Double Bass when NOT to use an amp

[Michael Milner]

When I am rehearsing with my pianist I never use an amp. I also attend a semi-regular jam with a tenor sax player and a pianist; and I never bring my amp. In both cases the pianists are playing a baby grand. I don't have problem being heard, although I also dig in. In the bluegrass trio I perform with I also go "sans amp" for our rehearsals. That being said, I'm playing a carved bass that's fairly loud.
However, I would not attempt a live performance without an amp, especially if there is a drummer involved. There is an interesting interview in All About Jazz with Buell Neidlinger where the topic of playing without amplification is discussed. He also mentions the hazards of having to compete with loud drummers (which is the number one reason for using an amo IMHO).

 

[jake3]

When I am rehearsing with my pianist I never use an amp. I also attend a semi-regular jam with a tenor sax player and a pianist; and I never bring my amp. In both cases the pianists are playing a baby grand. I don't have problem being heard, although I also dig in. In the bluegrass trio I perform with I also go "sans amp" for our rehearsals. That being said, I'm playing a carved bass that's fairly loud.
However, I would not attempt a live performance without an amp, especially if there is a drummer involved. There is an interesting interview in All About Jazz with Buell Neidlinger where the topic of playing without amplification is discussed. He also mentions the hazards of having to compete with loud drummers (which is the number one reason for using an amo IMHO).

I've been going sans amp for a monthly jazz gig with a jazz guitarist, no drummer. He's a pro and a teacher and he invites one of his students to sit in for a few tunes each time. Which is fine, except then it's two guitars, both amplified, not loudly but they compete with each other a little bit and then it gets tough. Tonight we had a pretty good crowd, which is good, but that was more noise too. I think I'm going to bite the bullet and bring my little Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0-8T. Reluctantly, though. I've been wondering what going with a fully carved 7/8 would be like volume-wise. (Compared with my 3/4 ply.)

 

[Ric Vice]

.........Which is fine, except then it's two guitars, both amplified, not loudly but they compete with each other a little bit and then it gets tough. Tonight we had a pretty good crowd, which is good, but that was more noise too. I think I'm going to bite the bullet and bring my little Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0-8T. Reluctantly, though. I've been wondering what going with a fully carved 7/8 would be like volume-wise. (Compared with my 3/4 ply.)

Over the course of many years of gigs, I have from time to time played acoustically. I find it works really well in an orchestra with a bow, because that's what the instrument was designed for. I played a Plywood instrument when I first hit high school, but was able to swing a carved instrument when a french horn player sold his. The boost in volume was apparent, but not appreciable. The sustain and tone quality was significantly better. At this point, I would not play a gig without an amplifier, because frankly, I prefer not to try and negotiate with other instruments, and the audience can, in most cases hear me better. I see no reason not to use an amplifier.



Ric

 

[Ethan Eriksen]

The only time I don't use an amp while playing jazz is in small group (2-4 musicians) rehearsals and in the practice room.

 

[jake3]

I've been playing with no amp the last few gigs with a jazz guitarist, but I am realizing that I'm just being stubborn, and I'm wearing out my right index finger without being fully heard. I have various amps to choose from. In the past I've used a Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0-8T with the upright, but I got a Fishman Loudbox Artist to use with my mandolin, and found that it sounds very good with my bass, a standard Upton Ply with a Revolution (I think) pickup. The Fishman amp is very clean and cuts out some of the natural over-emphasis of the low end that comes with the ply. Has good anti-feedback features too. Haven't gigged it yet but will next weekend.