BUYING A BASS AMP

[funkybassist2001]

Hi,

Does anyone have any opinions or approaches to choosing a new bass amp?

Would love to hear everybody's ideas about this, currently in the market

Thanks,

Rock 'N' Roll

 

[GoLeafsGo]

Only way you will get what you like is to try as many as you can, see which you like best. For me, it came down to the Fender and the Ampeg, and while I don't think you could go wrong with either, I ended up with the PF500 and a PF115. Linnin will be around shortly to say how wrong I was though. And, I also really liked the Traynor and the GK. Good luck in your search.

 

[Linnin]

Fender, Baby, Fender! Best Bass Amplification Devices In The Solar System!

 

[BurningSkies]

I admonish you to pay less attention to people on TB parroting their favorite brands and more attention to going and trying as many as you can. Remember that even within a certain brand there may be a variety of tones, prices and complexity. There's no such thing as a 'one size fits all' bass amp solution.

 

[robd]

Read about then tried different things until I ended up with something I like.

I tried Ampeg, Trace Elliott, Genz Benz, Sansamp, Traynor, Hartke, Acoustic, Peavey, SWR, Eden, Yamaha, Acme and more Ampeg.

I ended up with Eden thru Acme Low B2s and an old SWR/Eden cabs.

 

[funkybassist2001]

I admonish you to pay less attention to people on TB parroting their favorite brands and more attention to going and trying as many as you can. Remember that even within a certain brand there may be a variety of tones, prices and complexity. There's no such thing as a 'one size fits all' bass amp solution.

Thank you

 

[funkybassist2001]

Thank you everybody for the replies, I really appreciate everyone's opinion. I'll try out some in the near future. Peace

 

[Basshappi]

I'm afraid there really are no shortcuts, The only way to make a selection you will be happy with is to take your bass and play through every amp you can.
Choose the amp that sounds best and has the features most useful to you.

 

[funkybassist2001]

I'm afraid there really are no shortcuts, The only way to make a selection you will be happy with is to take your bass and play through every amp you can.
Choose the amp that sounds best and has the features most useful to you.

Are there any amps that have a certain characteristic or sound that you know of?

Just trying to get a better idea on what to try out (preferably something versatile please )

Thanks

 

[Basshappi]

Well, unless you are going to be buying a new bass as well, I'd recommend using the bass you have now.

 

[Dave W]

Are there any basses that have a certain characteristic or sound that you know of?

Just trying to get a better idea on what to try out (preferably something versatile please )

Thanks

All of the big designs have certain characteristics. P bass, J bass, Stingray, Ric, T Bird, etc.

 

[funkybassist2001]

Well, unless you are going to be buying a new bass as well, I'd recommend using the bass you have now.

Well it's funny you say that because maybe next Monday I'll be getting the Sire V7 Bass. Do you think I should bring that bass? Or should I use the one that I've already got? (bit of a dumb question)

 

[funkybassist2001]

All of the big designs have certain characteristics. P bass, J bass, Stingray, Ric, T Bird, etc.

Actually sorry about that, I meant to say amps. Sorry!

 

[funkybassist2001]

All of the big designs have certain characteristics. P bass, J bass, Stingray, Ric, T Bird, etc.

Also if you would like to know which basses I'm going to be using are the Sire Marcus Miller V7 Bass and an old Westfield P Bass (my first bass). Are there any that would suit those particular styles of instruments? (J Bass and P Bass)

 

[Dave W]

Actually sorry about that, I meant to say amps. Sorry!

Same answer really. Ampeg, Gallien Krueger, and lots of other brands have developed "their" sound and that's why people buy them.

 

[Clap Trap]

Aguilar & Mesa Boogie make great amps/cabs too

 

[old spice]

I hope you have a pretty clear idea of what your requirements are, how loud you need to be.
Another consideration is weight; Ampeg SVT's are great amplifiers, and the 8 10's are great cabinets, but a lot of people can't or won't carry them around.
And then there's the $. Not everyone has AER or Walter Woods money; I don't.
Consider buying used; ask the bassists you know or meet for advice.
I repeat myself here, but old Peavey bass amps are almost indestructible and a lot of amp for the money.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

none of the above.

Buy used and you can try a few before you settle on what you like.

 

[MrLenny1]

A separate head and cab is the most versatile set up.
Here in the states there are GTG ( GetToGethers).
I've been to one and there was 20 bass players with different gear
and the purpose was to try them all and see gear you normally
don't see.

 

[friendlybass]

Try a bunch and find one you like. I personally like fender and swr stuff, you can find affordable stuff and top end stuff from both.