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Small amp to play with acoustics

A

Adaptive

Aug 20, 2019
15
19
#1
Hey guys,

I found a local group that has an acoustic jam which is really fun. These are guitars, mandolins, violins, banjos that mostly do bluegrass songs. I have a lot of fun with them and often find myself picking out bass lines (on an acoustic guitar). It would be sweet to play a bass with them but I don't really want to shell out any $$ on an acoustic bass.

Currently I play my bass at home through 2 10" PA speakers (via computer, eq, cab sim IR) and am very happy with it; it can keep up with my guitar maps just fine. However, it would be really cool to find a low power small and portable amp to play with this acoustic group. It would have to be small enough that it wouldn't intimidate or overpower the acoustics (and that it would be easy for me to plug in and go unobtrusively) yet I would still want it to sound good and be loud enough to hear with day a dozen acoustic instruments.

Suggestions?
 
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#4
I'm sure 100 watts would work fine, although with a more powerful combo you just would need to keep the volume low. I'd recommend a 12" combo. It's only a matter of time before someone says the Fender Rumble($299), but there's also the Gallien-Krueger MB112-II ($549), the Hartke KB12 ($449). There's more for more cash, like the Genzler Magellan 350 combo or the GK Legacy combo. Lots of choices!
 
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#5
I personally like the wedge-monitor type combos. I've used the older Acoustic 50 watt with a 10" speaker, and now use the 100 watt Acoustic with the 12" speaker for my group.
Acoustic-Blk-Blu.jpg

Here's the Youtube video for the new 50 watt combo:


I'm certain GC & MF have these on sale with coupons and more this weekend. I've used Acoustic combos for the past 5 years and they've served me well. I also LOVE the tilt design these combos offer.
 
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#14
This Phil Jones BG-150 Flightcase is great for acoustic scenarios! I used it with a nice acoustic bass guitar. I currently use it with a double bass. Clean tone, upward angled speakers make it easy for you to hear while the forward angled speakers project out in front. There's one for sale in the DB side: For Sale - Phil Jones BG 150

Here's mine:
PJB-BG150.JPG
 
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#15
DeepFriedBass said:
I dont think 20 watts will be enough honestly
Click to expand...
It will under most acoustic circumstances. I've used mine in those situations and have actually been asked to turn down before. But if you want a little insurance, they have a 40w amp that would probably would work fine with a bigger acoustic ensemble.
 
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#18
Adaptive said:
Hey guys,

I found a local group that has an acoustic jam which is really fun. These are guitars, mandolins, violins, banjos that mostly do bluegrass songs. I have a lot of fun with them and often find myself picking out bass lines (on an acoustic guitar). It would be sweet to play a bass with them but I don't really want to shell out any $$ on an acoustic bass.

Currently I play my bass at home through 2 10" PA speakers (via computer, eq, cab sim IR) and am very happy with it; it can keep up with my guitar maps just fine. However, it would be really cool to find a low power small and portable amp to play with this acoustic group. It would have to be small enough that it wouldn't intimidate or overpower the acoustics (and that it would be easy for me to plug in and go unobtrusively) yet I would still want it to sound good and be loud enough to hear with day a dozen acoustic instruments.

Suggestions?
Click to expand...
If everyone else is "unplugged" (not going through a PA a single 115, 112, or 210 will do just fine. Cab or combo really doesn't matter. I have a Mesa D-800 with ampeg classic cabs (410he and 115) I just grab whatever cab(s) are appropriate depending on how loud I need to be. I think my 15 works great for that situation.
 
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#19
I've got a 60W Cube with a 10 and it's plenty loud for acoustic. I used it last Thursday with three Martin dreadnoughts a banjo, mandolin, fiddle and dobro and i had plenty of amp. I've got a small Ampeg 20w with an eight in it and it's OK for a couple of flattops but it gets lost pretty quick if you add much more.
 
#20
N. Kentucky Bass said:
This Phil Jones BG-150 Flightcase is great for acoustic scenarios! I used it with a nice acoustic bass guitar. I currently use it with a double bass. Clean tone, upward angled speakers make it easy for you to hear while the forward angled speakers project out in front. There's one for sale in the DB side: For Sale - Phil Jones BG 150

Here's mine:
View attachment 3614591
Click to expand...
I was going to suggest this or the PJ Double Four (which I have and it's perfect with acoustics). Upper end of $ spectrum but I think they're well worth the investment in reliability and tone.
 
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