Amp for vintage sound

[experimental bassist]

Yeah, usually I associate "vintage" with a very mid-heavy sound, actually.

I don't know where this idea that bassists back in the day only had lows going on got started, but it's pretty inaccurate.

Sure, like you mention, there weren't really any tweeters in bass rigs at the time, but that doesn't mean there weren't any mids and highs at all.

Preach it!

I swear it must come from the same place as those daily "How do I get my brand x bass to sound like a Precision" threads that inevitably suggest to make any bass sound like a Precision all you have to do is suck the life out of your tone and VIOLA!

I guess the common and persistent perception is that all bass was back in the old days was a generic thud.

Anyway, good point about the mids.

 

[Jim Carr]

Yeah, usually I associate "vintage" with a very mid-heavy sound, actually.

I don't know where this idea that bassists back in the day only had lows going on got started, but it's pretty inaccurate.

Sure, like you mention, there weren't really any tweeters in bass rigs at the time, but that doesn't mean there weren't any mids and highs at all.

+1

And for sure, most of the old rigs had little bottom end!

 

[bikeplate]

Buy a tube amp

 

[Jim Carr]

Buy a tube amp

+1
...and get a great cabinet!

 

[Fab Superlative]

Thanks all for your replies.

I quite like the Porta Flex range, but really like the look and sound of the orange tiny terror amp.

I'm going to be using it for small/medium size gigs - would this be capable for thee type of gigs with the SP 212 cab do you think?

Thanks in advance.

I have a Terror Bass1000, and 2x SP 212's.
The thing I like about the SP 212, is the portability- one hand easy carry. I can schlep, both SP 212's free hand no problem.
This is nice for setting up after the load in too.
What I like about the TB1000, is how it responds with tube rolling. Slot lower gain tube(s) in there for a cream machine tone, if that's what you are after.
The Terror Bass, and the SP, cabs are very versatile and they sound great too!

The TB500, and the SP212, will be able to handle all but the loudest gigs you may encounter, if more oomph is needed, simply add a second SP212, up the road.
If you can spring for the TB1000, the extra headroom will naturally come in handy for when, and if you do, add that second cab.

FWIW, I also have an Orange AD200B MK3, that I pair with 2x OBC115's, and both rigs can be dialed in for that 'Vintage Sound'

Cheers!

 

[mldavis]

That's what I like about them, is the portability. I'm debating whether to get the SP212 or the SP410.. I'm going to go the music shop over the weekend and give them both a blast.

Thanks for the advice.