Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex1984  VT Bass, EBS ValveDrive |
+1 Both my recommendations as well!
---however---
This is a pretty regularly often asked question here on TB. It really is a tough one, because tube amps don't have just one sound! At least the op mentioned "punchy & smooth". Honestly, there's no reason your GK can't sound "punchy & smooth"! I think a lot of bass players either:
a)Think they want a "tube" tone based on reputation & not experience playing one. Listening to classic records & going to shows may give you
some idea of what you think you're looking for, but the best way to be sure is to play a
variety of
both tube & ss amps! You might get more "punch & smoothness" from a different ss amp or cabinet pairing!
b)Want a a cheap and/or light-weight way out to get classic all-tube tone. To get the
true sound, feel and overall experience of playing through an all-tube amp - you need an all-tube amp! Pedals/emulation can get you close, but not the full experience. Sorry. (And this is from someone who does use modelling technology/emulators/tube pre pedals/etc... as well as the real thing on a regular basis. It's my full-time job, actually.)
And again, "tube tone" means different things to different people! 'Smooth & punchy' does not necessarily equal 'gritty and dynamic' for instance (both attributes I often read regarding tube amps).
So,.. in short, I guess I'm saying if you want 'smooth & punchy', are you sure you want a tube-amp type sound? Or would a different cab, amp, eq or compression also accomplish your goal?
