Amplifiers

Nickie

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I have a Bass amp that is of of course not real compatible with my uke. I don't play bass and want to trade it off for an amp that will work real well with it....any suggestions, recommendations?
 
I am very happy with my Fishman Loudbox mini. I have no intention of ever selling it. It is a great amp. That being said. At some point I will probably get a Roland AC-33 for when I want to run on battery. Hope this helps.
 
Yes, the Loudbox is very good along with the Roland AC series.
 
Get an active D.I. box, Nickie. It will help you get a more natural sound from your ukulele when you paly it through different amplifiers/P.A. systems:

http://www.ukuleleunderground.com/forum/showthread.php?74603-Behringer-ADI21-active-DI-preamp

As to acoustic purpose amplifiers/P.A. systems (I recommend an active D.I. box for these, too), it depends on your budget:

1. Kustom PA50/PW50 http://www.guitarcenter.com/Kustom-PW50-Personal-PA-System-106388085-i1934071.gc

2. Acoustic AG30 http://www.guitarcenter.com/Acoustic-AG30-30W-1x8-Acoustic-Guitar-Combo-Amp-104839055-i1425156.gc

3. Fishman Loudbox Mini http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fishman...x6-5-Acoustic-Combo-Amp-106068158-i1540858.gc

4. Roland AC-33 (runs on A/C or 8 AA batteries) http://www.guitarcenter.com/Roland-AC-33-Acoustic-Chorus-Combo-Amp-106065923-i1511017.gc

5. Roland AC-60 http://www.guitarcenter.com/Roland-AC-60-Acoustic-Chorus-Combo-Amp-102310836-i1145256.gc

All the above have clean, natural sounding components. An active D.I. box with parametric EQ like the Behringer ADI21 and the L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic will make your ukulele sound more natural through any amplifier, including your bass amplifier. Ric
 
Do you recommend an acoustic preamp even for an 'ukulele with an active pickup, Ric? I found that my Fishman Pro-EQ really screwed with the tone when I used it with my MISI equipped 'ukulele. I thought it sounded way better without the preamp. Just curious because I always use the provided plain black box DIs at gigs.
 
In what settings are you planning to use an amplifier?
 
Do you recommend an acoustic preamp even for an 'ukulele with an active pickup, Ric? I found that my Fishman Pro-EQ really screwed with the tone when I used it with my MISI equipped 'ukulele. I thought it sounded way better without the preamp. Just curious because I always use the provided plain black box DIs at gigs.

Absolutely, Brad. The input gain controls on active D.I. boxes are important to prevent clipping distortion from overloading the active D.I. input circuity. I use both active and passive D.I.'s when running sound. Many artists bring their own active D.I. in case they do not like the sound of their instrument through a passive D.I. and P.A. combo http://www.stevenespaniola.com/newplot.pdf . This is my opinion from my experience. If you prefer passive D.I. boxes, by all means use them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2Rhh_4GZmU
 
Thanks guys! I will be using it at home for parties, and in a large hall, and possibly in the dining rooms at ALFs and nursing homes. I have no idea what kind of pickup is in my Kala...I don't know the diff between passive, active and any other pre-amp, and not sure of the diff between a pre-amp and a pickup (okay, don't tell me a pickup is what a redneck drives, LOL) I don't know what a DI is either...
such a blonde...but this is the first instrument I've ever played well enough to hook up...
 
I have a double mini Marshall stack. Mostly for guitarists but I run it clean and it works well for me. I've had it for 10 years. My brother who bought it for had plans that I would pick up the guitar. Boy was he surprised when I found the ukulele.
 
What bass amp do you have? Most bass amps make superb acoustic amps..

+1. I run my Boat Paddle uke through my Phil Jones Bass amps all the time, and it sounds fantastic (will actually be doing this tomorrow night at a gig, where I'm doubling on bass and uke).

PJB just released at NAMM an amp designed for violin, mandolin, uke and other smaller instruments. Might be worth checking out, depending on your budget.
 
Agreee, the Loudbox is incredible. The mini has 60 watts which will blow your ears out inside your house and handle any small venue. The sound is also extremely clean and the dual channels are great.

I am very happy with my Fishman Loudbox mini. I have no intention of ever selling it. It is a great amp. That being said. At some point I will probably get a Roland AC-33 for when I want to run on battery. Hope this helps.
 
I am very happy with my Fishman Loudbox mini. I have no intention of ever selling it. It is a great amp. That being said. At some point I will probably get a Roland AC-33 for when I want to run on battery. Hope this helps.

Oh I agree 150% The Fishman Loudbox mini is an incredible amp. Well worth the $$$>
 
yes Ric a little round silver one...don't seem to last long...

Unplug the cable from the instrument when you are not playing it through an amplifier. The battery will run down quick if you leave the cable plugged in all the time. Hope this helps.
 
Your pickup is active, Nickie. Those watch button batteries get pushed hard to get enough output from the amps you plug into, which also shortens their life. An active D.I., like the Behringer ADI21 or L.R. Baggs, will allow you to back the volume control down on your ukulele and give you plenty of volume and natural tone from your amp. Ric
 
I run an ultrasound DS4. It's extremely natural sounding. Two channels and one channel has a tone shaping EQ with mid adjust/shape so you can really taylor the sound/feedback to your instrument.

Each channel can accept an XLR & 1/4" cable. Very lightweight and plenty of power. Onboard effects help out at well, CD/Ipod input.

http://www.ultrasoundamps.com
 
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