Yamaha THR5A Battery-Powered Combo Acoustic Guitar Amplifier 10-Watts

94
GEARANK

94 out of 100. Incorporating 800+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$210
Yamaha THR5A Battery-Powered Combo Guitar Amplifier 10W

Gearank High Notes

On October 18 2021 we announced the results of our annual analysis of guitar amp brands - Yamaha ranked #4.

Gearank Recommended

This appeared on our recommended list for Acoustic Amps from January 2019 until May 2022.

It was also included on our recommended list for Battery Powered Guitar Amps from January 2018 until June 2021 when it was removed due to being out-ranked by other amps.

Then in October 2022 its ratings were strong enough to go back on the list in the Equal Highest Rated position!

Rating Source Highlights

Website Source *Rating Value
Acoustic Guitar Magazine Doug Young 88/100
Music Radar Dave Burrluck 90/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm's adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Overview

Yamaha’s THR5A is an acoustic-focused battery powered guitar amp.

While other THR series amplifiers have varying amp models, on the THR5A these have been replaced with mic models.

Many guitar players dislike the sound of most undersaddle piezo pickups because of their tendency to sound "brittle" when amplified. The THR5A rectifies this by simulating the more natural sound of a miked up soundhole.

A blend knob enables you to mix the simulated mic sound with the direct piezo tone to achieve a balance of attack and body.

The "EG Cln" model on the other hand simulates an electric guitar clean tone and the blend knob becomes a gain knob.

We've seen reports of it being used not only by steel string acoustic-electric players, but also on acoustic-electric nylon string guitars including silent guitars.

Hearing your guitar sound as though it was processed through a pro studio rig with mics and effects adds a layer of excitement to playing, and the THR5A delivers on that.

Specifications

  • Power Rating: 10-Watts
  • Battery Life: 6-7 Hours
  • Power Source(s): 8 x AA Batteries or DC
  • Speaker: 2 x 3”
  • Controls: Mic Type, Blend/Gain, Master, Tone, Effect, Delay/Reverb, Volume, Tap Tempo/Tuner
  • Input(s): ¼”, AUX-IN, USB
  • Output(s): Headphones
  • Weight: 4.4 lbs
  • Dimensions: 10.7” x 6.5” x 4.7”

Demo

About the Author

Alexander BrionesAlexander Briones

I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.