Double Bass Searching for the Best and Smallest Bass Amplifier

[macmrkt]

I'd rate the Briefcase a '10' on the coolness factor. It would score less on a practicality scale for DB...but for BG, it'd probably do better. It doesn't come with the battery you'd need for unplugged playing, but the manual describes easy ways to get one.

 

[tombowlus]

Okay, I caved.

It was this quote on the Luthier Access Group website that really pushed me over the edge:

"At long last, they have arrived. After months of refinement, they are here To all you players who have told me “ I want one ! “ , I say “ Come and get it! ” A truly impressive practice amp, it is that and more. Besides serving as a personal practice amp, the Briefcase shines for upright bass and light jazz/folk gigs. Need to rock? Hook up an external cab and get loud. You can power this amp via your cars’ cigarette lighter ( DO NOT PLAY AND DRIVE !! You can even buy the optional power pack battery and become one with nature – jam out in the woods. !8”D x 15”H x 7”W, 31 lbs. All this for only $595 delivered."

As it turns out, the weekend after next I will, indeed, be attempting to become one with nature and jamming out in the woods! So, hopefully my Briefcase (and the required battery) will both be here before Oct. 7th, so I that I can compete against guitars and a fiddle with my ABG!

Later, Tom.

 

[Marcus Johnson]

I'd be interested in hearing how it works in the real world. I was looking at them for a minute, then did a one-eighty and bought an iAMP combo

I notice that ALLHAIL dropped them from his website.

 

[tombowlus]

If I have access to an AC outlet, then I'm sure that I would be much more likely to use my iAMP 800 or Walter Woods Ultra with one or two small cabs. For me, the Briefcase is attractive for use in places where an AC-powered combo or small rig would be impractical - such as the campfire scenario, or a kicked back sailing cruise (at least one of my bands has been known to combine sailing and band practice)).

That said, I am interested to hear how the Briefcase sounds compared to my other gear. I haven't heard any of the Phil Jones gear, yet. Is it a shot in the dark? You bet. But I'm hoping it sounds better than a Pignose!

 

[Marcus Johnson]

I think it might be handy for wedding gigs..the ones where the client wants you out on the seashore or some other picturesque setting, you know...when you're part of the bride's grand scheme .

 

[tombowlus]

I think it might be handy for wedding gigs..the ones where the client wants you out on the seashore or some other picturesque setting, you know...when you're part of the bride's grand scheme .

Good point! I got a chuckle out of that. Of course, with you being on Maui and all, you probably get more of that than we do up here on Lake Erie. But still, people do weird things, especially when they are getting married!

While I don't play in a wedding band, I do play an annual private party along the Sandusky River, and it is an all day event which usually finishes up with a campfire jam (if enough musicians are still conscious and sober enough to play). I hadn't thought about it until now, but the Briefcase will be very handy for this as well.

Tom.

 

[Marcus Johnson]

What's the normal dress for a wedding gig on the shores of Lake Erie....tux and mittens?

 

[tombowlus]

What's the normal dress for a wedding gig on the shores of Lake Erie....tux and mittens?

Yes, with a wetsuit on under the tux! I prefer the fingerless wool gloves, though.

 

[B String]

While I don't play in a wedding band, I do play an annual private party along the Sandusky River, and it is an all day event which usually finishes up with a campfire jam (if enough musicians are still conscious and sober enough to play). I hadn't thought about it until now, but the Briefcase will be very handy for this as well.

Tom.

Be aware. From all i've been told, the battery really only lasts
about an hour or so if you are giving it any kind of a push.
I think the "up to 4 hours" as advertised, may not be in the
real world. I COULD BE WRONG!!

 

[tombowlus]

Be aware. From all i've been told, the battery really only lasts
about an hour or so if you are giving it any kind of a push.
I think the "up to 4 hours" as advertised, may not be in the
real world. I COULD BE WRONG!!

Well, that would be a bit of a bummer! I'd like to hope to get at least two hours out of a charge. I'll give it a try next weekend (if all goes well) and let you know how it goes.

 

[B String]

Tom. The info i recieved was, if you are playing with a
drummer, and bump the lowend at all, you should expect
to loose at least half the optimum battery charge life.
I will be very interested in finding out about your experience.

 

[tombowlus]

Tom. The info i recieved was, if you are playing with a
drummer, and bump the lowend at all, you should expect
to loose at least half the optimum battery charge life.
I will be very interested in finding out about your experience.

Luckily, I will not be playing with a drummer, and hopefully I won't have to bump the low end any. We shall see...

 

[macmrkt]

As a follow up...I've now tried a single Acme B-1 8ohm cabinet with a Clarus II, a Clarus SL and a Focus. The difference, with a loud jazz trio, is not much at all. I think, maybe, the Focus is a bit tighter and maybe...a bit more detailed. But the difference is small, considering the power advantage the Focus should when driving 8 ohms. Again, your results may be different if you push higher volumes. And most important, all the AI heads, when hooked to the Acme B1, delivers the best sound I've yet played through for EUB and DB. Equally important, this combo is a cinch to carry around. And if you happen to use the Clarus SL, it's even easier. For now, my search has ended: a Focus with 2 8ohm Acme B1's for playing out and bigger rooms (I should be so lucky!) and a Clarus SL with a 4ohm Acme B1 for leaving in the studio. Sure...I'll keep a Briefcase around for "homework."
Hmmmmm, what's out there in new European or American DB's I can try....suggestions anyone? Sounds like I'll be in a new thread...