Double Bass Amp for both DB and BG

[brianrost]

Idduarte,

If it's sight unseen, you will be safest going with a Fender or a GK. They can be found in any Guitar Center, which is a huge chain of music stores all over the USA. That would make it very easy for your friend to buy one.

 

[bherman]

How is the fan on the Genzler? Is it quiet? Does the 350 have enough headroom for medium sized fusion gigs?

Dead silent. Would definitely have enough power for a medium sized gig with caveat that it would be better with a 4 ohm load. I have a 110 cab (8 ohms) and a 210 cab (4 ohms) and I have to crank the amp higher with the 110.

 

[Les Fret]

Dead silent. Would definitely have enough power for a medium sized gig with caveat that it would be better with a 4 ohm load. I have a 110 cab (8 ohms) and a 210 cab (4 ohms) and I have to crank the amp higher with the 110.

Ok thanks, my Bergantino is an EA212 600watt at 4ohm. So I guess that should be enough power with the Genzler 350?

 

[bherman]

Should be fine

 

[yodedude2]

traynor seconded.

 

[BarfanyShart]

I used small Fender combos for both DB and BG for a ling time, and still have 2 that are in use in the same way. I tried lots of gear over the years until I determined that plugging straight into a fender combo was the optimal deal for me.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

I used small Fender combos for both DB and BG for a ling time, and still have 2 that are in use in the same way. I tried lots of gear over the years until I determined that plugging straight into a fender combo was the optimal deal for me.

Probably because Fender bought Genz Benz and used the design partly for their own series. I think the Rumbkes were released after they bought Genz Benz (probably about a year or two later, I think).

 

[smo]

I'm on a similar mission right now - finding a small combo to cover both DB & BG.
The Markbass CMD121P & GR Bass Cube800 are top of the list, but I'm yet to try out either.
If anyone has tried both of these I'd love to hear your thoughts.

 

[Michael Eisenman]

There’s an AI Coda Series II-R on Reverb for $350. Two-channels, head and cab, HPF, and DI, with the ability to add a second 4Ω cab (head can do 2Ω). I’ve used a Contra (single channel) with my DB since 2005, and it’s fine as is for small-to-medium gigs. If I didn’t have my Contra, I’d grab it (and I’m still tempted). And don’t forget the forever warranty; unbeatable customer service.

Here’s the manual, if you’re interested: http://www.acousticimg.com/assets/docs/manual_combo.pdf

 

[PBandJazzBass]

I like my Phil Jones Bass Cub. 100 Watts and only about 15 lbs. You can also use both inputs at once which can be useful for gigs where you need both a DB and BG. Also, comes in handy teaching lessons because we can both plug into the same amp and I can control the students volume

 

[PBandJazzBass]

I'm also curious about the new Trace Elliot Elf combo amp.

 

[Ric Vice]

I've owned the TC Electronics BAM 200 and compared it to a Trace Eliot Elf, since their the same size and power. Unfortunately, you cannot turn off the compressor on the ELF

which colors the sound of a Double Bass. I much prefer the TC Electronics BAM 200 which also has a 10 Meg Ohm input impedance that's ideal for piezo pickups. Just my take.

 

[Silevesq]

The problem is always what is it worth where you are...
Not sure about how loud it has to be, but check out Phil Jones Bass. I have the Bass Cub model that I use for both upright and electric. I like the sound I get although it could have a bit more low end. I paid it between 600-700 Cad(I have no idea what it is worth where you are). I use it to record a lot the DI is really great. But at the same time, the piezo/mic you are using will influence the result, the bass... and so on.

Good luck on the quest!

 

[BobDeRosa]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a new amp that could use both for Double Bass and bass guitar. I'm very inexperienced with amps, just began to research about. I use to have some lousy cheap amps and lately I have just a 10W practice amp. I'm a full time orchestra player getting back slowly to the bass guitar and doing some experiments with amplified Double bass.

I heard a lot about the GK, specially the MB150S but it seems that was discontinued. So, after searching more, I'm tending to go for the MB110 or MB112 , but didn't decide if need 200W(Now I'm just looking for a practice/recording amp). But I also heard about the Genz Benz (also seems to be discontinued) and found pretty interesting the Genzler Magellan, but I didn't found much about it, if it works well for both Upright and electric basses.

Does anyone have thoughts about it?

The idea is that costs around $500, light and that delivers full real sound for both basses. Would be used at home and eventually small gigs.

Thanks everyone!!

If you don't need tremendous volume, especially for upright, and you like lightness and simplicity, check out the Markbass 801. It's only 50-60w with one 8" speaker, but it's amazing. My upright sounds just like itself through it, and since most of my gigs are in small clubs and restaurants with mostly drummerless duos and trios, the volume has never been a problem. When I've needed more volume and fullness, I've just added a 1x12 or 2x10 cab. (There's also an 802, with two 8" speakers.) I like the 801 a little less for EBG, but in most cases, it does just fine.

One thing worth mentioning is that there's no EQ, just a VPF -- a filter that essentially EQs the mids. It changes the tone quite a bit, but if it's not enough for you, you can always use a preamp, which gives you all the EQ you need. I love the simplicity of it.

And one more benefit: It weighs less than 12 lbs., which has changed my life as an upright player. Good luck with your search.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

If you don't need tremendous volume, especially for upright, and you like lightness and simplicity, check out the Markbass 801. It's only 50-60w with one 8" speaker, but it's amazing. My upright sounds just like itself through it, and since most of my gigs are in small clubs and restaurants with mostly drummerless duos and trios, the volume has never been a problem. When I've needed more volume and fullness, I've just added a 1x12 or 2x10 cab. (There's also an 802, with two 8" speakers.) I like the 801 a little less for EBG, but in most cases, it does just fine.

One thing worth mentioning is that there's no EQ, just a VPF -- a filter that essentially EQs the mids. It changes the tone quite a bit, but if it's not enough for you, you can always use a preamp, which gives you all the EQ you need. I love the simplicity of it.

And one more benefit: It weighs less than 12 lbs., which has changed my life as an upright player. Good luck with your search.

I heard that amp once with DB and the sound quality is amazing. Unfortunately it is discontinued, so you need to to find one used. Even for a trio with a drummer there is not enough power, but for small bands without a drummer it is a really nice and light amp if you don‘t need the EQ.

 

[BobDeRosa]

I heard that amp once with DB and the sound quality is amazing. Unfortunately it is discontinued, so you need to to find one used. Even for a trio with a drummer there is not enough power, but for small bands without a drummer it is a really nice and light amp if you don‘t need the EQ.

I didn't know it was discontinued. I bought a new one (my second) from GC in March, I think. Maybe that's why it was discounted by $100.

 

[SeoulFul]

Aguilar TH500 w/ 10 or 12in cab
Markbass CMD 121P

These are the two setups that I see most doublers running in LA.

You can probably find the Markbass combo used thats within your budget.
The separate Aguilar head and cab used will probably be a bit more. Both sound different. Both are bulletproof.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

I didn't know it was discontinued. I bought a new one (my second) from GC in March, I think. Maybe that's why it was discounted by $100.

I might have mixed it up with an earlier model that was discontinued years ago. But they migh be similar.

 

[Ric Vice]

Aguilar TH500 w/ 10 or 12in cab
Markbass CMD 121P

These are the two setups that I see most doublers running in LA.

You can probably find the Markbass combo used thats within your budget.
The separate Aguilar head and cab used will probably be a bit more. Both sound different. Both are bulletproof.

Those are interesting choices as neither amp has two channels. Do they use some kind of Preamp to insert the DB into the effects loop?

 

[logdrum]

I use my Acoustic Image head for my upright, electric bass, mandolin, & my Les Paul with very successful results, but I do have a decent pedalboard and pre amps to process them all differently.

A separate head / cabinet is always more versatile because you can swap them out with others and more power is almost always better than not enough power.

I do too but some band mates thought it was too polite (I have the Coda combo) so I have to use an external cabinet for that situation. Now with my Charlie Hunter type Hybrid bass/guitar - The Coda is a blessing because I bring one amp for that where I need 2 different gain structures, while also capable of amplifying my upright or Cello. I have carried, upright (1/2 size)- hybrid guitar, pedals and the AI Contra in one shot from car to stage.