Need DB/Bass guitar amp advice

[Alex F]

Check out the Talkbass Double Bass and Bass Guitar Forums which can be found at:

http://www.talkbass.com" target="_blank" target="_blank

Both sides have "Amp" sub-forums where you will find much discussion comparable to the TNFJ here.

Good luck and congrats to your son.

[Lee Stofer]

I'd suggest looking for an amp that has 6-or-more-band sliding-bar equalization, not just bass/mid/treble knobs. That way, your son can find the settings that bring out the most in the sound of both instruments, and can quickly make adjustments when needed.

[eupher61]

Peavey 115, whatever it's called now. Built like a tank, good sound, not too expensive.

[Rick Denney]

Peavey 115, whatever it's called now. Built like a tank, good sound, not too expensive.

I had one of these; It was "very good".

Note two choices here: TNT115, at 150 watts, and TKO115, at 75 watts. Both have similar features. I have the TKO, and it seems like quite a decent amp, though I have little to compare it to and not much in the way of preference. If it produces enough sound, it's several hundred bucks less than the TNT115.

Rick "who even turns it on once in a while" Denney

[IkeH]

Not having to be stupid loud on my gigs for the last several years, I've gotten by on the tiny GK 200MB(replaced by the 150 model)for either upright or electric on local pickup gigs. On louder stuff, I've used the GK 400RB head and separate cabinet. But for doubling, you want something with either a two channel input with separate tone controls, because of the different needs of the two basses, or a preamp/mixer that will feed into a single channel amp that will give you much flexibility in your tone shaping needs. The only modern choices for two channel amps I'm familiar with are from Acoustic Image, Euphonic Audio, and SWR, which are pretty darn expensive but very high quality, especially the first two. Probably a good bet, if you could find one, would be a used EA combo amp with dual channels or one of their discontinued heads(iamp500?) and one of their medium sized cabs. I'm also hearing good things about Markbass, Henrikson Jazz amp, and Phil Jones amps. Two good choices for preamp/mixers would be Radial Tonebone and DTAR Solstice. The Tonebone is more of a a/b stompbox with an eq section for the second channel. The Solstice is a more complete two channel unit with separate eq sections, tuner out, direct out, the works. You can also use it as a blender for the upright, using both channels for pickup and a mic(has phantom power for condensers). I've used this unit on the road the past few years for doubling on a stage show and it's excellent. All that being said, a decent low-cost medium power solution might be an SWR combo amp with the Tonebone preamp. Go to some music stores with basses in hand and just try some things. I know for a non-playing Dad, it's a lot of info to digest, but PM me for any questions and/or go to the TB amp-pickup forum for a LOT more on this subject.

Ike

[W]

For both upright and elec., you would want something bigger to support the electric sound, but something small enough to bring out clarity from the upright. If you can find it, the pre-Fender SWR Workingman's 12inch combo is great. You will have enough beef for the bass guitar but enough clarity for the upright. The 10in would be better for upright, but will be lacking for the bass guitar. I just got one from craigslist for $200 and it has a huge sound. It can handle my very big sounding 5 string plugged into a basspodXT too.
I won't discount the newer SWR's though, they still do have a big sound with clarity.
This combo was perfect because I needed something like this because I can't carry heavy combo amps and walk around the city of San Francisco to gig. I deal with tendonitis periodically.

If you're willing to spend more, I know Eden makes great combo amps that are strong. As good as GK amps are, their combos really lack. Ampeg is way too heavy unless you're playing rock with only a bass guitar.

If only for upright, the Phil Jones has such an amazing and big sound. The 5in speakers are ideal for upright.
There is the GK150s; portable, but overly priced.
Hope that helps

[eupher61]

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