Dusty Posted June 9, 2022 Share Posted June 9, 2022 Is there anything out there worth checking out ? My local Ukulele band have asked me to join them and add some bass to their gigs. No problem indoors with power, but outside at fetes, busking etc, power is not always a option. Is there anything out there ? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPJ Posted June 9, 2022 Share Posted June 9, 2022 There are a few, and the most obvious one is the PJB Briefcase combo that would probably suit your needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRev Posted June 9, 2022 Share Posted June 9, 2022 The original PJB Briefcase models could run off a laptop battery, though they didn't come equipped with the battery. Later models switched to an internal transformer and a standard IEEC cable, so unless you can find a used original model (the Briefcase is no longer produced), the only battery powered thing out there, specifically for bass is the Roland micro cube. There are tiny battery powered offerings from Blackstar - but IME they're glorified headphone amps and not powerful enough for busking. I have the Roland and It's OK, not amazing, but will do the job as long as you're not expecting too much tone-wise and your drummer isn't a nutter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Posted June 9, 2022 Author Share Posted June 9, 2022 Many thanks guys 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mottlefeeder Posted June 10, 2022 Share Posted June 10, 2022 Most of the PJB briefcases I have seen work from mains or a 12v 7Ahr lead acid battery, not a laptop battery, but I think one of the newer combos does use a laptop battery. Depending in the OP's DIY skills, a brick sized 12 v battery and a car audio booster amplifier can be used with existing speakers, and is sensitive enough that you don't need a preamp or booster with an active bass. The item on the left is a 150w into 4 ohms when bridged, class AB amplifier, and lasts over an hour with the battery shown. The item on the right is a class D amplifier of similar power. David 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean-Luc Pickguard Posted June 10, 2022 Share Posted June 10, 2022 (edited) The dinky little Roland microcube bass rx is surprisingly loud for its size and can be powered from six of poundland's finest AA batteries for several hours. It works really well with a Kala ubass and with the amp modelling the tonal options are very flexible, plus there's a built in preset compressor as well as digital fx: chorus/flanger/autowah/delay/reverb. I've used mine for unplugged rehearsals and jam sessions. As long as the ukes aren't amplified and no one's playing a drumkit (a cajon would be OK) it should be all you need—even for outdoor sessions. Edited June 10, 2022 by Jean-Luc Pickguard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickeyboro Posted June 10, 2022 Share Posted June 10, 2022 Micro cube and UBass - does the job for me too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete.young Posted June 11, 2022 Share Posted June 11, 2022 On 09/06/2022 at 12:51, TheRev said: The original PJB Briefcase models could run off a laptop battery, though they didn't come equipped with the battery. Later models switched to an internal transformer and a standard IEEC cable, so unless you can find a used original model (the Briefcase is no longer produced), the only battery powered thing out there, specifically for bass is the Roland micro cube. There are tiny battery powered offerings from Blackstar - but IME they're glorified headphone amps and not powerful enough for busking. I have the Roland and It's OK, not amazing, but will do the job as long as you're not expecting too much tone-wise and your drummer isn't a nutter. The Double Four can be run off a laptop battery. The Briefcase I have runs off a lead-acid gel battery similar to a small motorbike battery or UPS battery, 12V 7Ah. Or you can connect any external battery to the terminals with a couple of banana plug cables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knirirr Posted June 11, 2022 Share Posted June 11, 2022 On 09/06/2022 at 11:28, Dusty said: Is there anything out there worth checking out ? My local Ukulele band have asked me to join them and add some bass to their gigs. No problem indoors with power, but outside at fetes, busking etc, power is not always a option. Is there anything out there ? The Roland micro cube has been mentioned above. I recently had a chance to try one out and it worked very nicely; the particular band for which I use it normally complains that the bass is too quiet, but were completely satisfied during this gig. There's a video here (apologies for bad playing; recovering from illness) which I have already posted elsewhere, so further apologies if you've seen it twice: https://youtu.be/V6YLqu1Zb7E I was using a pre-amp otherwise the pickup sounds dreadful. N.B. it's fine with this amount of drumming, but is overwhelmed in the presence of a full kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassmanPaul Posted June 12, 2022 Share Posted June 12, 2022 (edited) I have to admit I did like the drum kit - or lack of!! Edited June 12, 2022 by BassmanPaul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.gif.9ad672bb8b84505709f76b39c8c256ec.gif)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.