Amplifiers For Bass Ukuleles - The Basics About Amps For Your U-Bass

Amplifiers For Bass Ukuleles - The Basics About Amps For You U Bass - MarkBass, Hartke, Warwick & Orange

An introduction and basic information about amplifiers for electric bass ukuleles and electro acoustic bass ukes.

Amplifiers featured:
MarkBass Mini CMD 121P & MarkBass NY 121
Warwick CCL ND4
Orange Crush BX25
Hartke A25

U-basses featured:
Kala - Nik West Signature Model California U Bass
Kala - SMHG FL fretless

A guide to amplifiers that can be used with bass ukuleles and u-bass ukuleles for beginners. I take a look at 4 different amps that are ideal for using with bass ukes.

Introduction to amplifiers for bass ukuleles - 0:34
Why do you need an amp with your bass uke - 4:35
Where to start - 4:52
Practice Amps - 5:09
Larger amplifiers - 9:20
Using an amp as a monitor - 11:10
Hartke A25 bass amp features - 12:28
Orange Crush BX25 bass amp features - 14:30
Warwick CCL ND4 bass amp features - 15:38
MarkBass Mini CMD 121P bass amp features - 17:32
Intro to bass amplifier demos - 21:00
Hartke A25 bass amp demo - 21:30
Orange Crush BX25 bass amp demo - 22:22
Warwick CCL ND4 bass amp demo - 23:12
MarkBass Mini CMD 121P bass amp demo - 24:04
Ending - 24:54

[Bettys_Eldest]

I run a small festival (crowd of up to 500 in a marquee). We had an upright bass player turn up with a very compact Line 6 110, pushing 100 watts into a very efficient single ten inch speaker. He did one set accompanying a poet, and a second with a rockabilly band. Although I took a line out into the mixing desk I did not need to use it. it's not just the power output of the amp, but how efficient the speaker is. Don't forget that all other things equal 100watt amp only sounds twice as loud as 10watts. Those Mark Bass amps are very good, great tone and volume from a very small package. I'm always happy to see a bass player arriving with one.

[KaraHermannMusic]

I really appreciate this video! I just bought a UBass and knew nothing about amps! This was the perfect intro. The demos were so good, thank you so much!

[Pbaust]

I’m 71 and learning to play bass from you videos, so I like them all.

[charharrison]

I recently got a Hartle HD50 bass amp to go with my U-bass Kala EM with black strings. At first I had some squeaky or dissonant sounds but now I have worked to get a clear bass sound. I love the two together. The black strings are specifically made for the Kala U-bass although some people don't like them. Thank you for all your posts.

[DarrellW_UK]

I’ve recently got into Bass and have a Makala electro U bass and a Cort bass guitar; I was using a Blackstar BEAM but got a bit disappointed with it. I didn’t want to spend too much so I got a Harley Benton HB 80B, it’s got a 12” Celestion speaker plus a horn (which is switched) and FX loop plus the same Eq controls as the more expensive amps. As is it puts out 40W which is adequate for practice but if you add another 1x12 speaker it’s 80W, it caters for Active / Passive instruments and has a boost control for extra drive. It suits my needs perfectly as I like time based fx, the only thing I want now is something like a Zyvex fuzz or maybe a Big muff for heavier sounds. It weighs about 20Kg so isn’t light, but all of this cost only £146 plus p&p.

[luky]

You're so lovely, thank you for teaching us how to groove on the UBass. I'm encouraged and inspired.

[MichaelStoneham]

I play regular bass myself. The best amp for any bass ukulele (aka U-bass) is any bass amp. Great overview. I have used my practise amp as a stage monitor (so the band on stage can hear bass) then into a PA via a Di box. Some bass amps like the Roland Cube series have built in effects like reverb, chorus, octave etc.

[thanktheluckystarsbelow]

I use my crush bass 25 for pub gigs and smaller shows, it moves plenty. It doss get harry in outdoor spaces or a large concert hall

[JASTANSELL]

I love my MarkBass Mini CMD 121P & MarkBass NY 121 - the top (combo) is enough for most things. The stack can keep up with loud rock drummer.

[mariaarevalo]

Thank you for this video on u-bass amps! It was truly enlightening and helpful

[jeancroute]

Thank you very much. I've just got an Aklot bass ukulele and started with your basics ; that's very fine ! Keep going !

[davidcarpenter]

Thank you for this very helpful video. I enjoyed viewing it and learned a great deal.

[paulwelch]

Great video Rachel - I have now on long term loan a Luna Tatoo Bass Uke from a friend.
Started watching your bass lessons but could do with an amp so looking to get one for the house.
I take from your video that a low wattage one would suffice.
Do you have any up to date reommendadtions? TIA xx

[philtaylor]

In the early 1960’s I played bass through a Vox A.C. 30 bass frequency amp. We played in large dancehalls etc and used to be asked to turn my volume down . How did I manage with so little output 😂

[Ignacio.Fernandez.Santamaria]

I am a classical guitar teacher and I going to buy a Kala Striped Ebony Fretless Acoustic-Electric U•BASS from Thomann with Kala Flatwound U•BASS-String Set by Gallistrings because I am looking for the most similar sound to an upright bass (I love this sound). But I still feel lost about which amp can be better for me (for studing alone and for playing with my small groups of spanish guitars students, they play nylon guitars without amp). I would be very thanked if you could give me some advice.

[leftyrncii]

I love this video. Excellent content. The lowdown (pun intended) on the variations of the combos is excellent. I have been playing electric solidbody bass for over forty years and have recently picked up a Uke bass. It is a lot of fun. I'm still trying to figure out how to reduce the excessive odd tones from the strings and body.
I must say, your solid body Uke through the Mark and Warwick sounded spot-on. Very usable tones. The AE uke was too dark through the Orange amp for my taste, but sounded fine through the others. Personally, I would like that Hartke for a practice amp. I was impressed by it the most. I am currently using a TC Electronics BG250 combo with a 12" speaker. It is very light weight.
Again, excellent content. I am now a new subscriber! Best regards!

[juderandall]

Totally enthralled by this vid Rach, love the sound from the Hartke! I still want your solid body Kala UBass! :D x

[johns]

Thank you for putting this video together it has been very helpful I have ordered my kala bass uke today but no amp so this has given me great advice for when I get around to getting one Cheers awe ra best from John in Bonnie Scotland ..

[rogvoyce]

Nice tone on the warwick bass amp not to keen through the mark bass

[stuartjonez]

Two Roland RX battery Bass amps I first used with my fretless Laka (now annoyingly buzzing like mad on the A string at B flat! no neck adjustment!) both blew after a bit of usage. they can't take the low frequency of the Ubass! I've moved to a lightweight Ashdown 100w. I use a car battery and an inverter when busking punk/reggae with Robin Benson, AKA Not The Only Clown In The Village, in Cardiff Bay. (aka the secret lockdown band :)) Saturdays 11- 2pm ;)