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Need amp recommendations for jazz gigs

BioDriver

BioDriver

A Cinderella story
Supporting Member
Aug 29, 2008
5,045
3,362
Richmond, VA
#1
Greetings and salutations, it's been a while, hasn't it?

As I've started playing out again, I've gravitated more towards smaller jazz venues. Think 200 people max with a piano, drums, horns, and occasional guitar. So a far cry removed from the rock and ska gigs I used to do.

I'd been ampless for a while and that worked great for the time. My Mesa DI could go FOH and it sounded awesome, so no need to worry about lugging around a half stack anymore. However, new scene and genre, and FOH no longer exists.

Having been absent from amp shopping for a while, and knowing I absolutely do not need a Mesa Subway or similar for these types of gigs, I turn to you. My basses are passive and I'm not needing to fill up a bar or play over guitars or rock drummers. I know I basically need something to play over horns, but am absolutely lost when shopping for a good jazz amp that fits the bill. Searches turned up old threads that were mostly pre-COVID so any advice/updates you could provide would be much appreciated.

ETA: I’d like to keep it under about $700 if at all possible and prefer used
 
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#2
So you're talking electric bass? Pretty much any combo amp will do. I use an old Acoustic Image Contra for both upright and electric, it's 250W, and have no problem with this in a 16 piece big band.

Why not just use what you have?

But you had better not be "playing over horns" - that's really not the idea at all.
 
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#4
I'd suggest taking a look at a Genzler MG 350 Combo for starters. It's the MG 350 with a single BA110-2 S2 Bass Array cab. It's what's at the top of my rig. The fullness and broad projection will surprise you even at just 175w and the total weight is just 23lbs. It's not shy on volume either. If you feel there are times you'll need it's full 350w you can add a second BA110-2 S2 cab like I have. It would make a great amp for jazz gigs.
Rig.jpg
 
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#5
turf3 said:
So you're talking electric bass? Pretty much any combo amp will do. I use an old Acoustic Image Contra for both upright and electric, it's 250W, and have no problem with this in a 16 piece big band.

Why not just use what you have?

But you had better not be "playing over horns" - that's really not the idea at all.
Click to expand...
I don’t have an amp lol. I’m running amp less and these venues don’t have PA or FOH

I’m looking for light transparent combos or short stacks. The new Acoustic combos are definitely on my radar!
 
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#7
Hawk620 said:
I'd suggest taking a look at a Genzler MG 350 Combo for starters. It's the MG 350 with a single BA110-2 S2 Bass Array cab. It's what's at the top of my rig. The fullness and broad projection will surprise you even at just 175w and the total weight is just 23lbs. It's not shy on volume either. If you feel there are times you'll need it's full 350w you can add a second BA110-2 S2 cab like I have. It would make a great amp for jazz gigs.
View attachment 7355888
Click to expand...

Came here to suggest the same. I have the setup pictured here (including the gramma, though I went with the Baby Gramma which is a perfect fit for the cab size). Good full range sound with a top end that is not harsh. Lightweight and easy to transport.
 
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#11
BioDriver said:
Sounds like I need a guitar center punch card!
Click to expand...
I would advise staying away from there, they carry a limited line of gear and not typically the best out there. I’d also be looking at the Genzler Magellan mentioned above, I had one for a few years and wish that I still did. Not only is it fantastic amp, i’d like a regular combo. It gives you the possibility of expanding if needed. It’s also a very lightweight, very high-quality and supported by a great company. Jeff Gensler is a regular contributor to talkbass and helps with any issues that might come up, which typically are very few because of the high-quality of the gear.
 
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#18
Guitalia said:
Funny. I've been playing for decades, and I've never used an amp while practicing either bass or guitar. Lots of people like to use them, or so I gather from reading TalkBass, but I've never felt the need.
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Well, I've been playing acoustic instruments for decades and only recently started playing the solid body electric bass, which puts out - well, pretty much no real sound. Certainly to figure out technical patterns, you can play with no amplification and it won't disturb your neighbors, but I was always led to believe that the complete instrument consists of the guitar AND the amplifier and that you play the set. Kind of like a violin and its bow - it's the two of them that make the instrument.

Maybe my bias comes from spending pretty much my entire life playing instruments whose unamplified sound IS their sound (Piano, flute, saxophone, upright bass).
 
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#19
BioDriver said:
Greetings and salutations, it's been a while, hasn't it?

As I've started playing out again, I've gravitated more towards smaller jazz venues. Think 200 people max with a piano, drums, horns, and occasional guitar. So a far cry removed from the rock and ska gigs I used to do.

I'd been ampless for a while and that worked great for the time. My Mesa DI could go FOH and it sounded awesome, so no need to worry about lugging around a half stack anymore. However, new scene and genre, and FOH no longer exists.

Having been absent from amp shopping for a while, and knowing I absolutely do not need a Mesa Subway or similar for these types of gigs, I turn to you. My basses are passive and I'm not needing to fill up a bar or play over guitars or rock drummers. I know I basically need something to play over horns, but am absolutely lost when shopping for a good jazz amp that fits the bill. Searches turned up old threads that were mostly pre-COVID so any advice/updates you could provide would be much appreciated.

ETA: I’d like to keep it under about $700 if at all possible and prefer used
Click to expand...
Definitely more expensive than 700 new, but you might get lucky and find a used ampeg portaflex 50w for that.
 
#20
Plus one on the amplified cabinet.

That’s what I use with the double bass in a 14 piece Jazz band with horns, piano, drums, guitar and DB.

With the EB I use the Trickfish Minnow that goes to the QSC CP-12. The Minnow can also send the signal to a PA, without affecting the level of the speaker.
 
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