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Double Bass Looking for a Combo. Considering AI Ten2

B

bobbykokinos

Dec 2, 2004
1,882
4
#1
Hey everyone. I'm looking at slimming down my rig. Right now, I have a Little Mark II and 2 Epifani UL-110s. While I like that its modular, I'm finding that I'm always bringing both cabinets to gigs so its a little bit of a hassle. I'm looking at just getting an all-in-one.

I've been looking at several combos and the Ten2 caught my eye. The only thing that has me on edge is the volume. I play in the a 16 piece jazz band and things can get quite loud. Not rock band loud, but it can be loud. Also, some places we play at don't have sound reinforcement so it would have to handle its own.

How do you guys think the Ten2 would stack up against 2 Epifani UL-110s? I can always use a UL110 as an extension but really would like to avoid that.

Here are some details:

I'll be playing both upright and electric. Probably 50/50.

Upright has a K&K Bass Master Pro. I'll also be playing an Eminence bass with the Realist.

Electric basses all differ. Active, passive, 4-6 strings. Depends on my mood that day.

Play with a 16 piece jazz big band and a 4 piece jazz quartet.

Some places we play do not have sound reinforcement. Many places that we have that do have sound reinforcement only have stage monitors for the vocalists. So, the amp would have to do well on its own if necessary.

I very very rarely (cant remember if I ever have) need to turn the LMII past 1/3rd volume. I use 2x10s just because I like the sound better.

Any suggestions?
 
#5
Very odd. I've talked to a few people about this amp and am getting very mixed reviews. Some say it would handle it with no problems at all, some say it wont. I understand it is hard to judge because not everyone plays in the same situations. I would just hate to spend the $$ and find out its not loud enough.
 
#6
I've never tried the 10/2, but I can't help but think that 2 forward firing 10" speakers in a larger box will give you more perceived volume than the downward firing arrangement will.

Most of the single 10 AI combos I've heard from the audience perspective got completely lost in the mix.

I'll add that with all the great, small and lightweight amps and cabs out there now, the combo model is kind of outdated, IMO.
 
#10
Those of you who don't think the Ten2 would work, what do you suggest? Keep in mind, I'd really like to go to a combo. Just tired of carrying around multiple piece and cables.

If there are no combos out there that would do the job, I'd probably just stay with my Markbass/Epifani setup.
 
#11
bobbykokinos said:
Those of you who don't think the Ten2 would work, what do you suggest? Keep in mind, I'd really like to go to a combo. Just tired of carrying around multiple piece and cables.

If there are no combos out there that would do the job, I'd probably just stay with my Markbass/Epifani setup.
Click to expand...

There's certainly nothing wrong what you have. Maybe a really good cart would solve the problem. The Genz Benz shuttle's were very nice amps and lightweight, but I think for what you're doing, you'd need dual cabinets anyway. Acoustic Image makes a excellent product and has wonderful customer service, but I'd try it out on gigs to see if it will work for you.

Ric
 
#12
Ric Vice said:
There's certainly nothing wrong what you have. Maybe a really good cart would solve the problem. The Genz Benz shuttle's were very nice amps and lightweight, but I think for what you're doing, you'd need dual cabinets anyway. Acoustic Image makes a excellent product and has wonderful customer service, but I'd try it out on gigs to see if it will work for you.

Ric
Click to expand...

Yeah, Im definitely not complaining about the quality of what I have. I'm just looking at slimming down from 3 components to 1 that will do the job. I use a small luggage cart to bring in my cabinets. But, when you have to carry an upright, an electric, 2 cabinets, and amp head, cords, and a stool, it gets old after a while. Thats why I'm trying to consolidate components as much as possible without sacrificing quality too much.
 
#15
bobbykokinos said:
Yeah, Im definitely not complaining about the quality of what I have. I'm just looking at slimming down from 3 components to 1 that will do the job. I use a small luggage cart to bring in my cabinets. But, when you have to carry an upright, an electric, 2 cabinets, and amp head, cords, and a stool, it gets old after a while. Thats why I'm trying to consolidate components as much as possible without sacrificing quality too much.
Click to expand...

+1 sometimes I feel like I'm preparing for a campaign, packing all the gear for the gig. Since I'm pretty versatile on both instruments stylistically, I can usually get away with taking the one instrument that's appropriate, for the majority of the tunes played on that gig. I think that since AI has re voiced the pre amp, for the Ten2 you may be able to get the sound you're looking for.

Ric
 
#18
Phil Smith said:
To me, buying a combo doesn't make much sense if you already have a head that you can use.
Click to expand...

I see what you are saying but, to me, it's about reducing the number of components. I'd probably consider keeping my LMII (or going with something smaller) if I can find one small cabinet that'll do what my two cabinets can do. But I also may be trying to defeat the laws of physics.
 
#19
Based on the gear folks are talking about here, I expect to get a few tomatoes... But, I'm now 55, and I spent 3+ months researching this exact topic. I've had (and still have some of the gear talked about in this thread) including GB cabs, Epifanis, and MarkBass.

Go ahead and laugh, but I have a GK212 combo - 500W and it's 35 lbs. It's the best little combo amp I've ever come across, does exactly everything I need from small Jazz combos to Orchestra gigs and smaller (un-reinforced) louder material..

I'd look at those amps. I love mine, more than my Eden 410s bottoms (which I really love, but will break my back...). And, they cover me and let me get through the mix in every situation so far...
 

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