Double Bass Best amp for jazz?

[bassfiddlesteve]

I've had to run my double bass though a Bose L1 on many occasions and I've never been happy with how it sounds. If I use my Fishman preamp with the low cut set to 80Hz then I can get something usable. I recently bought a used GK MB150S and I forgot how well this little amp works. I also got the padded the carrying case so I'm back in the "one trip from the car" club for most gigs.

- Steve

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I've had to run my double bass though a Bose L1 on many occasions and I've never been happy with how it sounds. If I use my Fishman preamp with the low cut set to 80Hz then I can get something usable. I recently bought a used GK MB150S and I forgot how well this little amp works. I also got the padded the carrying case so I'm back in the "one trip from the car" club for most gigs.

- Steve

There is club in town with one of those Bose systems and they don't allow musicians to use other amps. It sounds pretty good in that room. I wouldn't want to carrry one to a gig.
I drive a 1999 Honda. The MB 150S is the old Honda CR-V of amps. Sure, I had newer cars and newer amps but they weren't really any better.

Edit: Most of the sound comes from the player and the bass. The pickup (no I don't use microphones) should be chosen to work with a particular bass. In my experience (myself included) players often put too much emphasis on the amp. It can only work with the signal it gets. For a period of time, I blended a microphone and pickup into an AI amp and although it sounded great at home, never worked on a gig. It was very frustrating. The GK has a tight, punchy tone and a very versatile EQ section. The 1k input is enough for piezo pickups. It is rock solid, portable and I've always been able to get a tone that is somewhere between acceptable and great. Using other amps, there has been more frustration. I understand the desire to get the best tone possible. Each individual player should experiment and arrive at what works best. Buying the most advanced or expensive amplifier may not deliver the best tone on the bandstand. That is all.

 

[Burr 15]

Thoughts on Ash Down 1-15 300 ? Anyone have any experience with these?

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

Tonight I had a gig with a guitar player and when I played the first few notes through my amp he said “That sounds just like your bass, only louder”. Either I’ve found the right combination or he’s be hanging out here.

- Steve

 

[dreamadream99]

Tonight I had a gig with a guitar player and when I played the first few notes through my amp he said “That sounds just like your bass, only louder”.

If you’re going to resurrect an abandoned amp thread, at least tell us which dang amp.

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

If you’re going to resurrect an abandoned amp thread, at least tell us which dang amp.

Markacoustic AC-101, which I really like, but I think he was pulling my leg. He thinks MBOL is pretty funny.

- Steve

 

[Ric Vice]

Markacoustic AC-101, which I really like, but I think he was pulling my leg. He thinks MBOL is pretty funny.

- Steve

Unfortunately, Markbass no longer builds this amplifier. So, unless there’s a used one somewhere, you’re chasing after that may be difficult to find. Just my take.