Can anyone recommend an amp to complement my Little Phatty? I’m currently running it through my little recording setup - mixer/studio monitors but I’d like to get something for performances etc. Should I get a bass amp? A keyboard amp? Any help would be much appreciated .
Thanks!
How much money are you looking to spend? If you have the money I recommend the Barbetta 41c (http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=9603&Category=Keyboard_Amplifiers). The bass response on that thing is unreal. It defies physics.
Otherwise, a keyboard or bass amp will do nicely. Solid-state amps are best because tube amps tend to color the sound (not desirable on a synth in most situations IMHO). PA speakers work well, too. I used to run through two JBL Eons. They were loud and had a decent low end.
Many, many choices. It depends on how much you wish to spend (OysterRock’s comment), what features/functions you need, and exactly what you mean by ‘something for performances’.
As far as features/functions go, many amps have more than one input. You may want multiple ins for other keyboards, and maybe a mic input as well. Then there’s the consideration of some type of equalization - from nothing at all, to simple tone controls, to parameter/graphic EQ. Some amps also have built-in effects, which might be a valuable addition for a no-effects keyboard like the LP.
As for ‘performances’, the size of the amp you’ll need depends on where you’ll play, and the type of music you’ll be playing. For a smallish coffee-house setting, a small amp could be fine. For a church or large room you might need something bigger. If you play in a band, you might want a more powerful amp so that you can be heard above the other instruments.
Keyboard amps or PA powered speakers are probably you’re best choice, as they will do a better job at accurate sound reproduction than a bass or guitar amp. Keyboard amps are made by Roland, Alesis, Hartke, Peavey, Groove Tubes, Barbetta, and others. Your local music store will probably carry at least a few of these. Try to audition as many different types as you can.
Powered PA speakers are another way to go. You’ll find offerings from Mackie, Yamaha, Samson, JBL, and a number of others.
When judging an amp or PA, consider the size and weight as well, as you’ll probably be the one who has to transport, carry and setup the amp. Also be sure to evaluate prospective models for smooth rolling casters/wheels and built-in handles (a few keyboard amps have retractable telescoping handles).
Thanks for the replies guys,
I’m looking to spend $500-1000. My band and I typically play club shows and I may end up using it with my other instruments (Nord lead, Poly61 and a guitar here and there). I came across this one: http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=2171000010 . It is a tube however, but Im curious to see what it will do to add character my setup. Also, this: http://ampeg.com/products/diamondbluebass/b100r/index.html a little solid state bass amp.
I guess its just a matter of trying a few out. I think I will likely go with a bass amp over a key amp though.
Thanks again!
I use a pair of Barbettas. Love them. Light weight, sound good.
anybody ever tried playing through a sunn amp? i’d image the bass response would be unreal! i don’t know if that’s quite what you had in mind…
Back when i had a Micromoog I once played it through a friend of mine’s Sunn tube bass amp into a Ampeg 6X10 cabinet. It actually sounded amazing, it colored the Moog sound in a very pleasing way. Great for bass sounds, so-so for leads and FX.
I just got a Roland KC 350 and my LP sounds AMAXZING through it.
I posted a topic like this a while ago, and i ended up getting a used bass cab and head for $500. It sounds amazing for the lowend. I’d say its a seven out of ten for the highs though, but i’m alright with that because some of those frequencies feel like my ears are going to burst!So I would advise against just a bass amp if you enjoy exploding eardrums.
I have to say the same. I use a pair of Barbetta Sona 31c.
Easy to use, lots of power, lots of input/output/mixer options.
Can use with or without poles.
You’ll find yourself using these for lots of other situations too.
My neighbors always ask me to bring them when someone is
having an outdoor party on our block. A pair of Barbettas and
an iPod is all you need to make a street full of people dance.
I usually play my LP (and my Prophet '08, JP-8000 and Taurus 3) through a pair of 3-way studio monitors w/12" woofers, driven by a 50 watt per channel Yamaha power amp. When I really want to feel some bass, I play them through my SWR Baby Blue bass combo, and when I want to re-arrange the furniture, I play them through my Phil Jones bass stack, with 700 watts driving 24 little 5" speakers. The Phil Jones sounds ungodly, and really lets you hear what the Taurus are capable of. 
I do bass synth parts from my LP to a bass rig which includes Aguilar and Mesa heads and Aguilar cabs (2X12 or 4X10 with tweeters). Sounds killer and even playing higher lead parts with my LP or Roland AX-Synth (sax, synth lead, etc.)it sounds pretty good too. I recommend if using bass cabs to ensure they have tweeters for the highs as some bass cabs don’t have tweeters.