Double Bass Amplification

[mikejdexter]

I play jazz Double Bass, small venues. I'm thinking of upgrading my system. I currently use a Gallien Kruger MB150S Combo amp. Can you offer advise on the following:

a) Combo amp verses seprate amp and speaker cab.--which is better?
b) Do you think the small combo amps of today are as good as the combo amps of yesteryear?
c) To get a good solid sound does one still need a 12" (0r maybe a 15") speaker cab?
d) Any preferences on equipment?

[Dogbertday]

I like combo amps (transportaion reasons) in small boxes.. the bigger the box the bigger the boom and it can get uncontrolable quick... I've heard good things about the PJB suitcase/briefcase combos. also the Acoustic Image Coda/Contra work really well.

I'm currently using an Ampeg BA115 for both electric and double bass. It's OK but like I said.. boomy when not very controlled.. I want to try the SWR Spellbinder Blue sometime soon

[marvin spangles]

I use a focus II either into a contra ex or an 2x10 EA cab for louder gigs. The EA cab produces the better quality sound . Where possible I use the smaller rig as the Double bass is a big enough hassle to carry around with you. The small rig seems to work very well in most places. However if you get a good sound from your GK I'd stick with it. A 15" seems unnecessary and a back breaker. It is my view that your bass takes on some of the qualities of an EUB when you use a 15" See what works best for you.
peter

[adbass]

MikeJDexter

why are you "upgrading"?

I've owned and gigged extensively a WalterWoods, an AI Focus, an Iamp800, and a very fancy preamp/power amp setup through some lovely euphonic audio VL208 cabs. . . . I also have the GK Mb150s and it gets a LOT of use despite the fact that it doesn't sound quite as nice as the other more expensive stuff. Still it sounds pretty darned good and it's easy to work with.

I was at the vanguard in NYC last Saturday and to my surprise Peter Washington was using the GK Mb150.

If the amp works for you just keep it. Save your money. That's my 2 cents.

[AMJBASS]

The GK MB150S does sound really good for Double Bass, but there is definitely room for improvement. That said, I would hold on to the GK. You never know when you might want it. They are just so convenient sometimes. I would recommend that you look into a head/cabinet setup(especially if you are holding onto the MB150). My vote is for the Acoustic Image Clarus or Focus head, and a Euphonic Audio Wizzy M-Line 1x12. The AI heads just sound great for Double Bass. Really transparent and natural sounding. Clearer than the GK's as well. With this rig you will have a very clear and full sound. There is a LOT of great gear out there though...

[adbass]

Originally Posted by mikejdexter

Can you offer advise on the following:

a) Combo amp verses seprate amp and speaker cab.--which is better?

too vague to answer definitively; too many choices of amps/cabs out there to make a general statement of what's better. The benefit is you can tune your sound by choosing a head and cab whose colors complement each other and work well together.

Originally Posted by mikejdexter

b) Do you think the small combo amps of today are as good as the combo amps of yesteryear?

The new stuff is much improved. My modern amps are generally more performance friendly than my 1966 Ampeg B15.

Originally Posted by mikejdexter

c) To get a good solid sound does one still need a 12" (0r maybe a 15") speaker cab?

a 12 or pair of 12s will do you just fine. 15s for double bass aren't as effective in my opinion, but it depends on the box. i've heard the bag end 15s sound great with a walterwoods. There are no hard and fast rules; my favorite cab has two eights two fives and a tweeter.

Originally Posted by mikejdexter

d) Any preferences on equipment?

Sure, everyone's got a preference, and you'll find that people recommend what they use, logically. However, this won't help you because of subjectivity and the differences in technique, instrument and pickup.

Again, I ask you what the GK is lacking that you are looking for an upgrade.

[robgrow]

I've owned a bunch of high end separate amps and cabs, and the GK MB150S still gets most of the use for my double bass gigs. For small venues and low volume, it's hard to beat.

[peterpalmieri]

Originally Posted by mikejdexter

I play jazz Double Bass, small venues. I'm thinking of upgrading my system. I currently use a Gallien Kruger MB150S Combo amp. Can you offer advise on the following:

a) Combo amp verses seprate amp and speaker cab.--which is better?
b) Do you think the small combo amps of today are as good as the combo amps of yesteryear?
c) To get a good solid sound does one still need a 12" (0r maybe a 15") speaker cab?
d) Any preferences on equipment?

Mike,

Welcome to talk bass DB. You should certainly spend some time scrolling through the amps section of the site. There have been many discussions on what works, what people are using and what's new and innovative.

You could probably spend a week just diving into these threads, ENJOY

[mikejdexter]

Thanks everyboby so far for your replies to my questions. Iv'e had the MB150S now for many years--at least 12 years or so and is very good. I thought due to its age things would have moved along techically, especially with the smaller speaker that are produced today. Has anybody tried the Acoustic Image Coda+? If so your views would be much appreciated. Do you think that a seperate head and 12" cab would give 'a wider scope of sound' than a combo? Any preferences?

[peterpalmieri]

The AI combo is very good but it is very different with the down facing speaker. It tends to be that you either love or hate these combos. I wouldn't suggest buying one unless you've played one or thoroughly read some reviews first. Another choice would be a Euphonic Audio Wizzy cabinet, they make a 10" and 12" which are small and light. They also make a micro head which sounds great. Many of the guys around here pair a AI head with a wizzy cabinet with great results.

[skidrawk]

(Ampeg SVT-CL + Ice Box) * 2 = Double Bass Amplification

[bassteban]

If you get the chance, try out the Eden CXC-110. 200+watts, 1x10, 39lbs. It was very complementary to my DB.

[wiro]

When playing upright only I bring my AER Basscube: Deep low end and yet tight in a small package. Very natural tone which lays down a comfortable carpet for my fellow musicians.

When playing both DB and BG I need something with a bit more bite. Then I bring my AI Focus (which is the same as the Clarus+ head nowadays) and one or two Epifani 112UL's because the more present mids are so important when playing fretless BG. Also because of the onboard effects which are pretty nice.

If it needs to be extremely loud, eg. on outside gigs without PA support I bring the AI Focus with my Schroeder 1212Light. The tone from the Schroeders is less smooth and more punchy so it easily cuts through the mix.

[TroyK]

Originally Posted by adbass

MikeJDexter
I was at the vanguard in NYC last Saturday and to my surprise Peter Washington was using the GK Mb150.

Peter Washington would sound good playing through a Mr. Microphone and boom box.

That said the GK is a good piece of equipment. If you're going to keep it and add an amp, think about what you would like for it to do that the GK doesn't. (louder? lighter? what?)

Lighter limits your choices down to a few things. I bigger, more scalable amp is a good compliment to the GK. I have a GK and EA combo and though the EA is a better amp, I find myself using the GK not-infrequently. When it sounds good, it sounds great.

[Wilbyman]

Originally Posted by robgrow

I've owned a bunch of high end separate amps and cabs, and the GK MB150S still gets most of the use for my double bass gigs. For small venues and low volume, it's hard to beat.

+1, it is totally unique. There is something about it's sound which keeps many of us using it. The Underwood pickup is almost 30 years old but it's character has become a part of the idiom. Whoever designed the Mbs150 was ahead of their time.

[fdeck]

a) Combo amp verses seprate amp and speaker cab.--which is better?

I think a combo is better for DB because our amps aren't so huge that they need to be broken up into pieces for portability. With that said, the new micro heads are so handy that it's really become a toss-up.

b) Do you think the small combo amps of today are as good as the combo amps of yesteryear?

Well, the MB150 combo is certainly as good.

I think that "neo" drivers and switchmode amps should make bass amps much more portable, with the last remaining piece of the puzzle being the heavy wooden box.

c) To get a good solid sound does one still need a 12" (0r maybe a 15") speaker cab?

No. The major effect of driver diameter is achievable volume, and a modern 10" can probably get as loud as the 12" in the MB150 combo due the physics restrictions imposed by its size.

d) Any preferences on equipment?

I'm satisfied with my MB150E combo, but I like the tone of my "big rig" better, consisting of a EA Micro300 head and DIY speaker.

[Jazzdogg]

I use either my old Polytone combo or an iAmp800 with a VL208 or Wizzy 12M. Were I going to upgrade, I'd probably want a head or combo that offers a narrow-Q notch filter and phase reversal to mitigate feedback, and variable input impedance. The new EA Doubler is getting a lot of love on TB. As others have suggested, try before you buy if you have a chance.

[Rvl]

Here are some of my portable amps
More amps are in the warehouse and the really big amps I never use any more

I used to use a GK200mb and regretfully sold it
Hold onto yours

Presently my GK 150 speaker , EA Micro and Fishman get the most use now
It is so convenient to have one small suitcase with wheels
I keep it packed all the time and just pop it in the car,bus,train or plane
It holds my spares and music stand

Is it perfect.....no
But it is convenient

Thanks

Robert VanLane

[AMJBASS]

That sir, is a pretty cool little rig! Those little 112MBX cabinets sound surprisingly good for Double Bass.

My current(main) rig is comrised of an Acoustic Image Clarus s2, and an Aguilar GS112 cabinet. The GS112 is fairly heavy, but it sounds great and is really nice for doubling. I still think that the EA cabs are one of the best options for Double Bass in terms of transparency and portability.

[mikejdexter]

Thanks for all the info--much appreciated.