What is the most renowned SS bass amp?

[Nev375]

I think most of us agree when it comes to tube bass amps that Ampeg was the first, best and for some, the last name in the business.

But I'm curious about if theres an equally legendary solid state amp that is known for tone and appears repeatedly on albums and stages throughout history?

[stoneboy26]

For true solid state goodness there is nothing better than GK.

Especially something like the 800RB.

[IvanMike]

GK springs to mind as it was a mainstay in the 80s. The 800 and 400 RBs are some seriously cool amps.

Sure there are lots of others (which will get mentioned!), but those spring to mind as iconic.

[dbase]

I had a Standel in the early 60's, then a Vox which was terrible... But then I bought a Kustom with 4 JBL's and beat the crap out it with never a problem. They looked funny but kept running, and running, and running.

[lowend1]

Acoustic 360
Sunn Coliseum Bass

[bigbottomend]

Obviously Trace Elliot

[Jazz Ad]

800RB without a doubt.

[Nev375]

Originally Posted by bigbottomend

Obviously Trace Elliot

Whatever happened to Trace Elliot? Used to see those gaudy neon green things everywhere, then poof! they disappeared.

[Coolhandjjl]

They were bought by Gibson some time ago, then the brand was discontinued.

[lowendrv]

Originally Posted by Coolhandjjl

They were bought by Gibson some time ago, then the brand was discontinued.

There still around Peavey owns them. The new stuff is pretty good.
Trace Elliot

[lowendrv]

Originally Posted by Nev375

I think most of us agree when it comes to tube bass amps that Ampeg was the first, best and for some, the last name in the business.

But I'm curious about if theres an equally legendary solid state amp that is known for tone and appears repeatedly on albums and stages throughout history?

GK and SWR....

[pbassnut]

The GK 800RB is most certainly a modern industry standard and for good reason ... good sound and reliable. I used to play with a drummer who worked for Drums Unlimited who are/were the primary provider of backlines in and around the "greater" Washington, DC area. He was telling me that they had all the major bass amps on hand but the GK 800RBs were requested far and away the most and that they'd been reliable workhorses for them. As far as old school SS from back in the day, though ... the Acoustic 360 has got to be the one.

[brianrost]

In order of appearance:

Kustom 200
Acoustic 360
Sunn Coliseum
GK 800RB

[sowegafly]

Most definitely the 800RB

[fenderhutz]

I don't know about renowned but I would be willing to bet money there are more solid state Peavey amps from the late 70's and on being used more than any other amp from around that time frame. They just don't die, can be had for cheap, and don't sound horrible either.

[username1]

Acoustic 370. Still have mine and it still sounds great.

[IvanMike]

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

I don't know about renowned but I would be willing to bet money there are more solid state Peavey amps from the late 70's and on being used more than any other amp from around that time frame. They just don't die, can be had for cheap, and don't sound horrible either.

Yeah, those are real workhorses - sometimes I regret selling my Mark IV head - (ever try to wrap the cord around the heatsink after a loud show and burn yourself?)

FWIW, when the OP says SS I'm thinking no tubes anywhere - no preamp tubes either.

AMP/Thunderfunk comes to mind, although the AMP units are probably more iconic right now.

[cybersnyder]

800RB

[sanderic]

Acoustic 360/370 can be seen in more old photos than you can shake a stick at (Led Zeppelin, Peter Frampton). Must agree that old Peaveys are everywhere, heck! I own a couple of them myself.

[Munjibunga]

Glockenklang Heart-Rock.

[/thread]