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Double Bass Compact / lightweight bass amp choices...

R

radiopicture

Feb 27, 2009
87
52
#1
Although there are many similar threads here (that I read but don't chime in on), I wanted to simplify / customize one for my own selfish needs. I do a little of everything, both in style (most genres) and setting (studio/live). I have and generally prefer the heavy traditional options for bass amps: SVT/810, V4/412 guitar amp (used for bass), Bass 400+/PH1000, Yamaha PB-1/PBC-6A/Crown K2/Avatar 410/212). However, I also have a modern Redhead which I allegedly got for lightness and portability. It's pretty good except for the light and portable part, and if that's the mission of this amp, I think I need to go all the way to something breezy light. I did own an 800RB and was put off by its noisiness, so I guess that experience made me stop paying attention to modern SS amps like Eden and what have you. I know that makes no sense since that was eons ago. In the mean time, Edens and its ilk have already become classics themselves. I think I need to get something new that will hopefully become a classic because it's so good. I'm also interested in lightweight bottoms to go with it (I think Neos sound different but fine). I do want it to be reasonably loud when needed, so I assume amps like Phil Jones might not cut it. Having said that, I am willing to go for a more modern, clinical sound than what I have now. If there are a lot of controls, I'll probably dial in the sound I want and use it most of the time, a habit I should maybe try to break. I recently heard a Glockenklang that sounded good in a quiet setting. I also see the reasonably priced Warwick LWA 1000 and Ampeg PF-800. Basses I use, in case it matters: Tobias Classic 5 (old), American Standard Jazz Bass V, just ordered a Big Al 5 (SSS). I know this is a lot to wade through, but I'd appreciate some suggestions and consensus. Thanks.
 
#5
While researching this stuff, I noticed Atlanta Bass Gallery as being a dealer for various boutique brands. I happened to be down in Atlanta for a wedding, and stopped in to see these people. Great place, and I'd suggest that bass players finding themselves in the area won't be disappointed. Clean, modern environment, very well stocked with all kinds of new and some used / vintage gear. Smart, pleasant no attitude, no pressure people on hand. I wanted to try these compact amps and Marleaux Votan XS, and they had almost all of it, including The Bergantino 112 and lots of other cabinets. The only thing they didn't have was the KXB500, which I will definitely find and try. The Tone Hammer 500 is a popular choice and I can see why, as it's especially easy to dial in. They had a Genz Benz Shuttle (lightly used) and it sounded great (very full). I was disappointed to hear that Fender was killing the line. Apparently, Jeff Genzler was in on the design of some of the Rumble line. I liked the Warwick LWA1000 a LOT regardless of what I played it through. Lots of power and bottom end. I had previously tried the Glockenklang Blue Soul, which I thought was very hi fi, but thin on the low end, and very pricey. Bass remarks: The Votan XS is veeeery light, liked the tone, thought the knob and bridge chrome looked cheap, but has a great look, especially in the seafoam green. They actually have a an Earthwood bass there in primo condition, also very cool. I used to like Alembics back in the day and picked up one of the top models. Perfect craftsmanship, sounded great, but really really heavy. At any rate, a great experience going in there, and I appreciate the suggestions as I figure out this lightweight amp thing.
 
#8
radiopicture said:
...wondering what is happening with that line.
Click to expand...

Genz-Benz has officially been shuttered by Fender Musical Instrument Corp, which bought the assets of GB a few years ago. You might (speculation here) see some GB designs/features reborn as Fender amps (or maybe one of their other lines) but who knows.

As a (former) GB dealer, I was disappointed to see them go away - they're very nice amps with smart designs and great specs. Bob still plays a Streamliner 900 as one of his primary amps.

On a side note, FMIC will honor warranties on GB amps for the original owner.
 
#10
Mark Gollihur said:
Genz-Benz has officially been shuttered by Fender Musical Instrument Corp, which bought the assets of GB a few years ago. You might (speculation here) see some GB designs/features reborn as Fender amps (or maybe one of their other lines) but who knows.

As a (former) GB dealer, I was disappointed to see them go away - they're very nice amps with smart designs and great specs. Bob still plays a Streamliner 900 as one of his primary amps.

On a side note, FMIC will honor warranties on GB amps for the original owner.
Click to expand...


I need to get the matching Ext 8T cab before they go away forever, used of course.
 
#11
Radio¶icture, ¶lease use the ¶ilcrow, ie a ¶aragraph break, some of us old geezers with failing eyesight see a wall of text and don't read it even though we may want to hel¶ (not that I'm qualified).


radiopicture said:
Although there are many similar threads here (that I read but don't chime in on), I wanted to simplify / customize one for my own selfish needs. I do a little of everything, both in style (most genres) and setting (studio/live). I have and generally prefer the heavy traditional options for bass amps: SVT/810, V4/412 guitar amp (used for bass), Bass 400+/PH1000, Yamaha PB-1/PBC-6A/Crown K2/Avatar 410/212).

However, I also have a modern Redhead which I allegedly got for lightness and portability. It's pretty good except for the light and portable part, and if that's the mission of this amp, I think I need to go all the way to something breezy light. I did own an 800RB and was put off by its noisiness, so I guess that experience made me stop paying attention to modern SS amps like Eden and what have you. I know that makes no sense since that was eons ago.

In the mean time, Edens and its ilk have already become classics themselves. I think I need to get something new that will hopefully become a classic because it's so good. I'm also interested in lightweight bottoms to go with it (I think Neos sound different but fine).

I do want it to be reasonably loud when needed, so I assume amps like Phil Jones might not cut it. Having said that, I am willing to go for a more modern, clinical sound than what I have now. If there are a lot of controls, I'll probably dial in the sound I want and use it most of the time, a habit I should maybe try to break. I recently heard a Glockenklang that sounded good in a quiet setting. I also see the reasonably priced Warwick LWA 1000 and Ampeg PF-800.

Basses I use, in case it matters: Tobias Classic 5 (old), American Standard Jazz Bass V, just ordered a Big Al 5 (SSS). I know this is a lot to wade through, but I'd appreciate some suggestions and consensus. Thanks.
Click to expand...

radiopicture said:
While researching this stuff, I noticed Atlanta Bass Gallery as being a dealer for various boutique brands. I happened to be down in Atlanta for a wedding, and stopped in to see these people. Great place, and I'd suggest that bass players finding themselves in the area won't be disappointed. Clean, modern environment, very well stocked with all kinds of new and some used / vintage gear. Smart, pleasant no attitude, no pressure people on hand.

I wanted to try these compact amps and Marleaux Votan XS, and they had almost all of it, including The Bergantino 112 and lots of other cabinets. The only thing they didn't have was the KXB500, which I will definitely find and try. The Tone Hammer 500 is a popular choice and I can see why, as it's especially easy to dial in. They had a Genz Benz Shuttle (lightly used) and it sounded great (very full). I was disappointed to hear that Fender was killing the line. Apparently, Jeff Genzler was in on the design of some of the Rumble line. I liked the Warwick LWA1000 a LOT regardless of what I played it through. Lots of power and bottom end. I had previously tried the Glockenklang Blue Soul, which I thought was very hi fi, but thin on the low end, and very pricey.

Bass remarks: The Votan XS is veeeery light, liked the tone, thought the knob and bridge chrome looked cheap, but has a great look, especially in the seafoam green. They actually have a an Earthwood bass there in primo condition, also very cool. I used to like Alembics back in the day and picked up one of the top models. Perfect craftsmanship, sounded great, but really really heavy.

At any rate, a great experience going in there, and I appreciate the suggestions as I figure out this lightweight amp thing.
Click to expand...
 
#12
You need an amp with at least a 1 meg input impedance to make your pickup sound right, unless you are planning to use an outboard preamp....the Kustom kbx500 amp mentioned here is severely lacking is that regard, imo.

From the pdf specs of the kbx500 Kustom amp:

Input Impedance
Single Input
690K Ohm
 
#14
I dare to say that the only micro amp which is kind of a classic yet is the Markbass Little Mark. Go and test them. Only few but very efficient controls and it can go to 11 if you like to. Having sayed that I've sold mine and am very happy with my Genz Benz Streamliner. Like the Tube EQ and warmth
 
#15
I was going to say the same thing as pete.

while I'm at it, I like my TH500 for everyday bar gigs, and if outdoors or at a large venue, my G-K MBFusion 800 gets the call.

I also had a Streamliner900 and loved it, but the lack of future support left me to sell it and get the G-K.
 

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