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AMERICAN made

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bassplayerblues

bassplayerblues

Aug 12, 2010
14
2
Cocoa Beach, Fl.
#1
I've narrowed down my soon to be purchase of a new bass amp to two products, Ampeg or Fender. Can anybody tell me if either of these are still produced in the United States, and if so, which is the best bang for the buck. I'm looking at tube heads and an 8X10 and 2X15. For my own info, are any good name brand amplification products still manufactured here ??? Thanks in advance for your time and consideration....
Johnny :confused:
 
#4
I read an article in one of the bass player mags that reviewed an Ampeg heritage svt-cl; which said that the heritage is the only current MIA svt. If I remember correctly, article said that Ampeg had been acquired by a company called "Loud" industries which moved all other svt manufacture to Korea?

As far as personal opinion. I wouldn't buy a new Fender amp product.
 
#7
Fender tube amps are made in Corona California, and the solid state amps are made in Ensenada, Baja California (Mexico)

My Bassman Pro 300 has "A product of Fender Musical Instrument Company. Corona California. Made in USA" on the back of it.
 
#8
Even my MIA Carvin amp has parts in it that are made abroad. I think these days you just won't get a 100% MIA amp. My SVT 2-Pro is one of the last MIA units by SLM (before LOUD took over)...I'm sure it has some components in it that were MIA...(made in Asia)

on a side note with all this outsourcing crap, the US isn't the only one doing it. The company I work for uses parts from another company called Danfoss...from Denmark. They have stuff made in china, too.
 
#9
Bottom Line:

Heritage are basically the pre-viet CLs. Its highway robbery what they are charging for the exact same product they made a few years ago. If you want Ampeg, hit up craigslist or ebay for the better stuff at half the price.

The Fender 300 pro would be the way to go if you want brand new, but they are heavy as s*** and get pretty hot

good luck
 
#12
:)Can't lose with GK. American made product with their HQ located in Stockton, CA (woop woop). I believe all of their products (with the exception of the backline or gold products (cheaper ones) are US made. Not sure bout parts tho.

Seriously though, it depends on what you want.

You will only get ampeg tone on an ampeg unfortunately. The Fusion is awesome (would buy one if I had extra $), but is exactly what it is called, a fusion of tube an SS. More versatility, less volume. GK 1001/2001 super loud and clear, lacks some warmth if you are into the tube thing.

and Quick ?

Why so much emphasis on US made products? I love my country as much as the next guy, but a lot of times US companies build overseas or use overseas parts to assemble them in the states to save $. UK has Orange, Glockenklangs are pretty gnarly as well. IDK just curious.
 
#13
if you're getting two cabs, get two of the same. a 215 will get buried by an 810, although by themselves, 15 cabs rock like a mofo.

as for american, good luck finding something made with all american parts these days. heritage svt/810e is about as close as it gets. just having tubes in it ensures it won't be all american. plus the company that used to make svt transformers in the us quit making them so they had to go foreign with them. fender makes nice stuff and a lot of people like their 300w tube amp, but only ampeg is ampeg.
 
#15
Mesa doesnt make an all tube bass amp currently. Though you can still find some Bass 400+s out there in retail land, not to mention used.
I have heard whispers that there may be a new all tube Mesa bass amp in the future. But I am not holding my breath. Tube heads are popular again, but most of us tube dudes like OLD amps. Why pay $2000 for a new all tube head when I can buy several used heads that look cooler and sound better. (albeit are less reliable with 25 year old components!) I would not be surprised if the new mesa bass head is on the leaner side for watts. Something with vintage tone but without the mind clobbering volume. You know for all us old dudes that still rock out with our pals but have to keep it down so as not to disturb the neighbors, and the kids.
 
#16
We're going to have to define "made in USA" before this can really be answered.

I design electronic stuff for a living (not amps). Everything I design is built right here in Shelton, CT. However, every transistor, diode, relay, LCD display, and resistor, every one, comes from outside the US. The same can be said for most of the switches and capacitors. That stuff just isn't made here anymore, regardless of who's name is on the package.

I think the best you can hope for is assembled in USA.
 
#17
electroken said:
We're going to have to define "made in USA" before this can really be answered.

I design electronic stuff for a living (not amps). Everything I design is built right here in Shelton, CT. However, every transistor, diode, relay, LCD display, and resistor, every one, comes from outside the US. The same can be said for most of the switches and capacitors. That stuff just isn't made here anymore, regardless of who's name is on the package.

I think the best you can hope for is assembled in USA.
Click to expand...

Even tubes as well, what year was it they banned tube manufacturing in the US? Everything is outsourced.
 
#19
So far my MIA Ampeg B3 solid state has served me well. If the need arises, I will probably upgrade to Mesa Boogie or Ampeg Heritage, since I think both are made in/assembled in US.
 
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