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Amp. & Cab upgrade?

Discussion in 'Amps, Mics & Pickups [DB]' started by gypsydjango, Apr 14, 2012.

  1. Apr 14, 2012 #1
    gypsydjango

    gypsydjango

    Jul 9, 2009
    UK
    I use a GK MB150S combo--have done for many years--great amp. Am I correct in thinking that if I used two separates (Amp. head and a 15" speaker/cab.) I would get a more 'fatter' sound? The style I play is jazz.
    Is there a difference between Bass Guitar amplification & amplification for D/B?---difference circuits used?
    What amplification do you use?--and have you used anything that you did not like?
    Your expertise appreciated.
     
  2. Apr 14, 2012 #2
    Ric Vice

    Ric Vice Supporting Member

    Jul 2, 2005
    Olivette, Missouri
    Mike,
    There are certainly amplifiers that have Double Bass specific controls. Like Lo Cut Filters, Phase Reverse, and Phantom Power. Neither of my amps has any of those. FDecks HPF/Pre Amp has all of those things, except Phantom Power and only costs $70.00. Even with that, your GK has a 1 meg ohm input anyway. If you have the cash and want better coverage than the GK provides take a look at the Aguillar Tone Hammer, Acoustic Image, Euphonic Audio Doubler, or Gentz Benz Shuttle. the MBS is a perfectly good amp and it's very portable. A good 10, 12, or even 8 inch speaker can be just as "fat"as. 15" in the correct enclosure.

    Ric
     
  3. Apr 14, 2012 #3
    StraightSix

    StraightSix

    Nov 23, 2011
    Have you considered adding a 115 extension cab to use with your existing combo...?
     
  4. Apr 14, 2012 #4
    salcott

    salcott Supporting Member

    Aug 22, 2007
    NYC, Inwood.
    Gk makes an extension cab for that amp. That's your best bet.
     
  5. Apr 14, 2012 #5
    DoubleMIDI

    DoubleMIDI

    Feb 28, 2010
    Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen
    FDecks HPF-Pre does not have phantom power and for what it was build doesn't need it.

    It might be nice to have a second channel with phantom power for a microphone if it could be mixed with the first high impedance input a la HPF-Pre.
     
  6. Apr 14, 2012 #6
    Greg Clinkingbeard

    Greg Clinkingbeard Commercial User

    Apr 4, 2005
    Kansas City area
    Black Dog Bass Works
    The MB150S is a nice amp for either electric or DB but it is a midrange focused amp that doesn't have as much of a full range tone as some other amps. However, the EQ is pretty effective. I've been using an older Clarus with an Acme B1 cabinet and feel I get a meatier tone from that. String choice, pickup and technique probably have more to do with it than amp choice.
     
  7. Apr 21, 2012 #7
    gypsydjango

    gypsydjango

    Jul 9, 2009
    UK
    Many thanks everybody for your replies.
    Mike
     
  8. Apr 26, 2012 #8
    wneff

    wneff Supporting Member

    May 27, 2003
    Woburn, MA
    I like my Euphonic Audio doubler, sometimes you can pick one up used - I used to have the GK200MB and the doubler and 12" Wizzy are a big upgrade, with the NL210 its really awesome
     
  9. Apr 26, 2012 #9
    TroyK

    TroyK Moderator Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Mar 14, 2003
    Seattle, WA
    I played with extension cabs for the MB150 for a few year with very little success. The metal 1x12 MBE that they make specifically for that pupose works very well. Suprisingly, I once had access to an SWR 2x10 Goliath jr. or something than worked great with it.

    Some really good extension cabs (Aguliar, Eden, others) just didn't phase with it well.

    Don't assume that a bigger speaker or cabinet would make it sound better. It's way more complicated than that.

    As for different rigs altogether, sure there are lots of choices these days. Depends on your budget, your eye for a deal and your needs.