Amp for Cafe gig

[Adam Waldron]

Hey folks,

Looks like I'll be doing some solo cafe gigs. Vocals and guitar.

Any suggestions for a super low buck solution for sound?

My guitar has an on-board piezo and preamp. Normally I just DI at places with a PA.

For amps, all I have is a '59 Bassman and Classic 30. Any suggestions on how I could possibly use either or both of those? I really don't want to have to spring for an Acoustic amp for the odd cafe gig as I'll never make my money back.....

Thanks,

Adam

[Robin Nahum]

... you plugged the output from the guitar pre-amp into the (lo gain?) input on one of those fine tube amps?

If you've yet to do it, it's safe to try as the output from a pre-amp is only line level - but just turn up the volumes gradually.

If the resulting sound is so-so, you might want to try a graphic equaliser between the guitar and the amp. I'd suggest you try out both rack-mount and pedal units.

R

[soma5]

The results I've heard with an electric guitar amp have been considerably less than stellar. Some decent acoustic guitar amp choices with mic channels include those from Ultrasound, Acoustic Image, AER, Genz Benz and SWR. I don't know how many of these are available where you live. I've found the level of coloration of the sound to be unacceptable with an electric guitar amp.

Of course, a small PA would work very well, too. I have an Acoustic Image Coda (acoustic guitar amp with mic channel) that is quite nice, but I usually use a small PA because it sounds bigger (not necessarily louder).

[mojito]

In my opinion.
I think you should invest in a nice PA. It will fill 2 needs, guitar and vocals. Also if you should get a decent 4-6 input PA you will have abilty to spare for the impromptu need for an additional player or singer.

Many of the lower end acoustic amps don't really deliver the goods on giving a good representation of the true tone of an acoustic. Electric amps will work but don't seem to respond as well to the nuances of great acoustic tone.

Good luck!

[Dust my Broom]

i run my takamine through my 59 Bassman, and i think it sounds fine for most applications. am i messing something up by doing this, i saw some talk about running to a pre amp first?

[Adam Waldron]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the replies thus far!

As it turns out, I actually quite like the tone of my acoustic into either tube amp, but it doesn't seem likely vocals will sound good? I have read that whole bands would play through and amp like the Bassman back in the day.

A small PA or Acoustic amp that can handle my vox would be lovely, but I want to spend next to nothing as the payback on the odd cafe gig is gonna be very slow, if ever!

I may have to borrow some gear....

Cheers,

A

[nogin007]

Washburn makes a reasonable priced acoustic amp. 30 watts, with built in chorus and reverb. You can get a new one for around $250.00. I use mine as a Pa at a nursing home where I play. It has different channels for guitar and mic, 1/4" and XLR inputs. There seem to be Washburn dealers everywhere, so you might be able to try one.

[popthree]

you might at least try vocals through the bassman. it won't be top notch..but it might suffice. I think acoustics sound good thru tube amps for the most part. personally, i'm not too impressed with 'acoustic' guitar amps. if you are going to buy gear...consider doing as someone else suggested...and look at a small PA instead of an acoustic amp. At least the PA has potential to be useful for other applications besides playing an acoustic thru it.

[Charlie Bernstein]

no p.a. or amp will make you sound like you're not amplified. (unless you turn it off.) but amp and p.a. companies love to get you to spend your money seeking the impossible. the amps you have should do the job just fine.

and waddya mean, "all I have is a '59 Bassman"?!?! that's like saying all you have in the garage is a shelby cobra!

when you're ready to upgrade, i'd be glad to take it off your hands. (you can keep the cobra...)

=O]

[Charlie Bernstein]

i was assuming you know this, but just in case: you can get an xlr-to-1/4" mic cable transformer at any music store for about $20. it's the size of a roll of quarters. makes any guitar amp vocals-friendly.

a truly low-cost solution.

[Robin Nahum]

Or a slightly more expensive option (but still cheap) is one of those little Behringer mixers with 1 or 2 XLR inputs. You can then run a regular phono lead or 2 to the amp input.

These mixers will give you a more EQ options and the 2-XLR model has phantom power.

And if you don't keep your cafe gig, they are very handy for all kinds of audio apps around the house.