Guitar/Keyboard amp as a Bass amp?

olds_cool63 · #1 11-02-2010, 02:15 PM

Hey, gang.

Check this out.

I just started playing bass in like the last month. Got a Silvertone Crusher bass kit with a 10 watt amp. The amp blows!

Well, I have '78 Hohner 1230 guitar/keyboard amp that I bought brand new. 12" speaker, 30 watts, has preamp knob, equalizer, etc..

Since it doubles as a keyboard amp, do you think it can handle the bass frequencies? I cranked it with the bass one day for a few seconds. Got some serious flutter. I didn't make any adjustments in the equalizer or preamp, I guess I just wanted to see how loud it would go with the bass. I can fool around with it some when I get home.

If it seems like a good idea, I was thinking of going with a straight 12" bass speaker for it. The I can add a headphone jack as well as a cd/mp3 jack.

The amp still sounds as good as the day I bought it back in the disco days. I was looking for another amp to buy, but if I can "build" this up, why should I?

It's been collecting dust since 1989, but can I realistically use this as a practice amp, especially with a true bass speaker?

Any info would be very cool!

I can DIG it!

olds_cool63

I BASS, therefore I am!

JonnyAngle · #2 11-02-2010, 02:30 PM

It should work fine, but just make sure you don't blow it up!

James Judson · #3 11-02-2010, 02:35 PM

30 watts??? Good for bedroom practice. 100 watts ??? Good for medium rehearsal with drums. 300 watts??? Minimum for local gigs. See where I'm going with this. I use 1000 watts for everything.

Your 30 watt amp will work just fine. Don't expect to much from it.

YMMV

olds_cool63 · #4 11-02-2010, 03:01 PM

Yeah...just for practice! I've had my share of guitar amps in the last 38 years, but bass is all new to me, so I just need something for home use.

Thanks for the responses.

So, you think the original speaker would be cool, or should I go with an actual bass speaker?

I can DIG it.

Nuff said.

olds_cool63

I BASS, therefore I am!

olds_cool63 · #5 11-03-2010, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnyAngle

It should work fine, but just make sure you don't blow it up!

What do you mean? Is it because the speaker is not designed to move as much air as a true bass speaker?

Can you or someone explain? Also, please see my reply directly above this message.

Thanks!

I can DIG it!

Nuff said.

olds_cool63

I BASS, therefore I am!

JonnyAngle · #6 11-03-2010, 05:11 PM

If you push the speaker beyond its limits. If when you hit a note and all you hear is a farting noise or similar, that is going to blow it up (figuratively)

SMILEYSIXX · #7 11-03-2010, 05:15 PM

If you like the amp, be careful! I blew up a 15 watt fender practice amp when I started playing.

jsh008 · #8 11-03-2010, 06:23 PM

Turn it down when it starts distorting, or roll off some of the bass. I use a 10 watt squire starter guitar amp in my living room when I want to learn a new tune -does ok when I want to play along with youtube or mp3 off the laptop.

olds_cool63 · #9 11-04-2010, 10:01 AM

Cool...thanks for the responses.

Since I never played bass before, I just figured there was some huge difference in amps.

So, stupid question: what makes a bass amp a bass amp as opposed to a guitar amp?

I'm just trying to learn and I really appreciate the info.

Thanks!

I can DIG it!

Nuff said.

olds_cool63

I BASS, therefore I am!

RonChase · #10 11-04-2010, 12:20 PM

I have used keyboard amps with fair luck,I usually get one if I get a deal on it,I used Peavey Fender and Dean Markley KYBD amps with good luck for jammin and practice,I actually have a little 15 watt Behringer KYBD amp in my bedroom and jam to the satelite radio playing stump the chump I use it for bass and guitar but after the bedroom it gets weak