Bass Amp for Jazz and Rock?

[Xavier Wells]

Hey Everyone,

So here's my situation... I'm currently a university music student and I play in a range of ensembles. I'm primarily a jazz musician but I do play in our commercial music ensemble (Pop, rock, blues, etc..)

I currently play on a Fender Rumble 100 and it works great with my upright in jazz combo and big band but it doesn't hold it's own against four guitarists, a drummer, a horn section, and vocalists in commercial music.

I've been debating trying to find a bigger amp but I don't know where to start. Should I go with a head and cab uint or a combo? I didn't know if there was anyone else out there that had an amp that's good for both upright and electric?

 

[SJan3]

Do you have a budget?

 

[Xavier Wells]

I'd preferably like to keep it around under $1,000, it'd be really amazing if it was in the $500-$800 range!

 

[CallMeAl]

I’d look at Markbass. I use it for both Jazz and Rock with great results. I know this is popular with double bassists as well.

I went from a Rumble 100 to a CMD 121p and it’s a world of difference, even between 12” combos. The extra headroom and clarity (speaker efficiency) does wonders. I do have the extension speaker but rarely need it; though it’s mostly trio work. For a band your size, I’d look at the 210 or 115, and possibly extension. I’ve used the 210 for backline with a loud and large blues band, did great (though with PA support, which you probably have available?)

This is pushing to the top of your budget, but there’s often sales and plenty of used stock out there. I found it to be worth the price!

 

[Xavier Wells]

I’d look at Markbass. I use it for both Jazz and Rock with great results. I know this is popular with double bassists as well.

I went from a Rumble 100 to a CMD 121p and it’s a world of difference, even between 12” combos. The extra headroom and clarity (speaker efficiency) does wonders. I do have the extension speaker but rarely need it; though it’s mostly trio work. For a band your size, I’d look at the 210 or 115, and possibly extension. I’ve used the 210 for backline with a loud and large blues band, did great (though with PA support, which you probably have available?)

This is pushing to the top of your budget, but there’s often sales and plenty of used stock out there. I found it to be worth the price!

Thank you for the suggestions! I'll be excited to check it out and see what would be the best for my situation. I also like the idea of getting a versatile head unit as well.

 

[SJan3]

Thank you for the suggestions! I'll be excited to check it out and see what would be the best for my situation. I also like the idea of getting a versatile head unit as well.

You'll get more for your money with a combo unit and this is where Markbass excels. The amp in their combos is the same amp as in their 500 watt LittleMark head. Read that, lots of power!
If you play jazz primarily, I'd suggest the CMD121P with an eye to a NY121 extension cab down the road if you'd even need it.
As @CallMeAl mentioned, there are often sales on MF or Guitar Center for up to 15% off. If you can wait for the President's day Sale, you can probably score the combo for a bit over $800 NEW!