Pre-owned Buscarino Chameleon Speaker System

Excellent condition. Functions as it should. Includes cover. 

The Buscarino Chameleon is a high-fidelity, dual-mode speaker system designed by luthier John Buscarino to accurately amplify both acoustic and electric guitars without compromise. Unlike standard guitar amps, it functions as a full-range reference monitor that adapts its voicing based on the instrument connected.

The Chameleon was created because Buscarino could not find an existing speaker that faithfully reproduced the nuances of his custom archtop, flat-top, and electric guitars simultaneously. The system utilizes a proprietary 8-inch coaxial speaker paired with a custom crossover designed by loudspeaker engineer Vance Dickason. 

The cabinet is constructed from 15-ply Baltic birch plywood for rigidity and light weight (23 lbs), finished with a rugged polyurethane spray coating rather than traditional vinyl or tolex.  Its compact dimensions (14" H x 11.5" W x 8.5" D) include a recessed handle, rubber feet angled back 12 degrees for projection, and a pole mount for use as a small PA or studio monitor.

The defining feature of the Chameleon is a switch on the rear panel that toggles between two distinct signal paths:

1. Acoustic Mode

In this setting, the input signal passes through the custom crossover, distributing frequencies to both the woofer and the tweeter. This provides a full-range, flat response (70Hz–20kHz) ideal for:

• Flat-top acoustic guitars

• Nylon-string classical guitars

• Vocals and small PA applications

• Studio reference monitoring

Flipping the switch bypasses the crossover entirely, routing the full signal directly to the woofer. This eliminates the high-frequency dispersion of the tweeter, resulting in a warmer, softer, and more focused tone that mimics the character of vintage tube amps.  This mode is optimized for:

• Archtop jazz guitars

• Semi-hollow and solid-body electrics

• Overdriven tones (the speaker handles distortion without harshness)

• Power Handling: 175 watts RMS

• Impedance: 8 ohms

• Efficiency: 95–96 dB

• Speaker: Proprietary 8" coaxial with neodymium compression driver

• Protection: Custom passive "soft" compression circuit prevents damage from clipping and overload without coloring the sound. 

• Connections: Neutrik Speakon

Musicians frequently describe the Chameleon as the "Swiss Army knife" of amplification. Testimonials highlight its ability to replace multiple amps, offering the clarity required for complex jazz chords on a 7-string archtop while retaining the headroom to handle low-frequency fundamentals without mud. 

Because of its full-range capabilities, users also employ the Chameleon as a stereo pair for modelers (such as Fractal, Helix, Headrush, Tonemaster Pro, , a vocal monitor, or a high-end stereo speaker for listening to recorded music.  Its neutrality allows the natural tone of the instrument and pickups to shine through, rather than imposing a specific "amp color" on the sound.

Since 1979, we at Mom's Music have worked hard to make the Louisville, KY music scene something special.  Now, we’re working hard to share what makes us great with the world.  We take pride in our care and attention to detail regarding every instrument and musician that comes through the store, and every instrument we receive gets a thorough inspection and setup when it arrives in our shop and prior to shipment.
All orders placed will require a signature upon arrival.  If a different arrangement is preferred, send us a message or give us a call.