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Ampeg versus Fender thoughts

#61
I have used a vintage 70s SVT for a few gigs and absolutely love the grinding tone I can pull out of that amp. I currently own a Fender Super Bassman and love both the vintage and overdrive channels.

I had a choice to purchase any tube amp I wanted. I went with Fender for the whole package (300 watts, dual channel, great tone, lighter weight), but I would really like to own both an SVT and Super Bassman. Ampeg V4B sounds nice as well.

All a matter of choices and tastes.
 
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#62
I am an old dude at 63.
Worked on amps for many years.
I would take an old B-15, V4 or SVT all day long.
The transistor St Louis Music era Ampegs were hit and miss with durability.
Fender never seemed to stick with their bass amp models.
Have a model out for a few years then move on....Kind of like their PA gear.
I do not doubt that both have good sounding gear right now.
 
#63
I own an Ampeg SVT Classic head, a SVT 3 Pro, a SVT 810E and a pair of SVT 212AV cabinets. I recently sold a BA 115HP because it wasn't getting used enough. So, overall it is fair to say that I like Ampeg.

On the other hand, the only bass combo that I currently own is a Fender Bassman TV 12. I switched back and forth between the BA 115HP and the Bassman TV 12 many times and the Fender always won those shootouts. (Admittedly the TV 12 did cost twice as much when new.)
 
#65
Yeah, it's always been strange to me how Fender made the wonderful Precision and Jazz Bass but didn't really make a decent bass amp for their basses.

Then Ampeg, although they did make a few models of bass guitars on a small scale, made the totally outrageous SVT. The holy grail of bass amps for many years and still regarded in that way by many even today.

Some say that the Fender Dual Showman with the JBLs was an excellent bass amp but it was rated at 85 watts and nowhere near the SVT's 300 big ones.

Of course, I am talking about back in the old days and I'm not mentioning modern day Fender amps.

Still strange to me how Fender failed to make a decent bass amp for many decades.
 
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#66
Maybe it has something to do with being born in the 50's, but when I hear "Fender" I immediately think guitar amps and associated sounds that remain classics to this day (and of course P/J Bass, Stratocaster and Tele). When I hear Ampeg, I immediately think classic bass rigs and signature bass voicing/tones that have stood the test of time.

FWIW I think Fender nailed the tone stack for guitar use. Ampeg's tone stack approach has always seemed a bit better suited for bass guitar for my tastes.
 
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#67
HouseUmbrella said:
At the moment I'm actually torn between a PF800, Fender Rumble 500 V3, and a Bugera BV1001T, so any input would be great. I'm an Ampeg fan boy (LOVE that sweet, sweet tone) but I'm NOT impressed with the PF's reliability
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If you like the Ampeg tone, best to get an Ampeg I would say.
I really like the PF800, a real beast and in my experience very reliable.
Never let me down once.
(same goes for my PF350 and V4B by the way)
 
#68
bassdude51 said:
Yeah, it's always been strange to me how Fender made the wonderful Precision and Jazz Bass but didn't really make a decent bass amp for their basses.

Then Ampeg, although they did make a few models of bass guitars on a small scale, made the totally outrageous SVT. The holy grail of bass amps for many years and still regarded in that way by many even today.

Some say that the Fender Dual Showman with the JBLs was an excellent bass amp but it was rated at 85 watts and nowhere near the SVT's 300 big ones.

Of course, I am talking about back in the old days and I'm not mentioning modern day Fender amps.

Still strange to me how Fender failed to make a decent bass amp for many decades.
Click to expand...

what gig do you play where you need 300 watts? i've played to 15000 people all the way to 20 people in a bar, never needed more than 50 watts on stage. that's what a PA is for.

i never understand this argument.
 
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#69
markjazzbassist said:
what gig do you play where you need 300 watts? i've played to 15000 people all the way to 20 people in a bar, never needed more than 50 watts on stage. that's what a PA is for.

i never understand this argument.
Click to expand...
Back in the old days, the bass and guitars and stuff didn't run through the PA. Bands relied on their amps to be heard or let's say, to make the ears of the audience bleed.

I saw Cream (Clapton, Bruce, Baker) back in 1968. The PA was used only for the vocals. That's the way it was done back then. Bruce and Clapton wailed through their Marshall stacks.

Yeah, you and others can get away with low powered amps miked through the PA or run direct.

I'm 65 yr old and bands used to be heard from their guitar and bass amps.
 
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#70
iagtrplyr said:
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.
Click to expand...


I've worked for both companies, and designed many amps.

Fender marketing can be very close minded and egotistical!

No sealed baffles at brand "F"

Bill Hughes
 
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#71
I have had one combo from each camp, an Ampeg BA115 & a Fender Rumble 200. I really wanted to own an Ampeg B100R combo but they were out of my pay range :crying: . The Rumble does sound better (to me) than the BA115 & the BA115 MK II (I recently tried out the MK II version in a shop), & was glad I still picked the Fender. "BUT" still love and lust the SVT & 8X10 :cool:.
 
#74
Let's narrow it down. Just for fun.

Small venues 50 - 100 in the audience. Bass is a passive 4 string strung with flats. Set list includes late fifties to early seventies Soul, Motown, and Pop Rock (think Three Dog Night, Grass Roots, Guess Who)

Fender Rumble v3 200 head or Ampeg PF-50T ?
 
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#75
lowplaces said:
Let's narrow it down. Just for fun.

Small venues 50 - 100 in the audience. Bass is a passive 4 string strung with flats. Set list includes late fifties to early seventies Soul, Motown, and Pop Rock (think Three Dog Night, Grass Roots, Guess Who)

Fender Rumble v3 200 head or Ampeg PF-50T ?
Click to expand...
Would it be raining on that particular night?
If so, then...

But seriously, I would use the Ampeg on all occasions, because I like the Ampeg sound very much.
Is the Rumble v3 200 hybrid or SS?
The Ampeg 50T is all tube, so for those who like tubes...

IMHO, YMMV
 
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#76
High Camp said:
Would it be raining on that particular night?
If so, then...

But seriously, I would use the Ampeg on all occasions, because I like the Ampeg sound very much.
Is the Rumble v3 200 hybrid or SS?
The Ampeg 50T is all tube, so for those who like tubes...

IMHO, YMMV
Click to expand...
Class D, SS on the Rumble.

JimmyM done sold me on the Ampeg, which of course means Linnin will disown me !
 
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