See the video review of the AAD Cub AG-100

The ongoing trend toward more portable acoustic-guitar amplification shows little sign of abating, which is welcome news for players keen on saving their backs and keeping tone control within arm's reach. The Cub AG-100 amplifier from American Acoustic Development, LLC (AAD) takes this trend to the next level, with a splendid-sounding but diminutive 100-watt amplifier that weighs only 11.5 pounds.

AAD was founded by Phil Jones, a designer of high-end speaker systems that are used by everyone from dedicated stereophiles to Abbey Road studios. At the helm of Phil Jones Bass, he developed a line of bass amplifiers that combine excellent portability with uncompromised sound. With the Cub, Jones has set out to do the same for acoustic guitarists.

CLEAN AND SIMPLE

The small size and light weight of the Cub is striking, even if you've seen photos and read the specs. The narrow profile—no wider than most acoustic guitar cases—makes the unit extremely easy to pick up and carry, and the padded carrying case makes the task even easier. With a pair of five-inch speakers barely visible through the front grill, the Cub looks more like a small bookshelf speaker than a guitar amplifier.

All controls are located on the back, creating a clean, uncluttered appearance. The inconspicuousness of the controls does present a few initial challenges though. The control set—which includes small knobs for volume, bass, mid, and treble—is very closely spaced. And if players place the amplifier behind them (as most do to better monitor the sound coming out of the amp), the knobs are both impossible to see and difficult to adjust by feel. The layout addresses this drawback by placing the level control slightly higher and to the left of the EQ controls, so a little practice makes it easier to navigate the knobs without visual reference. It would definitely be wise, however, to familiarize yourself with the layout before using the amplifier onstage.

Once you've learned how to navigate the Cub's control set by feel, its minimalist approach becomes a welcome departure from the complicated knob arrays you see on some bigger amps. A single input can be switched between line level and a -10 dB cut. There are also line-out and tuner outputs, a balanced XLR DI out (that enables you to send the amp's signal to a PA while using the Cub as a stage monitor), and an effects send and return. A ground-lift switch and power switch complete the feature set.

LITTLE AMP, BIG TONE

It is easy to be skeptical about the tone of an amplifier this small. But Jones clearly knows a bit about getting big bass from small enclosures, and the sound is remarkably warm and deep. Even with no effects, the rich, warm tone made playing through the Cub a pleasure. Three EQ controls provide 15 dB of boost or cut and enough tone-shaping capability to make the amp useful in a number of musical styles. I was easily able to dial in a wide range of sounds from deep bass to a warm jazzy tone to a bright, ringing acoustic rhythm. And the amplifier sounded equally good with three OMs equipped variously with an L.R. Baggs Element undersaddle pickup, a K&K soundboard transducer, and a Fishman Rare Earth magnetic pickup with the appropriate EQ tweaks.

The Cub remains completely clean even when turned up all the way, which is moderately loud. But even though the Cub is rated at 100 watts, don't expect the volume of a 100-watt electric-guitar tube amplifier. In fact, I was fairly comfortable playing the Cub at full volume in my living room. It was loud, but probably didn't scare any of my neighbors and was exceptionally resistant to feedback—all of which makes the Cub a most forgiving and capable amp for a solo guitarist in a coffee house, restaurant, or small club. The line out also allows the Cub to function as a stage monitor, while feeding a house system in larger venues. Given the Cub's small size and modest price, it's not hard to imagine using a pair of them to provide more volume or coverage for a larger venue.

THE WRAP

The Cub is an impressive package for those who prefer a simple, clean-sounding amp that emphasizes function and tone more than bells and whistles. With just a single channel and no mic input, the Cub is more suitable for solo guitarists than for performers who also sing. But with its warm, rich sound and amazing portability, the Cub will be a perfect fit for guitarists who like to travel light and let their playing do the talking.