Best D class amp for my P bass ... please read on it's more complicated!

[gjones]

If you want a bit more volume,GK MB500 amps are very loud.
I used to have a TC 450 classic and didn't like it much (no low mid).
I play both Jazz and P through my GK and they both sound great.

[landwomble]

whatever you go for 2 2x10s vertically on top of each other is GREAT for hearing yourself I find..!

[yorks5stringer]

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1479392195' post='3176192']


^^ My experience also. I'd rather plug into a wet lettuce using a coat hanger for a guitar cable.
[/quote]

Dunno, should be good for metal....

[Mr Fudge]

Thanks everyone. Some excellent advice. In some ways I'm probably my own worse enemy as I split my Bergs either side of the stage and my bass out put would be optimised if my ears were next to my knees. However if I want my ears to grafted onto my knees I'm probably on the wrong website and outside my budget.

I will try stacking and perhaps reducing output through the amp and putting some into the full PA. I do use a wireless system and when I hear the P mix with the rest of the band it blows the Jazz out of the water. It's just what I hear on stage.

In ear monitoring is probably an essential long term consideration for all of us, added to just acclimatising to my P with more gigs.

I use Ernie 🏀 105s and play finger style with a lot of attack. Might still go bigger amp wise as the stats around the TC RH450 have shocked me but also answered a few questions.

Thanks again

[bazzbass]

my 2 cents.....

The P has such a great tonal range, and is THE most recorded bass and as such it's natural tone is what shines.

So, you want a neutral head, or one that you can dial flat. Two 2x10s stacked vertically will allow you to hear yourself much better.

Done.

[Guest bassman7755]

[quote name='Mr Fudge' timestamp='1479421158' post='3176503']
In some ways I'm probably my own worse enemy as I split my Bergs either side of the stage
[/quote]

Theres really no point in doing this, by the time your bass sound gets off of the stage the audience cant tell where it comes from.

As others have said , any loss of clarity later in the gig is definitely your ears getting fatigued and not the amp.

Edited November 18, 2016 by bassman7755

[chris_b]

I'd agree that splitting the bass cabs across the stage isn't a good idea if you want to get the best sound for your bass.

Edit: There is no upside to your cab placement and as you are finding out there are a few downsides. Both 12's stacked behind you will probably fix the problem for you and the rest of the band and the audience will still be able to hear every note.

Edited November 18, 2016 by chris_b

[No lust in Jazz]

If your setup was right for a Jazz bass I'd be surprised if its too far wrong for a P bass.

I'd buy some earplugs, not only to guard against hearing loss, but to save on ear fatigue during a gig, The other thing that I'd buy is an amp stand to angle one of your cabs towards your ears.

[Chienmortbb]

[quote name='stevie' timestamp='1479386367' post='3176125']
My complaint was about the Quarter Pounder model, not Seymour Duncan pickups in general.
[/quote]Sorry I was not specific, I meant the Quarterpounders no Seymour Duncan's in particular.

[ChrisJaxon]

I had a similar problem with my Ashdown RM420 (D class!) amp not making the best of my natural p-bass sound, and getting lost in the mix; so I spent £24 on a Behringer BDI 21 modeller and the difference is immense. Really adds tone. I was quite shocked what a difference such a low investment would make. Certainly worth a go at this price I would say.

[molan]

Interesting little article here about Class D amps:

http://www.bassplayer.com/amps/1166/max-mini-a-roundup-of-ultra-lightweight-class-d-mini-amps/59557

[Kevsy71]

Class D: If you see a Tecamp Puma in the Basschat classifieds, then they are well worth a try. I gigged mine with a P and just a twiddle of the 'Taste' control got me from Motown thump to rock grit very nicely.

[Mr Fudge]

Very interesting coming back to this thread a few weeks later and two or three gigs later. I have still been splitting my Bergs in the hope that it will give a better all round sound. I probably play on a stage only 5/10 gigs so it's something I do to crate my own PA effect. It's sounds like this may be misguided?

I ginger my Jazz and my ears retuned very quickly to my old sound. However I can't put my P down and it's become number 1 so I really want to make it work.

I gifted the P again last night and it was the best sound I think I've had. I tweeked the tweeters on the back of my Bergs and it sharpened up the tone. For about 20 minutes in the second half the tone just sat beautifully and then ear fatigue set in and I struggled a bit. I think the ear plugs are worth a go here.

I continue to look at amps and some of the Orange stuff has interested me, notably the 4 stroke. The mesa class D still continues to get good reviews. Orange or Mesa?

[Dan Dare]

Mesa. A pal uses one with his 70s P bass and the sound is spot on.

[bassmachine2112]

[attachment=233581:orange.jpg]

Here you go -problem solved

[GreeneKing]

Interesting. I've had problems feeling like I'm getting lost in the mix with my 5 piece band. I was using a class D mini amp and I found the power stage was clipping because I was pushing it so hard.

Basically the drummer is very 'committed' in his playing and the lead guitar raises their volume to compete. The singer, rhythm guitarist and myself kinda get lost. I tend to use my ACG J5 with an East pre but on switching to my SR5 HH it was worse. I play with the low mids high and the best bass is my ACG Uber spec Finn.

I've gone back to a class A/B amp (Markbass LMII) and I've decided to wear my motorcycle moulded ear plugs as 46+ years of motorcycling have caused much damage.

Raising the cab is a good idea. maybe get the drummer to damp his bass drum would be a good place to start too, and get the lead to raise his tone a bit. We'll see.