Bose S1 is way better than either. Ive had two Loud Boxes. Both quit two years to the date of the warranty. Tried the Fender in a store and it sounded so bad it was embarrassing. It might be a good bedroom amp. I play the S1 straight up on the volumes and it does any size gig. No clipping no tinny distorting.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I also had issues with the Mini and got it fixed and sold. I did however upgrade to the Fishman Loudbox Artist and it sounds great. I use the DI out to feed Bose S1 Pro plus depending on venue. That works incredibly well.

[@eolden7749]

To add. I have gigged with the loudbox. I could never gig with the Fenders.

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@gair1944 I agree, I use an artist and the sound is really rich and full, with plenty of volume for medium sized rooms.

[@gair1944]

@@DjNikGnashers I sold the Loudbox Mini and upgraded to the Artist. When I need more, I run the DI out from the Artist into a QSC K8.2 powered speaker and it projects the Fishman LB Artist sound every further and wider. Great stuff

[@marceloravelotroiano8880]

I like better the Fender.

[@didamnesia3575]

Today, I tried the Fender against the Fishman mini, the artist, and the performer today at a nicely appointed guitar center. All were on the hardwood floor. Using a 20' cable, I listened both up close and at the other end of the room. First: i own 3 fender guitar amps, a rumble 500, a 65 dlx reverb, and a vibroverb. Plus, other amps. So i am not a fender hater. The fender is warm, has too much bass, lacks definition, and doesn't have some bells and whistles that the fishmans have. The fishmans are all much brighter and clear. The mini had a strange harmonic coming through possibly due to being in the high-end acoustic room with so many other guitars. The mini also made an electronic popping noise both with and without the cable plugged in when turned on and off. The artist and the performer were significantly nicer than the mini. The performer has a much better tone and timbre throughout the range, probably due to it being a 3-way design. I went with the performer, and now i dont need to ever shop for another acoustic amp. 1 and done. If cost is a significant factor, the mini is still better than the fender and it is smaller at the same price point. All of them had feedback if i got close, but the fishmans have a channel mute, and can mute with the addition of a footswitch. The fishmans are better amps. The fender is not a bad amp. It just wasnt for me

[@gair1944]

Great info thank you. I sold my Mini and have been using a Fishman Loudbox Artist and I run the DI Out to an extension speaker. Lately, it's a QSC K8.2, or Bose S1 Pro Plus or an Electrovoice Everse 8. That gives me a super portable system that outperforms its size. It also gives me great personal monitoring as I head the same mix the audience is getting. I do want to revisit the Performer. I will add there are times when all I need is the Artist and it is so user friendly and fast to dial in a good sound. Lastly, the anti-feedback notch control on the Fishman Loudbox amps has been a lifesaver. I use it a lot *when needed.

[@didamnesia3575]

​@@gair1944 thank you for sharing your knowledge/experience on the monitor setup. I'll definitely check those out. I assume you are using the monitor for vocals and the Fishman for guitar? Or are you running both vocal/instrument signal into the Fishman then to bose together as your PA?

[@gair1944]

@ I am not running one as a monitor. I place one on each side of me and 6 feet back typically. Then I hear both speakers. The PA speaker gets the signal from the Fishman Loudbox Artist and offers an other level of projection and dispersion. So the small system lets me hear the over all mix quite nicely. It’s been working great.

[@didamnesia3575]

I'll add I really only went for the performer over the artist because of the minor difference in timbre and response since it is a 3-way vs 2-way in the artist. Nothing wrong with the artist and for some people the smaller size of the artist is probably a selling point. 10 lbs less is significant if the back is acting up.

[@didamnesia3575]

@gair1944 that sounds like a great setup with excellent dispersion

[@PhillProbst]

The Fishman wins that shootout. The Fender has an annoying "buzzy" quality to the sound. I have the same Fishman amp myself, as well as a Roland AC-33 and a Centaur A440. I would, however, have given the Fishman a touch more treble boost in this comparo.

[@beormime]

Great job. Tk

[@gair1944]

Thank you for stopping by and for the nice comment.

[@DemskePaul2017]

I"m pretty pissed off at Fishman. I used it twice and the battery is dead. You have to take the entire amp apart just to replace the battery which is only going to last 2 years on average. Secondly, the guitar channel is completely gone. Non functional. Only the mic channel works. This after only 2 uses and having been in my closet for a year unused. Having investigated several forums, this is not an isolated incident.

[@sdriza]

happened to me also - no love from them

[@Handle-q6x]

I think he likes the fender.

[@gair1944]

I did like the Fender Acoustic 100 but I actually returned it and I sold the Loudbox mini. I got a fishman Loudbox Artist that is working out ideally for my needs of great sound, portable and natural acoustic sound.

[@ghostofwindybill]

I have both apps Fishman and Fender I prefer the fish man a 100% My Fishman beats them all And down

[@gair1944]

I agree as well

[@Nazman06]

I had the Fender 100 for 1 day. It is weak..no power..

[@mchillin]

Fishman over the Fender. The Fender is too much bass (I love my bass but that Fender has too much). Fishman over the Bose (Bose has a boxy sound). That's just my ears talking!

[@gair1944]

100% agree.

[@Paulcarlinmusic]

I had the fender, got rid of it for the fishman mini charge. Fishman is far and above a better sound/amp.

[@gair1944]

@@Paulcarlinmusic I couldn't agree more. Fishman sounds so natural and musical. Perfectly voiced for my needs.

[@Paulcarlinmusic]

@@gair1944 it really is fantastic

[@nelson1953]

I have one too and it's true a little less bass would be better.

[@geirandreassen2894]

Guess this is the sound recorded into some recording software and not the real sound in the room. Thats not a real comparison. Many socalled tests are done like this. Its kind of a scam really.

[@poochz2]

That makes no sense. Unless you’re in his house, ALL review sounds go through recording software! That’s why you can hear it.

[@didamnesia3575]

They have direct outs.

[@stuartmorton662]

Bose for me seemed best. More balanced. Other two too bright… love your playing

[@gair1944]

Thanks for the kind words. The new Bose S1 Pro + with more Tone match settings is even better. I’ll make a comparison video of the old Bose S1 to the new.

[@dannywoody5497]

Fishman

[@adrianmcgrath1984]

I prefer the Fishman - and have one. I’ve gigged with someone using the Fender. The design of the Fender makes no sense to me. The Fender seems to have surrendered any attempt to be easily transportable, but gives nothing in return. While Fishman are not renowned for the durability of some of their finishes, with no handle and the big bare wood cheeks I would expect some kind of benefit to its design. There is none. It seems designed to appeal to lawyers and accountants

[@didamnesia3575]

The fender will look nice in the living room to non musicians. The fishman looks great to musicians

[@Neil-Jones]

Not trying to rag on anybody but the recording device is over modulating. Both amps sound terrible.

[@augustinm.c5888]

Jajajajaja xd?

[@jconner3891]

Ok nobody

[@didamnesia3575]

​@@jconner3891 don't be like that