Suggestion for a double bass amp?

1smileymn · #1 01-10-2008, 03:34 PM

I just moved to CO and sold my amp before I left the east coast...and am in the market for a new amp. I was using a Carvin mini pa amp...and am looking at possibly an swr or galien krueger. My budget is less than $1000...And I'm not looking for a very large/loud amp.

Thanks
-Smiley

adbass · #2 01-10-2008, 03:36 PM

GK 800RB (or 400RB) with a EA wizzy10 would be nice and less than a grand. You could upgrade the amp later if you wanted to. That's my 2 cents.

**Francois Blais** · #3 01-10-2008, 09:34 PM

My first advice is that you fill out your profile so we know about your gear, setup, tastes, etc.!
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/profil...do=editprofile

Thanks in advance!
Best regards,
François

membluz · #4 01-11-2008, 01:18 AM

I suggest looking at a Gallien-Krueger 1001RB, a David Eden Traveller 550 or an Acoustic Image Focus 2R III.

All 3 are very powerful amps but I've found the AI Focus 2R to be the most versatile.

ToneRanger · #5 01-11-2008, 01:40 AM

At the budget end of things, I've had great results with Nemesis. The 2x8 combo sounds great (but only 120 watts).
A bit further upmarket but still compact, the Eden WT405 or 550 with a 112XLT sounds great for upright.

adbass · #6 01-11-2008, 03:22 PM

if you could get a used acoustic image amp and pair it with any of the Euphonic audio cabs you'd have a small yet loud rig. The AI is nice cause you could add a second 4ohm cab. plus they just sound so clean.

but . . . are you looking for a combo? or separate units?

bassteban · #7 01-11-2008, 03:35 PM

There's an Eden WT-330 head for sale here; best DB amp I've used. Get a nice light 1X12(or 1X10)& you're set.

1smileymn · #8 01-11-2008, 04:51 PM

I'm looking for a combo for now, thanks for all the input thusfar...keep it comin!

Uncletoad · #9 01-11-2008, 05:24 PM

The GK MB150 and MB200 are the industry standard GK combo amps used for double bass. I don't like them but they are cheap and can sound very good. Should be under 1K. Do a search on them here, lots of stuff written on them.

The SWR workingman's 12, the SWR baby blue all have DB fans as well. If you aren't playing to loud they can work well for little money.

If you can get more dough together and buy either the AI combo or the AI head and a small EA cabinet you'll get a way better sound.

It's tough to get a good tone on DB for under $1000.

There are volumes written about your options here. Start reading the threads and You'll get some ideas.

Edit: Try looking at this:

http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product...ERIES_III.html

http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product...R_CABINET.html

Both together are just around $1200 and very nice.

Silversorcerer · #10 01-11-2008, 05:35 PM

You might find a used Acoustic Image combo for under $1K. I'm not sure about the single channel Contra combo, series III. That's a great amp, but it is about $50 retail over your budget. Tax and or shipping would blow it.

I've seen and heard the Series II versions and these are still quite nice with not as many features as Series III.

**Francois Blais** · #11 01-11-2008, 08:19 PM

You may want to browse the Classifieds on Talkbass.
I'm thinking of these:

*SOLD* Series 1 Contra and EX SOLD

*Sold* Acoustic Image Contra IIa - 700 plus shipping SOLD

For sale: Ashdown Electric Blue 180watt 1x12 combo amp

all_grown_up · #12 01-11-2008, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silversorcerer

You might find a used Acoustic Image combo for under $1K. I'm not sure about the single channel Contra combo, series III. That's a great amp, but it is about $50 retail over your budget. Tax and or shipping would blow it.

I've seen and heard the Series II versions and these are still quite nice with not as many features as Series III.

I am selling my Contra IIa for $700. It is listed in TB the classifieds

Uncletoad · #13 01-11-2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by all_grown_up

I am selling my Contra IIa for $700. It is listed in TB the classifieds

Perfect.

**Francois Blais** · #14 01-12-2008, 06:52 AM

A new ad appeared:

*SOLD* AMT S25B mic

Jim Calhoun · #15 01-12-2008, 06:25 PM

You might also consider the Henriksen Jazzamp. They make a 1x12 combo for $799 that could be just what you're looking for. Their website is jazzamp.com. They're fairly new to the market so not a lot of folks are using them yet, but I know there's at least one thread about them here on TB. They're located in Evergreen, Colorado, so you might be able to try one out in person. Hope this helps.

Jim

Jason Hollar · #16 01-20-2008, 12:52 PM

Visit the cool folks over at Spotlight Music in Fort Collins. Rob the owner has always hooked me up with great prices on SWR stuff. And, I saw there's also a new GC in town. Are you at UNC, Greeley?

Dave Hobbs · #17 01-20-2008, 01:41 PM

I rate the Phil Jones Flightcase highly. Very hi fi sound but with a solid bass response. Only 24lbs and about the same price as the AI but around half the price. Well worth a try!

Ric Vice · #18 01-21-2008, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1smileymn

I just moved to CO and sold my amp before I left the east coast...and am in the market for a new amp. I was using a Carvin mini pa amp...and am looking at possibly an swr or galien krueger. My budget is less than $1000...And I'm not looking for a very large/loud amp.

Thanks
-Smiley

The Acoustic Image Claris and Focus Heads have flexibility that isn't available on any other DB amplifier. If you are ever considering adding a mic or having trouble with feed back, then the notch/hi pass filters are really valuable in those situations. AI's also have newer input and output connections so you don't have to use adaptors for microphones. I like the midrange warmth Markbass Little Mark II and it's @$600.00.

Ric

Bassmickeyd · #19 01-21-2008, 10:21 AM

Volume being the biggest hurdle with upright bass. I think it always has been and always will be. I read Ron Carter never heard a note he played when he was with Miles. As the bass gets louder, everybody in the band turns up. When someone in the band says to you "Man, I can really hear your bass tonight." Don't fool yourself, its not a compliment. .... Finding a bass amp that works well with both URB and El bass is another challenge. Who wants to spend the first minute of a tune changing EQ while cringing?
I recently picked up a used EA 350 with a EA 12" for $800. Canadian (What's that American, 84-billion Yen?) It's small enough, light enough and powerful enough to put the boots to any sarcastic band mate.

cbird · #20 01-21-2008, 05:14 PM

no glowing recommendations here (i'm also searching for a <$1k DB amp), but i thought i'd pipe in about what i've tried.

my first attempt was to play my DB through a SWR workingman's 10 (my main electric bass dorm amp through college), and it had (to my ear) a displeasing midrange honk that i just couldn't get rid of no matter what. i've also tried a SWR 350 and a Markbass Little Mark II, both of which sound super sweet on the electric but "electrified" the DB too much for me-- i want my DB to sound just like my DB, only louder, ya know?