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Double Bass Carvin MB12 or MB15 for DB?

J

jdawg

Jun 11, 2011
3
0
Canberra Australia
#1
Hi, I'm new to this forum and have played in a jazz outfit for a few years and am now trying a bit of rockabilly/blues. I'm looking for a small amp for rehearsals and smaller gigs. I recently checked out the Carvin MB 10 and MB 12 at a local music store (also want to check out the 15). They seemed to sound pretty good in the shop and were pretty reasonable price wise (with a big discount). Anyone used one of these for DB? are they any good for DB? I was also thinking of the Genz Benz Shuttle 3 combos but won't be able to try one before buying which is a bit of a risk.

Most of my jazz gigs were acoustic and when I used an amp it was a pretty ordinary Behringer that made the bass sound very "electric" so I don't have much of a benchmark amp wise.

I'm using the K&K rockabilly pickup (bassmax with clicky) with the matching preamp.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

James
 
#2
JDawg,
Unless, you're playing in one of the softest Rockabilly bands out their then your I'm not sure that either the GK MB112 or MB115 would get the job done. I do really like the sound of those amps. The Carvin or Gentz Benz 6.0 series would probably be a better choice. Carvin makes nice gear.

Ric
 
#3
as for Carvin's micro bass combos, MB10, MB12, and MB15, i'm also curious if anyone's using one w/ upright! there are a few threads going on the electric bass side about the amps, and once or twice someone has commented on using them for upright, one guy said he really liked the MB15... but not a lot of details or reviews yet.... i have read that the input impedance is such that a buffer might be needed for most upright pickups. not very tech savvy so that's all i can say....
 
#4
Yeah the Carvin only has 200KOhm impedance, so you need a pre-amp, which I have. My main concern is whether 200 watts (250 with extension) will be loud enough. I tried out the 10 and the 12 in the shop and found the 10 a bit lacking. The 12 seemed OK but I would like to try it in a rehearsal setting. The shop offered to loan the amp to me for a rehearsal so I might see if I can take the 12 and 15 and check them out side by side. If I can organise this, I'll put up a review.

I also like the look of the TC Electronic BG 500-210 or 115 which has 500w or one of the Genz Benz Shuttles.
 

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