What amp to use.

77PBass · #1 06-24-2011, 06:49 AM

I have a Jazz gig in July outdoors on a pro stage with pro sound system. I debating which of my amps to use.

The music: a mix of standard, modern, modal, bossa and vocal
The Bass: 1965 Fender JB

The amp combinations are in the poll.

**Jeremy Allen** · #2 06-24-2011, 07:14 AM

What on earth type of jazz are you playing that requires huge tube amps? Awesome Jazz?

I've gigged with a V4B/HT115 and it really is a great rig. I would think a B15 would be the right one, though, with good PA support. The V4 rig is pretty aggressive.

edit: as you know--I didn't see your original post when I put my reply in.

77PBass · #3 06-24-2011, 07:21 AM

I posted this as a fun post. I think I know what the results will be.

The reason for the bigger rig is because I have played the stage before in an alt-country band. It is so wide open that the sound goes 'poof' into the air. Even with good monitoring, unless you stand on top of the monitor or next to your amp, it is kind of cave-like.

The volume pots in the V4B failed and I had them replaced with Ampeg audio taper pots from the period so I can get the V4B goodness at lower, clean volumes.

77PBass · #4 06-24-2011, 07:26 AM

btw..As far as the music goes it runs from Anita O'Day tunes to Oz Noy.

Doctor Dirt · #5 06-24-2011, 07:27 AM

Go direct and sit down with the board man and get it sweet. Save the back for another day. When everything is covered the bottom line is that your amp is just another monitor. If you like having it there to play with go for it but your bass and your fingers are your sound in reality. Doc

...........save the backs................!

77PBass · #6 06-24-2011, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctor Dirt

Go direct and sit down with the board man and get it sweet. Save the back for another day. When everything is covered the bottom line is that your amp is just another monitor. If you like having it there to play with go for it but your bass and your fingers are your sound in reality.

Agree your fingers do the talking. There will be a direct feed and a mic on the amp. I prefer a backline as I can control my monitor sound.

fish slapper · #7 06-24-2011, 07:50 AM

My limited experience with playing outdoors says mo' speaker surface the better. Like you say, with no ceiling or walls sound just goes away.

But, with pro PA support, your amp is basically your stage monitor. So assuming you'll be close enough to your rig to hear, I think you'll be fine with the combo.

Also color me envious that you scored a Jazz gig where you can use all that tubey goodness. My Jazz gigs are usually about how quiet we can get...

77PBass · #8 06-24-2011, 08:01 AM

I used to see Jaco, Hiram Bullock (without shoes) and Kenward Dennard (hearing impaired) at the Lone Star Cafe here in nyc...there was nothing quiet about that! He played his Acoustic rig with the 4x15 bottom and did the Star Spangled banner at ear splitting volumes. It certainly wasn't a society gig.

JimmyM · #9 06-24-2011, 08:04 AM

I've played gigs like that with a B-15, so it's not impossible. But if it were me, I'd bring the V4B and the two 115's. I have never thought of the V4B as a particularly aggressive amp if you don't want an aggressive sound. It can be, but it certainly doesn't have to be.

77PBass · #10 06-24-2011, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I've played gigs like that with a B-15, so it's not impossible. But if it were me, I'd bring the V4B and the two 115's. I have never thought of the V4B as a particularly aggressive amp if you don't want an aggressive sound. It can be, but it certainly doesn't have to be.

Much respect for your opinion.

I have to say I am surprised at how the poll is trending.

madmatt · #11 06-24-2011, 08:22 AM

2 15's.
Yes...2 15's.

77PBass · #12 06-24-2011, 08:36 AM

Forgot to mention instrumentation:

Electric Guitar - '80s reissue Tele Thinline/60's Blackface Princeton amp
Drums - '60's Gretsch progressive jazz set
Tenor/Soporano saxaphone
Female Vocalist

JimmyM · #13 06-24-2011, 08:37 AM

Well if all you have to compete with is a Princeton, I see no reason why the B-15 wouldn't work, but I'd still bring the V4B and two 115's just in case.

77PBass · #14 06-24-2011, 08:51 AM

Princeton's can get loud when there are a lot of gain pedals in front of it. The stage volume is really coming from the monitors. I have stood on the stage 20' away from a marshall half stack with no problems.

**Jeremy Allen** · #15 06-24-2011, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I have never thought of the V4B as a particularly aggressive amp if you don't want an aggressive sound.

Sure, where you're coming from! For jazz upright players like me who've spent their lives playing through Walter Woodses, Polytone Minibrutes, GK MB150s, and Acoustic Images, the V4 is a snarling terror.

T. Alan Smith · #16 06-24-2011, 08:54 AM

I voted V4b & 2 Berg 15's. Sweet sweet rig what would cover the stage nicely and inspire the hell outta me.

JimmyM · #17 06-24-2011, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Allen

Sure, where you're coming from! For jazz upright players like me who've spent their lives playing through Walter Woodses, Polytone Minibrutes, GK MB150s, and Acoustic Images, the V4 is a snarling terror.

Bah...it's a pussycat! Just can't crank it.

T. Alan Smith · #18 06-24-2011, 02:53 PM

Yeah, thru both 15s, it'll push enough air w/o having to push the head to overdrive.

77PBass · #19 06-24-2011, 05:02 PM

Well...the poll is looking the the B15n or the V4B w/2x15

Alex1984 · #20 06-24-2011, 05:19 PM

B-15N tilted back should do the trick quite nicely.