Double Bass Most Schlepp-able Combo ...

[Jason Hollar]

I played regularly through one of the GK MB 112 - (not the 110) while back in school.. what I didn’t like about them was they had one volume knob labeled Gain- (no separate gain, and master vol)
View attachment 4570950
It changed the mids quite a bit when turning up, making me never want to go past half way because the tone was change so much… but it was very light

I was just checking out the PJB combos and saw the Bass Cub Pro- 120 watts and very small/lite… but never played one— it looks like there’s mention of the double 4 earlier in this thread, but it looks like the cub PRO is newer? And does look to be 2x5” speakers, and is rated at 120 watts rms and the double 4 is 2x4”, 70 watts rms.. would love to hear more about the Cub Pro

Thanks for the insight on the MB preamp - I never actually played through one I don’t think. Yeah not sure if that tiny pjb would do the trick or not? I’ve gotta try and find one to check out.

 

[Don Hergert]

Since posting my early Roland Micro Cube Bass RX posts in this thread, I've made a few changes:

1) I've fitted my RX into a daypack so I can easily carry it and at the same time roll my DB around as needed.
2) I've begun using wireless TX/RC units with my DB and this amp so under battery power I have no cables attached to either the DB or the RX.
3) I've created a mount for the RX so I can safely and reliably mount it on a standard amp stand and raise it as high as I want.
4) I've added a mounted mic to my DB which I am able to feed through this amp (also using wireless). So now I can use my piezo/pre-amp system and/or the mic as desired.

The Roland Micro Cube Bass RX doesn't get a lot of air time here, but if you're letting the 5w rating bother you, keep in mind those are 4 4" low-power-consuming speakers designed to work under 6AA batteries. From an output power standpoint, this amp has proven itself inside venues with seated audiences of ~100, and outside with similar size groups.

I wouldn't expect the RX to blow away a crazy loud RaB or PsyB band, or to cover a large outside rock festival, but for more volume-sensitive situations it works very nicely. As has been mentioned before, the trick is to get this amp elevated to around ear level.

 

[Jason Hollar]

So… I don’t know if it existed when this thread started, but I bought a Bose S1 this summer and have used it busking with both electric and upright (no drums) and at my piano bar gig (small room, light drums). I haven’t even pushed it at all yet. At 600$, with two mic inputs (1/4” combo), Bluetooth, long battery life, and less than 15 lbs…. It’s an absolute GAME CHANGER. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this impressed with a piece f gear, and the first time I’ve been impressed with ANY Bose product (I hate the “stick” PAs…).

I’ve played a few gigs with sound guys who use these monitors and little side fills. They are impressive looking - I wonder if they could hold the fort with the upright bass? Do those inputs go instrument level?

 

[Ric Vice]

In many ways the GK 200MB Combo was the ultimate DB Lunchbox. I'm considering the Traynor SB 106 it's tiny. Whether it's loud enough to go the distance, we'll just see.
I'm waiting for one to come up used in the TB classified's or Reverb. Their not cheap new.

 

[Ric Vice]

My smaller MAS 1/8 v1 is pretty close to perfect as long as I use the Grace Preamp.

 

[Jason Hollar]

In many ways the GK 200MB Combo was the ultimate DB Lunchbox. I'm considering the Traynor SB 106 it's tiny. Whether it's loud enough to go the distance, we'll just see.
I'm waiting for one to come up used in the TB classified's or Reverb. Their not cheap new. View attachment 4571172 View attachment 4571176 View attachment 4571177

I just saw this when I was looking at the Traynor 1x10.

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

@Jason Hollar I also have a Markbass CMD 121P which is my main amp for electric bass, but for double bass or doubling gigs I generally use my Markacoustic AC101 which I reviewed here. That amp is hard to find in stores and may be more than you want to spend, but I also have a Gallien-Krueger MB110 which offers 100 watts through a 10" speaker and like all GK amps, it has a piezo-friendly has 1 MegOhm input. It retails for $499, but they can usually be found on the used market and I think it's a good option for an small combo that works well for either electric bass or double bass. I wish it had a separate master volume and gain control, but overall it's been a solid performer and can keep up with a jazz quintet that includes a drummer. At 15 x 13 x 13 and 21 pounds, it's pretty easy to schlep.

- Steve

 

[Earl]

The PJ Double four is the most schlepp-able for me, and with a preamp can be used with drums in a jazz setting. The Traynor SB106 is also a great little amp and very portable. Mine fits in an Upshot backpack.

 

[lurk]

The double 4 is phenomenal. Maybe not the most beautiful sound, but super light and like the post above says, cuts a jazz gig with drums. I've got a clarus, upshot, and Double shot if needed. This is why I'm eagerly awaiting reviews on that new Phil Jones "single 4." It might punch way above it's weight like the double 4.

 

[BobDeRosa]

The Fender Rumble 100 v3, sometimes with a Fishman Platinum Stage preamp (sometimes preamp is unnecessary) has been the answer to many of my light-amp dreams. 22 lbs., 12" driver, and perfectly adequate sound for the jazz and rock gigs I play. I'm really surprised this high-value workhorse hasn't been mentioned more often here. The DI on the Fishman preamp comes in handy because if the Rumble has one shortcoming, it's its crappy DI. I'm a happy guy. Bring your bass to a Guitar Center and try one out.

 

[Jason Hollar]

The Fender Rumble 100 v3, sometimes with a Fishman Platinum Stage preamp (sometimes preamp is unnecessary) has been the answer to many of my light-amp dreams. 22 lbs., 12" driver, and perfectly adequate sound for the jazz and rock gigs I play. I'm really surprised this high-value workhorse hasn't been mentioned more often here. The DI on the Fishman preamp comes in handy because if the Rumble has one shortcoming, it's its crappy DI. I'm a happy guy. Bring your bass to a Guitar Center and try one out.

I was wondering if the rumble 40, 1x10 with fdeck hpf would be the ticket. Cheap, 18lbs, supposedly pretty loud.

 

[Ketbass]

I was wondering if the rumble 40, 1x10 with fdeck hpf would be the ticket. Cheap, 18lbs, supposedly pretty loud.

I have an old AI Coda series combo that sounds pretty amazing with everything; electric or acoustic. If I need more volume or want to blend more with our group, I’ll mic the amp ( I know more to schlepp) to the PA. We run 2 L1 B2 systems, left and right. I saw one locally on Craigslist for $600.00. I should of picked it up just to have….

 

[iAsh]

In many ways the GK 200MB Combo was the ultimate DB Lunchbox. I'm considering the Traynor SB 106 it's tiny. Whether it's loud enough to go the distance, we'll just see.
I'm waiting for one to come up used in the TB classified's or Reverb. Their not cheap new. View attachment 4571172 View attachment 4571176 View attachment 4571177

I’ve got the similar Markbass Micromark 801 and found it adequate for situations playing quiet enough to always clearly hear the acoustic sound of the bass. While it can help reinforce the room I found what it really did was be a monitor.

When the Traynor came out I lived a couple blocks from the music store that sold both brands and got to A/B the two. The SB 106 is a little smaller and just as loud but has a harder edge to the upper mid. Not unpleasant just not as pronounced in the lower mids....not like either one really pumps any real low end though. The Traynor does have a more traditional (versatile?) EQ but since like most people I’m always using a preamp I find the mid filtery thing on the Markbass more useful.

Unless you do a lot of fairly quiet work with sensitive drummers I’m not sure how useful an amp like this is. I still have the Micromark and having lived for years in very tiny spaces it’s been useful as an electric bass practice amp and a mono audio system. For an all around schleppable gig amp though these little 50w jobs are not always and probably not often (or for some people ever) going to be enough. To this day I still think a GK MB150 is one of the great DB gig amps of all time. Adequate tone and volume aside the shallow depth of the thing make it much easier to carry than many 10” combos let alone 12’s. It’s a huge couple of inches.

That’s my 2¢ on a couple of micro amps.

 

[Fat bob]

I head somewhere here on tb the mb 150 was going to be re-released this yr… wonder what’s up with that..

 

[BobDeRosa]

I was wondering if the rumble 40, 1x10 with fdeck hpf would be the ticket. Cheap, 18lbs, supposedly pretty loud.

I have one of those, too, and it does have impressive volume for 40 watts and a 10" driver. It's just not quite as versatile as the 100, and since I have both, I always err to the side of caution and bring the 100. I did use the 40 for a couple senior-center gigs in smaller rooms and it worked fine.

I should also say that for a gig in a new place a couple weeks ago, I thought about bringing the Rumble but opted for my Aguilar TH350 and a Rumble 112 cab and I'm glad I did. The place was acoustically challenging -- bigger than most venues we play, with a very high ceiling. The extra headroom served me very well.

 

[Ric Vice]

I head somewhere here on tb the mb 150 was going to be re-released this yr… wonder what’s up with that..

Interesting, I just assumed that once they “retired” it they wouldn’t revisit it again. I believe that the metal cabinet was a little more difficult to fabricate.

 

[Jason Hollar]

All of these responses are very helpful thanks. I’m covered with stout combos for drummers and bigger rooms (GK Legacy 800 1x12 plus 1x12, and MarkBass CMD 121p plus NYC 1x12).

I’m researching a lighter “lunchbox” combo for those pedestrian, staircase schlepps plus the occasional remote cocktail setup plus on-location lessons and infrequent rehearsals.

As much as I love my GK and appreciate my MB, they’re a bit hard on the shoulder & wrist when any sort of distance is involved.

The Trace Elliott Elf 1x10 combo looks interesting. 18lbs, piezo-friendly input. Plus it’s available with extended interest free financing at certain retailers. I wish I was flush with cash but maybe someday after all our gigs come back.

 

[iAsh]

The Trace Elliott Elf 1x10 combo looks interesting. 18lbs, piezo-friendly input. Plus it’s available with extended interest free financing at certain retailers. I wish I was flush with cash but maybe someday after all our gigs come back.

The Elf combos look like they might be good. I laughed when I read this in the description.

“Ultra-high pre-amp input impedance (>10 mega ohms) for maximum sensitivity when using passive pickups”

Nice job of letting us know it’s piezo friendly without making electric players think it’s an “acoustic only” amp.

 

[John Chambliss]

I have a couple of options that I use including one with a TC Electronics BG250, FDeck, and a Crazy 8. However, when I want it to be a combo for less stuff to carry, and a difficult load-in, I reach for my Fender Rumble 40 and FDeck (which you mentioned earlier). Usually this is in a duo or acoustic trio format without drums. With drums it probably needs some FOH support.

I also have other options for louder gigs including a GK MB112 and a Thunderchild 112. There are lots of posts on the BG side about the Rumble 40 and an easy speaker upgrade that actually makes it a little louder and 1 lb lighter (although not required).

 

[oren]

The Elf combos look like they might be good. I laughed when I read this in the description.

“Ultra-high pre-amp input impedance (>10 mega ohms) for maximum sensitivity when using passive pickups”

Nice job of letting us know it’s piezo friendly without making electric players think it’s an “acoustic only” amp.

Those Elf combos do look interesting! I noticed in the video he talked about designing the DI so it wouldn’t cause hum in the PA - I’ve had that problem with the DI out on my Markbass.