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Double Bass Amps


waynepunkdude
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You can use any clean-ish sounding combo either with a DB preamp like a Fishman into the normal input socket (the preamp is so that the impedance of the pickup matches the amp; otherwise its sounds thin and horrid) or into Effects Return input, in which case the combo is effectively just a power amp and all the EQ comes from your preamp. Doesn't have to be a combo. Loads of DB'ers seem to like the £200 GK MB200 amp into any 10 or 12 inch cab (there's a thread about this). If you search the DB forum here, there's a load of thread with advice on this, mate

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What is your budget Wayne as there is a wide range of amps/combos that could fit th bill? For £400 odd for example there's a s/ h Phil Jones Suitcase combo ( there is one FS on the forum) while for £525 I know of a BCer with a MarkBass Mini CMD121P combo which lots of DBers swear by. if your budget is less I am sure the guys and gals on this forum could come up with ideas too. One thing is for sure, you will need a DB preamp (eg, Fishman Platinum Pro Bass EQ; about £100 s/h) if you want to gig in order to fight off feedback and control the sound

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You can use pretty much anything you like, with the addition of a preamp to buffer the piezo pickup impedance - as Clarky says above.
Most DBers go for small 10'' cabs for onstage monitoring and rely on the PA for the FOH sound. Having said that, I've seen plenty of rockabilly guys using 4x10s with nothing going through the PA. Horses for courses I suppose.

You could buy a DB specific combo like the Acoustic Image Contra or AER bass cube, but that requires thousands of pounds. You'd get a decent sound with a nice transparent amp and cab set up - Markbass/GK/Genz Benz etc.

If you want to go down the combo route, something like the Ibanez Promethean could be ideal.

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I think Gareth Hughes uses some kind of stomp pedal (maybe a Boss tuner) as an impedance matching device, so that I don't think you need a proper DB preamp. I'd drop him a PM, could save you a bundle if only for home use.

However, if/when you start gigging you will have to invest in a Fishman or similar to help control the feedback and tone issues that inevitably come from playing at higher volumes and in variable rooms

Edited by Clarky
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tc electronics bg 500 ive had and tried loads of amps from valve to solid state and this amp eats them all for power and tone ive retired my 4x10 cab and 700w head as this amp is better built in string compressor that compresses each string individually and gives alot of punch the 2x10 model is awsome tried a 1x15 model not as good

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I use a K&K Double Big Twin pickup in to Ashdown LB30 with a BFB Midget-T. Light weight, expensive and sounds awesome.

Personally can't see the point in a combo just for the DB if you also play the BG and ABG.

Also if going straight in to the desk, just use a Fishman Pro and have a personal IEM to hear my appalling intonation (no bass though the monitors in fear of feedback).

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  • 6 years later...

Hi I’m wanting to know the same thing really I’m looking at the orange crush 50 BXT I have been offered one for a good price it’s only going to be for Home use 

any help would be much appreciated 

thanks

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I've played DB through all manner of completely unsuitable equipment: Orange Terror Bass 500, Trace Elliot Elf, Gallien Krueger MB500, Aguilar Tonehammer 350.

You know what? It always sounds like a DB.

Yes, it sounds better played through some of the high-end, specialist, DB amplification I've used, but not THAT much better!

And if it's for home use, please forgive the slightly disparaging tone, but who cares? It's only you who's going to hear it. :hi:

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A couple of points to add to the above - a preamp is usually a good idea but some pickups / amps work well together without one (I have a GK MB150 combo and I haven't needed to use my preamp). So it might be worth waiting until after you get an amp before investing in a preamp.

Another point is that you say that you need the amp for using around the house - if you have a DB (as opposed to an EUB) then there's probably no need for an amp at all to be honest. You'll get a much better feel for your sound / intonation etc playing acoustically. Unlike with bass guitars, the 'real' sound of a DB is the acoustic sound - most DB players are looking for the elusive "my bass, only louder" tone when they start amplifying so until you start playing gigs you might be better off avoiding the hassle.

Edited by tinyd
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On 27/03/2018 at 20:44, owen said:

With an Fdeck preamp anything is fine.

Hmmm. I'm not so sure. I once had to use a venue rig which was an Ampeg SVT with an 8x10 and my Fdeck did not make it fine.

It would undoubtedly have been even worse without the Fdeck.

Edited by TheRev
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1 minute ago, Buz said:

I’ve been looking but it seems you can’t get them in the uk

The schematic is available to download - you can build it yourself or have someone else do it if you're electronically ham fisted.  I think SFX have built a few of these for UK people?

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