Double Bass Looking for a micro rig

[jmceachern36]

Looking into buying a small lightweight rig. I already own a markbass LMII and 2 berg 112's that covers pretty much everything. Looking for somthing even smaller that I can carry in one hand for gigs that don't require much amplification (which is most of them) and I could use for the odd rehearsal on electric bass. Was looking into the Phil Jones double 4. Anyone out there use one for db on gigs? Or the markbass micromark? There's a used one for sale in the classifieds. Are there other better options? Not looking to spend thousands. Will most likely buy a used one. Any info or suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[powerbass]

Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 8t can't get any smaller with great tone

 

[Sam Sherry]

Not to be a wiseguy but how about:

Your LM2 in a backpack
One Bergantino
Your bass on a wheel

Cost: Zero. Yes?

 

[brianrost]

Sam's suggestion above is a good one!

The old standbys are:
AI Contra (or Coda)
GL MB150

You can get carrying bags with shoulder straps for either...weight about 25 lbs.

I use a Coda for low volume gigs. I use a WWoods and two Berg 112s (similar to your rig) when I need to blast.

As far as Phil Jones, I've only tried the smallest one (Briefcase?) and it just wasn't loud enough. I'm amazed that people can gig with it.

 

[jmceachern36]

The berg is heavy. Not SVT heavy but I'm not going to carry it at the same time with the bass. I also just downsized cars. I used to have the berg in the trunk all the time now I can't do that so that's a lot to carry out of the house daily. With a 3 year old in tow.

 

[Ric Vice]

The berg is heavy. Not SVT heavy but I'm not going to carry it at the same time with the bass. I also just downsized cars. I used to have the berg in the trunk all the time now I can't do that so that's a lot to carry out of the house daily. With a 3 year old in tow.

The Shuttle 3.0's are about the lightest thing out there, for the price they go for used. EA has a backpack setup for the EA Doubler, Wizzy 10 that would get it into a configuration so you do the gig in one trip, if that's what you'r looking to do. For DB only, you also might consider a Mackie DLM 8, that weighs 22 lbs.

Ric

 

[Eric Hochberg]

A less expensive alternative. I used the Yorkville version for years and thought it sounded better than the MB150.

http://traynoramps.com/bass/small_block/product/sb110/

 

[BawanaRik]

I use a Wizzy 1 10 with an Eden wtx264. Louder than it has nay right to be and sounds good too.

The Eden can fit in the pocket of some gig bags and the Wizzy is the lightest cab I've owned.

 

[jmceachern36]

Great suggestions. Thanks. How does that traynor amp sound? Sam you've got me thinking I could just get a small lightweight cab as I'm happy with my head.

 

[bassist14]

Or the markbass micromark?

i played many gigs with my micromark.
no drummer, sometimes small set with cajon.
the amp has to sit on the floor, and you need to have a good instrument,then you get enough lows.

 

[tyb507]

I loved loved loved when I was running a composite Crazy8 and an Aguilar TH500...the combination sounded great, could get surprisingly loud (I played an outdoor gig with a 5-piece jazz group and it held its own), and I could carry my bass, cab and head in one trip from the car. Mike doesn't make the composite C8s anymore, but they pop up used sometimes, and the wood versions are pretty light, too.

 

[Jon Moody]

I've been using a PJB Double Four for a while, and it is my go-to amp for musical theatre productions. It holds up well with electric or upright, in a small pit (5-8 people) or in my current situation, which is in a 32 piece orchestra.

 

[lowendrachel]

Wizzy 110 and an iAmp Micro 300

 

[Pilgrim]

Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 8t can't get any smaller with great tone

Absolutely!

The 10" speaker combo with the Shuttle 3.0 is exactly right for the OP.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

We compared a Micromark, a Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0-10T and a AI Coda (or Contra).

The Micromark was the least one a lot of us double bassists would choose.
The AI sounded good, but a bit muddy on lower notes.
The Genz Benz was very direct (punch in your face), not a really natural sound (which the AI has), but still a nice one and gets through a larger band without problems.
It was a matter of taste to choose the AI or Genz Benz, and many of us thought both amps has it pros and cons and it was hard to decide which one to choose.
This amp comparison was a really great experience for us.

Compared to a -8T the -10T moves more air and can get louder with a bit more bass. But a bit more to carry for the -10T, of course, but still less than most alternatives.

 

[Don Sibley]

I still use my MB150 for gigs that only require a bit of acoustic reinforcement. Simple, rugged, portable, cheap.

 

[pmad_bass]

I have a GK MB200 and a Crazy 8. Pretty Micro and VERY light.

 

[bassmanchu]

I have an AI Series II Contra. Any reason I would want to look into the Wizzy or the Benz Genz? I'd really love a separate amp/cab units for flexibility, but is it worth it in terms of sound v. price?

I'm contemplating the benz t8 or t10 paired with... I don't know what. Benz Genz 3.0?

Too much gear, too little money.

 

[bassmanchu]

I finally got a chance to play on my new micro-rig at a rehearsal tonight:

Benz Genz Shuttle 6.2
Eden EX110
Radio Shack mic
double bass

GREAT little rig! The group was a jazz quintet with a pretty loud drummer. The amp (and bass) really held its own. I never felt like I had to push to be heard, though it took a little while to get the EQ right. I felt like I was really pushing the volume at around 25% power. Almost too loud at that setting, and I had to dial back the bass tone. Too boomy.

I highly recommend them both these units (BG 6.2 and Eden) together. Very clean sound, very high-fidelity.

My favorite part, by far, was that I could get my upright, gig bag (with amp head) and cabinet into the venue in one trip. So satisfying.