Double Bass Amp for Jazz

[Veed]

So i'm of the kind who play both electric and upright bass, and on the upright i play classical and jazz and for the jazz i'm in need of amplification. So i'm wondering if i can use my electric bass' practice amp or even my ashdown 4x10 to amplify my upright. it does have a pickup.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Aside from the weight factor, the biggest issue you'll run into is the input impedance of your current amps. I'm not a techie (although I suspect one will be along shortly with some specific numbers if you're lucky), but most amps that were made for electric basses have an input impedance which is not optimal for most pickups. There are workarounds for this that are pretty cheap. What kind of pickup do you have, and what kind of amp is your practice amp?

 

[CellarDweller]

I'm nowhere near techie enough to take on the mathematics of matching impedance and preamp fixes. But, my Polytone MiniBrute seems to do a great job as a jazz amp for the upright. Sort of a safehaven for Luddites like me, I guess, but it works.

 

[progrockbass]

Don't play upright but I do play an acoustic/electric as well as jazz basses. I'm a huge fan and proponent of the Mesa Boogie Walkabout Scout 1x12 for tone, power and size...

 

[Uncletoad]

So i'm of the kind who play both electric and upright bass, and on the upright i play classical and jazz and for the jazz i'm in need of amplification. So i'm wondering if i can use my electric bass' practice amp or even my ashdown 4x10 to amplify my upright. it does have a pickup.

You CAN use any of these things. Weather you like the sound of it or not you'll have to tell us.

If you don't and want some suggestions on what to look at let us know.

 

[moles]

When you refer to your 4x10 - do you have a combo? My Ashdown MAG600 has a high-impedance input. Can't remember the exact figure - but I think it's around 3.5 - 4 MegaOhms, surprisingly enough.
It's not a very open, airy, natural sound. It's done okay in a big band setting with a smaller cab the few times I've needed it, some *serious* eq'ing is usually needed.
I have a small Eden combo that does much better.

 

[Bob Gollihur]

Aside from the weight factor, the biggest issue you'll run into is the input impedance of your current amps. I'm not a techie (although I suspect one will be along shortly with some specific numbers if you're lucky), but most amps that were made for electric basses have an input impedance which is not optimal for most pickups....

I recently wrote and posted two new URB FAQs on my site:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

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Hope you find them useful.

 

[Veed]

Thank you. I think i might just get a different amp for simplicity..