Best Bass Amp For Keyboardist

rockinroller · #1 12-06-2010, 09:29 AM

Hi All:

As a keyboardist who plays LH bass I have used TalkBass several times to view recommendations and comments on bass amps. I have found bass amps to be a much "better" sound system for my keys and LH bass output than traditional "keyboard" amps, in terms of providing solid mids and highs, while being able to cover the bottom end necessary for the basslines.

I have had the most success with Yorkville's 200watt bass combo amps, in both the single 15" and twin 10" configurations (model XM200). However as I age I find myself looking into the lighter, newer technology for bass output.

My budget--and what I am looking for (good solid output, with full range capabilities to cover my keyboard sounds as well as the low end on the bass parts)--has resulted in considering the following amps: Gallien-Krueger MB212 (or possibly 210) or the Hartke Hydrive 210C. I might also consider the Ashdown MAG series but I've heard conflicting reports on the quality of the China-made versions. I have also heard positives and negatives on the Hartke and GK MB series amps as well.

I'd appreciate your input on these amps' quality and likelihood of achieving a solid, "thick" sound, realizing that you might not have the perspective of a keyboard player but please keep in mind: the strength and clarity of the bass lines are probably the most important component in my consideration.

Finally, I am a member of a 3-piece "classic rock" group (guitar and drums) in which I primarily play the Hammond sound and (depending on the song) piano, in my right hand, all the while covering the bass parts in the lower octave area of one of my keyboards. That bass section is isolated as an output on my keyboard, thus allowing it to be separately channeled.

Thanks in advance. Looking to hear from any of you familiar with these choices I've listed!

Spinal Tapper · #2 12-06-2010, 10:31 AM

My keyboard player uses a Roland KC 550 keyboard amp. This thing KILLS me in volume, and he's never had an issue with it in the 6 years we've been playing together. I really couldnt name a bass amp that would perform better for keyboards...sometimes I wish my bass amp was as loud and reliable as his Roland...

rockinroller · #3 12-06-2010, 10:42 AM

Thanks for the recommendation. I've played the Roland KC series amps and the only problem with them is that they are HEAVY--maybe not in comparison to those older bass amps but they're probably in the 60+ lb range. Some of that new GK technology as the amps in the 30lb range--that's what's appealing to me.

BigOldHarry · #4 12-06-2010, 10:45 AM

I think any decent bass rig will be good for boards (double on boards now and again). I'd just make sure you get a "Clear" rig - not something fuzzy/tubie like an SVT - something very clear that gives you a good accurate sound.

MysticMichael · #5 12-06-2010, 10:50 AM

Though I can't state this from experience, my gut and my common sense tells me that a fEarful or "nEarful" 12/6/1 cab - or possibly the new AudioKinesis Thunderchild 12 + horn - combined with a high-powered micro head, would make an ideal keyboard rig for you. If you've been lurking here for very long, then you probably already know about these. If not, search!

MM

dalahorse · #6 12-06-2010, 11:00 AM

I've gotta agree with Spinal Tapper. The Roland KC-550 is crazy loud for a combo. I often have to roll its bass knob back because it can get really bottom heavy. I almost never use the "shape" feature, which gives it a sort of mid-scooped sound with ridiculously heavy EQ boost at very low frequencies. If there's one on display at your local music shop, give it a try. For what it's worth, I've been using my KC-550 as both a synth and electric bass amp. In both situations, I can easily get up and over the volume of a drummer.

*Hrm - Looks like it took me too long to write this as other responses have come in. Yeah, the KC-550 is pretty heavy. It does come with casters which I leave on all the time. They won't help you on stairs, though.

ishouldbeking · #7 12-06-2010, 12:15 PM

my keyboardist uses a Roland JC-120 to great effect... the one caveat, he rarely plays pure LH bass lines (since I'm usually pounding away 6 feet from him), though we have a few songs where we're doubling each other on the same low notes, in the same octave. I know the JC-120 is heavy as well, and probably can't stand up to a "real" KB or bass amp, but its nice to have on hand in case someone's guitar amp craps the bed... we can always run the keys purely DI and use the house monitors and let the guitarist use the JC.

RickenBoogie · #8 12-06-2010, 03:28 PM

I've recently moved to playing more synth than bass, but still do play bass, and have used a variety of bass rigs with keys. Presently, my favorite for BOTH is a Mesa Walkabout head, (13lbs), paired with a Genz Benz Uber 2x12, (approx 55lbs)--HUGE sound, and warm too. I loved this rig with BG, and since playing synth through it alot, I love it even more. I know you were talking about combo amps, but this head/cab combo is miles above ANY combo amp. Best of luck to you.

rockinroller · #9 12-07-2010, 04:39 PM

Thanks RickenBoogie, for your recommendations of the Mesa Walkabout head and GB Uber 2x12 cab. Shoulda' put my budget in my post.

I am sure this is a fine rig for the professional pulling down either bucks via the gig or through a "day job" but $2000 or so is way over my max.

I am looking at a nearly new GK MB212 combo for around $450out the door. Just wondering if there was anything better in that price range.

etoncrow · #10 12-07-2010, 04:42 PM

Roland Cube; select the watts that suit you. Lots of emulations; bells and whistles. Cannot beat the price

mntngrown · #11 12-07-2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

Though I can't state this from experience, my gut and my common sense tells me that a fEarful or "nEarful" 12/6/1 cab - or possibly the new AudioKinesis Thunderchild 12 + horn - combined with a high-powered micro head, would make an ideal keyboard rig for you. If you've been lurking here for very long, then you probably already know about these. If not, search!

MM

+10, a 3 way cab as well designed as the fearful covers the
spectrum and you just need an amp powerful enough.
In our studio I play through a 2x12 with tweeter and a 1x12 with a mid replacing the tweeter. My keyboard guy has tried it and digs it. fEarful or Acme would be even better.

synthola · #12 12-25-2011, 11:38 AM

Hi Rockinroller

Im a KB player in a rock cover band (although more and more of my setlist is showing up on "classic" rock stations here in Tampa Bay--is STP and Pantera really classic rock? LOL). I've always covered bass on LF in my bands, pulled 2nd dist guit or synth, barking dogs (Been Caught Stealin) whatever on RH. I'm with you on the Yorkville stuff--have always used a BM400 (400 watts with 725 burst)combo, now with addtl Yorkville 15 cab, for 2x15 gut shaking effect. But, combo amp has a graphic eq, so if the patch i'm using has too much bottom, I can shape it on the fly to keep it tight and loud (both combo unit and cab are sealed i think).

Two cons though--heavy rig and feeling heavier with every gig..and wierd blue carpet covering.

I'm looking at the MarkBass stuff--super light, mid level price range, as much or more power than my combo. But, has and ugly yellow/black color scheme to it. Very impressive presence for such a light rig (I can swing a 2 x 10 350watt combo around easily with one arm). Heard it outdoors at a beach gig, and it filled the deck without even being in the mains. I'd have one by now if it didnt look like a bumblebee. Check em out if you havent already!

ksandvik · #13 12-25-2011, 11:40 AM

I've used a MarkBass CMD121 combo now and then for smaller keyboard gigs, works actually well.

Anyway, be careful with the low end. There's no better way to get the wrath of the band as a keyboard player than to take over both the high, mid and low-end of the band. Seen it happening many times in cases where there's no mixer that can stop that keyboard player mayhem.

Passinwind · #14 12-25-2011, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

Though I can't state this from experience, my gut and my common sense tells me that a fEarful or "nEarful" 12/6/1 cab - or possibly the new AudioKinesis Thunderchild 12 + horn - combined with a high-powered micro head, would make an ideal keyboard rig for you.

Yep, if that meets budget. I've used both quite extensively for guitar synth, as well as bass of course.

onosson · #15 12-25-2011, 12:08 PM

I double on keys, and the majority of my keyboard work veers towards Hammond sounds (I use a Nord Electro 3). I have used the following heads over the past few years with great success: Hartke LH500, Eden WT400, and MarkBass Little Mark III (my current amp). The Eden was the most fully featured of the three, with a wide range of parametric eq options and auxiliary stereo 1/4" inputs that bypass the preamp and eq if you want that. It was just a little underpowered for me.

The LMIII has a nice feature (which isn't obvious) that feeds the effects return input through the eq section mixed WITH the direct input on the front - so you can get three signals input simultaneously (there is a parallel XLR in beside the 1/4" on the front), although you have no gain control on the effects return. If you're running one keyboard rig, none of that may matter much to you. The LMIII's VLE and VPF contours work very nicely for keys, and I might say they are even better suited for keys than bass in fact.

For cabinets, there are lots of options, but I get great sounds out of my Eden D410T (rear-ported) and 210MBX, both of which have nice clear tweeters for keyboard sounds. You'll definitely want something with a good tweeter for piano sounds and the highest drawbars on organs.

SBsoundguy · #16 12-25-2011, 12:25 PM

fEarful or Bill Fitz's Omni cabs.

walterw · #17 12-25-2011, 02:26 PM

+1 to not bring married to combos.

A head and cab will be easier to carry, and open up way more options , especially on a budget. actually, any old power amp would likely work, as long as it goes into a good bass cab.

That said, the hydive 210c is pretty kick-butt.

**jmattbassplaya** · #18 12-25-2011, 02:30 PM

I use a Markbass LMIII and a Genz Benz NeoX212T for my synth. Sounds clean and clear to me.

chuck3 · #19 12-25-2011, 02:55 PM

I have a couple of the big old Rolands for my keyboards. They weigh a ton but they sound great. I have played bass through them in a pinch. Looking at it the other way around, I haven't tried it but I think a keyboard through a Genz Benz 6.0-12T would sound pretty good. Obviously you could use larger cabs depending on what's needed.