Double Bass "Cutting through"

[The Biz]

Even in "quiet" bands, these things can be very helpful. I can't quantify why, but I definitely can hear myself much much better with these on, even in situations where the volume isn't the actual issue.

You should own a pair regardless.

https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Heari...fe-Musicians/dp/B0032BYCWG?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_6

 

[Ric Vice]

Even in "quiet" bands, these things can be very helpful. I can't quantify why, but I definitely can hear myself much much better with these on, even in situations where the volume isn't the actual issue.

You should own a pair regardless.

https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Heari...fe-Musicians/dp/B0032BYCWG?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_6

How much do they reduce the bass content? I’d love to find something suitable, but I’ve always found it difficult to hear my own bass.

 

[Ric Vice]

More highs and mids than you like for the bass alone normally helps. Also Spiros can sometimes be the answer!

Agreed on all three points with the exception of “if you bow a lot of extended passages”

 

[The Biz]

How much do they reduce the bass content? I’d love to find something suitable, but I’ve always found it difficult to hear my own bass.

they don't really. everything sounds bassier in a way but not muffled. They are comfortable, stable in your ears, and really do the job.

And they are lifesavers on my (way too loud) 2 guitarists rockabilly gigs. I had one very unpleasant experience last summer and was at the shop the next morning. Problem solved.

 

[damonsmith]

Agreed on all three points with the exception of “if you bow a lot of extended passages”

I play primarily arco.

 

[Michael Glynn]

If you really want to hear yourself and cut through the band better, I recommend getting a pair of these:

 

[damonsmith]

If you really want to hear yourself and cut through the band better, I recommend getting a pair of these:

View attachment 3227632

Works for Barry Guy:

 

[Reiska]

If you really want to hear yourself and cut through the band better, I recommend getting a pair of these:

View attachment 3227632

Actually, in my musical reality drummers are rarely a problem. On the other hand, I`ve been very close to brutally slaughtering a guitar player many times.

 

[The Biz]

Me too. All the good drummers I work with are subtle volume wise even when at their most bombastic.

Almost all the good guitar players I work with play too loud. Pardon me, I meant to say 'need their tone'

 

[Ric Vice]

I play primarily arco.

Then kind sir, my hat is off to you.
As a mere mortal I’ve only occassionally gotten a decent bowed solo sound out of Tomastik Spirocore Weich Strings. I made the move to Evaha’s to get a decent bowed sound through a Walter Woods Amp, into a MAS 4/5 ot 1/8. Their fine for section playing though. My bass sounds farl

 

[Pat Harris]

I'm wondering if the clarus is a relatively dark, mid shy head? Should I look into a different head?

The same reasons the Clarus excels in some situations are the same reasons why it doesn't cut it in others, IMO. I used a SIII for years, but in the situations you speak of, I found myself riding the HPF really high in order to get a very direct and focused sound. When amped, I like my sound to sit on "top" of the kick and floor toms for the express reason of being able to hear myself.

I made the switch to an Aguilar AG700 about a year ago. I think it's intended to be a full blown electric bass monster, but I am very satisfied with the results on upright-- to the point of selling the AI. It can do the natural thing, but the voicing of the amp with all controls at noon provides a much more "up front" and "present" sound. The low end is much tighter sounding and feeling to my ears and hands.

 

[Don Hergert]

On my bass with my strings (Innovation SilverSlap EA / SBW Deluxe DG) bowing sounds pretty harsh amped and I hear more technique sound than I like, so I usually will reach down and adjust my pre-amp volumes lower as I grab my bow (I have my K&K pre-amp mounted high on the back side of my quiver). Acoustically, arco sound is great. I'm no arco expert, but I won't hesitate to use the bow whenever the sound is needed (~90 pizz and slap / ~10 arco).

Re: drummers and guitarists, in my book, sensitive volume control is a sign of an experienced player.

 

[Zbysek]

On my bass with my strings (Innovation SilverSlap EA / SBW Deluxe DG) bowing sounds pretty harsh amped ...so I usually will reach down and adjust my pre-amp volumes lower as I grab my bow

Same here. That's why I set lower volume on second channel of my EBS preamp and use it for arco...

Re: drummers and guitarists, in my book, sensitive volume control is a sign of an experienced player.

Amen.

 

[rknea]

I'm back on the prowl for more info on the Ear Box. I've listened to all the videos and read the reviews, but I'd like some feedback from an actual user. I occasionally play in an 18 piece big band and in the past have used several different tilt-back combo's but still had a hard time hearing my intonation at times. Would the Ear Box be a beneficial addition to my line up for this? It seems as though it would...but just want to make sure before I pull the trigger on it.

 

[Ric Vice]

two things elevate the cab. The 18 does not lose bass like other cabs, when elevated. It's like a tone control. More mids and highs---less low bass.

I hate to say it, but I'm still working with Eminence on the 8's. Try to refine them with each order. What is coming--2db higher efficiency, and a bit less mid bass a bit clearer mids.We're switching to aluminum edgewound wire. I lose a few hz of extension (still lower than any other bass driver) but gain efficiency and midrange clarity. Don't worry guys with 18's---it's a small improvement.

Not worried in the least, Mike you stand behind your cabinets, I can personally attest to that. Great customer service is the hallmark of your buisness. Incidentally, when Ampeg chose the JBL-D130, as a factory upgrade for the B-15N(C) they
quite possibly did so, because the D-130 had a copper clad aluminum voice coil, which helped to improve midrange definition, while the more common choice was the D-140 which used a copper voice coil. So, like minds think alike.

 

[Zbysek]

I'm back on the prowl for more info on the Ear Box. I've listened to all the videos and read the reviews, but I'd like some feedback from an actual user. I occasionally play in an 18 piece big band and in the past have used several different tilt-back combo's but still had a hard time hearing my intonation at times. Would the Ear Box be a beneficial addition to my line up for this? It seems as though it would...but just want to make sure before I pull the trigger on it.

Yes. The Ear Box will supplement high mids and treble for your ears...

 

[rknea]

Yes. The Ear Box will supplement high mids and treble for your ears...

Thanks!! I placed my order for one on Saturday!! Pretty excited to see how well it helps!!

 

[Zbysek]

Thanks!! I placed my order for one on Saturday!! Pretty excited to see how well it helps!!

Let us know what you think once it arrives...

 

[Ric Vice]

The same reasons the Clarus excels in some situations are the same reasons why it doesn't cut it in others, IMO. I used a SIII for years, but in the situations you speak of, I found myself riding the HPF really high in order to get a very direct and focused sound. When amped, I like my sound to sit on "top" of the kick and floor toms for the express reason of being able to hear myself.

Now, I haven't tried one of the newer AI heads with independant low and hi midrange controls, but on the models that preceed those, I compared it to both my Walter Woods amplifiers at the time and for me the Woods
worked better with my bass and pickup at the time that was a Realist. Since I use a Grace Designs Felix now and powered speakers now I haven't really tried a AI amp recently because frankly there's no need. I'm always
using a bit of HPF on the Grace because it just seems to clean things up. Additionally the Grace midrange EQ is really accurate. I did look at the Aguillar and liked it, but it's just so nice to be able to swap out pre amps
depending on the gig.