BGRA: Acoustic USA 360 preamp head 361 powered cabinet

Manufacturer Acoustic USA Model 360 preamp head 361 powered cabinet
Reviewer Mike Page Email
Experience 32 Item owned Less than 1 month
Review Date 2010-04-12 Price paid $5,000.00 Retail
Dimensions54 x 24 x 18
Weight160
Power400 RMS
OtherPassive/active inputs Gain knob, Compressor knob, Growl and Level knobs, Mute Switch, Headphone out jack, Adjustable XLR balanced output with ground switch, pre/post EQ switch, Effects loop, Tuner output . Can control four powered cabinets
I feel fortunate that based on some shared acquaintances, I was allowed the opportunity to play through the new Acoustic USA 360 pre-amplifier head and 361 powered cabinet. The namesake of this current version ceased production almost 40 years ago and based on the great names that played through the predecessor to this amp; I had pre-conceived ideas as to what I should expect. Some adjectives are thrown around too casually but the new Acoustic amps and cabinets are truly amazing. They exude the spirit of a hand carved work of art, while possessing the precision of a machine assembled to MIL spec tolerances. Fit and finish are impeccable at all levels of detail. The eye candy factor is a huge as the graphics, color and contrast, chrome trim and design layout take you back to the coolest time in music history. The past meets the future, right now. G.P.G. engineered an amplifier for high-tech modern players, as well as old school purists.

The trend over the past several years has been to build smaller components for bass reproduction. By design, the new Acoustic USA 360 was created to deliver a full bodied bass sound naturally, as opposed to simply turning up the bass control knob. The sound is formed and projected as it was intended, at the instrument’s true resonant frequencies and is purely musical in nature. It is deep but defined, without the honky midrange generated by other cabinets of similar size. On stage, the signal embraces you as it reverberates up through your feet and grabs your soul, yet does not lose its presence in the distance. The sophisticated pre-amp processes a signal that was intended to be matched with the unique design of the powered cabinet. The results are unique and is the distinct experience of the new Acoustic USA 360. You just can’t get this from a 24 x 24 black box. Big blue is back. Long live the king!

Greatness does not happen by accident. G.P.G. Co devised the plan, raised the capital, gathered the right people together and meticulously selected the best materials and manufacturing techniques in order to resurrect the greatest bass amp in history, the Acoustic USA 360. Once launched, word will quickly spread as to what they have accomplished. These guys have made a real soul machine.

Once in a while, a product comes around that can change the way we approach music. The new Acoustic USA 360 has this kind of potential. It has not been re-issued, it has been re-born. You owe it to yourself to try this amp.

construction (100%)
Built solid. Built to last. No flimsy parts.
clarity (100%)
Remarkably clear.
versatility (100%)
volume (100%)
Loud and clear
value (100%)
overall (100%)
A great sounding amp, well built for generations to come.
The BGRA is generously underwritten by David King of Bass Guitar Systems.
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