In the race for great sounding acoustic amps at smaller sizes a new entry has emerged: the CUB AG-100 from American Acoustic Development by Phil Jones. Clocking in at 11 pounds and a size smaller than many school bags (6.5" x 11.8" x 12.5") the CUB delivers 100 watts in two 5" speakers.

How does it sound? In one word - great. With a frequency response of 80hz-15khz it covers pretty much anything an acoustic guitar will throw at it. I tried and listened to the CUB at Fazio's Frets and Friends (www.faziosmusic.com) a local store here in the St. Louis area. The amp, called a Micro-amp on the AAD website, filled the main showroom with sound, which is no small feat considering the size of the amp and the size of the showroom. Every note was crisp and clear and very warm. We tried everything from custom Breedlove acoustics to chambered body Rowan acoustic electric guitars.

The AG-100 takes the minimalist approach when it comes to controls featuring only four knobs: Level, Bass, Mid and Treble. There is a -10db switch for acoustics with active electronics to reduce any unwanted distortions. There is also an effects loop send and return, line out, tuner out (which can be used as an extra line out), an XLR balanced out and a ground lift switch. The amp is very stripped down not even offering the usually obligatory reverbs, delays and choruses. (Although I am noticing more and more musicians are foregoing built-in effects and choosing to bring their own.) Yet, interestingly enough, the CUB sounds very natural not really even needing reverb, I'm sure the room had something to do with it, but one of the staff at Fazio's had used the amp only days before on a solo fingerstyle gig and commented he didn't notice not having the reverb due to how natural the amp sounds.

While transporting the amp to take pictures I couldn't help but be amazed at how light the amplifier was and yet how well it projected and filled the room. The 5" speakers sounded very full and warm, not what we usually expect from speakers so small (although technology is always pushing the size boundary into smaller proportions). In playing the amp we noticed that, depending on the guitar, the sound could become bass heavy. This was easily remedied by fixing the EQ or by getting the CAB AG-100 off the floor and onto a chair or stool. At the weight and size of the amp I wish they would have included a mic stand adapter for it.

Now lets get to another good point…..the price. The AAD CUB AG-100 has a retail price of $608.00 and it includes a very nice gig bag. A nice package at a nice price.

Just a brief side note: If you aren't familiar with Phil Jones (the creator of this amp) maybe ask some of your bass paying buddies. Phil Jones Bass has been making micro-amps for bass players for a while. Check it out at http://www.philjonesbass.com.

So to summarize…light weight, portable, nice price with room filling warm sound, looks like a winner to me.

For more information about the CUB AG-100 visit http://www.aadsound.com/AG100.htm

Cool:

Not so Cool:

Overall rating:

Want your gear reviewed? Contact us at email@melbay.com