Ampeg versus Fender thoughts

[growler571]

Why does it seem like Ampeg Bass amps just sound better than Fender Bass amps? It always seems like Fender Bass Amps are Shy on the deep deep lows and low mids where Ampegs seem too be so much fuller sounding in these frequencies. I know it's a matter of opinion and taste but it just seems like Fender Bass amps have always been more like guitar amps instead of real bass amps. Even the new ampeg ba series redesigned combos seem too blow away the fender rumbles in the low end low mids department. Any thoughts and opinions welcomed sincerely growler571

 

[High Camp]

It's all a matter of taste I guess.
The Fender Rumbles are very popular, but so are the Ampeg BA combos.
I myself am an Ampeg fan, but I can't say Fender doesn't know how to make Bass amps.

 

[Gluvhand]

There is no way this is ending well. Carry on!

 

[FNHScar17s]

I have always preferred fender over ampeg. Not that Ampeg is not good. Specifically you need to hear the fender bassman series the pro series or the super bassman series. Those are killer and tear poopie up. I have the fender bassman 1200 pro solid state and the fender bassman 300 pro all tube and love em both and have used many amps over the years. It's just a matter of taste.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Wow, an actual conversation between those who appreciate two iconic brands without having to resort to childish taunts. Nicely done, posters!

I myself have not played through either brand's tube equipment, but have owned many of their solid state combos, and for my ears I tend to like playing through Ampeg, but know there are many who prefer Fender's tone. I say whatever works best for you.

I also love GK too.

 

[2saddleslab]

Yeah, how about a I love Fender, Ampeg, & GK thread?

 

[Badwater]

Well to each his/her own. It's all about personal preference like choosing a bass guitar. Fender is a highly marketed brand when it comes to electric guitars, basses, and amps. And in the past 15 years they've purchased a few great bass companies and put them out of business. Fender guitar amps have always had great success, and are some of the most sought after vintage guitar amps on the market. Their higher end guitar tube amps are some of the best designs that many boutique amps are clones of.

Ampeg also has a long history of great guitar amps, but their bass amps are where they made their history. You can bet, that they will continue to be successful with their popularity.

 

[popgadget]

I would favor the Fender combos over the Ampeg.
Starting with the the "Bassman 400" 210 combo (over a decade ago), they started sounding pretty decent, I never cared for the tube bassmans as a bass amp. The newer solid state Fenders are a different flavor than Ampeg, and more to my liking. If you like a clean, natural sound then the Fender would be my choice. If you like the Ampeg sound, the answer is obvious.
I don't think that there is a clear winner here.

 

[Kirk Bryant]

Ok how about I don't like either one! Oh wait I've owned several of both. Still don't use either one for my current needs. Not haten' just sayin'.........

 

[FNHScar17s]

Most tube amps paired with the right bass sounds good too lol. Ampeg tube rigs are pretty f'in sweet just saying

 

[Korladis]

I seem to prefer Ampegs.

 

[Crusher47]

I'm no expert, but for me, I like Fender for solid state/combos and Ampeg for Tube. I like Mesa for both

 

[BassLover668]

Ampeg!!

 

[JimmyM]

Fender tube amps have a sound but I like being able to cut or boost all frequency ranges, and the Fender tone stack doesn't allow for that. I hear the newest Bassman tube heads are better about it, but I haven't played any yet. But I have used Ampeg on bass for decades and it's the sound I prefer, too. My 73 Super Reverb kills on guitar, though.

 

[Wfrance3]

Yea, all that may be true, but Genzler blows them all away, or was it GK, or maybe it was Mesa...

Well one of the seriously KA and that's the truth. I heard it from a very reliable friend of a guy who once Heard one up close.

 

[steamthief]

I've heard great and not-so-good from both brands. I think the current Rumble combos sound way better than the Ampeg BA competition. One man's low end/low mids is another man's mud.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

A lot of it probably has to do with what you grew up playing. I shopped for a good combo when i was in high school and bought a B2 combo that I played for about 20 years. It still works, my friend has it in his jam room and loves it. I have always loved the tone of Ampeg and never looked back.

 

[Crowd crusher]

I am fortunate to have both brands all tube amps at my disposal currently..

An ampeg svt classic (owned by a friend)
And a fender sb300 which I own

In my opinion the svt is a little easier to dial in the sound your hearing in your head

While the sb300 has a more powerful (imo), also more complicated EQ (channel 2)..

I was able to get an amazing deep,yet cutting,slightly overdriven tone out of the ampeg almost immediately, while the sb300 took some extra time fiddling. They are both awesome amps, with a slightly different flavor. And I prefer my sb300 to the svt, it can get almost everything the svt get plus a whole lot more...All of this is of course only my opinion. And your mileage may vary. Thank you

 

[Buzz E]

I couldn't do the Rumble mumble...

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

The day they were handing out bottom end, all the amps had to line up in alphabetical order.