Double Bass Amp Suggestions for a Jazz/Funk amp for DB

[SteIIa]

Hey all,

I've done my research and have either in my sights to acquire either the Acoustic Image Ten2 S4plus or the Phil Jones Flightcase OR Super-Flightcase. I know they're both absolutely top notch amps and will do the job but I was wondering if anyone here could chime in with some comments as to whether one is slightly better suited for me than another as I don't have anywhere around me where I can get a chance to try them.

I'm converting an old ply Strunal into something that's more "electric bass like" with a mag pickup and some other tweaks because, while I have absolutely no desire to play electric bass, I really enjoy being the groove and support for my larger band (drums, trumpet, keys, guitar, sax, trombone, and vocals) as we play mainly funk, with some blues and R&B style stuff - generally lively stuff to get ya ass movin and shakin! However, in the next six months or so, I'll also be getting my new Upton Bass which will be used for more traditional jazz stuff - trios, quartets, etc.

The question is: which of those two amps will serve both styles well, though leaning a bit more toward the funk group? I really want to go with the Acoustic Image Ten2 because with the Upton, it'll sound phenomenal, but I'm worried that it's so focused on reproducing an accurate acoustic sound that it won't sound great when doing the funk stuff where I'll add some pedals and such. So I'd love some input on this from people with some experience with these amps.

THanks!

 

[Acoop]

I don't think one amp for jazz and one for funk is the answer. ... As you know amps ampify what's plugged into it so, your pickup will have more to do with it, which you've decided a mag pickup is the way you'll go. ... I'd consider you look into running your bass into a preamp, like a Radial bassbone, they have two channels, one with eq and one with notch, and a boost. ... That'll give you more control to go for the two different sounds you're after. ... Bassbones are about $100-used. Cheaper than another rig. ... Just a suggestion.

 

[Ric Vice]

Hey all,

I've done my research and have either in my sights to acquire either the Acoustic Image Ten2 S4plus or the Phil Jones Flightcase OR Super-Flightcase. I know they're both absolutely top notch amps and will do the job but I was wondering if anyone here could chime in with some comments as to whether one is slightly better suited for me than another as I don't have anywhere around me where I can get a chance to try them.

......... However, in the next six months or so, I'll also be getting my new Upton Bass which will be used for more traditional jazz stuff - trios, quartets, etc.

The question is: which of those two amps will serve both styles well, though leaning a bit more toward the funk group? I really want to go with the Acoustic Image Ten2 because with the Upton, it'll sound phenomenal, but I'm worried that it's so focused on reproducing an accurate acoustic sound that it won't sound great when doing the funk stuff where I'll add some pedals and such. So I'd love some input on this from people with some experience with these amps.

THanks!

Stella.

While those amps are both great for DB Jazz, the Acoustic Image is a very clean transparent amplifier. I've played and heard the Ten2 many times, and even with the additional front firing Ten, to my ears it's a jazz amp. Which isn't a bad thing necessarily, but it isn't a funk amp, unless you'd pair the head with a different cabinet. The Phil Jones Flight Case is IMHO, to small to handle what you're describing, the Super Flight Case could do it. So if you want a "one size fits all" light weight setup, there's other gear that might be better suited to your needs, depending on what you have to spend. Just my take. You can P.M. me if you need any more help.

 

[bigshiny]

I believe that the volume of the band not necessarily the style will pick/decide the size/wattage of the amp, most of the time. Just my .02

 

[Keyser Soze]

I think you'd be best served by a modular approach; a head and a cab (or cabs) and, most likely, something in front of the head (a preamp.)

I have owned an Acoustic Image head for years and could not be happier. I have played straight into it (w/ a Realist pickup), into it through various preamps with a Realist pickup, with other piezo-equipped basses and with magnetic pickup bass guitars. I use one or two Euphonic Audio Wizzy 1 X 12" cabs, as needed.

Being able to "mix and match" elements of the signal chain has afforded me the ability to find "the right tool(s) for the job" here in my own back yard (apologies for the cliche-fest) no matter what the genre of music I'm playing. I don't see any "store bought" rig being able to fulfill the breadth of your needs as well as a bunch of the right components that you can use on a case-by-case basis.

 

[CryingBass]

Hey all,

I've done my research and have either in my sights to acquire either the Acoustic Image Ten2 S4plus or the Phil Jones Flightcase OR Super-Flightcase. I know they're both absolutely top notch amps and will do the job but I was wondering if anyone here could chime in with some comments as to whether one is slightly better suited for me than another as I don't have anywhere around me where I can get a chance to try them.

I'm converting an old ply Strunal into something that's more "electric bass like" with a mag pickup and some other tweaks because, while I have absolutely no desire to play electric bass, I really enjoy being the groove and support for my larger band (drums, trumpet, keys, guitar, sax, trombone, and vocals) as we play mainly funk, with some blues and R&B style stuff - generally lively stuff to get ya ass movin and shakin! However, in the next six months or so, I'll also be getting my new Upton Bass which will be used for more traditional jazz stuff - trios, quartets, etc.

The question is: which of those two amps will serve both styles well, though leaning a bit more toward the funk group? I really want to go with the Acoustic Image Ten2 because with the Upton, it'll sound phenomenal, but I'm worried that it's so focused on reproducing an accurate acoustic sound that it won't sound great when doing the funk stuff where I'll add some pedals and such. So I'd love some input on this from people with some experience with these amps.

THanks!

IMHO you will be happier with the Super Flightcase then the Flightcase. Upward speakers and overall more oomph based on what I have heard. I own a Super Flightcase and play a CR5M EUB through it and like it.
I also like playing through a Berg NV115, but that's another story... Good luck with your quest, YMMV, etc.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Definitely the Super Flightcase over the Flightcase. I had a Flightcase for a few months and it sounded amazing, but it wasn't even loud enough for Big Band rehearsals. No way it'd cope with dance band.

Tip: if you boost ALL of the EQ knobs to max you can squeeze a bit of extra volume out of the PJB heads. Just watch you don't blow a speaker.

 

[Co.]

The Ten2 Speaker sounds great in any acoustic/natural setting, no matter, what you plug into it. But it doesn't cut like a normal cabinet, that is designed for bass guitar. Bass guitar cabinets usually have more efficiency and a more direct midrange.
I usually play the same preamp/poweramp combination, but change cabinets for different band/ensemble settings.

 

[Federighi]

Personally I would stay away from the flight cases. I found they cannot keep up with large and/or loud bands. I'd be much more inclined towards the Berg 1x15 although I've only played in store and never out.

I currently use 2 different rigs depending on many variables like volume, stage/band size, etc. My main portable rig is 1 or 2 PJB C-4's or for bigger events, my MAS 2x10 moves major air. I power both by Jule or Acoustic Image through Headway or Fishman pre.

Good luck!