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Who HAS NOT Gone Ampless?

#83
Currently use a Fender Rumble 500 combo with (2) 10s. Have used everything from an Ampeg Portaflex (the original one, back in the 70s), to a rack system with an 835w power amp. Just recently I've been using an old BB3 preamp and going direct.

I'm currently trying to decide how exactly I want to proceed. I play both upright and slab, and want a system that can handle both. I actually *like* going ampless when possible, so am looking at more modern preamps. I may just get a little Fishman for the upright and use my existing rig for the slab, amped or ampless depending on the venue. Trying to create one system that will work in all situations is a daunting task.
 
#85
I still use my amp and cab wherever possible, but only for the power section, and if the venue has an amp I'll always use that as well. But still only for the power section. My actual tone luckily comes from my pedalboard, and I'm generally quite satisfied with it.

I've yet to purposely do a full gig without an amp, though it has accidentally already happened twice (over the span of 10 years so that's not bad at all). Made me real glad with my pedalboard setup.

I'll never go entirely ampless. I might not use them for their pre-section, but I definitely need to feel the air being moved from behind me.

Edit:

The amp and cab I use are a Hartke LH500, and a Fender Rumble 4x10. Been using them for years, yet to disappoint me, and yet to come up short in the power department.
 
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#88
brianrost said:
To Al Kraft: boy, you have a lot of amps! I thought I had too many, but you're making me feel better
Click to expand...

I do seem to be better at collecting than selling - I've been considering seeking professional help. :) However, it's really nice to be able to pick the perfect combination for wherever I'm playing.

Truth be told, I could probably get by with the Subway 112/115 and CN212 cabs and the D-800, TH500, Walkabout and MB800 heads for pretty much everything.

That old SWR is just too nice and has too many memories associated with it to ever part with, even though it doesn't see much use these days.
 
#89
I play ampless with my worship group every Sunday. Even with my pedal board and tone hammer I feel as though something is missing. When I play or record using my live rigs it's an entirely different beast. I need amp when I play.
 
#91
I seriously don't like playing through monitors. I always get cut to some inaudible level and it ruins me.

My amp:
GK MB210-II combo. Perfect for my small-medium gigs, DI out if I score a big one.
20160618_100919.jpg
 
#93
When I play at Gilley's at the Nugget in Reno, they don't want amps OR Monitors onstage. (They'll let the guitarist have one, down the hall, in the back)
But they have a great system. It think's made by Shure, where everyone gets a little mixer on a Mic stand. So, I run through an Eden D.I into their system, which send a feed to my Mixer, I can adjust everything, ie, Drums Vocals Keys--even ambient room noise, and send that to my Earbuds (Shure 425's) It's really sweet, without the plexi-glass screen around the drums, it's very controlable, kinda like when recording. I'd like to try it on a big outdoor Stage.
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#95
Recently was on a bill where one band was ampless. Unfortunately for them the PA was a joke and they wound up sounding very very weak. It's a shame because I could tell they were a good band.

Going ampless is great when you're Geddy Lee, but for club gigs I'll still be carting around one of my 412 cabs and my M9 Carbine. Then I don't need the PA at all. ;)
 
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#96
YosemiteSam said:
Currently use a Fender Rumble 500 combo with (2) 10s. Have used everything from an Ampeg Portaflex (the original one, back in the 70s), to a rack system with an 835w power amp. Just recently I've been using an old BB3 preamp and going direct.

I'm currently trying to decide how exactly I want to proceed. I play both upright and slab, and want a system that can handle both. I actually *like* going ampless when possible, so am looking at more modern preamps. I may just get a little Fishman for the upright and use my existing rig for the slab, amped or ampless depending on the venue. Trying to create one system that will work in all situations is a daunting task.
Click to expand...


I have spent years trying to figure out a good rig for doubling, and have basically given up (well, I currently only play slab in a band, so it's a non-issue). My final solution was to get rid of all the A/B crap and the tone compromise and literally plug each bass in as I used it, and change all my settings quickly (this with my Mesa D-800). Obviously, not a great solution, but that's where I was at. I never like my DB through an amp, honestly. It always sounds different, not like itself. I am sure different pickup would help, maybe a different amp. The best doubling setup, IMO, is either two separate amps or just sending the DB straight to DI/PA.
 
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#97
My standard rig with both my cover bands is a mix of stage volume with direct to PA. After my purchase tomorrow my full rig will be this:

Bass
Boss LS-2
Zoom B3 (channel A on LS-2)
Hardwire CM-2 (channel B on LS-2)
Ashdown ABM500 (pre-EVO)
Amp DI out to board
Ashdown 410h cab.

The amp is just loud enough for stage monitoring but most of the volume is through the PA. We use in-ear monitors as well - even for the smallest venues.
 
#99
lermgalieu said:
I have spent years trying to figure out a good rig for doubling, and have basically given up (well, I currently only play slab in a band, so it's a non-issue). My final solution was to get rid of all the A/B crap and the tone compromise and literally plug each bass in as I used it, and change all my settings quickly (this with my Mesa D-800). Obviously, not a great solution, but that's where I was at. I never like my DB through an amp, honestly. It always sounds different, not like itself. I am sure different pickup would help, maybe a different amp. The best doubling setup, IMO, is either two separate amps or just sending the DB straight to DI/PA.
Click to expand...
Probably what I'll end up doing. Running a K&K pickup on the upright, thinking of getting the little Fishman belt clip preamp, maybe a Tonebone. We'll see. My old BBE preamp (rack mount, 90s era) has some hiss, but works as a direct box. Should probably just stick with my amp for the slab. Decisions, decisions... :)
 
#100
YosemiteSam said:
Probably what I'll end up doing. Running a K&K pickup on the upright, thinking of getting the little Fishman belt clip preamp, maybe a Tonebone. We'll see. My old BBE preamp (rack mount, 90s era) has some hiss, but works as a direct box. Should probably just stick with my amp for the slab. Decisions, decisions... :)
Click to expand...

Yeah - I have a K&K and a Tonebone. I like the Tonebone ok. Didn't really like it running into the Mesa, but it's nice to have for PA. If I needed to double again I would probably use my LPF > Tonebone -> PA. Or preferably just play acoustic, and save the electronics for my passive P > Mesa, which is complete sonic bliss.
 

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