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Double Bass Best amp for jazz?
- Thread starter A Stringfellow
- Start date
It probably depends on HOW MUCH LOUDER. Actually, as you get louder and louder it is less likely to sound like your bass.
For me, in smaller clubs and quieter settings I haven't found anything that sounds more like my bass the AIs new UpShot speaker. I believe the speaker is (often) more important than the amp you are driving it with - unless of course the head is stongly 'voiced'. IF your amp is fairly flat the speaker becomes the big variable.
I am using a Shuttle 6.2 which, according to Aged Horse, is 'ruler flat'. I use it to drive the UpShot, or my Contra EX cab, or, for loud gigs I switch to my GK Neo 112 (and maybe even leave the good bass at home and play my BSX Alegro).
Another option which I will be reviewing as soon as it comes is the new Genzler Bass Array 10-2. I have the Gollihur Acoustic 2 channel version of this on order and will be reviewing it, along with gig videos, once it arrives.
For me, in smaller clubs and quieter settings I haven't found anything that sounds more like my bass the AIs new UpShot speaker. I believe the speaker is (often) more important than the amp you are driving it with - unless of course the head is stongly 'voiced'. IF your amp is fairly flat the speaker becomes the big variable.
I am using a Shuttle 6.2 which, according to Aged Horse, is 'ruler flat'. I use it to drive the UpShot, or my Contra EX cab, or, for loud gigs I switch to my GK Neo 112 (and maybe even leave the good bass at home and play my BSX Alegro).
Another option which I will be reviewing as soon as it comes is the new Genzler Bass Array 10-2. I have the Gollihur Acoustic 2 channel version of this on order and will be reviewing it, along with gig videos, once it arrives.
Hi. I see that you just joined today. Welcome!
Long story short, I've found that approaching MBOL is a combination of:
1) Good technique. The quality of your amplified sound will only begin to approach what you can put out of your bass acoustically. Tone issues related to technique can be, well.... amplified when you're plugged in.
2) The quality/transparency of your pickup/mic/other-type of transducer. Mics are arguably the most transparent but have their own set of problems with feedback and other issues relating to their sensitivity.
The DPA 4099B and Troll ribbon mic are two popular mics over here, though there are many others. Pickups are generally a compromise in tone but offer better resistance to feedback. The Full Circle, Realist (and variants), Revolution Solo II are popular choices, as are the Schertler offerings - Stat-B and Dyn-B.
3) The quality/transparency of your amp/cab. Acoustic Image, Phil Jones Bass and Euphonic Audio are three brands worth looking into. That, of course, is just my opinion as there many other brands and solutions that others here have reported success with.
It's helpful think of these three things as a chain with a start and an end, with each affecting the other down the line. For example a pickup poorly paired with your bass, even through a great amp, is probably not going to sound very good.
If you are really searching for MBOL, it's likely to be a long, frustrating and expensive road. I have been through a variety of pickups and amps on my quest already. There really is no substitute for trial and error. A perusal through the first few pages of the Amps, Mics and Pickups forum is a good start.
Long story short, I've found that approaching MBOL is a combination of:
1) Good technique. The quality of your amplified sound will only begin to approach what you can put out of your bass acoustically. Tone issues related to technique can be, well.... amplified when you're plugged in.
2) The quality/transparency of your pickup/mic/other-type of transducer. Mics are arguably the most transparent but have their own set of problems with feedback and other issues relating to their sensitivity.
The DPA 4099B and Troll ribbon mic are two popular mics over here, though there are many others. Pickups are generally a compromise in tone but offer better resistance to feedback. The Full Circle, Realist (and variants), Revolution Solo II are popular choices, as are the Schertler offerings - Stat-B and Dyn-B.
3) The quality/transparency of your amp/cab. Acoustic Image, Phil Jones Bass and Euphonic Audio are three brands worth looking into. That, of course, is just my opinion as there many other brands and solutions that others here have reported success with.
It's helpful think of these three things as a chain with a start and an end, with each affecting the other down the line. For example a pickup poorly paired with your bass, even through a great amp, is probably not going to sound very good.
If you are really searching for MBOL, it's likely to be a long, frustrating and expensive road. I have been through a variety of pickups and amps on my quest already. There really is no substitute for trial and error. A perusal through the first few pages of the Amps, Mics and Pickups forum is a good start.
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What you need is an Acoustic 360 with two of the rear-firing 18" cabinets. Make sure you turn up the fuzz control.
- Steve
I've tried that but it only sounds good with roots and fifths.
And it sounds better if you're drinking the fifths.
There are "other" notes?
@rickwolff - Not to mention finding the right speaker and port tuning for the cabinet. I'm replacing a speaker in a GK MB112 ii with a more sensitive and efficient speaker for reproducing upright bass. There are some sharp folks on the other side of TB who are great with those sort of issues.
That's only for playing 'jazz' in Asheville.
How about the one you like? Try them with your bass and pick-up, all of them are so different...
Edit: just to make it clearer, this is not meant to be rude but every body say they have they answer. But the thing is every bass react differently to the pick up which also react differently to the bass but also the amp. It become so hard to pin point what is making it work. I've had my Christopher bass since 2009, had the full circle with fishman preamp. Never like the sound it just didn't happen for me, except with an AI. Tried the Realist lifeline, felt better tried it with GK and a lot more with out much succes. Then tried it trought the bass cub by PJB. It work's but if I change string... not...
Edit: just to make it clearer, this is not meant to be rude but every body say they have they answer. But the thing is every bass react differently to the pick up which also react differently to the bass but also the amp. It become so hard to pin point what is making it work. I've had my Christopher bass since 2009, had the full circle with fishman preamp. Never like the sound it just didn't happen for me, except with an AI. Tried the Realist lifeline, felt better tried it with GK and a lot more with out much succes. Then tried it trought the bass cub by PJB. It work's but if I change string... not...
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devnulljp
Supporting Member
Forget about mbol. Get a full circle or lifeline, a decent combo like acoustic image or gk150, accept that it doesn't sound exactly like your bass, but sounds pretty friggin good, and devote your energy to making music.
Most jazz players are so unconsciously influenced by pop and rock, with regard to volume level alone, that even straight ahead players often play really loud. Most combo situations call for some kind of bass amp. For upright, I really like the acoustic image.
jdthebassman
play to live live to play
I use a polytone 101 amp from 1975 it has 1 15 and 2 8s nice sound from what I heard ray brown had input on the design
I would concur that the less one has to amplify, the better. Alas, in this noisy modern era, often there's not much getting around it.
I've become a fan of using tube amps for the upright bass. IME there's something more musically "natural" with the response - feels more like I'm playing a wooden instrument that is present in the room. (Which tends to be the general idea when one hauls out an upright bass to a live show...)
Even the lowest wattage tube head will probably never be nearly as physically practical as its modern Class D counterpart. But IMHO a carefully selected item (vintage 20 watt head or Ampeg's PF-20T or PF-50T) is worth the trouble. If I can schlep a bass and a capable speaker cab, I can also manage a 16-20 pound amp head - at least that's the way I see it.
I've become a fan of using tube amps for the upright bass. IME there's something more musically "natural" with the response - feels more like I'm playing a wooden instrument that is present in the room. (Which tends to be the general idea when one hauls out an upright bass to a live show...)
Even the lowest wattage tube head will probably never be nearly as physically practical as its modern Class D counterpart. But IMHO a carefully selected item (vintage 20 watt head or Ampeg's PF-20T or PF-50T) is worth the trouble. If I can schlep a bass and a capable speaker cab, I can also manage a 16-20 pound amp head - at least that's the way I see it.
I think the consensus among players who have been after the "my bass but louder" sound for decades is that it doesn't exist. I've settled for seeking out an amplified sound that I am happy with.
So far I've been really happy with almost every micro "Class D" head I've plugged in to, especially the Aguilar Tonehammer 500, the Genzler Magellan 800, and the Acoustic Image Focus 1 Siii (which I just sold). I've been playing through either a Big E MAS26 or MAS46 for a few years and have been really happy, though I just sold the 26 and am picking up a Greenboy fEARless F112 used locally. The guy I'm buying the the F112 from also had a Barefaced 12" and a 10" (I don't recall which models) and I played through both of them with my upright>Full Circle>Magellan and was really impressed.
If I were looking for a combo, I'd check out the Markbass 2x10 combos. Surprisingly, the newer Fender Rumble combos have gotten good reviews for upright. And at $350 for the 700W 2x10, it seems worth a try!
So far I've been really happy with almost every micro "Class D" head I've plugged in to, especially the Aguilar Tonehammer 500, the Genzler Magellan 800, and the Acoustic Image Focus 1 Siii (which I just sold). I've been playing through either a Big E MAS26 or MAS46 for a few years and have been really happy, though I just sold the 26 and am picking up a Greenboy fEARless F112 used locally. The guy I'm buying the the F112 from also had a Barefaced 12" and a 10" (I don't recall which models) and I played through both of them with my upright>Full Circle>Magellan and was really impressed.
If I were looking for a combo, I'd check out the Markbass 2x10 combos. Surprisingly, the newer Fender Rumble combos have gotten good reviews for upright. And at $350 for the 700W 2x10, it seems worth a try!
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
MBOL is a lofty goal but I use a GKMB150 combo. When I need more volume, a Countryman 85 DI goes to the house. I like the old Clarus and Acme B1 but the GK is more convenient. Sound quality is a toss up.
Most of the 'better' amps I've had sound more 'MBOL' at home and worse when it counts. I don't believe in unicorns or fairy farts.
Most of the 'better' amps I've had sound more 'MBOL' at home and worse when it counts. I don't believe in unicorns or fairy farts.
