tube amp vs. non-tube

TheGreatSealof · #1 12-08-2010, 06:10 AM

I have been learning the bass for 5 months. Newbie. I purchased a Fender Rumble 75 amp and a MIM p-bass. I also have an Ibanez SG300 active bass. The Ibanez is versitile sound wize, but the P-bass has a unique sound that I prefer over the Ibanez.

However, I have been searching for reviews regarding amplification options to get the full, rich sound of the classic P-bass that I do not feel with the rumble amp. Is a tube amp better suited for the P-bass?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

JulienJeff · #2 12-08-2010, 06:20 AM

If you intend to join a band, your amp (75 watts) will not be loud enough, unfortunately. So it's good that you start thinking about another amp.
Personally, I like a slightly overdriven sound for a P bass. Many people say an ampeg SVT head + P bass is the ultimate rock sound. I have a similar tone using my Markbass Little mark head together with the sansamp VT bass pedal (ampeg simulation).
So, I'd say, try the VT bass pedal on your fender amp and see how you like it.

Duke21 · #3 12-08-2010, 06:27 AM

+1 to Sansamp.
I use my Sansamp BDDI in front of my 20W Ibanez combo. No problem to get a SVT kind of sound. Without the BDDI the Ibanez sound totally weak and "simple".

seamonkey · #4 12-08-2010, 02:44 PM

Treat the amp like a black box. Don't care about what's inside.
Just play through it and see what it can do. Buy at a store with a 30 day return policy so you can try it out in real life.
Turn the knobs. Practice using the amp.
Try effects - the VT is a modeler. Treat them also as black boxes, don't get hung up on digital versus analog.

If you truly treat what your try as a black box, you're going to be in for surprises compared to what you read.

Alexander · #5 12-08-2010, 02:51 PM

Frankly, I think the amp you have currently is more or less a practice amp and you won't get the full, deep tone out of it that you think of when you think of bass. You'll need more power and more speakers to do that - whether tube or SS. The tube emulation others describe is really good, from what I understand - put that in front of a decent power amp into a good bass cab will get you there. Or you could go with an all tube amp - but, get ready to pay for it. I strongly prefer tube amps myself, but they are expensive, heavy, bulky and require more maintenance and care (generally speaking) than their solid state counterparts. There seems to be a recent surge of tubey sounding solid-state heads, too - more reliable & more compact - but not quite the same tone that you get with a tube power section that is getting pushed.

Hope this helps!

kosmicwizard · #6 12-08-2010, 02:52 PM

I am not going to argue with Seamonkey at all. I have both a solid state amp that I use with the VT pedal and a tube amp, and while they are different I enjoy both of them for different situations. Definitely, try any new head before you buy it, and try as many as you can until you find one that you like. All the best. Cheers.

warwick.hoy · #7 12-08-2010, 02:52 PM

It's all a matter of taste and what you intend to do with your amp. Personally as a heavy Fuzz user,...I'd love to own a tube amp,...but I'm getting by with a fully Solid State (and very versatile) rig.

I'm personally cautious of hybrid amps. Those amps with a tube preamp and a solid state poweramp. You're aren't going to achieve the "sweet creamy fuzz through tube amp" sound with just the 1 to 3 little 12ax7s that populate a hybrid's preamp. It's all about pushing the power tubes. IMO hybrid amps are a product of the tube/vintage hype. It's just not the same and an all tube amp though.

Indicahound · #8 12-08-2010, 03:16 PM

If I were you, and you really want a solid tube amp, with enough power and grit. Look for a peavey vtm120 or butcher, or laney aor series, a 120 watt 80s tube guitar amp, don't pay more than 300 or 400 for one. It will get you loud enough to jam with and pair it with a 2 15 cab or any other cab with 2 or more drivers. Gotta take advantage of the extra omph of more cone area. And before I get a lecture, I get it. Amount of cone area doesen't mean much, but... What is louder, 1 man talking or 4? Also, tube guitar amps tend to have ot's(output transformers) with a cut in frequencys below 50 or so hrz. Which helps use the power on more midbass and midrange to help you cut through. Also with a added harmonic overtones of a tube amp cranked you get more perceived volume. If your in the market for a tube amp, don't overlook any amp just because it isn't "for" bass. Most old tube amps are made the same for guitar and bass. Just look for a good 2 15 cab, that is DEEP.

rodl2005 · #9 12-08-2010, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamonkey

Treat the amp like a black box. Don't care about what's inside.
Just play through it and see what it can do. Buy at a store with a 30 day return policy so you can try it out in real life.
Turn the knobs. Practice using the amp.
Try effects - the VT is a modeler. Treat them also as black boxes, don't get hung up on digital versus analog.

If you truly treat what your try as a black box, you're going to be in for surprises compared to what you read.

THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See what sound YOU like best. & as said above- try the amp out at a rehearsal or gig or jam setting-i.e. loud enough to play with a drummer.
It's AMAZING how different amps can sound once ya get 'em outta a store situation. IME most amps sound pretty darn good IN STORE. But SOME lack -big time- at a gig, when U need them to carry the bass sound a little distance.

Take YOUR bass to the store- get one YOU like - & armed with a 30 day return- TRY it out- SAFELY!!!

TheGreatSealof · #10 12-09-2010, 07:25 AM

Thanks to all for your great responses! This site is awsome. I am now prepared to hit the store and begin my search. Thanks again.

kosmicwizard · #11 12-10-2010, 12:16 PM

Once you find somethings that you consider good, see if you can find them here on the classified page. You will save money by buying used, and I bet there are a lot of players in the Jersey area that are willing to help out a fellow low-ender just starting out with a good setup for a good price that they don't need anymore. Cheers.

fishman35 · #12 12-10-2010, 02:32 PM

Like my neighbor says when I ask his opinion on something we are building for my house:

"It's all what you want"

I hate this answer

, but it is really what works for you. You may have to hit a ton of music stores, instrument rental house, etc, but plug in before you buy. This will be tough with higher end stuff because music stores tend to carry the cheaper stuff that moves quickly.

I am a tube guy, but it is not for everyone.