Double Bass Acoustic Control Corporation 450 Amplifier

[SlappinSimon]

Hello,
Has anyone here used/use an Acoustic Control Corporation 450 Amplifier. I'd be interested to know what you think. They were around in the 70's. I am thinking of getting one from a friend of mine but am also considering getting something new, like a Ashdown MAG300.

Any opinions?

 

[Bob Gollihur]

I had one for a number of years, used it for my electric bass needs at the time, at one point the control and power amp for the highs in my biamplified rig (see my article in Guitar Player Magazine Feb. 1979). It's a typical 70's solid state head, a little "cold" but better than most with good THD distortion specs as I recall, so it's a pretty clean sounding amp unlike Peaveys and others from that era IME. I have fond memories of it; however, it's a lot of weight and size for just 170 watts.

One nice feature was the footswitch controlled Aux volume preset, but I doubt you'll use the distortion control much for URB.

Given the state of the art, I don't see much point in solid state vintage amps for URB unless it's a financial consideration. That I can dig.

 

[fdeck]

A TB'er got me interested in analyzing the design of a different Acoustic amp -- the 260. What I found is that the preamp is heavily voiced. It's also my experience that amps voiced for electric bass are hit-and-miss when used with upright.

On the other hand, in my online review of the GK Backline 600 head, I discuss how I took a voiced amp and dialed it flat just by finding the right EQ settings.

 

[macmrkt]

...I have fond memories of it; however, it's a lot of weight and size for just 170 watts.

Given the state of the art, I don't see much point in solid state vintage amps for URB unless it's a financial consideration. That I can dig.

Bob is right on the money. I had one last year and I concur. Great stuff for DB players are Acoustic Image, Markbass and Euphonic Audio heads. See if you can find one of these in your price range or seek them used.