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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.

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    Bass Array Magellan 350/BA 10 1x10 Small Combo, head and cab

    Bass Array Magellan 350/BA 10 1x10 Small Combo SERIES 2

    Genzler Amplification

    Our Low Price: $1,299.99
    When we first got a chance to hear the original version of this little combo, we were blown away. We also sell the head and speaker separately, but this combo puts it all together into one tight, convenient package, using a special "stealthy" mount on...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To Continental US (Lower 48)
    Our Low Price: $1,299.99
  • On Sale
    Mixpro Dual-Channel Belt-pack Preamp

    Mixpro Dual-Channel Belt-pack Preamp

    LR Baggs

    Special Price: $139.00
    Regular Price $159.00
    The MixPro Dual-Channel Preamp is a tiny, belt-pack style acoustic preamplifier that packs a lot of features in a lightweight and compact package. In addition to its passive* bass and treble controls, it has a tool many bass players find a...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To all 50 US States
    Final Sale:
    Not a returnable Item
    Special Price: $139.00
    Regular Price $159.00
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    PJB Bass Cub Pro combo amplifier - front view, black

    Bass Cub Pro Combo Amplifier

    PJB (Phil Jones Bass)

    Our Low Price: $749.99
    We were among the very first dealers to bring Phil Jones amps to the US market, and we've brought them back on board! I'll be updating the specs on this amp with my personal descriptions very soon. In the meantime, here's the information as provided by...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To the Continental USA
    Our Low Price: $749.99
  • Magellan PRE Preamp/DI Pedal

    Magellan PRE Preamp/DI Pedal

    Genzler Amplification

    Our Low Price: $299.99
    This new pedal preamp from Genzler is essentially the front-end from one of their outstanding Magellan amplifier heads, in a pedal format without the amp. Providing excellent tone-shaping and sonic control, it is capable of many useful sounds for both...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    to all 50 US States
    Our Low Price: $299.99
  • X4 Nanobass Multi-Instrument Combo Amp, top 3/4 view Black

    X4 Nanobass Multi-Instrument Combo Amp

    PJB (Phil Jones Bass)

    Our Low Price: $359.99
    We were among the very first dealers to bring Phil Jones amps to the US market, and we've brought them back on board! I'll be updating the specs on this amp with my personal descriptions very soon. In the meantime, here's the information as provided by...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To the Continental USA
    Our Low Price: $359.99
  • 2-Channel Phantom Power Supply for Professional Condenser Microphones

    2-Channel Phantom Power Supply for Professional Condenser Microphones

    SignalFlex

    Our Low Price: $74.99
    Sometimes you just need phantom power. The mics from AMT and DPA both require it, and the Stagebug DI from Radial Engineering does too.What's phantom power?Certain circuits feature "active" electronics - rather than "passive" - and therefore require...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To all 50 US States
    Our Low Price: $74.99
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    Genzler Nu Classic 112T Speaker Cabinet, next to upright bass

    Nu Classic 112T Speaker Cabinet (1x12)

    Genzler Amplification

    Our Low Price: $699.99
    The Nu-Classic line of speaker cabinets was announced in April 2021, and it provides a new option in amplification for double-bassists and electric bassists alike. While many bassists favor the "MBOL" (My Bass, Only Louder) approach to amplification,...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    on Most Models To Continental US (Lower 48)
    Our Low Price: $699.99
  • Grace Design REX Preamp - alternate view

    REX Microphone Preamplifier for Stage and Studio

    Grace Design

    Our Low Price: $585.00
    The REX is the smaller of two high-performance Grace Design mic preamps in rugged pedal chassis, designed to inspire new creative possibilities for performing and recording musicians. Think bassists, horn players, singers, harmonica shredders, one-mic...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To all 50 US States
    Our Low Price: $585.00
  • Gollihur Music Accessory Gig Bag for Small Items, main shot

    Small Accessory Gig Bag - Carrying Case (Black)

    Gollihur Music

    Our Low Price: $14.00
    Ever get to the gig, and suddenly need your clip-on tuner, or spare batteries, or a roll of electrical tape, or your mini flashlight... or one of about a million other tiny necessities that easily get buried at the bottom of your big backpack or duffel...
    Small Accessory:
    This item ships FREE in a cart totaling $50 or more
    Our Low Price: $14.00
  • StageBug SB-4 Ultra-Compact Active DI for Piezo Pickups

    StageBug SB-4 Ultra-Compact Active DI for Piezo Pickups

    Radial Engineering

    Our Low Price: $99.99
    If you - like me - don't like dragging a lot of extra gear to the gig, this little guy might just be your new best friend. The new Radial StageBug SB4 is an Active Direct Box which is designed for use with Piezo Pickups. If you're not familiar, a direct...
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    To all 50 US States
    Our Low Price: $99.99
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    PJB BP-200 Amp Head, front panel

    BP-200 Amplifier Head

    PJB (Phil Jones Bass)

    Our Low Price: $375.00
    We were among the very first dealers to bring Phil Jones amps to the US market, and we've brought them back on board! I'll be updating the specs on this amp with my personal descriptions very soon. In the meantime, here's the information as provided by...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    To the Continental USA
    Our Low Price: $375.00
  • Genzler Amplification re/Q DUAL FUNCTION EQUALIZATION PEDAL

    re/Q Dual Function EQ Pedal

    Genzler Amplification

    Our Low Price: $244.99
    Need better control over your tone, but don't need a full-function preamp? This pedal, the second product from the collaboration between Jeff Genzler and Andy Field, is a purpose-built EQ pedal with 5 full bands of equalization, and a low pass AND high...
    FREE SHIPPING:
    to all 50 US States
    Our Low Price: $244.99