• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Carlsbro amp help

Innojuk

Innojuk

Oct 3, 2019
12
6
#1
I’m new to the whole bass/ bass amp thing and I’m trying to get my head around the guitar/bass amp issue.
I’ve got the chance to buy a Carlsbro GLX150T amp head and matching 4x12 cab.
The guy selling it has been playing lead guitar through it and I cannot seem to find any details on this amp.
Is it suitable to play bass through?
 
#2
Innojuk said:
I’m new to the whole bass/ bass amp thing and I’m trying to get my head around the guitar/bass amp issue.
I’ve got the chance to buy a Carlsbro GLX150T amp head and matching 4x12 cab.
The guy selling it has been playing lead guitar through it and I cannot seem to find any details on this amp.
Is it suitable to play bass through?
Click to expand...
Thanks for joining Talkbass! :thumbsup:

I'm gonna go out on a short limb and say no.

Who are the speakers manufactured by?

I suggest that Until you get more info on the speakers, keep your cash in your pocket.

BTW, how much is your lead player asking?
 
#3
You can play a bass through it. It may or may not sound good, as the amp was not designed for the frequencies a bass guitar produces. The speakers were not designed for such a large amount of low frequencies either so If you turn it up there is a chance of damaging them. Id recommended waiting and investing in a bass amp.
 
#4
The cab is carlsbro, no idea who makes their speakers.
I just wasn’t sure if the head was originally made for bass as I could’nt find any info.
He’s asking $200 AUD.


Stumbo said:
Thanks for joining Talkbass! :thumbsup:

I'm gonna go out on a short limb and say no.

Who are the speakers manufactured by?

I suggest that Until you get more info on the speakers, keep your cash in your pocket.

BTW, how much is your lead player asking?
Click to expand...
 
#5
Reedt2000 said:
You can play a bass through it. It may or may not sound good, as the amp was not designed for the frequencies a bass guitar produces. The speakers were not designed for such a large amount of low frequencies either so If you turn it up there is a chance of damaging them. Id recommended waiting and investing in a bass amp.
Click to expand...
^^^This
 
  • Like
Reactions: Reedt2000
#6
Its not a bass rig, but if you don't mind/want bass that sounds like guitar it could have a use. Can def do better for bass. Ideally have a look in the cab and see what drivers are there, can kinda randomly find in demand guitar drivers in carlsbro stuff, might be able to flip them toward something more suitable.
 
#7
I have to agree, the amp will likely be fine. May not have tonal controls more appropriate for a guitar, not a bass.

But the speakers may not. Bass puts a lot of more stress on any speaker.

This is an English sound guitar amp. (Even if it is a Chinese manufacturing company these days) Don't have a clue about speakers. But most English style amps designed four twelve cabs for guitar were created with the Celestion green back guitar speakers in mind. At least pretty much following the Marshal system. 25 watt speakers with excursion limits accurate for guitar, not bass.

I would think this amp is similar. That way it competes with Marshal guitar amps. Just saying, you may blow speakers or they may bottom out when playing. At low volumes, it may work. But don't press it.
 
#8
As far as I can tell this is a 150w solid state guitar amp with distortion+clean channels. Not suitable for bass IMO. You won't damage it but it will not deliver the same amount of lows as a real bass amp and unless it's only for practise at home it won't be loud enough either. If it was a +100w tube guitar amp from the 60s it would probably be great for bass but a 150w solid state amp like this one won't cut it.

The cab should definitely not be used with bass if it's a guitar cab. The speakers WILL blow, sooner rather than later.

My advice would be to save your money for a proper bass amp instead. This one will only be a disappointment.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jim Carr and Reedt2000
#12
devnulljp said:
All other things aside, I've never heard a good sound come out of a Carlsbro. Had one many many moons ago, and hated it.
Click to expand...

They made some amazing and very underrated tube amps back in the 60s/70s. One of my absolute favourite bass amps is an old Carlsbro and I own lots of "big name" vintage amps like Marshall/Hiwatt/Ampeg/etc.

But the amps they've made over the last couple of decades hasn't been very good. That's why most people seem to think Carlsbro = junk. And that's why their brilliant older amps can still be found for reasonable prices. ;)
 
#13
Deleted member 271037 said:
They made some amazing and very underrated tube amps back in the 60s/70s. One of my absolute favourite bass amps is an old Carlsbro and I own lots of "big name" vintage amps like Marshall/Hiwatt/Ampeg/etc.

But the amps they've made over the last couple of decades hasn't been very good. That's why most people seem to think Carlsbro = junk. And that's why their brilliant older amps can still be found for reasonable prices. ;)
Click to expand...
Could be, I've only ever heard the SS amps, and the amp OP is looking at is a SS guitar amp. I'd stay away from it myself.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back