Wow, it's been exciting around here lately! We've got so much new stuff in, I just can't even keep up with it all. I've been having lots of fun playing with all the new toys, but at some point, I gotta get some work done, which means telling all you guys about the new goodies.
RedZone Guitar Works has recently become a dealer for AER amps. AER (Audio Electric Research) is a German company which makes extremely high-end acoustic amplifiers. Though not common in this area, they are quite popular in Nashville (and elsewhere in the world). Come to think of it, they're somewhat popular here, but for whatever reason, there are almost no dealers in this area for AER products.
I first fell in love with AER amps at the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show. It was there that I first heard Steve White performing with his acoustic guitar, playing only through a single AER amp. The sound and tone blew me away. These amps are quite small, but the fidelity and the sheer volume of sound they put out is positively stupefying! These things get really loud - easily loud enough to perform a typical singer songwriter gig, with no additional amplification, and lots of headroom to spare.
More importantly, AER amps have an incredibly natural or transparent sound. They sound like your guitar, only louder. They also sound great for vocals, and I'm told that in Europe, they are quite popular in the jazz community.
Depending on the model, they come with dual channels and some basic effects (reverb, flanger, etc.) built-in. The first one we received was an Alpha Plus model, which is a 50 watt combo with a master volume, 8" twin cone speaker, high impedance guitar input on channel 2 (gain, bass, middle, treble, digital reverb, color [mid cut, treble boost]), and a combined XLR/quarter inch high impedance input on channel one (24v phantom power, line/mic pushbutton switch, gain). Using this diminutive amp (weighing only 16.65 lbs!), you can easily do a typical coffee house gig or small party.
We've only just received a couple of Compact 60/2 models, which, in addition to having an extra 10 watts of power (for a total of 60 watts), also have tone controls on the vocal/multipurpose channel, reverb and flanger on both channels, and a level and pan control to control the effects mix.
All the AER amps come with an attractive and durable, padded gig bag. These things really are awesome. Come check 'em out if you get a chance.
The Alpha Plus lists for $1129, and typical street (discounted) price is $999. The Compact 60/2 lists for $1299, and street price is $1099. Our pricing is very competitive, and you won't find a better deal. Anywhere. Seriously. Call or come by. Ya gotta hear these things.