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

[@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!

[@UkuleleWales]

So glad to have helped Kara, Thanks for your lovely comment.

[@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.

[@UkuleleWales]

Very cool to hear and yes, a “good” 100 watt amp will do a great job with a decent cab. I love the Markbass setups but have gone a step further now with a Barefaced Cab and Genzler head, even small, lighter and did a fair size festival last year. 😎

[@Pbaust]

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

[@UkuleleWales]

Awesome to hear Philip, keep up the great work. So glad you are enjoying.

[@charharrison2443]

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.

[@UkuleleWales]

Sounds like you are happy with your bass rig, great to hear. Thanks for your lovely comment.

[@charharrison2443]

UPDATE: Loved the sound of Hartle HD50 but it was hard for me to transport so I traded it in for Amp Rocket Bass RB-110 which is plenty for my Rubber City Ukulele group in Akron, Ohio. New amp weighs 22.5 lbs, Hartle weighed 35 lbs. I'm 73 and 22.5 lbs is much more doable.

[@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.

[@UkuleleWales]

I’m so glad you’ve found an amp you are happy with Darrell. I’m not a massive fan of “desktop” amp’s which is what I believe the BEAM is, especially for bass but a 12” speaker is so much better for bass and yes, would sound great with some fuzz! 🤘

[@6lu5ky86]

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

[@UkuleleWales]

You are so welcome and Thank You for such a lovely comment! 😎

[@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.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Michael, totally agree and it is important to educate about using a BASS AMP! Yep, using as monitor and then PA is always a great idea and we often use this set up in my band and in school. I've never owned a Roland but have tried the built in effects.

[@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.

[@UkuleleWales]

I would look at a bass amp, maybe something about 20w to 40w eg. Hartley, Fender, Warwick, Orange (these all make great smaller amps). Hope that helps. 👍

[@mariaarevalo9914]

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

[@UkuleleWales]

Glad you enjoyed it Maria, Thanks.

[@jeancroute3102]

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

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks, will do!

[@ScottBurton11]

Totally digging this purple vibe btw

[@UkuleleWales]

Purple whenever possible! LOL

[@davidcarpenter4386]

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

[@UkuleleWales]

Glad t have helped and that you enjoyed. Thanks David

[@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.

[@UkuleleWales]

With you there John, I think the Mark Bass rig is an awesome bit of kit.

[@nicopengin]

11:52 you mentioned if i plug straight into the pa system I wont hear anything? I just learned the bass guitar last month and I have a gig next month, and was planning on connecting straight to the pa system. would it be better to get a direct in pedal first or an amp? Since I am on a budget I thought it was good? I have an acoustic electric bass ukelele, also the gig is at a local church that stated they have a good pa system with the hookups so I will just need to bring my instrument and make sure it has battery for the tuner inside

[@UkuleleWales]

If the sound guy at your local church has said it’s okay you should be fine as they could well have DI box for you. Sometime plugging straight in does work but always to be prepared to go through a DI box or pre-amp if needed but hopefully it will be fine. Enjoy

[@HondoTrailside]

Wait a second! Are you saying at 9:00, that I could use the bass amp as a speaker for a guitar head? That would be an economical set-up for me, a guitar player, who is interested in buying a UBass. Would the guitar head make the Bass amp sound like it should when playing my guitar? For example I could slap an Orange Micro Terror on the Orange bass amp you have and basically play everything around the house? Too late for me, since I already have 3 guitar amps, but it might be an option for someone starting out?

[@UkuleleWales]

Basically yes. The bass cab might not sound “as good” as a guitar cab but you can definitely put a guitar head through and it will work. I wouldn’t but a bass head through a guitar cab though. 😉 In fact I used a bass cab with my little Hughes’s & Ketner head for ages until I got the Barefaced guitar cab. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2LIeqydjbmlqLc

[@leftyrncii980]

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!

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Russ, always glad to get feedback from other long-time bass players. Yes, it took me a while to adjust but have to admit, I love playing the smaller versions now! Totally agree, the Hartke is a cracking little amp, in fact I ended up with 2 (one stays in school) as I was so impressed. I'm not a huge fan of the Orange, I think it's just a "rougher" sound but so like their larger cabs. Check out my Mini rig video, I am loving the Genzler / Barefaced rig, even gives the Markbass a run for it's money. Thanks for the sub and hope you enjoy more vids.

[@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

[@UkuleleWales]

Yep, a great little amp for small spaces but yes, totally agree, not good enough for larger rooms / venues, especially when they are noisy. 👍

[@johns4962]

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 ..

[@UkuleleWales]

So glad to have helped John and I'm sure you are having fun with your Kala! Greetings from Wales

[@johns4962]

Yes having great fun with it I'm on the 4th lesson of your ubass videos thoroughly enjoying them Thanks very much, and all the very best for the new year John

[@jamesmccarthy5727]

Absolutely fabulous and informative video. Thank you very much. Just bought my first ( first? That sounds ominous) Ubass, and I will be a grateful and regular student.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks James, congrats on the new bass - yes, just your first. Electro acoustic or solid body? I'm sure there will be more! LOL

[@jamesmccarthy5727]

Ukulele Wales Kala electro acoustic . To go with my Tenor, my Bari, my 2 concerts and my soprano.

[@praks007]

Hi, I have a Hartke HD75 Bass Combo which I use with my Electric Bass Guitar. Would it be ok if use the same Amp with a Kala U-Bass?

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, absolutely. Harte are great amps, love the sound from them, I actually have 2 the same, I loved the first one so much got another “just in case”. 👍

[@stuartjonez102]

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 ;)

[@UkuleleWales]

Great to hear from a fellow Taff Stuart. Funny you mention this, I've been looking at ways of making my small rig "portable" using all sorts, not solved it yet.

[@andyduckering8731]

Another really informative video and I really like listening to your voice, so thank you for making this. I've got a Phil Jones Bass Double Four amp which really works well for what I need it for and is light for the power it packs.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thank Andy for the lovely comment. A good friend of mine has always used PhilJones amps and they really are fantastic. Agree, light, powerful and fantastic sound quality.

[@CateEales]

Awesome. Watching as I await delivery of my Kala Rumbler and a Fender practice amp.

[@UkuleleWales]

Excellent news on the new arrivals Cate, exciting times.

[@banjodon9851]

Very helpful!! Thanks!

[@UkuleleWales]

My pleasure, glad to be of help.

[@juderandall703]

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

[@UkuleleWales]

When all this is over Jude, you'll have to have a go of the sparkly lushness. ;-) x

[@davidputnam4534]

Thank you so much for your videos they're great! I've been playing ukulele for a bit now would you like to learn the bass your videos are fantastic.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thank You David, that is really lovely to read. Bass uke is great fun I have to admit and if you need any advice please feel free to ask. There is a great Facebook group called the Ubass freaks which is REALLY helpful.

[@rogvoyce4014]

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

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, I love the tone of the article too (I’ve been a long time Warwick fan with their basses too) but unfortunately it’s just too big to lug around these days. 👍

[@Bassbarbie]

Thanks for another very useful video. I’m a regular (Warwick and Musicman) bass player with a Markbass combo, but am looking for a small bass and amp to take on holidays where I might be playing with acoustic guitars. I’m still undecided, but I must say I do like the look and sound of your little Kala solid body bass. I think the smaller scale might take some getting used to.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks, always lovely to meet another Warwick player and of course Markbass user. My mini bass rig isn't cheap but is excellent for sound and portability. Check out this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4jThGeMaMqkia8 You might want to take a look at the new Flight mini bass or Tiny boy bass or a Fanner Pee wee bass as these are more like a regular bass guitar to play and with a bit of practice it's easy enough to get used to the smaller scale - and sooooo much easier to carry around

[@maricallo6143]

I have the Hartke HD25, which seems a newer model but with less features, and use it with a regular bass guitar. Do you think it would sound similar to your A25 with a u-bass, because I like what I hear.😊

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, Hartke make great sounding amps and the fact they are similar wattage and similar speaker size mean they would probably sound fairly comparable. I can’t say for certain as I haven’t heard the HD25 in person. Maybe a bit of tweaking of the EQ? I tend to go up with the bass, a bit less with the treble and roll back the mids quite a lot if that helps.

[@ArielRaskin]

Lady, you are amazing! Thanks for your videos!

[@UkuleleWales]

Thank you so much Ariel, that is very kind of you to say.

[@tonyatee3832]

Very informative. Thank you 😊

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Tonya, glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@SabrinaFoxSpirit]

Thank you so much. Can you recommend one for traveling?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi sabrina, it really depends what you will be using it for. If it is just for practice you can really use any small 25w - 30w bass amp but if you are gigging, I would recommend something a lot more powerful - you can still keep it small and light but they do get more expensive, have a look at this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4jThGeMaMqkia8

[@SabrinaFoxSpirit]

@@UkuleleWales - Thank you so much for your time and knowledge.

[@paulwelch6731]

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

[@UkuleleWales]

LOL, just catching up on comments Paul, I know you are sorted on this one. How are you getting on with the bass?

[@daveyuke8]

Thanks very informative

[@UkuleleWales]

Glad you enjoyed, Thanks David.

[@julesV1223]

Thank you for another wonderfully informative video! I'd like to put in a hardy huzzah! for the Phil Jones Double Four 75 Watt 2x4 Bass combo amp. I think it is the best of the micro, lightweight, so-called "practice amps," although it *is* pricier. For its diminutive size, though, it sounds amazing, so I went for it. I'm glad I did!

[@UkuleleWales]

I've never owned one but have used a LOT of Phil Jones Bass stuff and totally agree, awesome gear! Have you looked at Bare Faced cabs? One day......................

[@julesV1223]

Ukulele Wales I'm really a guitar and banjo player, and just a wannabe bass player, so I don't think a cab is in my future. I do love my little U-bass with a passion, though. It's too much fun! 😊

[@johnrussell4441]

Hi. Found this excellent. I have a Kala U-Bass with a Hartke B15 and thought that the Hartke was the best sound of them all. Don't think I will be spending much more unless @Wesley Ukes becomes famous" !

[@UkuleleWales]

The Hartke brand is a maker of bass amps John, totally agree.

[@mickam3255]

Hi, thank you for the advice. Is this possible to practice by connecting the ubass directly to the pc (maybe with an audio interface between) and run it with a software,and listen to it with a pair of monitor speakers? I'm not very familiar with all that (and I'm French so my english is what it is... 😅)

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Micka, yes it is possible to connect ubass to PC and use an audio interface. It might be okay with monitor speakers but you may need to use headphones if the speakers cannot handle the sound well. Hope that helps.

[@uknavynige]

Another informative video, thanks xxx wish I’d noticed it last night though as I was googling bass amps but settled on a vox 50 bass combo amp, it seems to have good reviews

[@UkuleleWales]

Glad you got a bass amp sorted though.

[@Tanglangfa]

Awesome vid! I appreciate that you were very thorough but 1) didn’t just read specs and 2) did not come off as a sales pitch for gear you got for free. Thank you!

[@UkuleleWales]

Thank You for the great comment, much appreciated!

[@MichaelStoneham]

Rolland cube bass amps have built in effects.

[@UkuleleWales]

I don't tend to use many effects with my basses. However when I do, I prefer to use a pedalboard as I can then use more powerful rigs to play through.

[@snosnow7875]

Advantage of the Rolland cube bass is that it can be battery operated (6x AA). That's what I use outdoors like for campfire and so...

[@philtaylor1588]

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 😂

[@UkuleleWales]

It does make you wonder Phil, I totally agree. I was lugging a 100w Fender amp around as a 12 year old and couldn’t pick it up! How things have changed!! 😊

[@Teeum5]

Hello Rachel, I just re-watched your video as I am going to buy a little practice amp as I just started playing the bass and never will do big things with it. I got one question and hopefully you didn't give the answer and I missed it. Why can I use the bass amp with the electro acoustic and electro bass? With guitars, I would have to use two different amps for electric and acoustic guitars. Greetings, Rici

[@UkuleleWales]

Technically you can use the same amp for both electric and acoustic guitars, it is just guitarists are generally looking for different sounds - you might get more gain / dirty channel for your electric whereas many acoustic players prefer reverb and chorus, but you can certainly play both through the same amp. It means you can also put a guitar (electric or acoustic) or a ukuleles through a bass amp, you just won’t get all the effects built in. Just don’t put a bass through a guitar amp as that is where damage can happen. Hope that makes sense.

[@Teeum5]

@@UkuleleWalesOkay, I think I understand. Thanks for your answer, Rachel.

[@ginawilson6055]

Thank you this is very helpful. I have a question though. I’ve bought SpIder V20 to use for my tenor and baritone ukuleles. It has a bass setting but do I still have to buy a separate amp for the bass I’ve just bought?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, if it was me, I wouldn't put the bass through the Spider as it is a guitar amp. I'd really try to get a bass amp if at all possible. Sorry about the delay in my reply, very busy with school stuff.

[@ginawilson6055]

Ukulele Wales thank you I’ve bought a bass amp now. by the way, what does that word mean that you say at the beginning of your tutorials? Can’t find anyone who knows!

[@latenight5865]

Matkbass has its own tone quality. To me, it's one of a kind.

[@UkuleleWales]

Totally agree, love the tone. 🥰

[@KirstenSchelper]

Thank you for this wonderful video channel. I am pretty new to the Ukulele world. I am a cello player and treated myself with a u-bass quite recently. And I am thrilled. I don’t get much out of it yet but I love it. One question: I have fishman loudbox which I originally bought for my cello and I plugged in my u-bass and it sounded nice. But I heard your warning about not to use a non bass amp. Right now I have no budget for another amp I‘m afraid. Can I use the loudbox without damaging it when I keep the volume down and don‘t enforce the lows? Any chance?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Kirsten, sorry about the delay in my reply, it's been super busy with school work. I started on cello too! TBH, I wouldn't put a bass through my Fishman. I know some will say it is fine but they DO damage guitar amps, especially over time. I do love the Fishman, cracking little amp!

[@reckonimokie123]

I love the orchid bass. Where did you get it?

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Teresa. Yes, a real beauty, it's the Nik west signature model, I got it direct from Kala.

[@TheUkuleleWhisperer]

BLOODY BRILLIANT! Greetings from california! caitlin

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Caitlin. Love your KZbin name.

[@TheUkuleleWhisperer]

@@UkuleleWales MAHALO! yours is awesome too!

[@ChingFong58]

Can I just plug in an external speaker through the line out on a small practice amp for my uBass ?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, in theory, yes IF the external speaker is a bass cab, but you probably wouldn't get much power from a small practice amp, maybe not enough to get the cab giving much volume. Personally, not something I would do, hope that helps.

[@jerkpet1638]

Hello, awhile back I was looking in to an amp to practice with my electric acoustic uke. I was watch a lot of practice amp reviews. I watch one with a gentleman (I can't remember his name), but he said for electric acoustic it was better to use a PA over an amp, because they have a tweeter in it. So I picked up a small light weight PA that had ports to plug instrument in to. I just got for Christmas a solid body bass uke one similar to the cheap bass ukulele you reviewed. I did plug it in for a few minutes just to get an idea of the sound. My question is do you think I'll OK using this setup to practice on. After I got it, it seemed to me, that a bass amp and a PA were pretty similar. So is there a difference? Any advice would be greatly helpful thank you.

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, I woild tend to agree that you are safer putting a bass into a PA rather than a guitar amp. What size speakers / wattage amp is it? Just to have more of an idea.

[@TrikesterHal]

I am using a Fender Rumble 40 bass amp with my Gold Tone micro bass uke. It works well (plenty of oomph) and cost about $230 US +tax at Guitar Center. Weighs 18 lb (8 kilos), some 16.5 inches wide (42 cm), and has a bunch of additional features, too many to list here. Found myself outside where our Meetup Group had no AC power! Solved that with a Aviva S180 Power Cell which ran the amp for 2.5 hours and still had 89% capacity remaining. The thing looks like a small barrel, weighs 5.5 lbs and costs about $190 US. It has additional capabilities. Almost bought a small, stinky gas generator! I had bought the Aviva months ago and it was just sitting on my work table unnoticed. Duh!

[@UkuleleWales]

Great info there, Thank You! I have thought several times about getting a portable power station just for this. Will definitely think about it now.

[@TrikesterHal]

@@UkuleleWales I again ran the Aviva S180 with my Fender Rumble 40 for two and one half hours at our last Tucson Uke Meetup. It still had 89 percent of the power remaining. It sat on top of the amp where I could glance at it once in a while.

[@UkuleleWales]

@@TrikesterHal That is brilliant Thank You, will definitely look into this. You are the first person to have confirmed you can run a bass amp this way so I Thank You again. When I do it I'll be sure to share me news!

[@watfordchopper]

Hi where would you suggest placing the amp in relation to the ukulele players?

[@UkuleleWales]

I normally have it behind me but facing into the group a little too so as many people as possible can hear it. 👍

[@watfordchopper]

Great, just what I was doing. Nice to have that confirmation. It's a difficult balance to ensure that the bass can be heard by the audience and the rest of the band ( even when they don't always appreciate the need to listen to the bass) without overwhelming them.

[@MichaelStoneham]

On stage i prefer to put the bass direct to pa system and bass amp on stage.

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, I often do this too, both on bass and ukulele.

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, I often do this too, both on bass and ukulele.

[@enroseunwolvenrose6105]

what is the song ya were playing? it sounds alot like I was made for lovein you from Kiss

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, it's a bass riff that I wrote years ago for a song with a really bluesy feel.

[@uknavynige]

Didn’t realise about unplugging to save battery..Doh! Left mine plugged in all night 🥴

[@UkuleleWales]

I did it when I didn't realise to, and done it since...............!

[@marvelousmaker]

I played at a house (with others with instruments)once with a practice amp. I was standing over the thing and could not hear myself. I was a sad panda

[@UkuleleWales]

Yep, practice amps are not great when you start to add other instruments, especially drums. What amp was it?

[@marvelousmaker]

@@UkuleleWales Behringer Bx108

[@woodworksolutions6365]

I think all u can damage is speaker, if u connect bass into guitar amp.

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, I've had damage to speakers but also the amps starting to "rattle" in school as the kids sometimes don't realise about using them with a bass.

[@paulhopkins686]

Love the attitude. Plenty of horse power 💪

[@UkuleleWales]

No point in messing around when it comes to bass! 😉