Double Bass Amp recommendations

[quinns94]

I'm about to get a new amp, but am unsure of what to choose. I would primarily be using it for upright bass jazz gigs, but I play occasional rock gigs as well. My price range is up to 500 dollars and I'm looking for a lightweight amp. Any recommendations?

 

[bolo]

$500?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. Less than $500. 30 lbs.

I bought one for my son. He plays electric bass. And it sounds good with his bass.

I have not tried it with my DB yet. But I trust Bob G. That's why I bought it. And the price was nice.

Please fill out your profile if you can.

 

[Jason Sypher]

That's a tough price-point for an amp capable of amplifying a doublebass. Id definitely look for something lightly used by Ampeg, or GK. If you got lucky you might find an SWR Baby Blue II or Big Red. New- http://www.ampeg.com/products/diamondbluebass/b100r/index.html

 

[Ric Vice]

I'm about to get a new amp, but am unsure of what to choose. I would primarily be using it for upright bass jazz gigs, but I play occasional rock gigs as well. My price range is up to 500 dollars and I'm looking for a lightweight amp. Any recommendations?

Jason is right, that price point for a new unit will only get you the Traynor, one of the new lighter GK MB112's, 115's or the MB200 head with some kind of DYI or used cabinet. Used MBE's come up pretty often. It's not the ideal amp for rock gig's but I've seen players drive an extension cabinet with them. GK used to have a powered extension cabinet for the 200MK that worked great with the 200MB, but they don't come up very often. I used that rig with 4 string EB for a while.

Ric

 

[Eric Hochberg]

I think the Traynor stuff gives a lot of bang for the buck. Some of their other combos might be worth looking into if you don't need a 15. I used a Yorkville (old name) 10" combo with small bands/rooms for years and it did a good job. I preferred it to the little GK.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Try one of Hartke's Kickback combos...you might like those.
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Both are within your price range. The 12" weighs 42 lbs. and the 15" weighs 47 lbs, and they both have 120 watts of power, but as Larry Hartke himself told me, it's a loud 120 watts. I've never been disappointed with the sound of any Hartke gear, for both DB and BG.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Try one of Hartke's Kickback combos...you might like those.
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Both are within your price range. The 12" weighs 42 lbs. and the 15" weighs 47 lbs, and they both have 120 watts of power, but as Larry Hartke himself told me, it's a loud 120 watts. I've never been disappointed with the sound of any Hartke gear, for both DB and BG.

 

[Jason Sypher]

Hmm. I've never heard a good word about Hartke for DB...food for thought.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Hmm. I've never heard a good word about Hartke for DB...food for thought.

I've been playing DB through my Hartke rig for a while now and it sounds incredible...Dr. Lou Fischer also swears by the Kickback 15. I personally have the LH1000 head and HyDrive HX410 cab.

 

[Jason Sypher]

cool....what's the rest of your signal chain...pick up etc...and what kind of music are you playing?

 

[Eric Hochberg]

I've used Hartke Kickbacks on a number of gigs where it was supplied, mostly school situations. I don't care for them with double bass. Awfully bright for my taste.

Isn't Lou Fischer primarily an EUB guy these days?

 

[Ric Vice]

+1


All the Hartke's I've played through didn't sound very good with my bass and the Realist. Webster University had one for their combos and we were all very happy when they got a Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 110.

Ric

 

[Matt Ides]

I used have a Hartke kickback ten. For the price and power it is hard to beat. Ran a German ply with realist through it was fine for me. This is far from a hifi sound that AI or PJ is putting out.

I think I'd spend a little more and get one of the GB shuttle combos.

 

[powerbass]

+1 for the Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 10t. It is very portable and powerful - you can add an extension cab for larger/louder gigs. You can find them used close to your budget.

 

[bolo]

Hey quinns94. Since this was your first post, welcome to TB.

Those that suggested looking at "used" know their stuff. Here is the "used" forum for DB equipment if you haven't seen it yet:

For Sale: Amps & Accessories - TalkBass Forums

Good to have you with us. Enjoy.

 

[Jason Sypher]

I just came across an amazing deal on Amazon for a genz benz 6.0 12t for $686.00. I know this is $186 over your budget but it would be a great rig for you and it's nearly half price. Check it out.

 

[Uncletoad]

The little GK MB200 Head is $250.

Or like this used for $215:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/f-s-mb200-amp-753770/

Find a used 2x10 or 1x12 cab for the other $250 and you should be happy for DB or rock gigs.

Or raise your budget and be much happier.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

The little GK MB200 Head is $250.

Or like this used for $215:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/f-s-mb200-amp-753770/

Find a used 2x10 or 1x12 cab for the other $250 and you should be happy for DB or rock gigs.

Or raise your budget and be much happier.

I can't say enough about this GK head. Everything I plug into it sounds like I want it to. It adds a bit of warmth but is still very clean and smooth. The EQ points are perfect and very effective, however it sounds best flat. This would be my first recommendation.

 

[Ross Kratter]

cool....what's the rest of your signal chain...pick up etc...and what kind of music are you playing?

Mostly jazz...30's Kay with Realist right through the amp. No effects or anything.

 

[Barcza]

The little GK MB200 Head is $250.

Or like this used for $215:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/f-s-mb200-amp-753770/

Find a used 2x10 or 1x12 cab for the other $250 and you should be happy for DB or rock gigs.

Or raise your budget and be much happier.

+1

You can buy a new GK NEO 112 cab for $300, and you have a no compromise rig.