So, you’ve got yourself a cool mini bass guitar like the Taylor GS Mini Bass and you’re primarily an acoustic guitar player. Naturally, the thought crosses your mind: “Can I just use my acoustic guitar amp for this little bass?” It’s a convenient idea, especially if you’re just looking to jam in your guitar room without buying more gear. You might be eyeing up amps like the popular Fishman Loudbox Mini, wondering if it can pull double duty.
The short answer, and perhaps not the one you were hoping for, is: probably not very well. While the idea of a single amp for both acoustic guitar and mini bass is appealing, the reality is that acoustic guitar amplifiers are designed for a very different frequency range than bass guitars, even mini basses.
Acoustic guitar amps, like the Fishman Loudbox Mini and others such as Fender Acoustisonic or Roland Cube, are engineered to beautifully reproduce the nuances of acoustic guitars and vocals. They excel at handling the mid and high frequencies, bringing out the sparkle and clarity of acoustic instruments. However, when it comes to the low-end frequencies that bass guitars produce, they often fall short. Trying to push a bass guitar through an acoustic amp can result in a thin, weak sound lacking in depth and punch. You’ll likely find the low frequencies muddy or simply absent, failing to provide the satisfying bass tone you’re looking for.
This is where dedicated bass amplifiers come into play. These amps, like the highly recommended Fender Rumble 40, are specifically designed to handle the lower frequencies of bass guitars. They are built to deliver a strong, clear, and full low-end response that is essential for a good bass tone. The Fender Rumble series, in particular, is praised for offering excellent performance at an affordable price point, and they are remarkably lightweight and portable. Even the Rumble 100, a step up for potential gigging, remains incredibly manageable in terms of weight.
While the reverse – using a bass amp for an acoustic guitar – is more feasible, it’s still not ideal. A bass amp can technically amplify an acoustic guitar, but it might not capture the delicate nuances and high-end sparkle that an acoustic guitar amp is designed for. However, in a pinch, or for monitoring purposes on stage, a bass amp can serve as a workable solution for acoustic guitar amplification. For example, a Peavey 110 Minx, as mentioned, has been used successfully for both small bass gigs and as an acoustic guitar stage monitor.
Ultimately, if you want to get the best sound out of your mini bass guitar, investing in a dedicated Mini Bass Guitar Amplifier is the way to go. You’ll experience a much fuller, richer, and more satisfying tone that an acoustic amp simply can’t deliver. Explore options like the Fender Rumble series and discover the difference a purpose-built bass amp can make to your mini bass playing experience.
