What are some lesser known bass amps that are very loud and powerful but aren't insanely priced. Tube or solid state, I usually employ a very warm tone and use a Fender P. Right now I have an Ampeg V4 that I love but I like the aesthetic of having a hidden gem and would like to learn about more. New or Vintage.
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Amp gems
- Thread starter Wolftopus
- Start date
My ol' 1976 Aus Made EMINAR 200w P.A.head makes a great bass amp!
200w All tube - 6x 6CA7's 4x12AX7's.
200w All tube - 6x 6CA7's 4x12AX7's.
While I wouldn't recommend it to you based on your stated tone preferences, the Hartke 1155 combo is actually a pretty good combo. 1 15" speaker and a 5" high driver coupled with one of the older MOSFET 3500 heads. Best Hartke product I've ever run across. Of course, like all Hartke gear, it is pretty plain vanilla flavor.
I should mention I'm not really looking for a combo, unless it can power another cab underneath it. I use an 8x10 and getting a 4x12 and 18" for a new cab setup. I'm definitely leaning towards tubes as well.
Among new amps, I consider the GK Backline 600 head to be a hidden treasure, since it is typically assumed to be just an entry level offering.
Traynor Mono Block. No longer made. Bullet proof. Lots of volume and effective EQ. $150-$300 used.
Talk to SMASH about these heads. I think he has 3 of them.
Talk to SMASH about these heads. I think he has 3 of them.
I would love to hear mine push an 810 + 412 + 118 
James...I gotta tell you that fretless six string is one of the all time TB beauties. What a nice looking bass.
Wow, I never even heard of that classic 400. That must sound incredible. That Traynor Mono Block II looks awesome as well from what I'm reading.
Thanks, It's an amazing bass... Chris Benavente is a master at his craft!
I've flipped my cabinet choices around a few times... but my amp GAS is completely gone (and actually my cab GAS is as well at this point... The Accugroove delivers exactly what you give it). The Classic 400 is killer head.
IMO the Fender 400PS is the best bargain for tube power, IF you do your homework. Rated at 435 watts RMS, I've read recently on the Yahoo mailing list that when set up to factory specs they put out closer to 600. You like your 8X10? A 400PS can power 3 of them. It can take some time to find the best cabs for it, since it takes 1-3 4 ohm loads - and only 4 ohm loads. These days, though, small 4 ohm cabs are pretty affordable from Avatar, Carvin, and the like. It took me a while to settle on my current cab combination - the Carvin Neo 2X10 and 2 Bag End D12E cabinets - but it's pretty lethal.
For solid state amps, old Acoustic stuff is crazy loud, especially if you match the head with their cabs. Sounds pretty great too. I used to think they were just boomy old amps, until I tried out a 320. Yowza!
For 200 watt or less tube amps, Sound City is sort of the poor man's Hiwatt. It won't stay clean for very long, but if you like fuzzy four string noises, they're pretty cool.
For solid state amps, old Acoustic stuff is crazy loud, especially if you match the head with their cabs. Sounds pretty great too. I used to think they were just boomy old amps, until I tried out a 320. Yowza!
For 200 watt or less tube amps, Sound City is sort of the poor man's Hiwatt. It won't stay clean for very long, but if you like fuzzy four string noises, they're pretty cool.
AMP BH-420 very loud, light, powerful features can bi-amp w/ second head (might be useful for the 1x18, 4x12 setup) around $400
prety well known at this point, but Carvin b1500. 1900w @2 ohms, 7 or $800, less used. cant beat it for power
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