Double Bass Good small amp?

[Swampyankee2]

What's everyone using to amplify their double bsss? I hope to get together for some acoustic jams and don't want to get lost in the mix. I see alot of talk about Phil Jones.
I also play an electric bass on occasion so I'd want it for that as well.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

PJB Super Flightcase. But it’s no longer made, sadly.

 

[Scott Lynch]

I amplify my DB with a Genzler MG350/Bass Array 10-2 combo. It’s usually a little quiet for me playing bass guitar so I typically add a second cab for that.

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

I have the following combo amps which all work well for both double bass and electric bass:

Markacoustic AC101 combo - A two channel acoustic combo that's perfect for doubling (or combining a mic and a pickup) and my first choice for double bass

Markbass CMD 121P combo - My preference for electric bass, but it also works well for double bass. With the matching extension cabinet it can expand to cover just about any size gig.

Markbass Micromark 801 - My smallest amp, but with a separate preamp it's totally gig worthy. My "one trip from the car" option.

Gallien-Krueger MB110 - I tend to use this for practice, but it's another compact option that works well for both instruments.

- Steve

 

[Rickybass4001]

After seeing another local bassist playing his double bass through a SWR Super readhead, I was sold.
I then started using a SWR super redheads 25+years ago for my electric stand up bass. In my opinion it gets a great tone and provides the articulation of the notes. Again, just my opinion.

 

[57pbass]

I don’t play upright bass but use A single 10” Bag End and the head of your choice. I use a Quilter BB800 and it’s a great small rig.

 

[Erik Turkman]

I amplify my DB with a Genzler MG350/Bass Array 10-2 combo. It’s usually a little quiet for me playing bass guitar so I typically add a second cab for that.

I use this combo for upright too. I’ve used it for electric also for smaller gigs, but for larger settings, I add a Genzler 12” cabinet underneath it.

 

[jallenbass]

This works great for me:

https://www.henriksenamplifiers.com/product/the-blu/

 

[PBandJazzBass]

If you’re patient, try to find one of the old GK MB150 series amps. I have one and use it for small acoustic/semi acoustic to medium sized gigs with loud drummers and have no problem being heard.

 

[DeepHz]

My Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 does a great job on both Upright and Electric. I also have a Walter Woods blue light which is amazing for both too. The price difference is wide,,,,,,

 

[BobKay]

Phil Jones Double Four.

 

[Tom Winter]

These are older now, but they are incredible.

 

[jmlee]

These are older now, but they are incredible.

Yup, it's surprising. A bit heavy due to the metal surround, but very compact and great-sounding.

 

[Joedog]

These are older now, but they are incredible.

YES! I so regret selling mine.

 

[Tom Winter]

YES! I so regret selling mine.

Me too.

 

[DuluthDank]

I have the following combo amps which all work well for both double bass and electric bass:

Markacoustic AC101 combo - A two channel acoustic combo that's perfect for doubling (or combining a mic and a pickup) and my first choice for double bass

Markbass CMD 121P combo - My preference for electric bass, but it also works well for double bass. With the matching extension cabinet it can expand to cover just about any size gig.

Markbass Micromark 801 - My smallest amp, but with a separate preamp it's totally gig worthy. My "one trip from the car" option.

Gallien-Krueger MB110 - I tend to use this for practice, but it's another compact option that works well for both instruments.

- Steve

The Markacoustic isn't talked about much, but it has a lot of features that have me interested. Plus they seem to be priced well compared to the competition. I see there's no high pass filter though. Do you use an external HPF with yours, or feel the need? How does it do in terms of total volume?

Edit: just did a bit if research, and I see that both inputs are 500 Kohm. Cool little amp, but this is probably a deal breaker for me. I can't say I understand why they made that decision.

 

[Wasnex]

I have an old GK 700RB/112 combo. It probably works better with upright than bass guitar. There are times when it has been on the edge of running out of headroom. When this occurs, I have to limit my dynamic range rather than playing freely.

How much clean headroom you want is a huge factor. Lot's of people like the PJ Double Four. I think a Double Four would work with acoustic guitar and piano, or perhaps jazz trio. I wouldn't want to rely on it for big band.

If I was in the market for a new upright rig, I would probably consider Genzler. The MG350 can push up to three cabs, so it's scalable depending on how much volume you need. The MG350 with a single BA10-2 is pretty light and compact. However, it's not perfect for doubling since it only has a single channel preamp.

If doubling is a consideration and you don't need stupid loud, consider the Genzler Bass Acoustic Array Pro, which is a Gollihur exclusive. Slightly less power than the MG350 and it can only push two cabs, but it has a two channel preamp that is designed specifically for acoustic instruments (5M input impedance). It also has two XLR mic inputs and can provide 12V phantom.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

Yup, it's surprising. A bit heavy due to the metal surround, but very compact and great-sounding.

Is the combo that much heavier than the 112 extension cabinet? Because that's only 12 pounds...

I use the GK MBX112 speaker cab with the AI Clarus 2 Series4+. My backup amp is a MarkBass 250 Blackline (it's got an XLR input).

 

[Tom Winter]

Is the combo that much heavier than the 112 extension cabinet? Because that's only 12 pounds...

I use the GK MBX112 speaker cab with the AI Clarus 2 Series4+. My backup amp is a MarkBass 250 Blackline (it's got an XLR input).

The metal is a selling point.

 

[Don Hergert]

Good small amp?

How small???

I use the Roland Micro Cube Bass RX amp -- now discontinued, but still available used. It's a 4" x 4 speaker single channel combo amp that runs on batteries or AC power brick. Wattage (5W) rating is misleading because the system is designed to run on 6AA batteries for up to 20 hours. I've used it in bluegrass stage settings outside and inside with really surprisingly good results. At 15lbs and small, it carries easily in a soft backpack.

No matter what the situation though, small amps need to be elevated so they are not pumping sound into people's feet. I have a modified speaker stand that I use to raise mine to about shoulder height. Works great.