SWR Acoustic Series

[ScottyAx800]

Went to my local music store and played through an SWR California Blonde. The sound was absolutely awesome with a Fender Jazz and ABG. Very natural, yet easily EQ-able for a more electric sound, especially with the Aural Enhancer, a favorite tone shaping circuit of mine. I will have to come back and play my upright through it as well.

I saw Esperanza Spalding playing through one of these at a recent concert, and the SWR website claims to have some bassists using this amp as well. Are you using one of these right now, or have you in the past? If so, please let me know your thoughts on it. And how does it compare to the Natural Blonde?

Speaking of the Natural Blonde, I have been looking for one to try out since the recall, but have not found anyone who's got them in stock. Have any of these hit the sores yet since the recall?

Many thanks for any and all replies.

[jtlownds]

I have a pre-Fender California Blonde that I have been using since '97. I originally bought it to use on my guitar gigs, but discovered that it worked better on double bass than the amp I was using at the time (Carvin). When playing with double bass, turn the aural enhancer completely off. My main amp is currently an AI Contra, but I still use the Blonde for outdoor gigs. It has been a reliable old workhorse for me. The only complaint that I have with it is that I am 73 years old, and am just not up to lugging a 53 pound amp around anymore.

[Francois Blais]

Are you asking for a DB?

[ScottyAx800]

Originally Posted by jtlownds

I have a pre-Fender California Blonde that I have been using since '97. I originally bought it to use on my guitar gigs, but discovered that it worked better on double bass than the amp I was using at the time (Carvin). When playing with double bass, turn the aural enhancer completely off. My main amp is currently an AI Contra, but I still use the Blonde for outdoor gigs. It has been a reliable old workhorse for me. The only complaint that I have with it is that I am 73 years old, and am just not up to lugging a 53 pound amp around anymore.

I agree about the aural enhancer for DB. I have been using an old Basic 350, and the DB sounds best with the aural enhancer turned off. Do you prefer the sound of the AI over the SWR, or was weight the only factor for your switch to that amp?

[ScottyAx800]

Originally Posted by Francois Blais

Are you asking for a DB?

I am confused by your response. As far as the amps are concerned, any experience with bass running through them that you'd like to comment on would be helpful. DB, EUB, BG, tuba... :P

[Francois Blais]

Originally Posted by ScottyAx800

I am confused by your response. As far as the amps are concerned, any experience with bass running through them that you'd like to comment on would be helpful. DB, EUB, BG, tuba... :P

I meant to ask if you play DB or BG, because the question was asked on the DB side but your profile doesn't list a DB or EUB.
The needs may be completely different for a BG or DB player.

[bassist1962]

I think he is looking for a good doubling amp. He mentions having to bring his upright back to the shop to try it through the amp.

[ScottyAx800]

Originally Posted by Francois Blais

I meant to ask if you play DB or BG, because the question was asked on the DB side but your profile doesn't list a DB or EUB.
The needs may be completely different for a BG or DB player.

Francois, thank you. My profile was seriously in need of updating!!

I am looking for a good doubling amp. Unfortunately it's slim pickins here in little old Delaware. Most stores stock BG only. I'd love to give an AI or EA rig a shot, especially the new Doubler. I may break down soon and make the trek to a store that stocks some more DB-friendly amps.

I like the SWR because of the aural enhancer circuit on Channel one, the XLR in on Channel 2, and the option to connect an extension speaker. I am thinking, if I go with the California Blonde, I will keep one of my Aggie 112's to run as a extension speaker to give the rig a little more heft for bigger gigs.

[ScottyAx800]

Originally Posted by bassist1962

I think he is looking for a good doubling amp. He mentions having to bring his upright back to the shop to try it through the amp.

Exactly.

[jtlownds]

Originally Posted by ScottyAx800

Do you prefer the sound of the AI over the SWR, or was weight the only factor for your switch to that amp?

I definitely prefer the sound of the AI over the Blonde, but the Blonde will put out more volume.