reproducing REALLY low notes...

Then I suggest you don't play below low B

Seriously, frequencies below low B (which is 31 Hz) are close to impossible to reproduce. Most 5 stringer are, however, happy with a system that rolls of quickly below 60 Hz (one octave above low B). So I doubt the usefulness of an amp that can put out a clean low F#. You'd need several thousands of watts.

 

This is a job for JT...

You can always go for PA subwoofers, but, as Joris mentioned, the wattage you will need is going to be pretty hefty. Those things suck up watts like popcorn.

 

Seriously, frequencies below low B (which is 31 Hz) are close to impossible to reproduce. Most 5 stringer are, however, happy with a system that rolls of quickly below 60 Hz (one octave above low B). So I doubt the usefulness of an amp that can put out a clean low F#. You'd need several thousands of watts. [/B][/QUOTE]

With respect to Joris' response, it is possible to reproduce these low frequencies with as little as 400 watts/8ohms . Not knowing what a "players budget" is, I'll just say IMO adding a sub system is expensive ($1000-2500). But more important is how this sub systems sound will affect the bands stage sound. Baring that, you'd probably love the tone and the fell.

There was a poll here a few weeks ago, how low do you need to go? And I belive the majority said 40Hz. I wondered just how many of those who responded to that poll have played with a real sub for any length of time?

 

i think you need to go well below 40hz...thats about where my cab rolls off, and i find myself using the semi-para-graphic (thats a mouthful) eq on my amp to boost up those super low frequencies. I play a 4 string, so its not a matter of roots, but those real low frequences affect the feel of the amp incredibly, and just make the tone so much more "whoop ass".

as for what you need to go that low, search for anything john turner ever said (and if its not on topic itll at least be amusing), and even better than that is a thread called something to the effect of "cabinet building 101"...more info in that thread (or link to in that thread) than you ever thought you wanted to know

 

Again, check out John Turner's profile and webpage. He uses two Yamaha Subs for his lows, which apparantly works well for him.

But if you are looking for serious low stuff, you have to at least play through a Bag End ELF system. Yes, they are expensive, with the speaker cabs, processor, and dedicated power amp running you at least $1600. But the sound that you get is HUGE and CLEAN! Don't discount it just because of the price. I am saving my money for a system right now. At least check it out and play through one if you can.

 

31 Hz isn't hard to reproduce at all. There are many competent subwoofer drivers available to the general public that go much lower than 31 Hz. Every THX equipped theatre you attend has subs that go far below 31 Hz.

You need power... lots of power. And multiple drivers. If you really want to go this low, you must use multiple drivers to make any real amount of noise. If you don't have enough cones to move, you won't connect those low notes to the air. 10" subs are OK, but the 15" go much lower and move a lot more air. With Rockford subs, it takes (2.7) 10" drivers to move the same air volume as a single 15".

My RB5 drives two 1x15 Rockford subs bi-amped with 2x10 JBL E110 using a QSC MX-3000a amp. This is entirely adequate for both outdoor gigs and typical clubs.

I can keep up with my guitar player and his 60 watt amp + JBL E120.

 

You could probably reproduce those frequencies with one watt but the question is "how loud"???

I'll bet most players don't even know that it's going to sound like with full subs. It adds a fullness to the tone and if it's loud enough some serious vibration but if you're already going through a PA system, it's only for the benefit of you and your bandmates.

It's totally your call but unless you are regularly using really good PAs (with good subs) AND have a sound guy to deal with the rumble you'll be pushing off the stage, seems to me it's a lot of money and gear for very little return.