• 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.

decent battery powered bass amp for backyard gig?

#21
Let's keep in mind the OP asked for recommendations on a battery-powered amp. In a backyard, the first thing that comes to mind is to simply use an extension cord. But there can be reasons why this is not a good idea or even acceptable.

The advantage of the Jackery is you can walk up with your gear and play without any fuss. Also you don't have a long orange wire running out a window and through the yard that looks janky and posses a tripping hazard. If you are next to the house and the window...it's probably not a big deal. But if you are on the opposite side of the yard it can be.

The Jackery 300 is big enough to power many existing amps. and the Jackery is less expensive than any battery powered amp I would consider. Pretty sure my GK 700RB/112 on the Jackery 300 is louder than any battery powered amp that can be had for under a $1K.

I doubt I will ever use the Jackery for music. I bought it specifically to experiment with and to satisfy my curiosity. The size and capacity was chosen under the context of using my GK 700RB for busking. It's also nice to have a little bit of power when the electricity goes out. I may also eventually buy a Cube Street EX for the same reason...just to experiment. the Cube Street EX would be a better choice for camp fire jams.

Regarding the run time and the power getting soft. The Jackery has regulated outputs so the voltage stays at 110V until the battery is depleted. I think it would run the 700RB in at 8 ohms near max volume for a 4-hour gig. The 700RB is rated for 225W at 8 ohms.

Regarding the Cube Street EX. These run for quite awhile on rechargeable eight AA batteries. If you need more run time, simply bring a second set of batteries.
 
#24
For self-contained battery powered options, you may take a look at Alto. I brought a used Uber LT just to keep up with a couple acoustic guitars, for camping at an outdoor show, recently and it did fine. The tone was nothing to write home about, not did I expect to be. Were I purchasing again and look at new equipment, I might consider the Uber FX, as it has some tone controls, but would have the same low expectations as with any amp of this size.
 
#25
Just spend your money on a really,really good extention cord.
The perfect solution for battery powered options in a gigging situation still seems to be a Holy grail situation. Sooner or later, somebody's gonna make a reliable lunch box/small suitcase sized rechargeable 2 to 3 hour bass sounding amp that we can afford.
It'll be delivered by unicorns..... :smug:
 
  • Like
Reactions: velobob
#26
Reading that you do not have a lot to compete with, a low volume percussionist, and not sure how the guitarist is, you could get a bass pignose amp but they are only 5 watts, they say 50 but they aren't. Fishman Amp is loved by some Upright players I know but it's not the loudest and is not cheap for sure.

So I gave some amps, I was very into this too, I looked into all that, generators, solar power it all works but it's risky. I would honestly go with a PA system or have the whole group with a PA system, but if you do not need much volume it seems, why not go with what everyone is saying, also I agree a long extension cord would probably be a better bet unless you also can shell out for a small PJ amp or combo and use a battery but at that point... I would do what others are saying, also said it before but tons of battery PAs... Good luck!
 
#29
I've done plenty of acoustic jams around the campfire with a battery powered Roland Cube Street.
It has enough volume to keep up with two guitars, two vocals and a cajon comfortably.
Does it sound great compared to a dedicated mains powered bass amp? Not really, but it is more than good enough for a casual jam or busking. and you can always use a battery powered preamp pedal to get a better tone.
The EX version has even more grunt as shown in the video posted above.
 
Last edited:
#31
I have the Roland Micro Cube Bass RX, and can confidently say it would easily match the amp you are using. It runs for hours on a set of batteries and comes with an AC adapter. A little pricey, but comes with a lot of usefull features
 
#32
I'm using a PJ Double Four with a Ryobi 18v Drill Battery. Goes about 5 hours and it gets decently loud with my active basses. Thinking about getting a second drill battery so I can run my Cali 76 and have a mini pedal board too ;-)

For park jams, the double four and my Kala U Bass fit on my bike
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wasnex

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back