Well, not all trumpet players really have to have an amp for our chosen instrument has all the power we need. Or does it?
Have you ever played with a rock band? In most cases the band has a sufficient sound system but some times we are forgotten and need to boost our volume a little to be heard over the screaming guitars and drums.
Another use of an amp is something I ran into recently when I started playing harmonica in a Blue Grass band. Yes I said a Blue Grass Band. At my age, I am very interested in exploring new musical venues and when II was asked, I jumped at the opportunity. Blue Grass is usually an acoustic ensemble made up of guitars, mandolin, bass and what ever can be scrounged up to participate with.
In addition to my sometimes limited harmonica skills I was asked to play some number on my trumpet to contrast the Blu Grass style to which I agreed but was faced with a real problem. A trumpet solo backed by a traditional Blue Grass ensemble was something I had no interest in and for that reason I suggested that I solo with rerecorded background recordings. Now you understand why I published this post about trumpets and amplifiers.
I look for several days trying to find an amp capable in serving my needs and two were recommended by my fellow musicians. The one I selected has been serving me well and I wanted to share some of the benefits of using an amp for playing trumpet.
The amplifier I selected is the “Ion Explorer Extreme” Pictured at the top of this post.
Walmart offers this on line for $245.86 and the same amp is available from Bonanza for $174.98.
Here are the features advertised for this unit-
175-watt peak power amplifier
10-inch woofer and 3-inch tweeter
Rapid wireless Qi charging panel
Separate bass and treble control knobs
Link two speakers together wirelessly with StereoLink
AM/FM Radio
1/8-inch (3.5mm) aux input
Microphone and cable included
LED light bars provides festive, multi-color illumination
USB port for charging your smartphone or tablet
Bottle opener
The feature which I had no interest in were the” LED light bars provides festive, multi-color illumination” and the “Bottle opener. This unit was designed for the party goers more interested in good times than it qualities to enhance a trumpet performance. One feature that I have found very helpful are the two cup holders on top. I use them on every gig.
Earlier models were not designed with the two very substantial handles used for lifting the amp into you trunk. The unit also includes a handy tote handle just as the newer suite cases feature with wheels so that you need only pull it to the job.
The use of its Bluetooth feature has been vital to my Solo track usage for all I have to do is link the amp to my IPad and I can perform with a symphony behind be.
Did I mention that it is also cordless and the battery has been enough to power the unite for three two hour rehearsals and still has power in reserve,
The Ion Explorer Extreme comes with a microphone which I tossed in a storage box. If you only want the mike for announcements, use it.
As far as controls for this amp, you have volume and tone dials for both the microphone as well as your volume controlling your solo tracks.
There is a built in radio if you want to play music during your break.
The only feature I miss is a reverb adjustment. That would have given the sound some more “fatness”.
There are better amps on the market but for my needs and cost, this has been proven a great addition to my toy collection.
Big sound: 10-inch woofer and 3-inch tweeter deliver powerful sound
Easy streaming: Bluetooth and aux-in connectivity for wireless and wired audio streaming
Microphone included: Sing along and make announcements
Telescoping handle: ensures easy portability
Dimensions: 10.12″H x 18.98″W x 17.48″L