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Amplifiers and Preamps

Amplifiers and Preamps

amptopper.jpgBe Heard.

So, it stands to reason: if you are going to amplify your bass, you're going to need an amplifier. (Duh.) We have carefully chosen a selection of quality amplifiers that all work well with upright basses and their pickups. And if you double -- meaning that you play gigs on both upright and electric bass -- we have amps that work well for that too. Regardless of your need, we will gladly help you navigate through the hype, so you can choose the amp that works best for your situation.

From a relatively inexpensive, simple combo -- to high-end, boutique amps and speakers with truly transparent sound and ultra-compact footprints -- we're sure to have something that will fit your needs (and your budget.) And our product descriptions are our own; we own and use several of these amps ourselves, and we've put all of them through their paces. We're a stocking dealer, and we know our product well. So if you have questions, email or call us and we'll give you the answers.

If you already have an amp, a Preamp Can Often Make "Good" Sound "Great!"

Could adding a preamplifier to your pickup and amp provide an improvement to your sound and/or setup? If you've got a couple of minutes, check out our detailed FAQ on the subject. But here's the shorthand -- some common reasons you might consider using a preamp:

  • the input impedance specification of your amplifier is under 1 megohm
  • there are features available from the preamp that are not on your amp, that can enhance or help with problems
  • you want/need a convenient volume control (and tone controls?) close to you, for when your amplifier is not at your feet
  • your pickup's output is very low, so you need a preamp to increase its signal level to better match your amplifier
  • you want to blend multiple pickups, or a pickup and mic, etc.
  • you need a good DI interface to send a feed to the soundman

So, which one do you choose? We've got lots of them, from tiny belt-clippable units to large table-top models -- and from stripped down simple units to ones which have more "bells and whistles" than a firetruck. So it largely depends on the features you want or need, and the format that you will find convenient.

  • PZ-Pro 2-channel Preamplifier by Radial Engineering, top view

    PZ-Pro 2-channel Preamplifier

    Radial Engineering

    Our Low Price: $639.99
    This is the newest, and for some, the most useful version of the "PZ" lineup from Radial Engineering. We've been carrying the PZ-Pre at Gollihur Music for years - it's a really solid, excellent two-channel preamp that allows for blending or instrument...
    Free Shipping:
    To All 50 US States
    Our Low Price: $639.99
  • NUX C-5RC Wireless System - main image

    Wireless Instrument System - C-5RC 5.8 GHz with included Charging Case

    NUX

    Our Low Price: $159.00
    Going wireless with an upright bass is becoming more and more popular. Maybe you're one of those crazy rockabilly guys who moves around a lot, or spins their bass for show. Or maybe you're doing a stage show, where a bass needs to get on and off stage...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To all 50 US States
    Active Pickups? Preamp?:
    Please take note of the section about compatibility with TRS output jacks, below, before ordering.
    Our Low Price: $159.00
  • Instrument Cable: 1 Foot cable with dual right angle ΒΌ (mono or TRS/stereo)

    Instrument Cable: 1 Foot cable with dual right angle ΒΌ (mono or TRS/stereo)

    Various

    Our Low Price: $5.00
    We stock this high-quality, 12 Inch INSTRUMENT CABLE with two 90 degree ¼ inch connectors specially for players who want to mount their preamp on their bass. The 12 Inch INSTRUMENT CABLE with two 90 degree ¼ inch mono connectors is for a...
    Small Accessory:
    This item ships FREE (USA) in a cart totaling $50 or more
    Our Low Price: $5.00
  • Red-Eye Twin 2-channel Instrument Preamplifier by Fire-Eye, top view

    Red-Eye Twin 2-channel Instrument Preamplifier

    Fire-Eye

    Our Low Price: $295.00
    Note: All of our in-stock Red-Eye Twin preamps feature the newest revision, which is updated with the ground lift. A longtime customer turned me on to these preamps from Fire-Eye, a custom manufacturer of musical gear based in Texas. I was instantly...
    Our Low Price: $295.00
  • On Sale
    Wizzy Driver for Wizzy 10 cabinet by Euphonic Audio, top

    Replacement Speaker Driver for EA Wizzy 10

    Euphonic Audio

    Special Price: $197.00
    Regular Price $231.08
    These are direct replacement speakers, custom-made by Eminence, for the Euphonic Audio Wizzy 10 (and the special edition Wizzy 410) speaker cabinets. They were obtained directly from EA's warehouse and exist only in a limited quantity. Once these are...
    Final Sale:
    This item is NOT RETURNABLE.
    Special Purchase:
    This item does not qualify for free shipping.
    Special Price: $197.00
    Regular Price $231.08
  • ToneBone BassBone OD Dual Channel Preamp for Doublers

    ToneBone BassBone OD Dual Channel Preamp for Doublers

    Radial Engineering

    Our Low Price: $459.99
    Tonebone Bassbone ODThe perfect tool for doublers!Often, we upright bassists find ourselves doubling on upright and electric basses on a single gig, and it's almost always a hassle. We have two completely different instruments that require different EQ...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To all 50 US States
    Our Low Price: $459.99
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    Magellan Amp Heads, MG 800

    Magellan Amp Heads

    Genzler Amplification

    Our Low Price: $649.99
    The new Magellan 800 and Magellan 350 amplifier heads keep all the things we liked about the "old" stuff -- and some rockin' new features. This lightweight -- only 3.5 lbs for the 350 and 6.25 lbs for its bigger brother -- amp can punch out lots of sound...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To Continental US (Lower 48)
    Our Low Price: $649.99
  • On Sale
    Backpack for Acoustic Image UpShot Speaker Cabinet

    Backpack for Acoustic Image UpShot Speaker Cabinet

    Acoustic Image

    Special Price: $94.00
    Regular Price $99.00
    Harvie S. said he wanted the speaker to fit in a backpack, so it was only natural that Acoustic Image would create a backpack for hauling it around. The backpack fits the UpShot, a Clarus SL/SL-R/SL-2 (or similar-sized tiny amp head) and small...
    Availability:
    LIMITED AVAILABILITY
    Special Sale:
    No returns accepted on this item
    Special Price: $94.00
    Regular Price $99.00
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    SB106 Ultra-Lightweight Combo Bass Amplifier, front

    SB106 Ultra-Lightweight Combo Bass Amplifier

    Traynor

    Our Low Price: $659.00
    The Traynor Small Block combos and heads have been a welcome addition to our lineup; with clean, transparent sound, smart features, and quality construction (in North America!) - all at a reasonable price point - they're pretty tough to beat. The SB110...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To the Continental USA
    Our Low Price: $659.00
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    Small Block Lightweight Bass Amplifier Heads (SB200H, SB500H), 200H head

    Small Block Lightweight Bass Amplifier Heads (SB200H, SB500H)

    Traynor

    Our Low Price: $379.00
    We're already big fans of the Traynor Small Block amps - the 10" and 12" combos have become best-sellers, due to their light weight, great sound, and reasonable price. As you may have read on our site, the gear we sell has to pass the "Mark Test" -...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To All 50 States
    Our Low Price: $379.00
  • On Sale
    Wizzy Driver for Wizzy 12E and MLine cabinet by Euphonic Audio

    Replacement Speaker Drivers for EA Wizzy 12E and MLine Cabinets

    Euphonic Audio

    Special Price: $189.00
    Regular Price $215.69
    These are direct replacement speakers, custom-made by Eminence, for the Euphonic Audio Wizzy 12E and Wizzy MLine 12 speaker cabinets. They were obtained directly from EA's warehouse and exist only in a limited quantity. Once these are gone, I'm not sure...
    Final Sale:
    This item is NOT RETURNABLE.
    Special Purchase:
    This item does not qualify for free shipping.
    Special Price: $189.00
    Regular Price $215.69
  • ToneDexter II Tone-Correcting Preamp - top angle view

    ToneDexter II Tone-Correcting Preamp

    Audio Sprockets

    Tonedexter II is coming soon! Audio Sprockets has announced that the new Tonedexter II should be available in Q1 of 2023! We'll post more information as we are made aware of it. Here's their announcement: Due to a worldwide shortage of computer chips...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To Continental US (Lower 48)