Combo recommendations for Classico

[jazzyvee]

Whilst I'm learning to play this instrument I expect at some point to be playing a full gig with it and wondered what you guys consider might be an appropriate amp solution for small gigs outside the PA and also sounds good for DI if/when I get to use it on larger gigs. Also looking for a lightweight solution.

My classico has a gig bag so in theory I can carry that on my back and have stuff in each hand. 


From my current gear I have a PJB Briefcase which is 100w and I currently use for practice.

The next small setup would be my Barefaced Big Baby 2 which is FRFR lightweight cab with 12" and tweeter, matched to my F1-x and Synq 1u power amp in a SKB compact XRack case. I haven't had a chance to try that out yet but will do so as part of this process.

I notice from gigs that apart from Mr Clarke, almost all db players I see live use small combos and I still don't understand the physics of why a 42" scale bass can sound so full from such a small box. I would have expected the speaker at least to blow or have troubles.

I understand the classico is designed to sound like an acoustic bass but not being an expert I can't say how close that is from my limited home use and how much that would influence the choice of amplification.

Would those items I have work well for good db sound, or would a combo designed specifically for double bass be a better option?.  I do recall a while ago before I had this bass that bass player Jan-Olof Strandberg spoke highly of AER amplification when used with alembic but they are probably sensibly outside a my beginner's budget.
 

[jacko]

What's the electronics package in the Classico Vince? Presumably a single mono jack output?   I have a mag pickup on my upright and also have an NS eub and both work well through my small Markbass set up.
I have a Fishman Platinum Pro to control feedback going into a markbass LM 800 with a single MB traveller 121h speaker cab.  Plenty loud enough for two acoustic guitars going through the PA and a small drum kit. This setup gives a great woody DB sound from both ethe Db and EUB.
In fact, I use the LM800 and TRV 121h for rehearsals with my electric band who rehearse at gig volumes and it's loud enough for that too.


Graeme

[jazzyvee]

The electronics package is vol, treble and bass  and yes single jack out. But I vaguely recall reading somewhere that the pickups are a single coil setup not unlike the series basses. But the controls are housed in a large copper taped enclosure inside the back of the instrument. So can't be sure what the electronics actually look like eg whether its one of the PF cards or small circuit boards like on the regular basses.

But from your experience of using existing gear it seems like what I have should be ok and not have to carry two rigs or spend any more cash.

[gtrguy]

I love my SWR Workingman 10. They are not expensive, are light, and have a direct out built in. They have a 10" speaker and a horn and you can turn the horn on or off. They also have lots of horsepower and you can just plug in an extension cab should you need one. Plugging in the extra cab ups the output power as well. I have played all the SWR workingman combos (10, 12 and 15) and they are the ONLY SWR workingman models I like. I also own the big SWR stuff, but don't like hauling big gear anymore.

SWR is not a popular brand these days, especially since Guitar Center quit selling them. However, it's still good stuff for the most part. They were a backline mainstay for quite a while, and many were "rode hard and put away wet". Some of the models had issues over the years, like the 750 if I remember right. Some folks don't like their supposed 80's era sound.

I find they sound superb with certain basses, espically MusicMan, Yamaha, and Fender.

[StephenR]

I am a fan of SWR preamps. I still have a Studio 220 that I bought in 1988 but only used the preamp to drive an external power amp. On its own I wasn't impressed with the power output of that model which I found lacking for louder gig environments. I read recently that it is now difficult to get some of the parts to repair the older SWR gear so anyone buying used should check that out. The SWR combos are a nice choice for lower volume use.

A number of years ago I picked up an Acoustic Image CodaR to use with my Turner Renaissance bass. IMO the newer model Ten2 would make a great choice to amplify an upright and most likely a Classico, too. I wish it had been available when I got my AI combo since it has a second 10" speaker, more power and the head can be detached from the cabinet for stand-alone use. The AI amps were designed by an upright player. The two-channel amps allow you to plug a mic into one channel and run a pickup into the other. Both inputs have switchable phantom power. The built in filter is useful for cutting boom. Mine weighs under 20 lbs and can easily be carried with one hand, it is surprisingly loud for its size.

[goran]

Check out the double bass amp, I mean what usually double bass player use.. lke:

QSC active boxes
Zadow amplifier
Schertler LaFaro
Real bass amplifier
Acoustic Image
Acus
Hevos

a lot of them use: Gallien-Krueger MB150E 112 III Combo, even as you said PJB stuff.

g.

[sonicus]

I remember back some time ago Mr. Ron Carter recommended a " Gallien-Krueger MB150E 112 III Combo" to me at one of his shows . Right before his last tune he had announced that he would be happy to talk to any bassists with questions . he was really generous with his time , and  the line was quite long .

[hankster]

I used a GK 112 for years for acoustic and electric upright work. I would still use it except I dropped it too many times and my TC electronics cab has wheels so I can still do a one-trip load in so haven’t replaced the GK.  But the GK is a great solution. Until you drop it a lot of times. I recommend it.

[garyhead]

I use an Acoustic Image Clarus 1 - Series II Amp
Euphonic Audio CxL 112C (without it's Amp) and....
For a little more noise....an additional Euphonic Audio CxL 110E

The CxL 112 comes with a removable hand cart and the Clarus is tucked in the hole where the Euphonic Audio iAmp was removed.

the CxL 110E stacks on top.

Sounds Great!....But....I have a 6 string Classico and the whole thing kind of "farts" with the low "B" String....The E and up is fine.  These units are quite old now so can be found used pretty cheap.

I need the big rig for the Classico's B string.....Bag End ELF cabinet and processor.

So.....Classico in the left hand.....Amp cart in the right hand.

[jazzyvee]

I'm sure I mentioned this somewhere else but forgive the duplication.  I have managed to find a Schertler Unico which was described as acoustic instrument amplifier. It is an 180w bi-amped. It was at an on-line live auction and bought it as something about it made me think it was a good quality item and when I looked it up on-line it came up as a good brand alongside AER.
Fortunately I got it at a cheap price and had a chat with Schertler on the phone and email. They have said that it is an early model of the Unico and absolutely fine for double bass and electric bass as long as you don't need it to be too loud. If i need more volume they recommend their extension low frequency cabinets. But I think if it was a loud gig and outside the PA I would take my small shallow rack and barefaced Big Baby II.
There were a few crackly knobs so I took i straight to a service.

[andertone]

Hi:  SWR Baby Blue if you can find one.  Best preamp SWR ever made, and the 8" speakers give a night tight low bass

[rv_bass]

A Walter Woods amp would probably go well with a Classico

[jazzyvee]

Yeah, i gathered that WW might be the case as they are highly rated. They are also quite rare over this side of the pond and as a result,  expensive when they show up. If my playing gets up to a level where gigging on db becomes a regular thing, i may then look at upgrading if it makes sense to do so.

[rv_bass]

My other small light weight head is a GK MB-500.  Nice for transport and compact situations and sounds pretty good (a little coloring in the old school sound direction). Fairly inexpensive used and I found that it works well with any clean cab.

Another alternative might be the Quilter Bass Block.

All that said, the Acoustic Image Clarus might do well for your needs:

https://www.google.com/search?q=acoustic+image+clarus&client=safari&hl=en-us&biw=375&bih=537&ei=KKf1YIDcCaSvggfspq_YCw&oq=acoustic+image+clarus&gs_lcp=ChNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwEAMyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADoECAAQRzoCCCk6BQgAEMkDOgYIABAWEB46BQgAEJECUPXBAljG4gJghesCaABwAXgAgAGbAogBrwuSAQYxMy4xLjGYAQCgAQHIAQjAAQE&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp

[hammer]

Didn't you have a PJB Briefcase or something similar.  Wondering what you thought of that with the Classico?