Can I use this?

Zaney · #1 04-06-2010, 06:31 AM

Hi,
I have a brand new LM11 bass amp but to be on the safe side always like to have a 2nd amp head in case anything goes wrong. As I also play guitar and use a Marshall head but carry a Crate power block with me as a 2nd amp. I was wondering whether I could use this for bass too.
I have been told that what makes the difference between guitar and bass is the speakers, not the amp so would this be feasible?

i_got_a_mohawk · #2 04-06-2010, 06:36 AM

Well, the amps do have a pretty huge impact on the tone. Not to mention the differences in power.

But there certainly wouldn't be any risk of damaging a guitar amplifier if you played a bass through it (and used bass speakers).

One thing to take into account is guitar amplifiers often work at higher impedances than bass amplifiers. I've seen a lot of guitar amps that are 16 or 8 ohms, or 8 ohm minimum. When you take into account most bass amps are at least 4 ohm minimum. So make sure you don't go below the minimum impedance of the guitar amp and you'll be fine.

Zaney · #3 04-06-2010, 06:47 AM

Think it would be best to get a secondary bass amp but can't afford more than £70 inc postage!

i_got_a_mohawk · #4 04-06-2010, 07:08 AM

What is the impedance of your cab?

You can run the crate in mono mode and get up to 150 watts at 8 ohms. If it's a 4 ohm cab you'll only be able to use one half of it and get 75 watts.

Would probably be best just having the crate, if it is only as a backup and whatnot?

I say that because you aren't going to get much of an amp for £70 (at least nothing with much in the way of useable power). If you could bump up to just over the £100 mark you could pick up a used peavey T Max or something. Though, I guess you could strike lucky and get a peavey or laney combo in that price range that would fit the bill.

Zaney · #5 04-06-2010, 01:31 PM

I've got a Laney combo which I bought to use for rehearsing but only got used 5 or 6 times so in mint condition but will sell once I've got another head. I could stretch to £100 if a Peavey came along but not much does down in the South of the UK.
I guess either we haven't got so many musos or they don't sell their gear.
:0(