Using standard amp with bass?

rwp1993 · #1 10-12-2011, 04:39 PM

This is an ignorant question, but important to me. I've posted a couple of times about starting to fool around with bass guitars. I have a couple of inexpensive basses now (Squier Jaguar short scale and OLP MusicMan clone). I also have a Peavey TNT work in progress.

I have heard the warnings not to use a normal amp with a bass, but I'm wondering what the specific hazards are:

1) Can I use my "normal" amps at low volumes?

2) Is the vulnerable spot the speaker? If so, can I use headphones or output to a bass cabinet?

If the TNT 130 that I just bought (for $20) can be resurrected, I'll be fine, but otherwise will look for a small bass amp.

Any general suggestions or guidance would be most welcomed.

Thanks.

will33 · #2 10-12-2011, 04:45 PM

What the hell is a "normal" amp?

If by normal you mean "guitar", it won't hurt the amplifier any, it's guitar speakers you're in danger of shredding.

rwp1993 · #3 10-12-2011, 05:31 PM

Sorry if I further proved my ignorance. At age 64 I'm learning a lot that I should have known 40 years ago.

Yes I mean a guitar amp. And you are confirming what I assumed...that the real concern is speakers. So as long as I'm fooling around at low volumes in my office, I'll be fine (Peavey Bandit 112, Backstage 110).

Thanks.

will33 · #4 10-12-2011, 05:40 PM

Should've put a

after my question there, mostly just ribbing, like calling people guitards.

Yeah, it's the speakers that can't take it after a point but at low volume you should be fine. Just use a little common sense...if it sounds distorted, turn down a little.

Jeff Scott · #5 10-12-2011, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will33

...mostly just ribbing, like calling people guitards.

...and the problem with that is what, exactly?

Jeff Scott · #6 10-12-2011, 06:09 PM

Guitar amps are fine with bass as long as you either use a bass cabinet or be mindful of the guitar rated speaker drivers in the combo amps.

IntrepidCellist · #7 10-12-2011, 06:19 PM

Yeah. If you're not pushing the thing you should be perfectly ok. I run bass through my guitar combos at home all the time for practice... sounds great and means I don't have to unpack everything.

dog1 · #8 10-12-2011, 07:00 PM

YEAH. I play bass through a Marshall (GUITAR) amp and a BASS speaker cab, SOUNDS GREAT.

rwp1993 · #9 10-12-2011, 08:11 PM

Thanks guys. I've been fortunate to find some bargains on the two Peaveys and a Marshall AVT20 and they are keepers.

hrgiger · #10 10-12-2011, 10:05 PM

watch out, or will33 will put you right in your place!

Sartori · #11 10-13-2011, 01:08 AM

Yeah, using guitar speakers you'll just have to watch your volume and refrain from boosting the lows too much.

If it starts sounding bad, turn down.