AER Introduces Tommy Emmanuel Signature Guitar Amp

German amp manufacturer AER: The Acoustic People and guitarist Tommy Emmanuel have formalized their relationship with the release of the new Compact TE signature acoustic guitar amp.The accomplished Australian fingerstyle player has long been an unofficial AER ambassador and one of the best-known users of the company's products. Over the years, Emmanuel has relied on a number of different AER amps and has recently incorporated the company's Colourizer sound-shaping preamp tool into his rig.

• "Our relationship with Tommy began organically several years ago. He has always played our amps 'as-is'," said AER President Udo Roesner. "No tweaks, no hidden secrets. So rather than piling on a list of additional features that Tommy himself has never relied on, we chose instead to give his amp a truly personal feel by incorporating tributes to several of his influences."
• The signature amp is based on AER's best-selling Compact 60, the 60W model used most often by Emmanuel.
• Aboriginal art etched into one side of the cabinet symbolizes Tommy's deep love for his homeland of Australia and its people, and in particular his connection to Aboriginal Australians.
• On the opposite side of the cabinet, Tommy's "TE" initials are carved into the cabinet as well as "CGP"—a tribute to Tommy's mentor Chet Atkins, who bestowed upon Tommy the honorable designation of Certified Guitar Player (C.G.P.). Tommy was one of only five guitarists ever to receive the distinction from Chet.
• In another subtle personal touch, AER has incorporated a reverb/delay effect setting from the Alesis Midiverb II, long used by Tommy, into the Compact TE's onboard effects section (in position 3). Additionally, contrary to the standard Compact 60, the DI Out signal will incorporate the effects. Finally, the gig bag strap features signature embroidery.
• The amp will begin shipping to North American retailers in mid-September 2016.

USA Suggested Retail Price: $1499

For more information, visit aer-amps.com.