Fender Bassman TV 15 or Duo Ten?

Psssdoff · #1 10-17-2011, 08:23 AM

Hi, new guy here. just learning to play bass. have learned a few songs so far and am really enjoying it. i've been playing guitar (if you want to call it that) for years, so i'm not entirely new to playing a stringed instrument. when i started playing guitar i ended up buying several different guitars (classical, 12-string, 6 string acoustic/electric, electric) most of which hang on the wall collecting dust, because when i do play (which isn't nearly often enough) i tend to always grab the same one (my ovation celebrity).
so when i decided to give bass a try, i figured i'd be smart about it and do some research before and pick one bass that i'll like and can stick with. i borrowed an epiphone EB-0 bass to see what this bass playing is all about, while i researched my options.
i eventually bought a Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass and i think i made a great choice, i love it.

now comes the time to get a bass amp (i've been playing through my wee little peavey guitar amp thus far

)

i have it narrowed down to the two choices above....i haven't been able to try out either as the music stores i've been to so far didn't have either (will try a few more stores as soon as i can) so i thought i'd throw it to you lot to get some feedback.

i understand that it's probably all going to come down to personal preference and need, but i value the opinions of people with experience.

for now, i'm only going to be using it as a practice amp at home, and the occasional jam with friends...but it might turn into something more.

i know either amps are more than enough (perhaps too much) for what i need right now, but i want the ability to do more without having to buy another amp anytime soon.

sorry for the long post

degroove · #2 10-17-2011, 10:23 AM

I play a Geddy Lee bass, great bass. When you try out practice amps, take a look at the Gallien Kreuger (GK) bass combos. I have a GK MB 112. It is small (26 LBS), great tone, and 200 Watts. I got mine new for $330.00. The other great feature is that it has Direct Out, an input for an IPOD, and headphones for quiet practicing.

I played mine at outdoor gig this summer and with a PA Support via the Direct Out, It was pleny loud and the tone was awesome.

P-oddz · #3 10-17-2011, 10:31 AM

TV15 owner here, and I love my amp. It will definitely suit your home needs as well as jamming with friends, including shows if you eventually start playing some. I had tried both the 10s and the 15 out and was on the fence about which one to get as well. I choose the 15 as it spoke to me a little more than the 10s did.

In general, (and anyone please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong), I felt the 10s to be a bit more "focused". If I had to describe it in a completely non-scientific and absolutely vague-so-it-will-probably-do-you-no-good-type-of-way:

The 10s have punch. The 15 has thump.

There, did that help confuse you even more?

SolarMan · #4 10-17-2011, 10:59 AM

I have the TV Duo Ten -

the Fifteen didn't have enough "punch" for me, but I've always played 10's and I prefer that tone and quick response

If you play low E the 10's easily handle it - if you play low B you might want the 15

I use mine to practice and gig once in a while with friends, and when I turn it up (It does get crazy loud - 350 watts!) it cuts through - and then some

The upside:

tight punchy vintage fender sound - much like my old bassman 10 (60 watt all tube 4x10 combo - only that one didn't get very loud)

Classic look - compliments galore on the old school vibe

Rugged as hell - construction is rock solid

Removable wheels

Fender warranty - "we don't need no stinkin' warranty registration" - love that

Cooling fan is quiet - very quiet

The Downside:

No external cab output - this is a deal killer for most

Very expensive - you are paying for the name

Made in Mexico - now hold on! The quality is Top Notch, but for the $$$ ?

Very Heavy - no Neo magnets here - wish they did

Can't handle ERB's

Summary:

This is a very expensive and not very flexable combo amp. For 1 grand you have a TON of options out there. Some even claim to HATE the tone. Be very sure that 1) money is no object 2) you are so in love with the Fender name and vintage vibe that you will overlook all of its shortcomings 3) that you won't be lugging it all over the place

However:

I tried about a dozen combos until I saw and PLAYED the duo ten. It was love at first note.

So - be careful - there are plenty of better options out there for a gigging bassist - no doubt.

ps: check out YouTube videos - a few on there to help you decide if it is for you

pss: SweetW is backordered on them if that means anything?

good luck

robertusf · #5 10-17-2011, 11:38 AM

I played and liked the 15.....would have bought it too if I had the dough at the time!

Psssdoff · #6 10-19-2011, 07:34 AM

great input, thanks guys....seems that there is no clearcut winner between the two....the poll is very close as well.

what does "Can't handle ERB's" mean?

MODELL · #7 10-19-2011, 07:44 AM

Extended range bases.

I think at 350 watts and a 15" driver, the TV 15 would handle a low B. Not sure about the 210.

Psssdoff · #8 10-21-2011, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MODELL

Extended range bases.

got it...won't be an issue as i'm playing a 4 string and can't see myself moving to 5 or more anytime soon, or ever....

where does everyone get their gear? i live in toronto and have been buying stuff at Long & McQuades mostly...i've been to a few other stores as well....LA Music at the lakeshore etc. any other stores in the west end of GTA i should check out?

Colesy · #9 10-24-2011, 07:56 PM

Playing blues the TV-15 suited my needs. Old school charm and lots of THUMP!

OtisRocks · #10 10-24-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psssdoff

where does everyone get their gear? i live in toronto and have been buying stuff at Long & McQuades mostly...i've been to a few other stores as well....LA Music at the lakeshore etc. any other stores in the west end of GTA i should check out?

Steve's Music downtown usually has a pretty good selection of bass amps in stock. Long & McQuade's web site is also pretty handy since they let you check stock at any of the stores in the GTA. For example, I just checked and they currently have a Fender TV15 at the Markham store. If you want to drool over some high end stuff you could also check out Club Bass on the Queensway.

Keep in mind that the Fenders, while cool looking, are expensive and heavy. Before buying you should also try out the new GK MB series combos and the new Ampeg Portaflex line (e.g. PF350 ). The Ampeg MicroVR stack also seems like it might be a good fit with your needs.

Hope this helps.

Psssdoff · #11 10-27-2011, 10:15 AM

yeah it seems that Marham has both, the 15 and the duo ten.....i will try to make my way over there on the weekend....and i'll probably be walking out of there with a new amp

pretty stoked about it

jimmy rocket · #12 10-27-2011, 10:21 AM

I'll be interested to hear your impressions. I'm looking to downsize from my Aguilar rig to one of these and there don't seem to be any close enough for me to play for myself.

Psssdoff · #13 10-29-2011, 07:45 PM

well, i went to markham and they had both amps on the floor....(huge store btw, very nice) ....they also had a geddy lee so i was all set....i set both amps to flat (3-12-3) and gain and volume at the same levels.....i kept switching back and forth and man, i like 'em both.....the 15 has got balls..nice low tones....just great umpf....the duo ten was more clear.....better definition....with both amps at the same levels, the 15 was definitely louder....
i left the store thinking i wanted the duo ten....as it sounded, i dunno, cleaner....more precise if that makes any sense.....it also highlighted mistakes more, which i figured would keep me more honest and make me have to play better...but the more i think about it, the more i want the 15, cause it just has big bad balls.......

i'm definitely going to have to go back and play some more before i make up my mind....

i'll keep you guys updated.

Psssdoff · #14 11-05-2011, 08:33 PM

went back again today and played both amps some more. i've decided to go with the 15. it was just louder and well, ballsier....it still had plenty clarity for my liking.....twas close for sure and i think i would have been happy with either one to be honest.

the only ones they had were the floor models, so i decided that, if i'm going to spend a grand on it i will want fresh out of the box, so i will go to a more conveniently located L&M (probably brampton as i've done business with them before) and have them order me one.

can't wait to take it home and rattle the windows

yamaha · #15 11-05-2011, 08:44 PM

I remember I tried and liked both, but can't remember witch I prefered.

P-oddz · #16 11-07-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psssdoff

can't wait to take it home and rattle the windows

Good choice on the 15

And rattle you will, my friend.

Psssdoff · #17 11-11-2011, 07:22 AM

order is placed! now it's just a waiting game....i'm told anywhere from 2-4 weeks....

jimmy rocket · #18 11-12-2011, 07:56 AM

I just scored a TV 12 and I'm loving it. Sooooo much warm wonderful tone!

I'm sure you'll dig the 15.

77PBass · #19 11-12-2011, 08:15 AM

The 15 nails the vintage vibe and tone. I wish I had one when I was learning rather than a Univox UB-250.

RickenBoogie · #20 11-12-2011, 03:03 PM

I would've been thrilled to have that Univox when I was starting out. At age 15, parents bought me a Univox bass, but couldn't understand *why* I would need an amp at all. Had to put something together using mom's record player thingie, and ended up playing bass through borrowed amps until I finally bought myself a Peavey TKO65 4 yrs later. Back ot, the TV15 is an awesome choice, and a very old school sounding modern amp, congrtas.