• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Amp for upright bass

S

StellaB

Feb 25, 2022
3
1
#1
Based on the reviews I’ve read, I’m tossing up between a Mark Bass CMD 121 Pure Combo and a Mark Acoustic DV AC101 combo.
I am a double bass player who has used (and loved) my Acoustic Image Contra Combo for 20+ years, but it is now beyond repair.
I use a Realist pick-up.
I have a Phil Jones BG110 as a practice amp, but it doesn’t produce enough volume to be used for gigs. I have also never been able to produce a sound from this amp that I am truely happy with.

I am conscious of the fact that the Mark Acoustic isn’t specifically a bass amp. I’m also unsure if it can produce enough volume. (How does volume compare to my Acoustic Image?)
But … the Mark Bass amp isn’t specifically made for an acoustic instrument.
And to add to the difficulty … due to where I live in regional Australia, I can drive 5 hours to test a Mark Bass CMD 121p, but I do not have the ability to test a Mark Acoustic. I would have to purchase it sight unseen.
Advice and feedback appreciated!
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop
#3
There was a YouTube video from
someone named Mr. Sunnybass,
who compared the Mark Bass to
a Polytone, playing his double bass.
It was well recorded.
I’ll try to post the link:
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4255.png
    IMG_4255.png
    2.1 MB · Views: 25
  • IMG_4256.jpeg
    IMG_4256.jpeg
    60 KB · Views: 29
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop and Bass Jones
#6
I'm definitely an amp and combo snob, but I used a 2x10 slantback Markbass combo in the studio with a pretty heavy handed drummer and a full band last week. As much as I expected it not to, it worked fine for the whole evening. I was primarily using a KRIVO pickup and my full pedalboard due to close quarters and fairly high volume.

If you liked the Acoustic Image, just find another one with low mileage. They are pretty common around here, so it is not difficult.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop and LSM07
#7
james condino said:
I'm definitely an amp and combo snob, but I used a 2x10 slantback Markbass combo in the studio with a pretty heavy handed drummer and a full band last week. As much as I expected it not to, it worked fine for the whole evening. I was primarily using a KRIVO pickup and my full pedalboard due to close quarters and fairly high volume.

If you liked the Acoustic Image, just find another one with low mileage. They are pretty common around here, so it is not difficult.
Click to expand...
The OP says she lives in regional
Australia. She wants to try before buy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop and Leo Smith
#8
I like the Mark Bass CMD 121. I've been using one as my main gigging amp for quite a few years now. I had the Traynor 112 before and to me the Mark Bass is superior. My only complaint is that you can't bypass the tweeter. I don't know the Mark Acoustic DV AC101, but I would be worried that it is powerful enough for louder situations with hard hitting drummers and no PA.
 
#10
StellaB said:
Based on the reviews I’ve read, I’m tossing up between a Mark Bass CMD 121 Pure Combo and a Mark Acoustic DV AC101 combo.
I am a double bass player who has used (and loved) my Acoustic Image Contra Combo for 20+ years, but it is now beyond repair.
I use a Realist pick-up.
I have a Phil Jones BG110 as a practice amp, but it doesn’t produce enough volume to be used for gigs. I have also never been able to produce a sound from this amp that I am truely happy with.

I am conscious of the fact that the Mark Acoustic isn’t specifically a bass amp. I’m also unsure if it can produce enough volume. (How does volume compare to my Acoustic Image?)
But … the Mark Bass amp isn’t specifically made for an acoustic instrument.
And to add to the difficulty … due to where I live in regional Australia, I can drive 5 hours to test a Mark Bass CMD 121p, but I do not have the ability to test a Mark Acoustic. I would have to purchase it sight unseen.
Advice and feedback appreciated!
Click to expand...
I was looking for a powerful tiny amp but I bought what you call an FRFR amp.
Since I've got a good preamp it works very well.
I played it live in a cathedral, with a real pipe organ.
The sound was really huge.
The only thing you can't get is an electric modern sound. It sounds really really acoustic, completely transparent.
I suppose it is not really what you want.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop
#11
I've used a small bass head plus home-made speaker for many years, mostly because I have a compulsion about learning how this stuff works. But along the way I've studied a lot of amp designs.

For a long time, we upright players had to be satisfied with amps that were designed for electric bass use. For one thing, they're often cheaper (economies of scale), and also more widely available. And electric bass amps are often "voiced" with non-flat response curves to sound good when the tone knobs are centered. This may be the main difference between "electric" and "acoustic" amps, except that acoustic amps often have some other bells and whistles such as an XLR microphone input.

What it means for us is that if you really want to give an electric bass amp a fair chance, you have to mess with the tone knobs, possibly by a lot. But most electric bass amps can be saved. "Ampeg sound" is close to flat, but most other amps are voiced for emphasis of the lowest and highest frequencies. Try turning down the bass EQ knob to about 9 PM. That makes a world of difference on my GK amps, and has helped on other amps that I've played through over the years. Also, dialing down the bass will let you play at a higher volume without distortion -- worth a try at least until you find a new amp you're happy with.

Edit: Previously said "3 PM."
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Chris Fitzgerald, dylanjohnson, DJ Bebop and 2 others
#13
fdeck said:
I've used a small bass head plus home-made speaker for many years, mostly because I have a compulsion about learning how this stuff works. But along the way I've studied a lot of amp designs.

For a long time, we upright players had to be satisfied with amps that were designed for electric bass use. For one thing, they're often cheaper (economies of scale), and also more widely available. And electric bass amps are often "voiced" with non-flat response curves to sound good when the tone knobs are centered. This may be the main difference between "electric" and "acoustic" amps, except that acoustic amps often have some other bells and whistles such as an XLR microphone input.

What it means for us is that if you really want to give an electric bass amp a fair chance, you have to mess with the tone knobs, possibly by a lot. But most electric bass amps can be saved. "Ampeg sound" is close to flat, but most other amps are voiced for emphasis of the lowest and highest frequencies. Try turning down the bass EQ knob to about 3 PM. That makes a world of difference on my GK amps, and has helped on other amps that I've played through over the years. Also, dialing down the bass will let you play at a higher volume without distortion -- worth a try at least until you find a new amp you're happy with.
Click to expand...
3PM? Do you mean 9PM?
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop and fdeck
#15
Decomposer said:
I've owned most of the above amps. The Fender Rumble 100 is my choice by far!
Click to expand...
Are you up for expanding on that a little more? I’m Rumble 100 curious, like that they are relatively inexpensive and widely available. Used one a long time ago but haven’t plugged in an upright. Interested for something that would stand up to trio and small ensemble gigs without house sound and work well with a pezio with a pre amp

What’s your use case and general set up? What do you like about the 100 specifically?
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop
#18
My PJB BG-400 is great for doubling, and I find its only (small) downside is its weight. Other than that, it's great for upright and doubling. I recommend an amp tilt to ensure it projects into the room properly.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back