Small tube bass head...

Mook · #1 08-21-2011, 11:11 AM

Please help me find a small tube bass head, 50 watts or under, however, NOT a Bassman head.

I'm not really a fan of the Bassman "deep" switch, which I think is a necessary thing for bass. I run an Ampeg SVT for larger gigs, and always use the Ultra-Low switch.

I like Ultra-Low switch on Ampeg, but the Fender Deep switch is useless as it seems to add gain with little "deep" added.

I need a smaller amp for Acoustic gigs, and yes I'm a snob, so I want an all tube head. Already have a great 1x10 cab (Acme).

Currently, I am using a solid-state head (which is REALLY nice), but still want to move to tube, as I'm into the sound and use a tube rig for larger gigs.....

Have seen the Ashdown Lil' Bastard and on paper it looks killer, but can it get Ultra Low? It does have a bass switch, but can't really find any reviews to read up on it.

Any suggestions? Perhaps the Ashdown, but anything else?

I've built tube amps (guitar) before, so perhaps I should just fire up the soldering iron and build a 20 watt (2x6v6) small "ampeg" SVT-like amp.....

I *really* need that Ultra-low switch!

TIA!!!

Mook

Lonesomedave · #2 08-21-2011, 11:21 AM

how much do you want to spend?

the usual suspects are all worth a try, but you should try them if you can

there is of course the ashdown lttle bastard that you mentioned. find a music store in town that has one and go see what you think about all the features, sound etc.

there is of course the ampeg B 15, but for that you are either going to have to buy a used one, or else plop down 4 or 5 thou for one of their heritage ones... either way you are going to have to pay a pretty penny, and you might not even be able to find a heritage because they made so few.

then there is the old sunn 200s. i have heard nothing but good about them, but again, you will have to buy used and i don't know how you could hear it before you bought it unless you were lucky enough to find one in the town where you live.

i am afraid your choices are going to be limited by your stated power requirements and by the fact that there are just not that many all-tube amps out there in that power range.

obviously you could go hybrid, but i believe that is not what you want.

i would start off with a search for a local source of little bastards and play it and go from there.

/s/ Dave

Mr. Foxen · #3 08-21-2011, 11:42 AM

The ultra low switch is actually a mid cut that gives the impression of more lows. A real low boost will be more gain.

RaygunDuck · #4 08-21-2011, 11:44 AM

take out the head from a combo?

dhsierra1 · #5 08-21-2011, 11:52 AM

Peavey Classic 60 tube power amp (used) and Alembic F-1X or F-2B

BassmanPaul · #6 08-21-2011, 12:04 PM

In all honesty I don't think that a 20W amp is going to do anything for a B1. I feel you'd need something like a 100W amp to do that.

Mook · #7 08-21-2011, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

In all honesty I don't think that a 20W amp is going to do anything for a B1. I feel you'd need something like a 100W amp to do that.

In a "usual" setting, I would agree. But, this is for a special application. It's an acoustic gig, everyone else is unplugged (acoust guitars, congos, vox, etc). I plug in with a acme b1 for just a "hair" of volume, but I *do* love the ultra low bass. I play a 5 string acoustic (Ibanez).

The B1 cab is perfect for very low practice at home, too....

Thanks!

Mook

Mook · #8 08-21-2011, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Foxen

The ultra low switch is actually a mid cut that gives the impression of more lows. A real low boost will be more gain.

Wow! Is this really the case?? If so, maybe I should just cut my mids and be done with it.

But, the Bassman "deep" switch really doesn't seem to add more "deepness", or perhaps my hearing is off.....can u explain this phenom?

Thanks!

Mook

scowboy · #9 08-21-2011, 01:30 PM

EBS has a 90W tube bass head.

notduane · #10 08-21-2011, 01:49 PM

Old School Amps 20W Class A Model One w/their 110 bass cab?

(...or Eden CX110 cab if you can find one).

LuvMusic · #11 08-21-2011, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mook

Have seen the Ashdown Lil' Bastard and on paper it looks killer, but can it get Ultra Low? It does have a bass switch, but can't really find any reviews to read up on it.

Mook

I own an Ashdown LB and think it is a fine amp. The "ultra-low " option is tough to respond to. I can tell you that engaging the bass shift toggle does indeed shift the voice of the amp lower and darker. I also believe the cab(s) you use will effect how the difference is perceived.

You mentioned you didn't like Bassman amps, this amp does have "Fender like" qualities so you may want to purchase from a place that will allow you to return it, if you decide you want to try out a LB.

Here is a link to the original thread I started: NGD Ashdown Porn: Rare and Unigue....for now!

Also, here is a link to the manual with a little more info on the switches:

http://www.ashdownmusic.com/tech/man...ies_manual.pdf

Hope this helps!

nashvillebill · #12 08-21-2011, 07:27 PM

Can you find an old Ampeg V2? It's the 50 watt version of the V4. I have seen a guy play bass through one, I didn't think it had enough oomph for an electric rock band but for an acoustic gig it would've been great.

**fuzzy beard** · #13 08-21-2011, 07:36 PM

You could mod a valve Jr. I am in the process now. Also using in a acoustic group!

BassIsBoss · #14 08-21-2011, 07:38 PM

In the 50 watt range, my fave is the Ampeg B25 (70's). You can still pick them up for a reasonable price and they have the sweetest pure bass tone for days (cook those tubes). I had the original speaker output rewired from the original 16 ohm to 8, and love using it for smaller gigs.

Mook · #15 08-22-2011, 05:35 AM

Update: well....I bought one of the Ashdowns the other day. it's in shipment, so I'll see how it sounds.

VERY good suggestions from all, thanks!

Mook

Balog · #16 08-31-2011, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzy beard

You could mod a valve Jr. I am in the process now. Also using in a acoustic group!

I'd be interested in hearing how this worked out for you.

Caca de Kick · #17 08-31-2011, 11:45 AM

Old School Amps, their 20w head really does kick arse. A local store in Olympia carried it and I plugged it into a Mesa 1x15, and it was suprisingly loud and great tone. More than plenty for acoustic stuff.

I had an Ampeg B15 reissue, and in the 50w setting it was way overkill for any acoustic stuff.

I'm now using a vintage '63 Fender Concert combo, basically a guitar rig, but it has all the lowend and great tone I need. I can plug the head into a an actual bass cab and get bigger lows, but I just don't need to for acoustic sets.

I tried a Valve Jr a week ago, and I just don't see it. Thru several different cabs, it sounded aweful...I don't know what kind of mods it's capable of taking, but I just can't get into it.

anonymous02282011 · #18 08-31-2011, 11:53 AM

guild thunderbass

50 or so watts. pretty good amps

there's one on evilbay right now (no affiliation)

Smokin' Toaster · #19 08-31-2011, 11:57 AM

Interested in a Traynor YBA-4? This is the slant cab, 1x15 with the YBA-1 head built in. I bought it thinking I'd have some use for it but I need a louder clean tone and this amp isn't quite enough to do it in a 5 piece blues/rock band. It has great grind when you turn it up though. PM me if you are interested.

recreate.me · #20 08-31-2011, 11:58 AM

You can always try a traynor YBA1 or YBA2 (its a combo but you remove it) I am pretty sure they are both 50Watts and all tube and sounds great, however they dont have a master volume so you cant get breakup until you turn up.