Double Bass PA Or Electric Bass Guitar Amp?

[phnord]

I have a gig tonight that's at a medium-sized professional venue. As I don't usually perform on Upright outside of cocktail gigs, this is the first time I've really had to put much thought into amplification.

The gig is a singer-songwriter guitar circle in which I'll be accompanying an (amplified / mic'd) acoustic guitarist and singer.

My options are as follows:

1. I can have the bass mic'ed by the venue's sound guys
2. I can use my Dean Markley Artist Transducer Pickup (a general purpose piezo pickup -> 1/4")

And...

• I can have the bass sent into the PA
• I can bring an electric bass guitar combo amp with me

Said combo amp would be one of my generic bass amps that I use for other gigs on electric bass - i.e. Fender, Crate, etc. Nothing made specifically for Upright.

So, what are your thoughts? What's the best way to go given my limited set of options?

 

[GrowlerBox]

1a.

 

[Stumbo]

Have you checked out TBr fdeck's HPF/pre that can tame the boominess of a venue for an upright or electric? Might be something to look into in the future.

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

If You feel adventurous, 1a would be my choice as well.
That would most likely produce the best end result if everything goes as planned.


However, based on this:

As I don't usually perform on Upright outside of cocktail gigs, this is the first time I've really had to put much thought into amplification.

I've seen too many situations where acoustic instruments don't behave all that well in a hectic soundcheck/gig environment.
In order for You to hear yourself (and for the other performers to hear you as well) the monitoring has to be at least adequate.

Without a prior rehearse or prior experience, pulling that off may be difficult, and that tends to show in the performance.
And not in a good way.

Said combo amp would be one of my generic bass amps that I use for other gigs on electric bass - i.e. Fender, Crate, etc. Nothing made specifically for Upright.

If You can take that amp along as a monitor for You and the rest of the group, that would at least ensure that you hear something you're used to hear.
The sound person can then take care of the FOH.


I've found generic bass amps alone to be rather limited in DB use as far as the tone is concerned, but the fdec HPF (or any other HPF) Stumbo there suggested will ease things considerably.

Do You have a chance to rehearse the use of amplification beforehand?

Regards
Sam

 

[what the pluck]

Hi

Take the bass amp for your monitor and use a mic for front of house if u can get away with it.

 

[gottliver]

1a And 2b. Artist piezo into the amp, wont sound good but this is for your stage monitor. Then mic to house pa for the audience.

Try cutting the mids on the amp and taming some high end to get a usable tone if you dont have a pre amp for the pickup. If you have a Boss pedal, like a TU2 tuner, u can use that as an impedance buffer for your piezo.

Regardless have fun!!!!