combo, yes or no?

skipper · #1 02-14-2008, 07:11 AM

My Kay bass is unamplified and never has been. It was recently set up professionally, so it is in good shape acoustically. I was told to get it to sound the best it can acoustically before considering amplification.

For ease-of-use, I'd been considering a combo like the AI Contra, but reading comments in TBF, I wonder if I would be better off getting separate amp and speaker units. This would give me more versatility over time, and this approach would not entail much inconvenience. If this is a "better solution," what amp wattage would be best to ensure quality amplification and avoid obsolescence in the future.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

reedo35 · #2 02-14-2008, 07:23 AM

It all depends on what you want to do. I have a AI coda2R combo that works perfectly for 80% of my playing situations, includind a 17 piece big band and a 4 piece jazz Combo. For bigger gigs, or larger rooms or rock type gigs, I use either a EA CXL or a Wizzy with an AI Focus head or my trusty WW.
What kind of pickup or mic do you want to get?

skipper · #3 02-14-2008, 09:43 AM

I anticipate playing in small groups, i.e. 3 to 5 people. I haven't selected a PU yet. From what I read, it would be good to judge the compatibility of all components of the amplification system before selecting any one part. At present, however, I am leaning toward either a mic with H-clamp set up or the Upton Solo II, which is getting good reviews on TBF.

reedo35 · #4 02-14-2008, 05:50 PM

Then, unless you really want to get stoopid loud volumes, I recommend the AI Combo.

**bass dan** · #5 02-14-2008, 06:28 PM

hey skipper, if your not going to get really loud i would recommend the ai combo. i have a series II and i use a upton pickup, i also have a ea wizzy m extention if i need to get more volume. i have found for my bass the combo works the best, and if you have a pa you can run a line out and get in the mains. i play in a bluegrass group were the other instruments are mic'ed and for as loud as they get the wizzy is usually overkill. i can usually play with the volume at about 9 or 10 o'clock with a line out to the mains and my channel not turned up past 9 o'clock. we usually play at coffee shops and smaller bars and my combo does the trick, larger venues usually have their own sound system so you can just run a line out to the board and use your combo for a monitor. hope this helps, not sure your playing situation will be similar to mine, but if it is i would just go with the combo.

ksandvik · #6 02-14-2008, 06:38 PM

My take is that if a combo is heavier than 50lbs or so, go with an amp/cabinet solution. Also if you really need loud levels and are not prepared to pay so much for a light-weight loud combo.

It also depends on what sound you like and so on, with an amp/cabinet solution you have a little bit more flexibility -- especially concerning the loudspeaker combinations. --Kent

reedo35 · #7 02-14-2008, 06:58 PM

Having said that, since the AI combos weigh about 20 Lbs, the portability is a great incentive!

bolo · #8 02-15-2008, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipper

My Kay bass is unamplified and never has been ...

For ease-of-use, I'd been considering a combo like the AI Contra, but reading comments in TBF, I wonder if I would be better off getting separate amp and speaker units. This would give me more versatility over time, and this approach would not entail much inconvenience. If this is a "better solution," what amp wattage would be best to ensure quality amplification and avoid obsolescence in the future.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipper

I anticipate playing in small groups, i.e. 3 to 5 people. I haven't selected a PU yet ... At present, however, I am leaning toward either a mic with H-clamp set up or the Upton Solo II ...

I had a Contra Series I for about 7 years. Given that you’ve always been unamped up until now, and given the kind of gigs you described, IMO an AI set up will probably sound very natural to you and should have enough power. I would recommend the Series III models moreso than their predecessors, since they have all the latest features.

You might could think over the 2-channel amp options too, if you think you might ever want to blend a pickup and a mic. That's where having a 2-channel head w/ combo input jacks gets really convenient.

Looks like the Coda costs about 10% less than buying a Clarus 2 and their EX extension cab as separates. Like you said the separates are easier to mix and match down the road. The combo is as convenient as it's gonna get, but I do like the flexibility of separates.

skipper · #9 02-15-2008, 09:07 AM

Thanks for all the thoughtful advice. It is much appreciated and valued.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #10 02-15-2008, 10:44 AM

I own a single channel Clarus III and a Contra III EX cab. They do sound very good on smaller volume gigs and will work for a big band. I have just bought a two channel Focus III to have the mic capability.

Skipper,
If a combo would give you enough volume, I would go for the Coda III without a doubt. The separate head and cabinet is a hassle because the head doesn't sit securely on the cab unless the cabinet legs are up and the Clarus' front feet are hanging over the front lip. The combos are so light and tiny that I would go that route and wish I could. Sadly, I played a job Wednesday where the little rig sounded way too little. Within the power limitations AI stuff is the most natural sound available, I think.
Hopefully the Focus and Wizzy 10 will work for those gigs requiring more.