Walkabout as keyboard amp?

Kwin Smith · #1 11-28-2011, 08:42 AM

So, I'm expecting a Roland Gaia to be delivered sometime today. I'm going to try to play through my Walkabout Scout 12" with a WS 1x12 extension cab. Has anyone else done this? If so, how did you EQ the amp?
Thanks!

Colonel Monk · #2 11-28-2011, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwin Smith

So, I'm expecting a Roland Gaia to be delivered sometime today. I'm going to try to play through my Walkabout Scout 12" with a WS 1x12 extension cab. Has anyone else done this? If so, how did you EQ the amp?
Thanks!

I have used a walkabout head - not so much the scout cabs though.

For my little phatty it is currently playing thru Walkabout and an Eden 15.

Go completely flat on the eq. I'd say gain at noon or less for synth as you'd likely want it was clean as you can get. Maybe even crank the master volume and then crack gain to proper volume? This would give you your volume with the least amount of tube gain.

I think it sounds awesome, and way better than running thru the PA if you're looking for killer bottom end. I was gonna get rid of the Eden 15 till I started using it for synth. Vibrates the earth.

RCCollins · #3 11-28-2011, 03:15 PM

I wouldn't bother setting the gain low - that's a clean sounding tube preamp that a synth will sound great through.

Kwin Smith · #4 11-28-2011, 03:33 PM

Cool. Thanks for the tips!
Fortunately, I've maintained my skills since the piano proficiency exam in college...mostly.
Unfortunately, I haven't kept up very well with the technology...at all.
The Gaia was too tempting to pass on. Can't wait until UPS gets here today!

Kwin Smith · #5 11-28-2011, 03:35 PM

Colonel, what tunes are you using the Phatty on? I'm just curious.

Selta · #6 11-28-2011, 03:40 PM

I run my M3-88 through my bass rig. Not at all the same rig as you, but I cannot fathom a single reason it wouldn't work well in your case.

Papa Dangerous · #7 11-28-2011, 04:12 PM

It should work fine. Keyboards work well with bass amps, if a keyboard amp is not available.

The Roland Gaia is a pretty cool little piece of equipment. I do not own one, but I fiddle with one most days of the week. The analog aspect of it makes it much more desirable over a digital synth. The Little Phatty is really cool too... but I personally enjoy the Voyager (I have no clue how to properly use it... I just love the amount of options and the possibility of making something nice via serendipity!) and the Dave Smith Mopho. One thing the Gaia got on these other items is the ability to play polyphonic and not just mono!

Enjoy your new toy man!

Kwin Smith · #8 11-28-2011, 04:15 PM

Thanks!
Still waiting for UPS...

The "analogness" of the Gaia was a big selling point for me. I really dislike scrolling through menus like most of Roland's stuff has.

Papa Dangerous · #9 11-28-2011, 04:47 PM

Yeah, for Roland, I would much rather stick to their Digital/Stage Pianos (RD700 GXF owns my heart currently) and of course the Jupiter 80 for a synth of "non-analogness" means. That board is a beast with great sounds, and looks straight out of 80s...

RickenBoogie · #10 11-28-2011, 05:52 PM

I play alot more synth than bass for the past year, actually own more synths than basses. But a few months ago, I stopped using my Walkabout with them, preferring an M3 Carbine instead. Don't get me wrong, the WA is the most awesome bass amp ever, but it's tonal warmth and "tubeyness" didn't lend itself to the synths as well as the uber-fast and clean Carbine. I'm sure you'll enjoy the experience, but if you're at all like me, you'll end up with a seperate "synth rig" sooner or later. Congrats on the Gaia.

wonderjosh · #11 11-28-2011, 06:01 PM

My Moog Lil Phatty will liquify intestines when played through my Ampeg SVT-II & Aguilar DB810. I freaking love it!

The Gaia should sound pretty cool through the Walkabout!

ishouldbeking · #12 11-28-2011, 06:26 PM

I've done it for recording before, never for live use though. I would say the Walkabout would work well as long as you're okay with something "warming up" your tone a bit. We ran our organ tracks through the Walkabout and cranked the gain but kept the overall volume pretty reasonable and the warmth and grit was beautiful. That said, I'd doubt I would wanna use the WA for playing actual piano tracks through, or anything else that you'd otherwise keep clean. I'd just get a keyboard amp (or a JC-120) for something like that.

Edit: Fat analog synth stuff would probably kick @$$ through the WA though, if that's your sound.

Kwin Smith · #13 11-28-2011, 06:56 PM

Phat is right! I've tried several settings. I'll post some of them after I get home tonight.