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Do I need an amp? Does anyone need an amp anymore?
- Thread starter Maurice L
- Start date
Needing an amp is personal preference.
SVT's and 700RB's here. I dig my stage tone, so I will continue to use until I retire most likely.
SVT's and 700RB's here. I dig my stage tone, so I will continue to use until I retire most likely.
I've played quite a few dives where the PA is vocals only so I would say that an amplifier is necessary as a failsafe, just in case. If you can guarantee you will always have a proper PA then you can get away with a DI box of some kind but I wouldn't take that chance personally.
I have 2 amps....a Genz Benz 6.0 12T combo for gigging and a Genz Benz 6.0 210T for rehearsal space. I used to just play direct into PA...but decided this way is better for me. Neither combo is over 36 lbs. and both are 375 watts. so, a no brainer for me.
Always have an amp available...just in case!
Always have an amp available...just in case!
The sound of the IEMs is uninspiring to me despite all eq adjustments. Yes, fairly high end model with custom molds, quad drivers. The sound of my 10 inch combo really fires me up and makes me want to play. I am able to achieve the tone I have in my head.
This is probably neither here nor there, but I am also a gigging keyboard player and play through in ears exclusively for that purpose, and it sounds fantastic.
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Even when I play with IEM I use an amp, lacking some kind of haptic feedback changes how I play.
There's not enough control and punch from bass in a PA or monitor if I'm without IEM, so no matter the stage size I always use an amp.
There's not enough control and punch from bass in a PA or monitor if I'm without IEM, so no matter the stage size I always use an amp.
I need an amp for some of my gigs and rehearsals. It's part of my arsenal.
Even when we are on IEM, I am using the amp to power my Eich Bassboard or Eich Drumchair.
Even when we are on IEM, I am using the amp to power my Eich Bassboard or Eich Drumchair.
I always liked the security of having a small combo amp that I ran to front of house. That way, I know I can create at least enough bass on my own for me and the drummer to hear, and something as a backup or to use for small settings. I don't gig any more, but if I did, I would probably still want that little combo amp to FOH/PA situation.
Having played in bands for 50 years and always with an amp behind me the concept of doing away with it and just using IEM’s is a new adventure. I do miss that fullness of the band on stage and the sound of my bass amp, but I definitely do not regret getting home to bed with my ears ringing away!
That factor was the main reason for us going in ears, the drummer has tinnitus and the guitarist as well to a lesser degree, It is also a lot simpler now in setting up, no huge stage monitors to lug around and trying to fit them on small stages.
I’ve decided to try out a couple of gigs fairly soon without my Fender Rumble Stage 800, whether the guitarist will follow suit I don’t know?
That factor was the main reason for us going in ears, the drummer has tinnitus and the guitarist as well to a lesser degree, It is also a lot simpler now in setting up, no huge stage monitors to lug around and trying to fit them on small stages.
I’ve decided to try out a couple of gigs fairly soon without my Fender Rumble Stage 800, whether the guitarist will follow suit I don’t know?
Yes. Not every place you play will be set up for you to just plug and go. With my rock band I could go ampless. We have a full PA and I have IEMs. With my church gig my amp is my monitor. We play into the church PA but, We get vocals in the choir area, but nothing else. Got to hear myself.
Yes sir!
Stage amp for me.
I've tried IEM's, no stage amp.
I've tried playing through floor monitors, no stage amp.
It just doesn't work for my ears.
(FYI)
Mesa Subway 800+, main gigging head, GK MB-500, backup head.
Bergantino CN212 cabinet.
I've FOH support 100% of the time.
Stage amp for me.
I've tried IEM's, no stage amp.
I've tried playing through floor monitors, no stage amp.
It just doesn't work for my ears.
(FYI)
Mesa Subway 800+, main gigging head, GK MB-500, backup head.
Bergantino CN212 cabinet.
I've FOH support 100% of the time.
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There is an assumption in your post that somehow bass players or at lease some, are submissive subordinate individuals. Be aware that some are certainly not.
I will NEVER submit to a so called bandleader. I play bass. I play my choices or guitar and amplifier, again by choice. All hand picked over decades. If I am ever even a single time asked or told to play direct, my exit will be immediate and non reversible. I want to play my instruments and hear them directly not butchered by that very loose term, the "sound guy", most of which, couldn't mix a fruitcake.
No band leader nor venue is more important that my playing pleasure. It's all I want, that is me.
Another yes for me. Generally anyway.
My band, I use one all the time, its part of my sound, and I always get the same compliment from soundpeople that I'm new to "you play with a lot of drive in your sound". Yup!
Now, I have a friend's band that I gig a lot with, they're really heavy on backing tracks, and this band plays ampless and uses in ears. I'm not here to create, I'm merely augmenting. Fine with me.
My band, I use one all the time, its part of my sound, and I always get the same compliment from soundpeople that I'm new to "you play with a lot of drive in your sound". Yup!
Now, I have a friend's band that I gig a lot with, they're really heavy on backing tracks, and this band plays ampless and uses in ears. I'm not here to create, I'm merely augmenting. Fine with me.
Yes..
I love them as the engineering works of art they often are, as well as the sounds produced. If you have the right gear and take the time to find the sweet spots on the head? It's the perfect mix of player, guitar and amp. (In my opinion) it can't be beaten. There's a wealth of wisdom from all the players here, and a lot of excellent equipment available for you to home in on exactly what you need.
I love them as the engineering works of art they often are, as well as the sounds produced. If you have the right gear and take the time to find the sweet spots on the head? It's the perfect mix of player, guitar and amp. (In my opinion) it can't be beaten. There's a wealth of wisdom from all the players here, and a lot of excellent equipment available for you to home in on exactly what you need.
Same with me my set up allows low or loud volume, mounting the top cab on an amp stand I can really hear, easy to transport.
