I play octave mandolin and would like to get a small portable amp to use busking and playing for dancers. I'm aware of the Roland Micro Cube and the Pignose 7. Does anyone have any experience with these or similiar amps.
I have an Ultrasound AG-DS2 (current model is AG-DS3) that I like alot that I have used for zouk, guitar, harp and vocals. It produces a great clean sound, has ample features and weighs only 29 lbs.
I've just bought a Micro Cube as my busking audition was imminent - I liked the variety and choice of effects, have played more with them at home since, as on reflection the best effect IMNSHO, with an acoustic instrument when actually busking, was just a touch of chorus. I suspect the pignose is really just for electric instruments.
I only received my "pass" letter today so I have yet to find out if the batteries will last as long as was quoted in live use (20 hours + ? ); what I did discover was there was much more volume from the "microphone" rather than the "acoustic" setting, but I'm sure the more you put out the faster the battery drain.
And you can always DI out to a PA or simple stage-amp to up the volume in particular circumstances - the actual volume put out is not enormous, but it will save you having to thump the instrument hard for that extra bit of projection in a busking, and power-free, zone.
amplification
amplification
I play octave mandolin and would like to get a small portable amp to use busking and playing for dancers. I'm aware of the Roland Micro Cube and the Pignose 7. Does anyone have any experience with these or similiar amps.
# Posted on April 6th 2006 by christoronto
Re: amplification
I have an Ultrasound AG-DS2 (current model is AG-DS3) that I like alot that I have used for zouk, guitar, harp and vocals. It produces a great clean sound, has ample features and weighs only 29 lbs.
Manufacture's web site:
http://www.ultrasoundamps.com/Products/AG-50DS3.html
Supplier (many other too, but this is the one I purchased from):
http://www.shorelinemusic.com/amplification/ultrasound.shtml
# Posted on April 7th 2006 by rob zouk
Re: amplification
By "portable", do you mean cordless?
# Posted on April 7th 2006 by oldstrings
Re: amplification
I have the Roland AC-60. Great little 2 channel amp comes with a nifty carrying case. Weighs about 22lbs.
http://www.roland.com/products/en/AC-60/index.html
http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~Roland---AC-60~ID~2463.asp
# Posted on April 7th 2006 by Robby B.
Re: amplification
The examples christoronto cited in his post are battery-powered with cord option.
# Posted on April 7th 2006 by joesmith
Re: amplification
I've just bought a Micro Cube as my busking audition was imminent - I liked the variety and choice of effects, have played more with them at home since, as on reflection the best effect IMNSHO, with an acoustic instrument when actually busking, was just a touch of chorus. I suspect the pignose is really just for electric instruments.
I only received my "pass" letter today so I have yet to find out if the batteries will last as long as was quoted in live use (20 hours + ? ); what I did discover was there was much more volume from the "microphone" rather than the "acoustic" setting, but I'm sure the more you put out the faster the battery drain.
And you can always DI out to a PA or simple stage-amp to up the volume in particular circumstances - the actual volume put out is not enormous, but it will save you having to thump the instrument hard for that extra bit of projection in a busking, and power-free, zone.
# Posted on April 7th 2006 by Guernsey Pete