Acoustic 301 too loud?

[Bob_Ross]

The first professional recording studio I ever worked in, way back in 1976, had an Acoustic 370/301 rig as their house bass amp.

Everything I have subsequently learned about A) that Acoustic 370/301 combination, B) recording bass, and C) small room acoustics, suggests that it should have been the wrong tool for the job, either completely inappropriate or, at the very least, complete overkill.

And yet, when I listen back to the tapes we made in those sessions, I cannot deny that my bass sound is infinitely better than anything I was ever able to get from the much smaller, more modest amps I used at the time. Huge, deep, thick & phat tones from a dinky POS Korean copy of a short-scale Hofner Beatle Bass. The 301 cab was close-mic'd with an AKG D12 iirc.

So if your bedroom can accomodate one -- and your neighbors can tolerate it -- I say knock yourself out.

 

[Plain Old Barry]

Turns out if you spend a couple of decades smart shopping/bargain hunting then, wham, before you know it you've got a garage full of stuff. I've already started thinning the herd -- sold off the 220 and 320, and I'll soon be giving the 2x15" 402 cabinet to my son. A lot of the amps need some work, and who knows, maybe I'll even get around to it someday.

I had a 320 head. It sounded excellent, better on pretty much anything other than it's "matched" 408 cab. I can't think it wouldn't work well with most modern cabs, and it was reasonably light, far from a boat anchor.

I used it on an SVT 8x10, a pair of Joes Sound (Theil) 1x15's loaded with EVM's and JBL K130's, a Peavey 1820, and an Acoustic 406 with excellent results.

 

[EdO.]

Turns out if you spend a couple of decades smart shopping/bargain hunting then, wham, before you know it you've got a garage full of stuff.

A few months back I passed on a what (in the ad anyway) looked like a pretty decent condition 370 with TWO 301's on the local CL, ad probably ran for at least 6 weeks. Asking price was something like $800 for all if I'm remembering correctly. I was sorely tempted even though I don't need or really have a good use for them. But if I were to find deal on a good condition 360 rig...

 

[cass misri]

Update: I got it! The rig sounds absolutely amazing, and the volume can be turned down easily at night. Thanks for all the advice!

 

[MegaSwing]

Update: I got it! The rig sounds absolutely amazing, and the volume can be turned down easily at night. Thanks for all the advice!

And the cow was returned to its rightful owner…

 

[JacklegBass]

Update: I got it! The rig sounds absolutely amazing, and the volume can be turned down easily at night. Thanks for all the advice!

Does my heart good to see you're happy and didn't let yourself get talked out of it.

 

[6thplanet]

All I'm seeing are words?

 

[nicksorenson]

I think they have a very unique sound. It's not in your face; upfront, but for certain sounds the not so clear aspect actually helps. It has a sort of echo chamber effect that kills harsh highs and due to this it takes drives well. It's massive sounding which helps since overdrive (IMO) needs to be thinned out a bit to not sound flabby.

I do not like it for clear mid scooped slap or general bass playing. But for picked rock bass in a loud environment, I would choose this cab.

 

[Coot]

I had 2x370's into 2x360 cabs in my youth after I changed over from Marshall. And ..Yep.. J.P.Jones had a lot to do with it. They never had an operational issue, always sounded good to me .. and I wish I still had them( the heads anyway).. even just to stare at them..lol. My back can't do that kinda lifting anymore but I loved that gear. If the price is right and you really want it ? They are great amps just keep the volume knob in mind . hope you get what you want !