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amplifying a tuba/euphonium

Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 10:33 pm
by elimia
My question falls more to the euphonium end since that is what I play, but I thought I'd let the tuba community speak on this. I need an amp (preferably 30W or greater) to use to play my horn through. I use a couple of pedals and some effects equipment. RIght now I'm dinking around on a Line 6 piece of crap that sounds terrible. I need to upgrade but this is pretty uncharted territory for the most part.

Any amp recommendations? I've heard that an amp w/ 2 x 10 speakers would be the best bet for capturing the tones of the horn. I suspect any choice I make will lose something in the sound translation. I've played through PAs but I'd prefer an amp so I can record/rehearse/gig.

Rock on dudes! Ryan

Re: amplifying a tuba/euphonium

Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 11:33 pm
by Chriss2760
The Peavey TNT 115 BW is an awesome amp for any low brass instrument. This amp has the Black Widow speakers in it and it can therefore handle low freq power that will (and in my case, has) ruin(ed) much larger amps. I mic up my Miraphone 186 tuba with a Sennheiser 602. This amp has been made for years and a bit of looking should be able to turn up one with a few years on it, and therefore be a bit more affordable. Although I have to say, I bought mine two years ago for $250. The equalizer, gain and chorus features of this amp are also very desirable.

Re: amplifying a tuba/euphonium

Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 12:24 am
by imperialbari
Yes, Black Widows will take a lot of ....:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwhzardUvOg

Re: amplifying a tuba/euphonium

Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 6:17 pm
by eupher61
Another option would be a keyboard amp, but it sort of looks like Peavey isn't putting BWs into the keyboard amps anymore. A keyboard amp would give you a mic input (at least on the bigger amps) and a little crisper high end for when you want it.

They used to use a KB30, KB70, KB 150 type designation, and the 150 (watts) had a 15" BW available, but not standard. It looks like the KB3 has one mic in, a 12 and a tweeter, the 5 has 3 mic ins, with 2x10s and a horn. Can't find specs on the KB4, but it's in between I'd think.

steve

Re: amplifying a tuba/euphonium

Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 7:06 am
by Paul Tkachenko
I'm quite happy with my Gallien Krueger MB150 for smaller to medium gigs. Small enough to carry to the gig on your shoulder.

SD system mikes are expensive, but very good. There is also a handy preamp that you can attach to the instrument to control the volume.

Black widows in Peavey keyboard amps are good, but big and heavy.