Are bass amps obsolete?

[JimmyM]

yeah, nothing on stage but them and the drum kit now. i didn't even see monitors (guessing all IEM)

Well James does have two Mesa cabs up there to re-orient himself and his sound when he needs it, so I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that the next tour they do they're back with amps and they just use the Axe-FX's for effects. Plus Kirk has 5 Crybabies positioned around the stage so he can hop on one any time he needs it

 

[BurningSkies]

Well James does have two Mesa cabs up there to re-orient himself and his sound when he needs it, so I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that the next tour they do they're back with amps and they just use the Axe-FX's for effects. Plus Kirk has 5 Crybabies positioned around the stage so he can hop on one any time he needs it

For a minute I thought you meant he had 3 other crybabies on stage.

 

[TinyE]

after zooming in, i do see a lyrics screen surrounded by what could be 2 monitors on each side of the stage!

Well James does have two Mesa cabs up there to re-orient himself and his sound when he needs it, so I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that the next tour they do they're back with amps and they just use the Axe-FX's for effects. Plus Kirk has 5 Crybabies positioned around the stage so he can hop on one any time he needs it

 

[Geezer1950]

bass frequencies = long sound waves. - long sound waves need large speakers and lots of watts to propagate them -line out to a good powerful SR system works -tiny "gig" amps do not -trying to vibrate cabinets using wimpy (under 15") speakers just makes mud -ear buds schmeerbuds - I want my money notes to loosen fillings

 

[BurningSkies]

bass frequencies = long sound waves. - long sound waves need large speakers and lots of watts to propagate them -line out to a good powerful SR system works -tiny "gig" amps do not -trying to vibrate cabinets using wimpy (under 15") speakers just makes mud -ear buds schmeerbuds - I want my money notes to loosen fillings

Oh no.

I disappoint.

 

[PSPookie]

...and some of us would agree: but not necessarily in the way which you intended!

Take it any way you like. I, for one, love P basses and a good amp.

 

[Manticore]

Just wondering what the no amp guys are using in band practice.

Rehearsals, when held, are typically in tight quarters. Headphone or IEMs are particularly wonderful as they block out unnecessary volume from the drummer and/or horns. Having control over the volume for such events reduces fatigue to the ears.

 

[chadds]

we

used to have a drummer who watched the motoracing on a small tv while he played. he really did

I watched a Ginger Baker watching the moonshot on a little B&W TV while playing with Blind Faith. Which was okay because the opening act Delaney Bonnie and Friends had blown them away.

 

[PSPookie]

Can't stand IEMs. Separates me from the audience.

 

[JimmyM]

Can't stand IEMs. Separates me from the audience.

I will get used to them because I must join the 21st century if I want to gig, but not altogether enthused. For singing, they're awesome. For playing, not so much.

 

[Chickenwheels]

I've tried to get him to switch to the electronic kit he already owns, but he says it's too valuable to risk his investment by moving it from his house. He will likely get fired, as is proper.

Lol!

 

[Chickenwheels]

I would rather buy a QSC K 12.2 than a new bassamp and use it with a preamp-pedal. It even has a preset to be used with a bass. It could very well serve the keyboarder and the vocalist.

K12.2s aren’t cheap or particularly small/lightweight. I do however use them, and also the K8 and K10. They’re great if there’s no drummer and you don’t need to “move air”.
A good old fashioned EV15 makes a better sound dynamically (for me) when locking in with drummer. More mid punch, more natural feel and tone.
I’m also using both QSC and amp together quite often.

 

[Chickenwheels]

This is my “no amp” rig, for both rehearsal and performance. Actually, there is an amp there; but, the power section isn’t in the signal chain.
View attachment 3305184

Also the “No drunks or high energy on stage rig”!! Kidding, just jealous!

 

[Chickenwheels]

i was kind of wondering the same thing. i saw metallica, and none of them had amplifiers. My guess was they were all using kemper amps right into the PA.

The PA is worth more than a block of houses, probably.

 

[Chickenwheels]

Another consideration. If your amp is behind you and your FOH speakers and subs are out front is there a phase issue that could potentially corrupt your sound? Assuming you're not using a time correction system.

PA spill destroys a good stage sound quicker than any guitarist imo.

 

[Chickenwheels]

I had no idea this thread would garner so much interest. I appreciate all the thoughtful responses.

This is hot stuff. Plenty of threads have gone down this road in the last year.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

The PA is worth more than a block of houses, probably.

Probably also so loud I wouldn't know if they were using Kempers or not as I'd be using ear muffs.

 

[2tonic]

hi 2tonic





They might work for "vitual" nightclubs, where folks drink "virtual" drinks

and the whole band plays vitual instruments.

What a nightmare!

greetings

Wise(b)ass

Isn't that called "Sitting at home on a Saturday night, listening to the stereo and wishing you had a date"?

 

[chadds]

K12.2s aren’t cheap or particularly small/lightweight. I do however use them, and also the K8 and K10. They’re great if there’s no drummer and you don’t need to “move air”.
A good old fashioned EV15 makes a better sound dynamically (for me) when locking in with drummer. More mid punch, more natural feel and tone.
I’m also using both QSC and amp together quite often.

Finally it’s said. Good for some things. Not that light and portable. But hey we are on TB where every large manufacturer can’t wait until we adopt their new thing and toss all of our mint now old stuff. It’s a perfect eco system where the barely used gear goes to those who wanted to try it and the loop loops. The crack in the loop happened when peeps started fortelling that the Markbass thing wasn’t eternal. Not bashing their stuff. Having fun with our TB enthusiasm to meh GAS.
Back to our regularly scheduled program.

 

[micgtr71]

Back in the 90s I used to play weekly in this club with a killer sound guy. I walked in with my stingray fretless, a sansamp, and a chord. Great sound in the monitors and out front. Best gig setup ever. I don’t need an amp to find a sound.