Double Bass Genzer Acoustic Array Pro for double bass (not the Gollihur model)?

[DuluthDank]

Has anybody tried the Genzler acoustic array (the one intended for acoustic instruments broadly) on double bass? I'm looking at this and it seems to check all the boxes for me. All things being equal, I'd take the Gollihur bass-specific model for the same price if it fell in my lap, but so many more of the original model are made, they pop up much cheaper used.

I used a SWR Strawberry Blonde (80 watts, 1X10) for years, which was more of an acoustic guitar amp, and was not concerned with a lack of low end. I mostly sold it because it was heavy for what it was compared to newer competition, but I really liked how it sounded with my double bass (and bass guitar, for that matter). If the Genzler isn't any more bass shy, I think i'd probably be in good shape.

 

[Wasnex]

@Mark Gollihur would be the best person to ask.

The guitar version does "work" with bass, but really lacks the satisfying fullness and depth on the lower strings. That was the genesis of this Genzler/Gollihur Series amp - Jeff brought the prototype for the guitar model by the shop to test it with upright. We liked it, but we liked it a lot more when we outputted the combo's head into a Bass Array 110 cabinet. Hence: the "Genzlihur" model

Ref: https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ge...ew-video-post-89.1307636/page-7#post-21072231

 

[MuseChaser]

Has anybody tried the Genzler acoustic array (the one intended for acoustic instruments broadly) on double bass?

Not on double bass, but on an Ibanez SRH500F (semi hollow fretless) and an Alembic Epic5 fretless.

I'm looking at this and it seems to check all the boxes for me. All things being equal, I'd take the Gollihur bass-specific model for the same price if it fell in my lap, but so many more of the original model are made, they pop up much cheaper used.

I used a SWR Strawberry Blonde (80 watts, 1X10) for years, which was more of an acoustic guitar amp, and was not concerned with a lack of low end. I mostly sold it because it was heavy for what it was compared to newer competition, but I really liked how it sounded with my double bass (and bass guitar, for that matter). If the Genzler isn't any more bass shy, I think i'd probably be in good shape.

The standard Genzler Acoustic Array Pro is a little lighter in the extreme low end compared to an amp made specifically for basses, but it's a very natural, open, effortless-sounding amp. I've used it for bass, keyboard (sampled grand and Rhodes sounds),and electric violin, and it's great in every situation. Unless you play rock gigs or need extreme low end thump, I doubt you'll miss it.

I've also had the chance to compare it to the Bass Acoustic Array, with the different driver. You do get extra extension down low, but at a slight cost in the last word in "neutrality" in the mid and upper midrange. They're both great amps.. just depends what styles and venues you play. For most small group jazz stuff on upright, I bet you might actually prefer the regular Acoustic Array Pro if you're looking for the utmost in a natural acoustic sound.

 

[DuluthDank]

Not on double bass, but on an Ibanez SRH500F (semi hollow fretless) and an Alembic Epic5 fretless.



The standard Genzler Acoustic Array Pro is a little lighter in the extreme low end compared to an amp made specifically for basses, but it's a very natural, open, effortless-sounding amp. I've used it for bass, keyboard (sampled grand and Rhodes sounds),and electric violin, and it's great in every situation. Unless you play rock gigs or need extreme low end thump, I doubt you'll miss it.

I've also had the chance to compare it to the Bass Acoustic Array, with the different driver. You do get extra extension down low, but at a slight cost in the last word in "neutrality" in the mid and upper midrange. They're both great amps.. just depends what styles and venues you play. For most small group jazz stuff on upright, I bet you might actually prefer the regular Acoustic Array Pro if you're looking for the utmost in a natural acoustic sound.

Thanks, this is just what I was hoping to hear. And I agree, I don't tend to like much low end extension or punch with amplified upright, as it actually ends up sounding more artificial to my ears. It sounds like I'd be happy with the regular version.

 

[oren]

One amp that’s piqued my interest lately is the GR Acoustic Cube. Haven’t seen or heard any demos, but the feature set looks right.
NF Cube Acoustic – GRBass

 

[koricancowboy]

One amp that’s piqued my interest lately is the GR Acoustic Cube. Haven’t seen or heard any demos, but the feature set looks right.
NF Cube Acoustic – GRBass

I just ordered one and it should be in next week. I’ll post my thoughts.

 

[rickwolff]

Thanks, this is just what I was hoping to hear. And I agree, I don't tend to like much low end extension or punch with amplified upright, as it actually ends up sounding more artificial to my ears. It sounds like I'd be happy with the regular version.

I've got the Gollihur model and Love it. I've been using it almost exclusively since I got it (and I think I got the first one - it was one of Jeff Genzlers personal amps and didn't even have a serial number on it).

If you did get the 'regular' version you could always swap out the driver for the bass driver down the road
My Gollihur model sounds fabulous with my Double Bass (I play DB almost exclusively). It sounds very natural and not at all 'bass heavy'. It is well balanced across the spectrum and the line array really brings out the mids and highs.

I read recently that when Ray Brown was touring and had to rent a bass he would just go down the line and pluck the open E string on each bass. He wanted that solid bottom end without having the Bass fall off below guitar range. I've never tried the 'non-bass' model of the Acoustic Pro but I really can't imagine I'd like it as much as the Gollihur model.