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Double Bass Small amp just to boost acoustic volume some

jdh3000

jdh3000

May 16, 2016
1,702
1,830
#1
I know it's difficult to tell exactly what my needs are, but I'm currently using a Fender Rumble 500, and a k&k preamp with a 3/4 Thompson upright... I also have a Fishman platinum pro but wouldn't need that for such volumes.
This will suffice for most any gig that I would be playing.

I'm wondering what would be a good small amp just for boosting the volume decently over the acoustic level.

Yes, my rumble is light and I can turn the volume down, but basically I want something not as noticible visually for small combos. Acoustic bluegrass bands would probably be the loudest, depending on the players of course... the place this happens most often here, is like small areas, inside or out, for passerbys at craft fairs and the like. Some other gigs that may be just a little larger, similar to a coffeehouse setting.

I know, many variables exist, but if you could share what you have and types of small gigs and/or jam sessions you play that really only need acoustic volume but feel you might need a little more.

I wonder if a rumble 40 would be ok for such situations.

This would be one of those, have it if I need it deals.

Thanks you!
 
#3
jdh3000 said:
I know it's difficult to tell exactly what my needs are, but I'm currently using a Fender Rumble 500, and a k&k preamp with a 3/4 Thompson upright... I also have a Fishman platinum pro but wouldn't need that for such volumes.
This will suffice for most any gig that I would be playing.

I'm wondering what would be a good small amp just for boosting the volume decently over the acoustic level.

Yes, my rumble is light and I can turn the volume down, but basically I want something not as noticible visually for small combos. Acoustic bluegrass bands would probably be the loudest, depending on the players of course... the place this happens most often here, is like small areas, inside or out, for passerbys at craft fairs and the like. Some other gigs that may be just a little larger, similar to a coffeehouse setting.

I know, many variables exist, but if you could share what you have and types of small gigs and/or jam sessions you play that really only need acoustic volume but feel you might need a little more.

I wonder if a rumble 40 would be ok for such situations.

This would be one of those, have it if I need it deals.

Thanks you!
Click to expand...
What's your budget? On the cheaper end, I think the Rumble 40 is probably a good option. I have no first hand experience, but I've only really read positive comments about them here on TB. For something higher end, the Traynor SB106 (single 6" speaker) would be a good option. As mentioned above, Phil Jones has several options that would be good.

If I were in your shoes, I would probably go for a PJB Micro 7. There are used ones on Reverb right now for $250. Should be much more HiFi than the Rumble but still very affordable.
 
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#8
Not cheap but I would look at the Genzler MG350 combo or the special run Bass Acoustic Array from Gollihur.
Magellan 350 Combo - Genzler Amplification
Gollihur Series Bass Acoustic Array Pro Amplification (Exclusive) (gollihurmusic.com)

I would also take a look at a Quiltar amp with a BassDock cab.
bass heads Quilter Labs
bass cabinets Quilter Labs

Acoustic Image makes some nice compact rigs as well:
AI | Home (acousticimg.com)


IMHO when the priority is keeping size to an absolute minimum, the sensitivity of the speaker tends to go down. This means the amount of power the amp makes and the amount of power the speakers can handle, become very important. Keep in mind you can always turn down, but when the amp runs out of headroom, you cannot turn up further unless you want distortion, and many amps do not clip gracefully. So, I would personally want an amp that can comfortably play louder than I need.

The only reason I would consider a super low-powered amp is if I needed to run off battery power. For Busking I might consider something like a Roland Cube Street EX or BA-330 (both can run off AA batteries). I believe the BA-330 is louder although it has a lower power rating. At 30lbs, it's also almost twice the size and weight of the Cube Street EX (16lbs).
 
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#9
bassically_eli said:
What's your budget? On the cheaper end, I think the Rumble 40 is probably a good option. I have no first hand experience, but I've only really read positive comments about them here on TB. For something higher end, the Traynor SB106 (single 6" speaker) would be a good option. As mentioned above, Phil Jones has several options that would be good.

If I were in your shoes, I would probably go for a PJB Micro 7. There are used ones on Reverb right now for $250. Should be much more HiFi than the Rumble but still very affordable.
Click to expand...

I'm probably in the Rumble 40 range, but could stretch it a bit if I had to.
 
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#10
jdh3000 said:
I'm probably in the Rumble 40 range, but could stretch it a bit if I had to.
Click to expand...
If a little extra reinforcement to your sound is all you plan to use it for, then I don't see a good reason to spend a lot of $$$. Your acoustic sound will pretty much define your tone in that case. IIRC, there was even a TB user or two using the Rumble 25 (a 1x8" design) and posting about it a while back. That's only $120 brand new.
 
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#12
The Rumble 25 is more than enough for situations like this, and you wouldn't be turning up even halfway. I and others I've played with have used it in mic'd bluegrass situations as the sole bass amplification. The Rumble 40 is a few pounds lighter, though, I think.
 
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#13
The Fender Rumble 40 would sound great and of it’s within your budget then it seems to be a no brainer. Since you asked the Traynor SB 106 is ideal for what you’re talking about, but it’s a difference of $569.00 for the Traynor vs $200.00 for the Fender. Another option is the Ibanez Promethian P20 bit it’s pretty soft just not as expensive.
 
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#14
jdh3000 said:
I know, many variables exist, but if you could share what you have and types of small gigs and/or jam sessions you play that really only need acoustic volume but feel you might need a little more.
Click to expand...
My personal small cab of choice is an MAS-16. Coming in at 14 lbs., that's the smallest amp I own, but it can keep up with a reasonable drummer. Heck, I used it at a ~20 piece big band rehearsal a couple months ago and it kept up just fine. But it's probably overkill for your needs, it's more costly, and they can be pretty hard to actually get your hands on.
 
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#20
BobKay said:
Here's another vote for the Phil Jones Double Four. I use it weekly with a bluegrass/western swing group. One advantage is it also has a line out to go to a PA if needed. 8.5 lbs; size of a shoebox. Great sound and clarity.
Click to expand...

I think that’s out of the OP’s budget, if he’s talking about a Fender Rumble 40. :)
 
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