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  #1  
Old 07-28-2010, 04:30 AM
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Rig for double and u-bass

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i need some advice on what kind of rig to put together for both a double bass and a kala U-bass.

I currently have an old King double bass with K&k Bass Master Pro (combination of Bass Max, Double Big Twin and dual-channel preamp). I don't have an amp and usually just DI from the k&k pre to the board and use PA.

I'm awaiting a Kala U-bass.

I'm thinking of putting together a rig that will work well for both.

Mostly I play bluegrass, country, and some blues for bar gigs and occasional outdoor.

The bluegrass band is 2 guitars, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, bass, so I'll need reinforcement for the ubass when practicing even though everyone else is unplugged.

Does it make more sense to get a combo or a micro head and cab?

Should I just get 1/2 rig and use di (or miced amp) to pa for bigger gigs?

Any specific recommendations appreciated. I don't have a specific budget, but only play out about once a month for peanuts so can't justify big expense. I'm fine with going used.

Thanks
Don
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  #2  
Old 07-28-2010, 07:12 AM
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Or should I just consider sansamp for gigs and use an existing guitar amp for practice w/o pa?
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  #3  
Old 07-28-2010, 12:04 PM
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I play my upright through an SWR WorkingPro 12 (200 watt), with a fishman proplat (bass) preamp in front. I haven't run the Ubass through that yet, but I have used it with some of my other amps. It's pretty easy to dial in, and the SWR has a ton of options on it. Good luck.

Last edited by sevenyearsdown : 07-28-2010 at 12:06 PM.
  #4  
Old 07-28-2010, 09:27 PM
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Originally Posted by ducati08 View Post
Or should I just consider sansamp for gigs and use an existing guitar amp for practice w/o pa?
i wouldn't use a guitar amp unless you have a bass cab to use with it. you'll blow most guitar cabs in short order once you put usable volume through them.
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  #5  
Old 07-28-2010, 11:00 PM
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I have used my double bass live for Jazz, bluegrass, roots/folk, and blues. Here is what I have done.

For reference, my pickup arrangement is much more minimal that yours, but I find it works well. I use a Gage realist into a Sansamp ParaDI or even at times go direct to a Countryman Type 85, if I am working with one of those engineers who are afraid of pre-amps and insist I only monitor through house monitors.

I'd forget combos. Been there an awful lot. Heavier, bigger package, inflexible configuration, not upgradable except with an extension speaker, etc., etc. I just don't like 'em any more, since I have gone modular.

I generally prefer a good used 210, like an Epifani t-210 or UL1-210 (~$450+), but have been happy with a modest used goliath III, Jr. ($250), and also liked the Aguilar GS112NT ($used??--don't know) I borrowed for a while. Heck, I even was OK with an SWR 1x15 Son of Bertha.

Just don't skimp on quality in the speaker cabinet. BTW, a tweeter is a good thing for upright, especially if you slap (the real kind) as long as you can dial it in or out as you need.

I think a good used 2x10 or 1x12 paired with a used ~350+ watt (into 4 ohms) head with an effects receive are what you want. You can by-pass the built-in preamp.

If you could swing a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 used ($400+), which is what I am currently using paired with a light 210, you would have a killer rig, but a modest SWR 350 (chrome face) should go for about $300, weights ~17 lbs in 2 rack spaces, and has the right features for upright. In the past, I've used mine a lot for upright and electric, often on the same gig.

In sum, I think you can get away with as low as $550 and might be happier with what you get for $800--all with good quality used stuff mind you--not toys. You would also certainly have a rig that is modular, flexible, and expandable.

As I am sure you know, the EQ section on most bass guitar heads is probably not going to work well set "flat" for you with the K&K pre, and that you are likely better off just skipping right to using your pre as an input to the power section of a bass amp via the effects receive.

For your Ubass, a bass guitar amp's EQ will be more friendly, so that should be straight forward, IMHO.
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Last edited by Jim Carr : 07-28-2010 at 11:27 PM. Reason: typo fix
  #6  
Old 07-29-2010, 01:01 AM
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you should be able to find plenty of used gear in the classifieds some items to keep an eye out for:

Any Acoustic image, Euphonic Audio gear - both companies favor acoustic/double bass
Acme cabs - depending on your volume requirements either the 1x10 or 2x10
smaller epi cabs - 1x12, 1x10, 2x10
GK 400RBs and if you get lucky maybe a cheap GK MB150s
old polytone combos - might be and on the low volume side
  #7  
Old 07-29-2010, 05:18 AM
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+1 on the tweeter comments.
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