Which small amp could also be loud?

HotRoded · #1 02-11-2009, 07:53 AM

I am looking to buy an amp, and very high on the list are:

- Markbass Mini CMD 121P combo
- Gallien-Krueger MB150S-III
- Accoustic Image contrabass

I have tried the MiniMark (with 2 6 inch speakers) and have been impressed.

While I don't need a big amp for the double bass, I happen to also play electric bass, I would like to have a light amp I could also be able to use in a 4 or 5 piece Blues / Rock band when practicing, so I don't have to always carry my big combo.

I think all the amps I mentioned would sound good with the double bass, my concern is more loudness: would there be a big difference between the amps I mentioned?

Any comment or personal experience appreciated.
Thx.

martyman5000 · #2 02-11-2009, 08:03 AM

I have a Markbass CMD 102P combo...I need to keep straightening the pictures in my room

I would suggest getting a mini-head and pick your cab to suit...

HotRoded · #3 02-11-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyman5000

I have a Markbass CMD 102P combo...I need to keep straightening the pictures in my room

I would suggest getting a mini-head and pick your cab to suit...

Yes, I have tried similar to that (only is was not a combo, and they didn't have a 121) and I agree it's loud.

uprightben · #4 02-11-2009, 09:04 AM

I have an iamp 500 and a cxl 112 cab (euphonic audio), I can carry both at the same time and my rig can bring the thunder at my reggae gigs, or give me just what I need at my jazz brunch gig. A little priceyer and slightly larger than what you've mentioned, but my rig really does bring it volume wise when I need it.

adbass · #5 02-11-2009, 09:10 AM

I really don't get the Markbass stuff.

Played it, hated it.

Heard it being played at a club, liked it better -- but -- I couldn't hear any differences from the amp when the player (a good one at that) switched from electric to acoustic bass.

Granted my slab rig is drastically different from my DB rig, but for doubling in a pinch I just bring the acoustic image focus plugging the DB through the main input and feed the slab via tube preamp into the effects return. Each instrument retains it's own characteristic sound and when paired with the right cabinet you can amplify yourself to deafening levels.

bolo · #6 02-11-2009, 09:55 AM

I don't have any experience with it, but you might want to add the Genz-Benz Shuttle 3.0 to your audition list. Quite a few posts about it for DB in this forum.

SteveC · #7 02-11-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bolo

I don't have any experience with it, but you might want to add the Genz-Benz Shuttle 3.0 to your audition list. Quite a few posts about it for DB in this forum.

Beat me too it. The Shuttle 3.0-10T combo is very nice sounding and can be quite loud.

naturalkinds · #8 02-11-2009, 10:25 AM

<3 my Shuttle 3.0!

Rockon! · #9 02-11-2009, 10:31 AM

The Aer bass combo is loud. (what?) and very loud with extension cabinet.
Pricey though. But I really dig the sound.

Gearhead43 · #10 02-11-2009, 11:49 AM

Markbass hands down, or get your ears cleaned.

adbass · #11 02-11-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearhead43

Markbass hands down, or get your ears cleaned.

Please send one single, attractive, young, female pro-ear cleaner my way at your earliest convenience. One with a good personality would be a plus.

edit: based on the OPs list I would go with the GK.

Buogon · #12 02-11-2009, 12:42 PM

There is a whole new world of "Micro Amps" out there many that are powerful.
The three that you picked will all do the job, they offer many options to increase the power
output. Outside of using it for practice they are very "Gig worthy". The type of venue that you play will make the decision as to what rig to bring.

As a "Doubler" myself i use my GK150SIII with the MBX112 cabinet for small to med gigs with the direct out to the board, and will do the job well. I don't need a lot of power for the upright bass this type of bass should never be played "Loud". Looking for these types of amps can be like "shopping for girlfriend that has it all".

wingnut · #13 02-11-2009, 01:01 PM

I use a MB LMII with a EA Wizzy110 for doubling at practice and "smaller" gigs. Never had a problem being heard. But it will cost you about 800.00 and worth every penny!

Earl · #14 02-11-2009, 02:25 PM

AER Amp One - very pricey but worth it if you double, Sold my Markbass Mini CMD 121P combo to get it and haven't looked back.

Rvl · #15 02-12-2009, 06:12 AM

I used a GK200mb(sold it) , a PJB Flightcase(still have it) and many many more heads/speakers/combos Now I am settled on a Wizzy Combo
There is a Wizzy Combo for sale here

Thanks

Robert VanLane

Frits · #16 02-12-2009, 06:40 AM

it has 500W power (even a 1000 W with extra cabinet!!!) and it works like an active monitor for bass with DSP-signal processing, so it is perfectly suited for double bass, much better than a 'conventional' electric bass amp. I use this setup: (lefthanded) double bass - realist - Fishman platinum ProEQ preamp - Bergantino IP112.

Best system ever: simple, powerful, no feedback, preprocessed EQ-ing, can stand very close but also way back from the amp which allows for better hearing yourself.

HotRoded · #17 02-12-2009, 09:52 AM

Thx to everyone for your input.

I will monitor the classifieds. Or hit me with what you got...

lofreek · #18 02-12-2009, 04:20 PM

Two words - Phil Jones. I have had the pleasure of playing through all of his combo amps with my upright as well as many bass guitars. Fantastic, even the itty bitty ones.

wiro · #19 02-13-2009, 05:46 PM

If you want a clean tone:
AI Focus 2 series III and Schroeder 1212 Light will do both upright and bg extremely well and as loud as you want: 800 watts in a small lightweight package.
For rock stuff I also use the Sansamp VT bass pedal. It's not as smooth as a tube amp does but it shure rocks.