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Double Bass Long term, amplifier investment

#23
Ed Fuqua said:
AI, from what I understand, is basically an "over the counter" version of a Walter Woods. I don't often use an amplifier these days, but I've had my Woods LoPower for almost 25 years now with ZERO issues. No repairs, no problems. I had GK, SWR, power amp/preamp/EQ combo in the past. I should have just saved my money and bought a Woods.
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+1
While I haven’t had mine that long, I bought it used (Mi100-8), it’s 40 years old and going strong. One solder joint I fixed myself after purchase.
This amp feels like it’s going to be around much longer than me- and since it’s one of the early designs, it can be repaired by any tech worth her/his salt.

Best
Sidecar
 
#26
damonsmith said:
Also, as far as investment, the head/speaker system is more economical than a high end combo. I paid $750 total for my current set up, but, I bought the head and used it through an old 15" cab I had, then bought the upshot several months later.
Speakers and amps update at different rates, so you can just replace one or the other when a better option comes along.
The Double Shot looks really amazing, but, the Upshot is getting the job done even in some pretty big halls for now.
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Agree with all of the above, but just to play devil's advocate:

- If you find a high end combo that has the sound you want, it can be really convenient carrying just the one thing and plugging it in when it comes to setup/teardown at the gig. I've been using the same "high end combo" for almost 10 years, and don't miss all the fuss of connecting wires and putting my amp together before and after every performance.
- Lately, the new breed of amplification on the market is the powered speaker - speaker designed for bass but including a digital power amp. This allows the player to just carry that and use their preamp of choice. Also a pretty neat option. When I use a preamp with my combo, I am essentially using the amp as a powered speaker.
 
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#27
I still keep my GK 200mb for this reason. Still, even the old Clarus 1 is light enough to be in my side bag with my CDs and tapes, and the Upshot is 12 pounds, I think. I have a shoulder strap for it. I don't think any combos beat that for portability - with the newest tiny heads it is even more light and convenient.
For some reason, even though it is just an extra cable, the tear down IS slower.
I am keeping an eye on the powered speaker/preamp concept. That also sounds like a great option.

Chris Fitzgerald said:
Agree with all of the above, but just to play devil's advocate:

- If you find a high end combo that has the sound you want, it can be really convenient carrying just the one thing and plugging it in when it comes to setup/teardown at the gig. I've been using the same "high end combo" for almost 10 years, and don't miss all the fuss of connecting wires and putting my amp together before and after every performance.
- Lately, the new breed of amplification on the market is the powered speaker - speaker designed for bass but including a digital power amp. This allows the player to just carry that and use their preamp of choice. Also a pretty neat option. When I use a preamp with my combo, I am essentially using the amp as a powered speaker.
Click to expand...
 
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#28
I’ve owned quite a bit of gear. I’ve done quite a bit of experimentation.

The powered speaker and preamp set up is for me. With the MAS 18 it can be on the ground, on a pole and yes even in a pseudo upshot position. Larry Grenadier, as everyone knows, uses this type of set up. A few years ago we chatted about his approach, and convinced me to give it a try. No turning back at this point.

I do miss a the simple set up and tear down.
 
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#29
Red is the warmest color :whistle:

Walter Woods MI 400-8.jpg
 
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#32
Don Kasper said:
I rather enjoy that ritual.
Different Combat Boots for Different Mothers.
Thanks.
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To be honest, I don't mind it that much, or I wouldn't bother inserting a HPF and a Sansamp Para Driver in the FX loop on most gigs! But for some gigs, I don't bother and just plug and play. Still nice to have that option.
 
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#33
Chris Fitzgerald said:
To be honest, I don't mind it that much, or I wouldn't bother inserting a HPF and a Sansamp Para Driver in the FX loop on most gigs! But for some gigs, I don't bother and just plug and play. Still nice to have that option.
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Yep, it doesn't seem to matter what type of amplifier you have combo, components, or powered speaker. There's always gona be "one more box" to contend with.
 
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#35
KUNGfuSHERIFF said:
Having had a Clarus and a WW to compare back to back, they are NOT the same.

AI tone is clinically clear. WW tone is musical.
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Possibly true, but considering there is an almost $1500 price difference with the WW AND you have to put up with almost mythically impossible old geezer repair work verses AI's almost instant free lifetime warranty work, I'd rather go with a $500 second hand Acoustic Image....
 
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#36
I’ve had three WW amps, loved them and sold the last 10 years ago for exactly that reason. It’s like owning a car without a transmission dipstick. Things go wrong.

On the other hand, Walter has been around long enough to play sax at JFK’s funeral and has been making good amps longer than I’ve been alive. AI is a new concern, less than 20 years old.
 
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#37
KUNGfuSHERIFF said:
I’ve had three WW amps, loved them and sold the last 10 years ago for exactly that reason. It’s like owning a car without a transmission dipstick. Things go wrong.

On the other hand, Walter has been around long enough to play sax at JFK’s funeral and has been making good amps longer than I’ve been alive. AI is a new concern, less than 20 years old.
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Same here. Had several and sold my last one 10 years ago thinking he's getting old and the flood of lightweight Class D amps will probably bring down the value. 10 years later I'm still looking for a lightweight amp that sounds as good as my WW.
 
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#40
Michael Drost said:
I’ve owned quite a bit of gear. I’ve done quite a bit of experimentation.

The powered speaker and preamp set up is for me. With the MAS 18 it can be on the ground, on a pole and yes even in a pseudo upshot position. Larry Grenadier, as everyone knows, uses this type of set up. A few years ago we chatted about his approach, and convinced me to give it a try. No turning back at this point.

I do miss a the simple set up and tear down.
Click to expand...
Is this the one you use? Powered version?

http://masoundworks.com/manage.numo?pid=27&module=shopping_cart&component=catalog&cid=1

It would accept the Line Out from my WW amp? Or the non-powered version could be driven by my 150W Woods?

Intriguing.

Thanks.

-stu
 
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