BUYING A BASS AMP

[old spice]

"What I'm trying to look for is attack and aggression but when needed that sort of R&B tone I really like.

I'm hoping to get a 4x10 cab, I really like the Hartke Hydrive 4x10 cabs, but I've never had a chance to play one of them. Do you have any experience with Hartke? "

Sorry, no, I don't care for them.

 

[Kmonk]

My first amp was a Peavey which I didn't like at all. I started using Ampeg in the early 80s but then decided to try GK. Their customer service is excellent and the one time I had a problem with an amp, they contacted a local retailer and had them swap it for me. I liked GK but felt there was something missing in my sound. I also tried Hartke, which I didn't like, Eden which I had a lot of problems with, Fender which again I didn't like. Every time I have tried a different brand, I always end up back to Ampeg. I recently purchased a used Ashdown 210 combo to use at my band's rehearsal space. I got a good deal on it otherwise I probably wouldn't have considered it. I am very happy with Ampeg.

 

[UncleBalsamic]

If you're in or around London then there's loads of places to get check out a wide variety of amps. Off the top of my head The Gallery in Camden have a whole load of different things in stock

 

[iualum]

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

Think you could possibly be any more vague ?

 

[funkybassist2001]

You can get a great combo amp for under $500 new that will have a warranty and be light and loud, like the Fender Rumble 500 or the Ampeg BA 210, and you can return them usually within 30 days to the retailer if you find that they are not right for you. I sure wish these types of amps were around when I was just starting out 30 years ago.

Although this is a great idea, I'd much rather try it out before I get it

 

[funkybassist2001]

Think you could possibly be any more vague ?

Yeah sorry I don't have much knowledge in terms of picking a bass amp Basses: yes, amps: not so much.

 

[monsterthompson]

Late to the party, but I'll pile on the try before you buy suggestions.

Once you've tried a few, post up what you do and don't like and get guidance from there.

 

[funkybassist2001]

Late to the party, but I'll pile on the try before you buy suggestions.

Once you've tried a few, post up what you do and don't like and get guidance from there.

Not sure what you're trying to say here I would of thought the whole point of discussing on a forum is asking questions and being curious to people's opinions is it not? I'm only trying to get some advice.

 

[monsterthompson]

Not sure what you're trying to say here I would of thought the whole point of discussing on a forum is asking questions and being curious to people's opinions is it not? I'm only trying to get some advice.

Trying to say it's all relative. If you give us a fixed point of "I tried X and liked this bit didn't like that..." Then we can better guide you. Just asking for flat out "what should I get" will twirls a scatter of personal favorites based on nothing more than the likes of the individuals posting.

 

[High Camp]

To start off, I would suggest a 300 watt (or abouts) combo.
Brand: any brand, just visit a music store in London with your bass guitar.
Buy the one you like the most and can afford.
> Then enjoy!
>> all the rest comes later.

 

[bebass]

Not sure what you're trying to say here I would of thought the whole point of discussing on a forum is asking questions and being curious to people's opinions is it not? I'm only trying to get some advice.

I think what folks are trying to tell you is that you have to listen to the choices and decide what YOU like.
Sure, I can give you advice and so can everyone else - but the truth of the matter is that we ALL have our favorites and that is what we will tell you. For instance, I could say go out and buy Traynor and suggest a SB500H with 2 115neo cabs. Would you be happy with that? Absolutely, cause I am more than happy with my SB500H. See the problem here? Just cause that combination is really nice for me doesn't actually mean that it is for you - then again it COULD be but you would have to listen to know. Make sense?

Here is a list of amps I would personally choose from if I were going out to buy something from scratch (remember there are many more very good amps/cabs out there:
GK MB800 or better IMO MBFusion800
Traynor SB500H or YBA300 (tube)
Fender Super Bassman 300

Combo:
Traynor SB115
GK MB212 II

Cabs:
Traynor TC115 neo (2 of them)
GK Neo 212 II
Baer ML112 (2 of them)
Traynor Neo 410 or ....412neo if I got the Traynor YBA300 or Fender Super Bassman

OR
Crest, QSC or Peavey Power amp with RBI Pre-amp with any of the above cabs or build your own cabs with 3015lf speaker

Choices, choices, choices - It is a great time to be a bass player!

 

[monsterthompson]

Don't forget the cab as part of the equation. Each amp will sound different through a variety of cabs.

Did I miss the stated purpose, budget, and geography of the OP? Band setting? Recording or live? Music style? Venue size? Available products in the local area?

 

[bradjonesbass]

Even at the same budget level, there can be drastic differences in sound. In fact, as you move up, amps tend to have a defined "sound". That's not to say they're necessrily made for one style. Their defined sound can work across musical spectrums, though some styles don't fit well with some amps. For instance, as I said earlier, I don't know that the Aguilar ToneHammer and SL112 rig would be something I'd want to use for metal. Then again, I probably wouldn't want a guitar player using a Randall on a contemporary jazz gig either...

 

[monsterthompson]

That sounds really cool, it reminds me how Victor Wooten chose Hartke. He took a whole year to decide what amp he should get with Antony Wellington (and get paid for) before he settled on Hartke.

FTFY