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Do I need a stronger bass amp?

B

Beefystick

Feb 4, 2019
16
4
#1
First of all, thanks for having me in the group! I need to get some advice from y'all. I have a squire bronco bass and a Hartke 15w. It sounded ok but, I wanted to trick it out a bit. I ordered a SD QUARTER POUNDER single coil and replaced the Strat pick up that came in the base. Now I'm getting a very high amount of hum. I can tell the amp is recognizing the pick up but, I'm not getting the type of sound I thought I would get. The pickup is rated at 11.7 k, is it just to much for my Hartke HD15 to handle?
 
#5
Beefystick said:
Excuse my ignorance but what is that
Click to expand...

He's just being funny. An "SVT" is an Ampeg 300W all-tube monster if an amp.

So, did you wire in the pickup yourself? There's no such thing as a pickup that is too much for an amp. SD Quarter Pounders are some of the most common aftermarket pickups around. I'm thinking a wiring issue maybe?
 
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#7
Beefystick said:
Do you think I could get away with using a 40 or a 50 W amp? I'm on a tight budget. I only play in my room until I get better
Click to expand...
Single coils hum a bit, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Of course, if it's really bad (which is impossible for me to say), it could be a wiring issue. Your Hartke is likely fine. Is the Hartke adequate? That is totally up to you and what you're looking for in your sound.

I have an Orange Crush 25 combo for when my Ampeg is unnecessary. It is only 25 watts but can easily handle all my basses with some EQ'ing, and is plenty for a bedroom. If you want to up your amp to a 50 watt due to your own reasons, go for it. Go try them out at a music store, try to match what you hear in your head to what you hear in the amp and pick what's best for your sound. Rest assured, 50 watts is plenty for a bedroom, but it will start to lag when playing with others....unless you're in an acoustic situation or something.

I'd throw out a budget and an approximation of what sound you want from an amp if you'd like some suggestions for a combo amp. Amp brands are colored differently (even different models of the same brand), so we all tend to gravitate towards certain brands and models.
 
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#8
AboutSweetSue said:
Single coils hum a bit, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Of course, if it's really bad (which is impossible for me to say), it could be a wiring issue. Your Hartke is likely fine. Is the Hartke adequate? That is totally up to you and what you're looking for in your sound.

I have an Orange Crush 25 combo for when my Ampeg is unnecessary. It is only 25 watts but can easily handle all my basses with some EQ'ing, and is plenty for a bedroom. If you want to up your amp to a 50 watt due to your own reasons, go for it. Go try them out at a music store, try to match what you hear in your head to what you hear in the amp and pick what's best for your sound. Rest assured, 50 watts is plenty for a bedroom, but it will start to lag when playing with others....unless you're in an acoustic situation or something.

I'd throw out a budget and an approximation of what sound you want from an amp if you'd like some suggestions for a combo amp. Amp brands are colored differently (even different models of the same brand), so we all tend to gravitate towards certain brands and models.
Click to expand...
I'm going to shield it real well and see what that does. I want a little hum but, right now it's overpowering the bass signal a good bit. If the shielding does not remedy the problem I'll take it to guitar center and just tell them to fix it whatever it is . I appreciate y'alls honest advice.
 
#9
two fingers said:
He's just being funny. An "SVT" is an Ampeg 300W all-tube monster if an amp.

So, did you wire in the pickup yourself? There's no such thing as a pickup that is too much for an amp. SD Quarter Pounders are some of the most common aftermarket pickups around. I'm thinking a wiring issue maybe?
Click to expand...
Yeah, I put it in . All it is is a basic black and white wire very easy . I'm gonna take it to a music shop. I appreciate the feedback!
 

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