For the last month or more I've been rehearsing diligently with The CC Strummers for our show this morning at the Fiesta La Balloña in Culver City, California on my custom bass uke and Phil Jones Bass Double Four 70 watt amp. For a short time I also used a Sony wireless system, but at the last rehearsal, the amp clipped and shut down two times and wouldn't come back on for at least five minutes. I pulled the wireless system and went back to a standard 1/4" cable, which worked fine in the room with 30 or so players.
This morning we setup and did a quick sound check, my PJBD4 with standard cable did fine, 8-9 on the amp and 7-8 on my bass preamp. A few minutes later we started our 1/2 hour 10 song set. I moved my bass preamp volume to about 9 and two notes in, the amp clipped and shut down. It wouldn't come back for two songs. CRAP! (I used much stronger expletives at the time.)
Not only that, outside under a large open sided tent with 45 players, an audience of about 150 and our leader Cali Rose mic'ed through the PA system, my 70 watt amp just couldn't keep up. The other bass player using a Kala U-Bass and Pig Nose Hog told me the same thing after the show. (W've not been allowed to plug into the PA, so I can't plan on that in the future).
So after stuffing my frustrated face with fried calamari and BBQ ribs, I went out to find a better portable, 200 watt minimum battery amp setup. First I stopped at Guitar Center WLA, but they didn't have anything that was small with enough power.
Then I went to Sam Ash Hollywood and came to the conclusion that a battery system would not be possible with 200 watts or more (a car battery and inverter are not convenient). The sales guy showed me the smallest and lightest setup with enough power; a new Aguilar Tone Hammer 350 head for $455, and a floor model discontinued Fender Rumble 112 speaker box, 12", 500 watt for $290, both together have continuous 280 watts and peak 500 for $825 out the door.
I tested it out at the store and it sounded good to me, next I'll take it to rehearsal tomorrow and see how well in works there. It has a 30 day return policy.
So as much as I like the Double Four, the reality is that it's only good for small spaces that are not overpowered by a big sound system.
This morning we setup and did a quick sound check, my PJBD4 with standard cable did fine, 8-9 on the amp and 7-8 on my bass preamp. A few minutes later we started our 1/2 hour 10 song set. I moved my bass preamp volume to about 9 and two notes in, the amp clipped and shut down. It wouldn't come back for two songs. CRAP! (I used much stronger expletives at the time.)
Not only that, outside under a large open sided tent with 45 players, an audience of about 150 and our leader Cali Rose mic'ed through the PA system, my 70 watt amp just couldn't keep up. The other bass player using a Kala U-Bass and Pig Nose Hog told me the same thing after the show. (W've not been allowed to plug into the PA, so I can't plan on that in the future).
So after stuffing my frustrated face with fried calamari and BBQ ribs, I went out to find a better portable, 200 watt minimum battery amp setup. First I stopped at Guitar Center WLA, but they didn't have anything that was small with enough power.
Then I went to Sam Ash Hollywood and came to the conclusion that a battery system would not be possible with 200 watts or more (a car battery and inverter are not convenient). The sales guy showed me the smallest and lightest setup with enough power; a new Aguilar Tone Hammer 350 head for $455, and a floor model discontinued Fender Rumble 112 speaker box, 12", 500 watt for $290, both together have continuous 280 watts and peak 500 for $825 out the door.
I tested it out at the store and it sounded good to me, next I'll take it to rehearsal tomorrow and see how well in works there. It has a 30 day return policy.
So as much as I like the Double Four, the reality is that it's only good for small spaces that are not overpowered by a big sound system.
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