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How much bass keyboard amp can deliver?

bozha

bozha

Jun 5, 2008
139
108
SRB
#1
My main concern here… Is a 12”, 120W keyboard amp like Roland KC-350 capable to deliver low frequencies of 5 string bass like some decent bass combos of similar size and price?

Idea is to use it as convenient, portable poweramp/cabinet combined with my bass preamp/toneshaper for rehearsals and small gigs.

I know I can use some bass combo like Cube, but I’m getting this one really cheap, and all those extra inputs are welcome.
 
#2
I like your idea but haven't tried it out so I can't comment from experience. I found this review where the reviewer used a similar Roland 12-inch keyboard amp plus a subwoofer for a 4-string, so it doesn't answer your question about using the amp by itself for a 5-string:
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Bass+Amp/product/Roland/KC-150+Combo/10/1

I also found this review of the KC-500, which I have tried with a 5-string and found adequate: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

So you might be the first to try the KC-350 with a five-string. My guess is that it would be OK at low volume church or jazz gigs, but would fart if you tried for loud volume or added any bass EQ to compensate for the small box. Let us know if you try it out.
 
#6
eh, i was never big on roland keyboard amps for bass. keyboard amps aren't built to have a super load of low end because most keyboard players don't need it. our keyboard player has one and i wouldn't use it for bass. they will work, and a handful of people do use them, but they're not the best solution for bass imho.
 
#7
bozha said:
.... but I’m getting this one really cheap, and all those extra inputs are welcome.
Click to expand...

IMO, I would try it before you buy it. Either it works for you or it doesn't. No need to spend your cash and have them amp suck the first time you use it live.

I doubt you get much volume out it before it farts out with the 5 string.
 
#9
I have an old Peavey KB 60 keyboard amp. The keyboard inputs have a 50 Hz high pass filter (too high for 5 string), but the power amp input on the effects loop does not have this high pass filter. This is where you could plug in your bass preamp. Check the manual for the Roland amp for the high pass filter specs and where it is in the schematics to see if it can be bypassed. To answer your question, can it deliver the lows of a 5 string like a similar sized and priced bass combo? Yes, bypassing the high pass filter, but I also think all similarly sized and priced bass combos fail to deliver the low frequencies of a 5 string. I hope this helps and I'm interested to see if you try this.
 
#10
First of all, appreciate all your answers…

This one is on classifieds, so I can’t test it, only rely on others experiences.
I’m aware of general problem with 1x12. And I’m fine with that. Doesn’t need superload of bass to move the walls, just to be there.

It could be problem with the dynamics, if it sounds to flat, sterile or synthetic (just like synth emulation). Don’t know if preamp/modeler like Hartke VXL can make it better or worse? :/

And I couldn’t find anything related with high pass filter on the schematics or specs. But that subwoofer output could be the sign of one?
 
#11
I've used a KC-100 for rehearsals with a jazz combo. I liked it pretty well, but that was with a 4-string bass, and I wasn't looking for a lot of low-end.

If I found one cheap, I'd get it. It's a very versatile amp, with 4 channels and an XLR mic input. The keyboard player usually gets it, but the vocalist also likes to use it as a small PA.
 
#14
linuscore said:
I have a Peavey KB300 (probably from the 80's) that I got from a friend.

This thing is amazing I tune my bass down to C!!! :eek: and it doesn't even flinch, it says it puts out 130 watts but I have never taken it above 3 or 4 because it's so loud.

I even use the gain push/pull knob to give it a little extra umph.

Here is a pic of my bass amp.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

There you go! I've found most keyboard amps as being able to handle bass, since most manufacturers, pretty much build them off of the architecture of one of their bass amp designs.
Sure, they get tweaked for more of a p.a. like response for the keys, in most cases, but most keyboard amps can do a fairly good job for bass duties.
 
#15
linuscore said:
I have a Peavey KB300 (probably from the 80's) that I got from a friend.

This thing is amazing I tune my bass down to C!!! :eek: and it doesn't even flinch, it says it puts out 130 watts but I have never taken it above 3 or 4 because it's so loud.

I even use the gain push/pull knob to give it a little extra umph.

Here is a pic of my bass amp.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

that thing is pretty much a TNT with a different front end and the addition of a crossover and tweeter. I've used one of those many times for bass.
 
#16
Yep. A lot of keyboard amps might actually be better in their price class in some regards. But two caveats: first, for passive basses they often don't have good impedance matching or gain at the input, and second, if you like to run a lot of distortion the horns are often crossed fairly low and non-defeatable.

The best keyboard rigs are often, in effect, PA stacks.
 
#17
bozha said:
It could be problem with the dynamics, if it sounds to flat, sterile or synthetic (just like synth emulation). Don’t know if preamp/modeler like Hartke VXL can make it better or worse?
Click to expand...

Where most bass preamps are "pre-EQ'd" around the characteristics of magnetic pickups, keyboard preamps are usually flat, with active tone controls. I'd think that would be be preferable for use with modelers. Keyboard amp tone circuits have worked pretty well for me, for the few that I've used.

bozha said:
And I couldn’t find anything related with high pass filter on the schematics or specs. But that subwoofer output could be the sign of one?
Click to expand...

I looked into this a while back. Believe the subwoofer out is a lowpass output, and the main amp/speaker is always full range. Not the ideal configuration, if my memory is correct.
 
#18
My drummer has a Peavey ED-300 (electronic drum amp) at his house and it has better output than my old Crate 150W combo.
I use his amp more than mine!!
I've never tried the keyboard amp but I would think it's very similar.

Only problem with those old Peavey's-they're so heavy you can get a hernia just LOOKING at 'em.

I actually saw one of the Keyboard 300's at a Daddy's Junky Music in my area. I had a sort of easy work day last Friday and I was able to visit 2 of their CT stores.
 
#19
bozha said:
My main concern here… Is a 12”, 120W keyboard amp like Roland KC-350 capable to deliver low frequencies of 5 string bass like some decent bass combos of similar size and price?

Idea is to use it as convenient, portable poweramp/cabinet combined with my bass preamp/toneshaper for rehearsals and small gigs.

I know I can use some bass combo like Cube, but I’m getting this one really cheap, and all those extra inputs are welcome.
Click to expand...
Hi I'm a Keyboard player more than a Bass Player. I have used the entire KC Range with bass many times. For rehearsal and SMALL venues as you suggest Fine -No problem. Excellent amp. With higher volumes: no way, unless you can disable the tweeter. It breaks up very easily with bass either active or passive. It will render the amp useless as a keyboard amp, PA & "Guitar - especially - good night". Also if you play up the fret board on the Bass G string, it sounds more like electric guitar than bass-ear pierceing. I mainly use an American Fender Jazz 4 string bass. You like the extra channels, just remember - The same EQ is across all 4 channels. I know you have your tone shaper - it's the other's you share the lines with - they may end up criticising YOUR amp. And the very night you don’t feel like going to rehearsal, knock on YOUR door – “can I borrow your amp” !
Now I’m “oh sorry I just have the one input” There is no joy having everyone coming though your amp. It's great at home for yourself to play and have different instruments always ready to go. They make excellent stage monitors, with EQ. Linkable, pole mountable and the list goes on.
 

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