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Double Bass Traynor Sb106 or MarkBass 801
- Thread starter BassDaddy11
- Start date
The SB 106 has a ground lift and a pre/post button with it’s DI
I just picked up the Markbass 801 for house sessions and small gigs. Nice amp. I find the sound straight in usable but agree it sounds better with a preamp in front. I have a few preamps: fishman, red eye and Headway EDM1 and it seems to prefer the Headway. The one knob eq although limited is actually useful and works well in conjuction with the Headway. Using the HPF on the Headway it can get quite loud. I think I'll be able to use it with on jazz gigs with drums as long as the volume is reasonable.
I owned a double four for a number of years and currently have a MAS 16 and it's got more volume on tap than either of those. I got the Markbass on sale at GC, while I really like it I don't think I'd pay full price for it. Never tried the Traynor 106.
I owned a double four for a number of years and currently have a MAS 16 and it's got more volume on tap than either of those. I got the Markbass on sale at GC, while I really like it I don't think I'd pay full price for it. Never tried the Traynor 106.
On it's own no, but when coupled with a preamp yes. Like @BobDeRosa I use mine with a Fishman Platinum Stage preamp. The added gain, EQ options and HPF made this a gig-able amplifier. On it's own it works great as practice amp for electric bass.
- Steve
BobDeRosa
Commercial User
- May 16, 2012
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- Owner, Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camps
It really depends on the room and your bandmates, Troy. I've used it in concert situations in fairly large rooms, but if you're just providing wallpaper jazz at a cocktail party, where alcohol-fueled socialization is more important than listening, you might get overwhelmed.
I use the Double Four in exactly the situation the op describes: as a stage monitor for use in a bluegrass band. My set up is bass to a PJB preamp, preamp to amp through the 1/4 out, and board through the XLR out on the preamp. Works great for me.
I got the 801 out in a couple gigs this weekend. First was duo with guitar outdoors and second was a quartet with sax keys and drums, fairly low volume but not tiptoeing. Using the Headway I had plenty of volume and control. Bigger sound than the MAS16 or double four. Not quite the girth of my doubleshot.
I didn't really need this amp. I bought this mostly because it was on sale and was ready to return it if I didn't like it but I think it's a keeper.
I didn't really need this amp. I bought this mostly because it was on sale and was ready to return it if I didn't like it but I think it's a keeper.
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I got my Markbass 801 from Guitar Center a couple of years ago when it was on sale for $375. I would up selling my DoubleShot as it only sounded good it certain environments. I never had much luck with Acoustic Image combos.
- Steve
I like the doubleshot a lot, mine is not going anywhere. I don't think I could do a loud jazz gig with the 108, we'll see, but I can with the DS (at least in smaller rooms) and at 15lbs it's an easy schlep. I will say I liked it a lot more once I moved away from the Clarus amp and tried some other amps with it.
BUT After using the DS on most my jazz gigs the last couple years it was nice to hear a more focused forward punch from the 108. I may be drifting in that direction.
The MAS 16 actually sounds great plugged into the speaker out of the 108 and the two together could make for a cool little stack for loud gigs in small clubs.
BUT After using the DS on most my jazz gigs the last couple years it was nice to hear a more focused forward punch from the 108. I may be drifting in that direction.
The MAS 16 actually sounds great plugged into the speaker out of the 108 and the two together could make for a cool little stack for loud gigs in small clubs.
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I'm looking at the Traynor vs other small combos. Huge plus that's pushing me towards the Traynor is the controls on the front. I like to raise my practice amp up around chest level and amps with the control panel on the top rear makes adjustments on the fly a pain.
I had an 801 and am pretty familiar with the SB106. Both are good sounding but are pushing to cut it with a moderately loud small kit drummer in a 75-100 seat room. I'd probably lean towards the Traynor because of the more conventional eq, pre/post line out, slightly smaller footprint and brick **** house build quality.
The 801 is a super nice practice amp that'll cut quiet gigs. The Traynor is small pro amp that works well at home.
Very good point. Even with it sitting not very high on a chair or stool behind you the recessed top controls on the 801 could require some groping around to find.
The 801 is a super nice practice amp that'll cut quiet gigs. The Traynor is small pro amp that works well at home.
I'd love to try the Traynor. I got the Markbass for less than half the price though. I've been close to buying a Traynor combo a few times but just can't bring myself to spend that kind of money on one. I'm still not used to the way amp prices have jumped so much in recent years.
I haven’t done that with mine. My take is that you’ll loose some bass response the higher you raise it off the floor. Depending on your Double bass thay may or may not be an issue. With rear ported cabinets I use a “Amp Wedge” to tilt the cabinet up to hear it without losing bass.Just my take.
Uncoupling the amp from the floor does loose some bass. Raising it to shoulder height excites the bass less and gives a bit more volume before feeding back. Gives the speaker an unimpeded shot to your ear and into the house too. As tradeoffs go....it is one.
I've used pole mounts on a couple of 1x12 boxes. I have a cheap lightweight PA speaker pole but these tiny combos could easily go on a mic stand. There's some really trick quick release mic stand hardware out there.
I've used pole mounts on a couple of 1x12 boxes. I have a cheap lightweight PA speaker pole but these tiny combos could easily go on a mic stand. There's some really trick quick release mic stand hardware out there.
My MAS 1/8 and 4x5.5 are fine raised off the floor on a pole mount. No issues. I actually prefer the 4x5.5 up on a pole or platform. The Traynor is only 60 watt head into a 6.5 inch speaker with a rear port so the low end evaporates quickly. 
. I’m not a big has to have lots lows DB player but with my smaller 5/8 ths Mirecourt Double Bass I need a little more bass response than someone with a 3/4 or 7/8th instrument. Just my take of course.
. I’m not a big has to have lots lows DB player but with my smaller 5/8 ths Mirecourt Double Bass I need a little more bass response than someone with a 3/4 or 7/8th instrument. Just my take of course.
