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Double Bass Acoustic Image amps

SiliconElle

SiliconElle

Gold Supporting Member
Feb 24, 2008
220
277
Florida, USA
#1
I am looking for a nice double bass amp. I am growing quite tired of using bass guitar amps when I am playing double bass because it doesn't sound as natural and the upper register doesn't come through well. I have heard great things about Acoustic Image and I have heard them being played. I play in a couple of orchestras, big bands, and various small jazz ensembles. Love to use the bow, sometimes even when I play jazz! What do you think of these amps?
 
#2
I think the AI heads in particular are great for DB. Can I just recommend that you search this forum a bit though? You shouldn't have to look too hard. Try searches for Clarus and Focus for the heads, and Contra and Coda for the combos.

If you have more specific questions after that, plenty of folks who'd be happy to respond I think.
 
#3
agreed, Acoustic Image are nice amps for double bass, also their customer support is tops.

if you want a great amp (in my opinion) and can afford to drop more loot, check out a Walter Woods.

recently picked up a used Electracoustic 'Green Light' and it's the best I've ever heard my db sound. have gotten really nice compliments on my sound since playing one. my favorite!
 
#4
For Pit work and quiet restaurant gigs the contra is hard to beat with its 'sounds like my bass only louder' signature.However it fails imho in the bigger gigs where a more focussed and loud sound is required. I use a focus driving an EA 2x10 cab for the big gigs. I am absolutely happy with it. The whole rig is very lightweight and that is a big factor for me after considering sound quality. so I'd advise an AI head with different cabs to suit your gigs.
regards peter
 
#5
I prefer the AI Focus on my double basses over the Walter Woods and anything else I have tried at this point.

I've written tons on this. Use the search engine.
 
#8
For smaller indoor gigs I just love my Coda. For playing with a drummer I add the extension cabinet. It does fall flat outdoors and in larger venues. I recently had it upgraded with the speaker on/off switch. (For free by AI, there's that customer service again.) So now I always brings it as my back-up "head" to louder gigs. It will driver my 2X12 and 1X15 cabinets no problem with the internal speaker switched off.
 

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