Double Bass Eden Wp100 -your thoughts please

[theshadow2001]

I'm slowly but surely zoning in on the bass that I want. While amplifying wont be till way down the line I was just wondering something; for slab I currently use a mesa boogie m pulse with a mark bass 4x10 and 1x15 cab. I'm not 100% happy with the sound and would like something cleaner Im thinking an Eden Wp100 pre amp + power would do the job nicely and suit the cabs a bit better. But would this set up also work for an upright?. I think the edeny cleanlyness would suit a DB. As I said amplification is way down the line(I don't even have a bass yet) so I don't have any particular mic or pick-up in mind. Just wondering what you guys thought on the rig

 

[Bob Gollihur]

I owned and gigged an Eden WT300 head (with Carvin 2x10, later Eden 212xlt); that was followed by an Eden WP100 (Navigator) preamp driving a Crown amp. Both were purchased and used primarily for bass guitar gigs, as I used a Contra for URB 95% of the time. I obviously did use both in cases where I needed higher volumes, and also spent a good deal of time experimenting with settings at home to find a reference setting to use on URB gigs as needed.

I never did like the WT300 for URB, it just didn't produce a natural, acoustic sound for me. and while I think the WP100 preamp had the capability to be a little less "Edenish" than the WT300, I wouldn't recommend it for URB. I don't use Edenish as a pejorative-- it's simply their signature sound. Even without the Enhance knob to invoke their "smiley curve", it sounds Electric to my ears, YMMV -- we are all looking for the URB sound we expect -- and you should probably expect that to evolve over time as you continue to experience playing string bass.

I wouldn't suggest committing to one (for URB use) without being able to audition it first, though it can be a cool slab rig!

The only other preamp I have extensive experience with was the Kern IP777, a great preamp with lots of tube warmth, though it can be a bit dark-sounding if you're not careful. I used that (with QSC2402 and EA VL208 cabs) primarily for bass guitar, too, but was happy with its character for URB-- but still primarily used a Contra.

Good luck in your quest!

 

[theshadow2001]

Thanks bob. I suppose I'm looking for a pre that would give a nice clear clean sound that can double for a double and slab rig

 

[Bob Gollihur]

I don't know how much power you need, but I abandoned the weight of a component rack case and have been gigging an 800 watt iAMP800 for three+ years now. (disclosure, I sell EA gear, but also used EA gear before I became a dealer). You'll find other posts here discussing that amp and its suitability for both slab and URB.

Most of the use it sees is bass guitar/EUB work, for louder rock & blues, though it does see URB work when I need more than the Contra can supply. I like its clean warmth and precise EQ.

I'm sure others will have their suggestions, I don't want to turn this into an unintended commercial when it's actually personal experience.

 

[ToneRanger]

...that can double for a double and slab rig

That's what we all want, but it will inevitably involve compromise. My Eden is labelled as a "Bass GUITAR Amplifier" and it fills that role beautifully. I'm also very happy with how it works for my EUB, but I suspect I'd get a more 'acoustic' sound from a specialist URB amp.
That said, I find Eden in general has a less coloured sound than most other gear I've tried. I particularly like the clean extended lows of my 210XST - solid fundamentals without being boomy.

 

[theshadow2001]

I suppose your right. The best tools for any job are those that are dedicated soley to one single purpose. It's the same with most things really.

Needing a WP100 for my double bass would of been a great excuse to buy one though