Bass through Marshall tube head

[ThatBassistDude]

I have a Marshall JCM-600 tube halfstack, I got a new bass for Christmas and the only amp I had at the time was the Marshall, so I pluged it on and played it through the clean channel with the bass at 10 the mid at 0 and the treble at 4 and was suprised by the tone. It sounded really good. But does playing a bass through a tube guitar head damage the head??

[s_mcsleazy]

are you using a bass cab

[dopejohnpaul]

First off let me qualify this by saying I'm not an expert on marshall tube heads. It could cause problems, but I'd be lying if i said i hadn't done this before. I'd take a look at the schematics for your amp head vs. the schematics for the many various tube bass heads Marshall has made throughout the years. If they're similar enough, you could've found yourself a gem of a head!

[ajunea3]

Originally Posted by s_mcsleazy

are you using a bass cab

As far as I know, playing a bass through a guitar head can't hurt it. Where people run into trouble is playing a bass guitar through a guitar cab using either a bass head or cranking the "bass" knob on a guitar head. This can push guitar speakers harder than they're supposed to go and cause them damage. Just make sure you play through a bass cabinet.

[RickenBoogie]

It's the guitar speakers that are at risk.

[Sartori]

The head will probably be fine.


However, if you're using a guitar cab, be very careful. The speakers might not be able to handle it. I'd recommend getting a bass cab.

[N.F.A.]

I used a Super Lead 100 Plexi amp for years as both a guitar and bass amp. Never had any problems. Also used a 4 x 12 cabinet with Vintage Celestion 75's and they never had any problems either, whether it was with bass or guitar.