Cheap amp heads with punch?

[thetragichero]

i feel like if you're playing doom you'll want to get that transistors melting sound so something big and old and solid state - pawn shops or craigslist probably best bet

 

[nilorius]

Hartke tx series.

 

[Bluesman88]

There are so many out there. The punch will mainly come from your technique. Bass, amp, cabinet and effects choices will all add their own color, but what your hands are doing creates the biggest difference.

If you like to use a pedal or two, I would add the Hartke LH500 or LH1000 to your list. They are super basic, but the clean raw power is all there. Add a compressor and overdrive pedal and you have all the punch at your fingertips.

I agree with the LH1000 recommendation. Lots and lots and lots of power, can be found used for DIRT CHEAP. You will need an external overdrive pedal though. While it is possible to drive the preamp into distortion it sounds terrible.

 

[DWBass]

I just picked up my first bass cab, no head. I play classic rock and doom metal, but I’d rather not spend TOO much money on a head (shocker). I have no knowledge or experience with amp heads. Any cheap but reliable heads on the market? I have an Ampeg cab (fridge)

What's your location?

 

[mbell75]

Doom you say? Killer deal here. Pair this with a couple 15s and you’re in doom heaven. You can thank me later.

vintage Sunn Coliseum 300 bass amp - just recapped

 

[groooooove]

another vote for mesa D-800. nevermind on a budget, it's a great amp regardless of price it was my choice for a while.

i guess a used hartke or something will be cheaper.... but a 2nd hand mesa D-800 is a good idea.

 

[moogieotter]

I just picked up my first bass cab, no head. I play classic rock and doom metal, but I’d rather not spend TOO much money on a head (shocker). I have no knowledge or experience with amp heads. Any cheap but reliable heads on the market? I have an ampeg can (fridge)

Please send me you ZIP code and some info about your budget and current cab. I’ll gladly scope some deals local to you.

 

[Liam Wald]

An old SWR Bass 350 is an awesome head. Built like a tank and sounds great. The red face version for $240 would be a great head. Looks like it's in great shape, too.

SWR 350 1990s Back and Red | Bottom Line Bass Boutique

SWR made great amps. I have owned several.
The one that you link to is a good model but that particular one might not be a good amp.
Probably the reason that it is so drastically reduced in price is the HUM WHEN IDLING issue.
The ones I owned were dead silent when idling. Especially the Studio 220 which was my favorite SWR.

 

[bassplayer9512]

GK 700rbii. Got mine for 280 used. Have an SWR bass 350 as a backup and love it too. Used to be an all tube head fan. Now my GK is going to the grave with me.

 

[herndonbassist]

What cab did you pick up?

 

[Turbo Sparky]

I just picked up my first bass cab, no head. I play classic rock and doom metal, but I’d rather not spend TOO much money on a head (shocker). I have no knowledge or experience with amp heads. Any cheap but reliable heads on the market? I have an ampeg can (fridge)

"Cheap" yet quality?
Another poster said, and I'll agree, that a used 700RBii has punch and volume. Especially for the "classic" rock vibe; bullet proof.
Another series of punchy heads are from Mesa. Not sure if you can score one for under $500, but worth a look.

For around that price of about $500, a brand new GK MB500 will definitely get you there. IMO, best microbass amp head in the GK line-up. Way more versatile than any other GK MB head to include their "Fusion" line. Punchy and you can definitely get it tight if desired. XLR/DI out, 2 Speak-on out, Fx loop, mute, deep/brite function, and if I remember correctly a limiter. Rackable.
Good luck.

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

Used Genz Benz Shuttle or Streamliner.

 

[Low Class]

Kustom KXB500

 

[darwin-bass]

What is “punch”?

 

[stefancaunter]

For basically bulletproof reliability and colored tone, good 80s solid state amps kick hard for your genre of music. Look for:
Peavey Mark IV - more interesting front end than a III with EQ and gain. Onboard compressor so you can’t wreck your loudspeakers. Plug the bass straight in and turn it up and you’re good.
It will probably outlast western civilization. This is the amp that works when everyone else’s doesn’t at a gig.

 

[Nashrakh]

What is “punch”?

Baby don't hurt me...

For all-tube, you should be able to get a used Traynor YBA200 within your budget.

 

[mikeswals]

Yup, used GK heads.

 

[gitfiddl]

I second the GK RB series and Peavey recommendations. And both are very versatile tonally, should you decide to branch out.

 

[zon6c-f]

I just picked up my first bass cab, no head. I play classic rock and doom metal, but I’d rather not spend TOO much money on a head (shocker). I have no knowledge or experience with amp heads. Any cheap but reliable heads on the market? I have an ampeg can (fridge)

Used GC Acoustic ... best bang for the $
IMHO

 

[blastbear100]

There's a used Genz Benz Streamliner 900 on the classifieds for $500. Lightweight and very powerful.