Looking for a combo for acoustic bass guitar (ABG/AEB), I am after something ultra compact but still powerful enough for an indoor band scenario assuming no drums. Would be ideal if it could double for electric/acoustic cello! I already have a little 2x8 rig so definitely after a grab-and-go combo. All suggestions welcome
Tech 21 Power Engine Deuce Deluxe - Powered Cabinet for Guitar & Bass Clean and pure sounding without bake in voice .
I recently got an Eden TN 2251. It sounds much clearer than my old combo, and even handles a low B decently. It's pretty compact and easy to pack since it's basically a cube. I'm pretty happy with it so far. I haven't had a chance yet to use it out of the house though.
If you decide to go Old School, the SWR Strawberry Blonde was MADE for acoustic applications! I have one I'd part with, if you're interested. {}
A Genzler or older Genz Benz combo is always a good choice for great, versatile tone in an easy carry.
Wow, I'm too late. +++ on a Phil Jones case or a Double Four. Super portable. Won't dent your skull like a big amp but more than you'll need to keep up with a combo without loud drums. I'd describe it as a coffee house amp.
I've had an AER Alpha 40 - definitely not suitable for bass except in a very low volume scenario imo.
I would recommend the Genzler MG350 BA10-2 combo. There are reviews from upright players saying how natural sounding their instrument is through this combo. It's also great for acoustic and electric bass.
Some interesting suggestions, some of them larger than the 2x8 option I already have! In the short term I have scored a Phil Jones Session 77 combo at a good price, will see how that works out when it turns up but definitely keen to check out the Acoustic Image amps. One of my concerns about using a "normal" bass amp is they are designed for magnetic pickups and piezos don't always sound that good through them. I have a particular loathing for acoustic guitars through valve guitar amps, but maybe acoustic bass isn't quite so bad.
I have a GKMB110 and use it at church pretty extensively. It was really surprising how much that little amp can do. I don't have a AEB any longer, but have played my U-Bass with it, and it's been stellar. I manly play my p bass, or my 5 string. Our Church Stage consists of 4 singers, band leader acoustic in the pa, electric lead in his own small fender amp, (not sure which one) another acoustic in the pa, mandolin in the pa, drums, no plastic drums cage. MB 110 Specs — Gallien-Krueger I had been using a Peavy Lynx 110 that I bought when I was 25 or so. It would keep up with all that at volume around 4 or 5. The Peavy finally died, and I replaced it with the GK. Very musical amp, no frills/no hassles. I had originally thought I would need one of those matching powered cabinets: MBP Cabinets — Gallien-Krueger Turns out I didn't need it. Was suspicious I wouldn't because the PV was a non-class D 35 watts, and the GK is 100 watts class D.
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