Double Bass New rig almost complete!

[peterpalmieri]

Instead of adding to my prior lengthy thread, I figured I'd start a new one. I should start off by thanking all of you who really helped point me in the right direction for my doubling rig, it was a great help. At the start I decided I wanted a rig that would function great for either or no compromise for BG gigs, DB gigs or doubling, and I feel I got it!

I first made the decision to go with an NL210 I really feel that it is a great all around cabinet. As a few people have stated their dislike for neos, a few have still professed love for this cabinet and I can't say enough really good things about it.

As for the amp I have a UL502 and recently sold my IAMP 350, the IAMP was really great but in my opinion wasn't putting out enough power to cover all my gigs. The Epi for me is a great BG head but not so great for DB, I did try a number of preamps and that was a good work around tapping into the power amp in or going right into the Epi pre. Unfortunately that was just one more piece at the gig that I wanted to avoid if I could plus I wasn't 100% satisfied.

So the search went on I thought I'd be really happy with an IAMP 800 or maybe a Focus 2R but then I went out an tried the Glockenklang Heart Rock and was blown away, so much so that the sound was perfect while bypassing the EQ section with my DB, UNREAL! After weighing (literally) the choice of lugging around the led sled after owning some nice light weight units......well I couldn't help myself it's an unbelievable piece of gear and weighs about the same as my neo cab....

When you think about the weight and size of the head 40lbs it's not to bad, around the weight of my NL210 which I consider ultra light.

I wanted to post this to update everyone and let you know how excited I am. Also I couldn't find many reviews of the Glock.. as it relates to DB, IMO it is the real deal...Did I mention it kills for BG also........

Pete

 

[MT Spaces]

... So the search went on I thought I'd be really happy with an IAMP 800 or maybe a Focus 2R but then I went out an tried the Glockenklang Heart Rock and was blown away, so much so that the sound was perfect while bypassing the EQ section with my DB, UNREAL! After weighing (literally) the choice of lugging around the led sled after owning some nice light weight units......well I couldn't help myself it's an unbelievable piece of gear and weighs about the same as my neo cab....

When you think about the weight and size of the head 40lbs it's not to bad, around the weight of my NL210 which I consider ultra light ... Pete

Congrats on the new rig Pete . I didn't read all the past threads about your search for a new rig ... but I'm a curious newcomer to the bass amp discussions. Please realize I'm a nobody newbie DB bass player and don't play EB at all. I recently got an AI Coda Series III 2-channel amp and now several local bass players that tried out the amp are asking me lotsa questions (as if I'm some kinda expert about bass amps and speakers ).

I guess my basic question would be:
Why would a player buy what appears to be a $2400 German amp head that weighs 40 lbs and puts out 750 w at 4 ohms and requires forced air cooling ... rather than an American amp head (Focus Series III) at about 1/2 the price that weighs about 5 lbs and puts out 800 watts at 4 ohms and doesn't need a cooling fan and includes high pass filter or notch filter with phase reverse?

I know there must be some major advantages and differences. What are they? In my money-making line of work (which is not bass playing ), I sell German-made heating boilers, solar collectors, radiant floor heat tubing, and controls. I know that German engineering and manufacturing is second to none and have visited their factories. So help me out here ....... sell me a Glock. I can't play into one ... I'll bet there isn't one within about 800 miles of me .

 

[Jim Calhoun]

Pete,

Thanks for posting this. About a year ago I bought a Glock 1x12 cabinet. It's a really great cab for doubling, although it is a little heavy (not sure why I'm complaining, it's only 42 lbs). Listening to it got me to thinking about what the rest of the Glock line sounds like. I had trouble finding reviews as well. It's good to know there's another good choice for DB amplification.

BTW, my amp is a WW Hi Power.

Thanks again,

Jim

 

[peterpalmieri]

I guess my basic question would be:
Why would a player buy what appears to be a $2400 German amp head that weighs 40 lbs and puts out 750 w at 4 ohms and requires forced air cooling ... rather than an American amp head (Focus Series III) at about 1/2 the price that weighs about 5 lbs and puts out 800 watts at 4 ohms and doesn't need a cooling fan and includes high pass filter or notch filter with phase reverse?

Bob, I guess the simple answer is it sounds REALLY good.

To be fair I obviously figured this would be the general response I'd get. I am also by no means a moster pro player, but I am pretty serious about sounding as good as I can and this thing does it (for me). I think the sound of the bass, the pick up, the cab and even the cable can alter the equation, so I am not saying this is the rig for everyone just me!

As for the notch filters HPF and phase switch, which I thought I'd need after reading all the valuable info here, this thing just sounds awesome totally flat. There is an EQ bypass switch which is a nice function to AB that.. I think most of us listen to our acoustic sound and then try to reproduce it at a higher volume and this does that without the bells and whistles. I was really impressed, The Groove shops got some good stuff, the Millenia Pre, Demeter power amp, Thunderfunk, Epifani, accugrrove and I brought my IAMP so I had plenty to A/B/C/D it with other cabs besides my NL210 I should add. Believe me for the money I dropped on the cab and am spending on the head I could really have just about anything unfortunately I am in the rare situation where my head weighs more then my cab and has a wider foot print.

The fan is really quiet and since I am using an 8 ohm cabinet this is putting out just enough to push the cabinet to it's limits. I am also one who likes to have headroom, I don't think I need to make watt arguement there are many obvious benefits especially considering I also play BG in a 12 piece R&B funk band.

I am sure the big question is $ and weight and that was honestly not a tough decision once I heard the head. Before I knew I was going to audition the amp I thought this thing is really going to have to be the bomb if I am going to lug this around rather then many of the ultra light alternatives but I think it will be worth it.

I could go on about the quality DI (which the Walter Woods doesn't have) or the massive low end that the Focus or IAMP (don't)have comparably for BG. But I think it's a piece that everyone should atleast give a listen to if possible. Personally I won't buy something amp or instrument if I can't here it and there are not many locations where you can try everything.....

Pete

 

[MT Spaces]

Bob, I guess the simple answer is it sounds REALLY good ... I am pretty serious about sounding as good as I can and this thing does it (for me) .... As for the notch filters HPF and phase switch, which I thought I'd need after reading all the valuable info here, this thing just sounds awesome totally flat ... I am also one who likes to have headroom, I don't think I need to make watt arguement there are many obvious benefits especially considering I also play BG in a 12 piece R&B funk band.

Hey Pete, thanks for your take on things ..... that's good enuff for me . I'm certainly not trying to be judgmental or critical . I can definitely relate to your personal standard of being "serious about sounding as good as I can". Good for you Bro ...... life is short.

I am glad you found the "right stuff". German-built products are extremely robust and generally pretty amazing. The amp will probably still be working fine a hundred years from now. Just like Thomastik Spirocores! Hey, if nothing else, you got a helluva bargain in terms of dollars spent per pound of amp !

That's very cool that you don't seem to need all the filtering / phase reversal circuits with your Glock. I wish I didn't live out in the boondocks ..... I would not only like to hear the Glock amp in person but also your R&B funk band ... I'm guessin' you guys rock on.

Best Wishes ....... Bob

 

[Reefer]

recently sold my IAMP 350, the IAMP was really great but in my opinion wasn't putting out enough power to cover all my gigs.

Pete

Yes the iAmp 350 does not put out enough power @ 8 ohms, but that amp becomes a little beast @4 ohms.

Thanks for selling me your iAmp!

 

[peterpalmieri]

That's very cool that you don't seem to need all the filtering / phase reversal circuits with your Glock. I wish I didn't live out in the boondocks ..... I would not only like to hear the Glock amp in person but also your R&B funk band ... I'm guessin' you guys rock on.Best Wishes ....... Bob

Bob,

I hope I didn't seem to come across as being bothered or something, quite to the contrary. I am very excited but I am also very curious of others opinion on the size etc....I wish I did have an opportunity to try out a Focus but I would have needed to lug my bass and cab all the way to NJ, otherwise I think I tried most everything. Including the woods (a friend has an ultra I tried), also I never got a chance to try the Berg IP.

To me all of those extra buttons seem suspicious and might be masking something, in theory a great instrument should sound great without the bells and whistles, just like a great singer making a 58 sound unreal.

I can't imagine how you feel being way out in Montana, I live 40 miles outside NYC and I sometimes am frustrated with not having access to every piece. The Groove shop recently popped up and it is heaven sent!

Reefer, Your right that thing (IAMP) comes alive at 4 ohms and of course the tone shaping is so verstile, I had used it a few times with 2 15 Bag Ends and it was great flat and loud, not like the Epi though. If I was a gear gathering collector type I'd never let it go. But I even feel like I have to much stuff with the bag 15 and Epifani around, as great as they are if I don't play them often they'll be on the block. I rather plow that money into a fully carved instrument of something.

Pete

 

[justbill]

I wish I did have an opportunity to try out a Focus but I would have needed to lug my bass and cab all the way to NJ,............

I bought mine from urbob, he ships it and gives you 14 days to try it out and return if you dont like it

bill

 

[jsbarber]

I guess my basic question would be:
Why would a player buy what appears to be a $2400 German amp head that weighs 40 lbs and puts out 750 w at 4 ohms and requires forced air cooling ... rather than an American amp head (Focus Series III) at about 1/2 the price that weighs about 5 lbs and puts out 800 watts at 4 ohms and doesn't need a cooling fan and includes high pass filter or notch filter with phase reverse?

You have to be carefull with spec's. The wattage ratings of the two amplifiers mentioned above do not tell the whole story. The Heart Rock will blow the AI away in terms of being able to deliver against it's power rating, especially wrt low frequency. For DB the very high power may not really be needed, as playing through your stage amp too loud can induce feedback, and most players would go to the PA for a large venue. But many BGists like to have the clout of an amp like the Heart Rock. I haven't heard of many BGists who like the AI amps, and they aren't really intended so much for that type of usage.

So, to my mind the Heart Rock is clearly excellent for BG, and the AI is not so good for BG. The AI is generally highly regarded for DB, but I haven't heard too much about Glock usage for DB. [Other than Vunz who used to use one but has migrated to a lighter weight rig. He did tell me that he was very pleased with the performance of his Glock (Bass Art) for DB.] But I am not surprised to see Peter select it for double bass usage, given that he is willing to deal with the weight. Most DBists seem not to be willing to deal with an amp this heavy, but many BGists do so routinely.

I think it would be interesting to A/B the Glock/AI to see which sounds better for DB. I wouldn't be surprised if the Glock came out on top, at least by some folks' measure.

But Peter gives the best answer of all: because it sounds really good...

 

[peterpalmieri]

"JS" was one of the guys who turned me onto this monster!

 

[peterpalmieri]

A little update, I am still waiting on the Glockenklang, I'll have her mid month. For now I am still using my Epifani UL502 (with K&K Pure XLR pre for DB).

I have had the opportunity to use my cab (EA NL210) in my 3 major situations now:

1. Small Jazz combo - upright only
2. Doubling - with my 12 piece band
3. Electric - big club

Outside of the summer outdoor stuff that is pretty much the range of gigs for me. The cabinet has worked out so well, punchy but also a nice bottom end for the loud stuff and a great tone for the quiter gigs (I am talking both EB and DB). While the Glock will be a great improvement for my DB tone I truly feel this will work as a stand alone cabinet. I was very concerned with that, being I was using 2 x15 bag ends.

Very happy all around as a cab that can stand alone for BG and has the sound and portabilty for DB. As I've mentioned in the past I own 2 Bag End S18Ds for subs in a PA, so I will never lack PA support and I'm still holding onto my S15XD as an additional cab for summertime outdoor work. If this cab can pull that off I may consider unloading that as well.

Getting real close to achieving a a single rig single cab for all situations.....I am still jonesing for the Glock Heart Rock, I will be sure to give a ful report when that piece of the rig is being used...

Pete

 

[peterpalmieri]

Well the time is here. I'll have the Glock for my gig on Thursday night.

1 set cocktail hour DB with piano and vocals.
1 Set of DB playing big band with the other 10 band members.
2 Sets of BG playing Stevie, EWF etc.

2 different rooms and plenty of variety I am as excited to get her out for the maiden voyage as I am to report my initial findings!

Stay tuned...

 

[jsbarber]

Pete:

There is a thread on the TBBG forum by KJung where he discusses the Heart Rock in great detail. It is a long thread and it chronicles his experiences and learning curve with the amp. The reason I mention it is that there are a couple of nuances to the amp that might be helpful. As I recall, it had something to do with one of the indicator lights and how you interpret it; also the use of the EQ is a bit unique (if I'm remembering correctly). Might be worth a quick scan before you put it through its paces, if you have time.
I'll be interested to hear your thoughts, looks like you have a busy Thrusday ahead of you.

Jim

 

[bolo]

Well the time is here. I'll have the Glock for my gig on Thursday night.

1 set cocktail hour DB with piano and vocals.
1 Set of DB playing big band with the other 10 band members.
2 Sets of BG playing Stevie, EWF etc.

2 different rooms and plenty of variety I am as excited to get her out for the maiden voyage as I am to report my initial findings!

Stay tuned...

Geez, who put that contract together??? Whoever the client may be, they sure are getting a wide variety of live music. Very cool.

I always used to cringe when we would book the jump blues band I was in, and then the manager would say "Oh, they want one set of mainstream instrumental jazz first." Don't know why it bugged me, switchin' gears like that. Just that the jump blues thing required a certain ... attitude.

Your rig does sound righteous. Good luck.

 

[peterpalmieri]

I read that before I made my purchase, but I should review it thanks!

Pete:

There is a thread on the TBBG forum by KJung where he discusses the Heart Rock in great detail. It is a long thread and it chronicles his experiences and learning curve with the amp. The reason I mention it is that there are a couple of nuances to the amp that might be helpful. As I recall, it had something to do with one of the indicator lights and how you interpret it; also the use of the EQ is a bit unique (if I'm remembering correctly). Might be worth a quick scan before you put it through its paces, if you have time.
I'll be interested to hear your thoughts, looks like you have a busy Thrusday ahead of you.

Jim

 

[peterpalmieri]

That's it so far so good. I ran the Heart Rock through a NL210 totally flat most of the night tonight...

The DB sounds very natural "my bass but louder" there is no other way to explain it. What was really impressive was the clarity I heard while in the live environment, it wasn't muddy and didn't get lost, even with people chatting away during a cocktail hour. I really felt like I had control of the DB.

As for electric it was a little trickier, I got to the gig and noticed my strings were totally dead, so I changed them. Inside I was panicing a little thinking maybe it was the head, it wasn't string change and I was fine. At first I was a little unimpressed, in a marble room with glass and mirrors, it didn't sound that great. The second I started playing with the band and the room filled it was a different story it was very clear and cut through the mix very well, so much so that I turned down a few times. I added the slightest EQ bass to 12:30 for a slap tone and it is probably the best slap tone I've ever had, that was shocking. For that rear pick up jazz bass thing with the tone rolled off I couldn't quite find my tone, I'm guessing it will just take time. My UL502 does a really good job of that with the Bag End 15.

I'll keep working on tweaking the sound again the reason I purchased this head is because it sounded so good with the DB.

Like Ken mentioned in his review the red light coming on for the preamp gain is slightly distracting. In addition there's a yellow peak indicator over the power switch and that flickered a few time with the electric I'll have to do some reading up.

More detail when I get some sleep.

Pete

 

[jsbarber]

The DB sounds very natural "my bass but louder" there is no other way to explain it. What was really impressive was the clarity I heard while in the live environment, it wasn't muddy and didn't get lost, even with people chatting away during a cocktail hour. I really felt like I had control of the DB.

Pete

Glockenklang provides great clarity without being sterile - a very clear, warm, musical sound. And you will never run out of power with that head...

Jim