• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Best amps today for upright

#21
QUESTION:
Danimal23 said:
What are the best head/speaker and combo amps out there now for double bass? I usually use a pickup but sometimes blend a mic(in need of 9v phantom) also.
Click to expand...

ANSWER: I hope it's the Phil Jones Super Flight Case because I just bought one.

As I mentioned earlier, I love my little portable PJB Bass Cub for 'Almost Acoustic' gigs so I decided to bite the bullet and get another PJB unit in a bigger size (it's still only 32 pounds). Also, with my new EDB-2 I can blend the microphone when I want to (with phantom power provided). I used the EDB-2 on the gig last night and it was really handy having it right next to me on a mic stand.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Rick
 
#22
rickwolff said:
QUESTION:
ANSWER: I hope it's the Phil Jones Super Flight Case because I just bought one.
Click to expand...

Hey, well I think you made a very good choice, and I don't even own one. Having those two upward firing speakers, just sounds like the most logical solution to the problem of not being able to hear ones self when a combo amp is on the floor, and still take advantage of bass response, via an amp that's designed to take advantage of coupling with the floor and surrounding walls.

rickwolff said:
As I mentioned earlier, I love my little portable PJB Bass Cub for 'Almost Acoustic' gigs so I decided to bite the bullet and get another PJB unit in a bigger size (it's still only 32 pounds). Also, with my new EDB-2 I can blend the microphone when I want to (with phantom power provided). I used the EDB-2 on the gig last night and it was really handy having it right next to me on a mic stand.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Rick
Click to expand...


That's the real beauty of the EDB-1 and EDB-2 you have control over you sound right at your fingertips, without constantly reaching down to make the slight adjustments, that are needed from time to time.

Ric
 
#29
Nathan Levine said:
The thread is titled: BEST amps today for Upright. :) Not sure it can get much better.
Click to expand...

Agreed, that combination is state of the art for amplifying Double Bass. It's around $1,850.00 not cheap mind you, but it's worth it. If you aren't doubline of blending a microphone, then
a Grace Designs AliX and a powered MAS 1/6 is considerably less @ $1,400.00. Since I try to buy all my gear used, then the price can go down even more, you just have to be patient.

Ric

P.S.
As we speak there is a brand spaking new MAS 4x5.5 in the TB classifieds for a great price.
 
Last edited:
#30
I hate to sound like a shill for Fender, but I just acquired a brand new Rumble 100 combo for $299.99 and I am very happy with it. I had used a little GK 200 combo for years but had to junk it. I never cared for Fender amps in the past because they always IMO seemed to have a lot of noise and static during the down time between tunes. If this new amp didn't have the red lights, I couldn't tell if it was on or off. I've never had the master volume control past one o'clock, and I'm playing with a 16 piece band.
Also it is very light and easy to get around. My back and I recommend it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ric Vice, Steve Boisen and Earl
#31
I've been rocking this set up lately and it's absolutely ridiculous. Would not recommend a huge, loud venue, but absolutely perfect for combo gigs in a small-medium room. For bigger I go with the PJB C4 and Ear Box. Felix never stays home. Ever.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2187.JPG
    IMG_2187.JPG
    1 MB · Views: 41
  • Like
Reactions: Ric Vice and Earl
#32
I've used a GK, Markbass, acoustic image, EA, and PJ combo. They all have their advantages and I don't think any of them are bad for upright.

I preferred the EA, AI, and PJ more than the GK and Markbass combos in regards to upright tone. That being said, I recently got a powered MAS 16 and I definitely think that it's the best amp that I've heard for upright.

I've powered the MAS 16 with heads from EA, GK, and AI out of curiosity and I can honestly say that the cab is vastly more important than the head for getting a great upright sound. There were differences between the 3 but regardless of which head I used, it was still the best sounding upright amp that I've heard.

My takeaway from it all is that I would take a powered MAS 16 with a $100 preamp or an unpowered MAS 16 with a $200 amp over any of the combos that I mentioned above.

IMHO even if you're on a budget, try to put your money towards the quality of the cab because that's where the real difference lies.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Doggie Hauser, Groove Doctor, Earl and 1 other person
#34
I've noticed that when giving advice on newbies purchasing an upright, the general consensus here is to buy the best bass you can afford, yet many don't bring this reasoning into their amplifiers, cabs and preamps and play amped all the time, complaining of their tone.

I did and am happier because of it. The powered MAS 16 (another unpowered one on order) and the Felix gives me exactly what I want. Sure, it wasn't cheap--but nothing of quality in this upright bass world is.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back