ZT Lunchbox Acoustic Amp - Anyone tried it yet?

[Big Tony]

Looks very interesting.

http://www.ztamplifiers.com/products..._acoustic.html

Could this be used as a mini PA for coffee houses, or a small club? Don't know about the 6.5" speaker, but I've got a light weight 15" extension cab.

I would love to check one of these out!

/ Tony

[dragonfly66]

I have the electric version and it does get very loud and sounds quite full, not like a 6.5" speaker at all. I think the acoustic version is better because it has everything you need for practice AND gigging. The electric lunchbox lacks an efx loops and reverb which some must have. You'd have to move up to the Club version to get those features. The sound of the ZT Lunch is very good. I've played it next to my other electric amps and it has a good tone. It isn't a tube amp which is preferred, but sounds good.

You sure get a lot for the price. It might not have all of the effects that some other acoustic amps have, but it does have a very useful set of features. If I didn't have three acoustic amps already it would certainly be on my list.

The key though is the sound. If the electric Lunchbox is any indication the acoustic should be even better because they don't have to try to emulate a certain sound, they just have to amplify what is there. They are good at that.

I have an Ultrasound DS4 that I like, but it is not loud at all. I ended up getting the Fishman Loudbox 100 to use instead and I like that too. It is more transparent than the Ultrasound and obviously louder. If the ZT Lunchbox Acoustic was around a couple years ago it would have been hard to beat.

[stephent2]

I have one coming to me this week, I'll let you'all know.

[stephent2]

Received mine yesterday. Very nice package and smaller than it looks in pictures. I've used it with a Sunrise pickup and I've gotten it to sound very good, the EQ works well to shape the sound. Plenty of ins & outs for connection purposes. Reverb sounds very nice. Haven't used the mic input yet. The sound of the amp is very pleasing, not harsh by any means and clear.

I don't know if the ZT has enough juice to do a gig, it would have to be a small rm. I'll just have to try it next month on my acoustic gig and see. The ZT would work great as stage monitor and preamp for the PA.

[soultosoul13]

looks like it only has one XLR input??
would be nice to have two, one for vocal mic, one for guitar DI...

[stephent2]

Originally Posted by soultosoul13

looks like it only has one XLR input??
would be nice to have two, one for vocal mic, one for guitar DI...

The ZT has two channels, one intended for hi-z guitar type pickup and one for mic w/ a XLR and 1/4 inch input, the mic channel also has switchable phantom power. I plan on hooking up a guitar mic and blending the two signals, will report.

Originally Posted by Big Tony

Could this be used as a mini PA for coffee houses, or a small club? Don't know about the 6.5" speaker, but I've got a light weight 15" extension cab.

In a small coffee house or restaurant setting it could work nicely, particularly if it's a low volume/background music type of gig.

[soultosoul13]

*bumpity bump*

any new reports on this??

[FiddlinJim]

Yes, bumpity-bump! From reported experiences about the original Lunchbox, I'm surprised to hear comments about it only being "big" enough for small space. So, stephent2, any feedback, er, so to speak?

[River]

Message member StrangerNY for his input. He's had one for some time and uses it in some circumstances you might not expect (he gigs quite a bit).

[stephent2]

the 200 watts that ZT reports is a non-standard measurement, I don't know what the RMS specs would be. Remember the ZT has a 6.5 inch speaker, so you're not pushing a bunch of air. I won't be using mine until next months acoustic gigs at Fat Matts Rib Shack in Atlanta but I'll certainly report back.

[FiddlinJim]

Oh yeah, that'll be a good test, especially to find out if it is bbq sauce resistant!

[stephent2]

Originally Posted by FiddlinJim

Oh yeah, that'll be a good test, especially to find out if it is bbq sauce resistant!

I play with another acoustic player who plugs into a Fender amp and electric bass, so it should be a good test. Though I think the real test though is how resistant the ZT is to draft beer.

[Joe Bonner]

Here's a review:

http://www.guitar.com/articles/lunchboxing-after-dark

Oops. Misread the original post and didn't realize this was the Acoustic forum. Time for some coffee or something.

[Jeff_K]

Originally Posted by stephent2

the 200 watts that ZT reports is a non-standard measurement, I don't know what the RMS specs would be. Remember the ZT has a 6.5 inch speaker, so you're not pushing a bunch of air. I won't be using mine until next months acoustic gigs at Fat Matts Rib Shack in Atlanta but I'll certainly report back.

I've read that the real output is more like 130 watts RMS...still crazy loud for a 9 pound amp. I don't know what your acoustic model is like but my LB can't go past about 3/3 vol/gain for in home use if I have the ME50 clicked in. It's just insanely loud. I was just playing Zep's "Nobody's Fault But Mine" and it was plenty crunchy. You can't tell what size speaker is in there since it's so mind-numbingly loud. No way you'd guess it was just 6.5 inches though.

I'll read your real world review with interest. The acoustic model is intriguing with the extra input and the effects loop.

[jd1655]

Bringing this one back..

Has anyone tried the LB aAcoustic amp with electric guitar? Wondering how well it might take some sort of overdrive/distortion pedal for a mild level of drive. Not hard rock or metal..more blues type music related

Was thinking of getting the regular Lunchbox, but if the Acoustic version can do what I mention above I might just get that one as I would have all needs filled with one amp.