Double Bass Why Use a Preamp?

[dperrott]

I find a preamp (I use the fishman) is great when I am not playing my own gear. I find it to be the cure all. I can make about any amp sound ok. The preamp is a must when I use a volume pedal.

 

[Ric Vice]

Thanks for this, DoubleMIDI.

Now I know which input to use on my Acoustic Image! I probably won't go for the pre-amp just yet. I'm not doing enough amped gigs these days...

and when I do, there's rarely a front-of-house. Mostly just bar jazz.

Bass Manchu,
With your particular amp, I wouldn't think you'd actually ever need a pre amp. It's got all the bells and whistles.

Ric

 

[bassmanchu]

Thanks! It's only a Contra (1 channel), but I've been so spoiled. Maybe that's why I never thought about a preamp before. It's got an EQed direct out for FOH, too!

I do wish it had another channel, though. It'd be nice to blend pickup and mic at some point.

 

[Jason Hollar]

I'm looking at the Sansamp Para Bass DI - as I'm doing a lot more gigs where it's easier to just use the PA system.

I use a Boss Bass EQ (great in front of my SWR amp) and I also have a Countryman DI - but I'm not happy with the Boss/Countryman sound into my Mackie board.

Does anyone have any experience with the Sansamp? I could also see using it for recording & electric bass color too.

 

[Pat Harris]

I've had great experiences using a Sansamp with a bass guitar for live and studio applications, which I think answers your question. However, it's pretty terrible on upright bass if you're using it as a standalone preamp.