What are the best amps?

[Phil-osopher10]

I'm currently in the market for some new gear! I have my heart set on a Warwick Thumb! My question is what is the best amp to get, i know this is a subjective question, but i was wondering is Eden the best (I love the tone that dirk lance gets) or is it ampeg, markbass etc etc. I have limited knowledge and am just trying to find out about all my options before i spend a lot of money!

I'm interested in a 400-500W amp.

[cnltb]

The best I have heard is a chord electronics power amp with either my custom made pre or a Glockenklang bassart pre.

But for silent practice use the Phil Jones suitcase will do nicely too.
The Glockenklang Soul amp is good too.
I also liked a friends Walter Woods head.
All for different applications.
Taste has obviously a lot to do with it all.
I personally am no fan of eden and dislike markbass and warwick.
All personal preferrence.
Try loads of different amps and make up your own mind.
Other peoples ears are other peoples ears and what you get needs to please you.

[Phil-osopher10]

Thanks for the reply. I've never heard of a lot of that stuff you have just mentioned (just a beginner) but because i live in northern ireland i rarely have the chance to get to try out any high end stuff!

[Bruce Lindfield]

There is no one best amp - it's about what you are prepared to pay and what you want to do with it - if there was one answer, then all the other manufacturers would have gone out of business long ago!

[RickenBoogie]

The best amp is the amp you like best. For real.

[invader3k]

Honestly, a lot of it depends on what your budget is.

[baileyboy]

I hear good things about the Gallien-Krueger MB212, 500 W, but have not tried this combo amp out. Been thinking about getting one. They run around $700.

[RedLeg]

I use a thumb with a GB shuttle 6. GB has outstanding customer service.

[Count Bassie]

Think of the whole picture and stay away from listed ratings, that kind of thing. Spot hype, and avoid it- you will be surprised to find out what you actually like in contrast to attitudes you may adopt by just reading about stuff.

Your head is not as critical as your bass or your speakers.

I'm using a GK 400RB into 2 Bag End S15D cabs. Small, and a nice smack in the head.
For reggae and the like I use an old Trace Elliot head with a big ol' Peavey 215 BW cab, the deep version. Big, phat, deep, moves a lot of air.

Look for decent customer service. How are they going to treat you when something goes south? Me, I always find used stuff, and there's an awful lot of it out there- mostly because of the good folks here on TB who are always out for the newest rage!

What sound are you after? Let that guide you- it's as good as anything... and then there's the prospect of moving it around a lot.

[Gord_oh]

carrots.

[ga_edwards]

The amp is only part of the tonal equation. You say you have your heart set on a Thumb, any particular reason? The reason I ask (aside from major ergonomic issues) is that nothing else sounds like Thumb. It really does have a unique sound. If this is why you want one I would advise getting a relatively uncoloured amp like a markbass or SWR that let's the sound of the amp shine through. Other amps like Ampegs. Ashdown imprint their own voice onto the bass which can somewhat mask the basses own voice. Whether this is a good thing or not is highly subjective and down to the player to decide. With things like a P or J bass it's less of an issue IMO, but the Thumb is a unique animal.

[Zooberwerx]

I like Eden....what else do you have available? What's the second-hand market like in Ireland?

Riis

[Count Bassie]

Originally Posted by ga_edwards

The amp is only part of the tonal equation. You say you have your heart set on a Thumb, any particular reason? The reason I ask (aside from major ergonomic issues) is that nothing else sounds like Thumb. It really does have a unique sound. If this is why you want one I would advise getting a relatively uncoloured amp like a markbass or SWR that let's the sound of the amp shine through. Other amps like Ampegs. Ashdown imprint their own voice onto the bass which can somewhat mask the basses own voice. Whether this is a good thing or not is highly subjective and down to the player to decide. With things like a P or J bass it's less of an issue IMO, but the Thumb is a unique animal.

Interesting and insightful point here. Again, what are you after...

[NecroticImbecil]

I've heard a Thumb sound pretty great with a Hartke rig. Jack Bruce playing the Thumb might have had something to do with it, though.

[cnltb]

I'd approach it this way... get a comfortable well made bass, that has good tuners and a good bridge, with even frets. One that balances well and doesn't break your back when you spend a couple hours playing and practicing.
One that you like the tone of and one that doesn't eat too many batteries per week.

Then listen to as many amps as you can to form an opinion on what you are really after.
In the mean time get something, anything that is loud enough for you to be heard in whatever context you play in. Don't spend too much yet.
Eventually you'll know what suits you best and what exactly will "do the job" for you.

[eastcoasteddie]

whichever costs most....

all joking aside, I wouldn't say that there is any particular brand that is "best". Many different amps will appeal to the many opinions and feelings that we all have. I personally like one with tubes. One that has a graphic EQ on top of a parametric EQ is also a bonus. I do like SS amps as well, as long as they have some sort of tube preamp (there is one exception, I love a GK 800RB; all SS)

I do believe a Thumb will sound like a Thumb no matter what it's played through. I played one through both Ampeg and Hartke rigs, and both times that fundamental "Thumb tone" was ever present.

[KNURRR]

Yesterday i played my new arrival: a thumb bo5 and played it at band practice over an eden wt-550 with XLT210, XST210 cabs. it sounded legen.... DARY !!
the sound was clear, yet warm, low mid pronaunced growling and very puchy ...chocolate time.

i like the eden wt-550 pretty much, but if its the best?! ....that's up to you.

[factorplayer]

highly recommend you look into older Warwick amps (you can look into newer ones too but they are more expensive), they are great value for the money and tend to complement their basses very well. The older Pro Tube and Quad series rock.