Do you play Bass through a solid state or valve?

[btmpancake]

D Class are solid state, and they should hold very well as they produce very little heat, but they do have to be designed & built properly for longevity. Heat kills electronics. That's one reason tube amps need so much expensive maintenance.

Admittedly some brands only want your money in their pockets and don't give a dam pig about you after that.

I agree, the digital stuff for sure tbd.

 

[alembicguy]

For me it depends on the gig situation. I use both types depending.

 

[fjadams]

I play a GK MB212 that's a SS and an Orange Terror 500 Combo that's a hybrid. If I had the money I'd get a Fender 100T in White & Oxblood and the 6x10 cabinet to go with it. Oxblood if one can still be found anywhere. Or the 4x10 in White

So I guess I don't really have a preference except for portability where the SS and the Hybrid win hands down.

 

[Engle]

For me it depends on the gig situation. I use both types depending.

Same here. I use my PF-50T when I'm going to be playing electric and I want that vibe, but if it's a tough place to load in, or it might rain - or if I'm playing Upright only, I'll bring my PF350 or MB200.

 

[Mr. Foxen]

Lots of valves. But some solid state for when I'm more fussed about being easy on the carry than the sound.

Link Removed

 

[Wavy]

Solid State only.

In my view tubes are high maintenance, often heavier, depending on the model distort easier, and the sound changes as they warm up over the course of an evening. If I ever needed a tube sound I'd use an effect.

Guitarist I know only ever goes direct. Can't be bothered lugging any of his high end tube amps. Plugs his effects into the snake and away he goes.

 

[Interceptor]

Solid state for me.

I like a wide, deep and clear tone with effortless dynamics, low noise and consistent sounding with minimal upkeep. Plus, my stuff gets moved at least twice a week. Portability and able to tolerate getting hauled a lot matter to me.

 

[Ewo]

Class D, alla time, for me.

 

[TMARK]

Both. I have a Super Bassman, a Demeter Bass 400 hybrid, and a Mesa D800. I don't think any one is better than any other. They all have different tones and different uses.

 

[Marial]

Class D, don't see myself ever going back to anything else.

 

[Interceptor]

OK, the Demeter 400 hybrid is the one product with a tube I really would like to try. It has a chance of unseating my Thunderfunk.

 

[spiritbass]

OK, the Demeter 400 hybrid is the one product with a tube I really would like to try. It has a chance of unseating my Thunderfunk.

ThunderFunks are my favorite SS amps!

 

[Fair Stephen]

SS, Class D all the way. I don't miss the hernia days of lugging massive amps.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Rather, SS will it last as long as tubes? 100+ years and counting. Technology brought SS to replace tubes because it was cheaper to build transistors than tubes, not because it was "better" than tubes. Digital is here now to replace solid state not because it is better but because it is more convenient and cheaper to build. Design criteria dictates more of a push toward cheaper build designs to extract more profit. The bottom line unfortunately determines if a technology will be pushed into production from the large corporate producers. This is why smart people know this, and keep the smaller boutique builders in business because they desire QUALITY.

Class D does not mean digital.

 

[TMARK]

OK, the Demeter 400 hybrid is the one product with a tube I really would like to try. It has a chance of unseating my Thunderfunk.

It doesn't thump as hard as my old TF 550b at volume. I just had a three hour practice with it. I think it is one of the best amps ever. I might have been better served with the Demeter 800 version, maybe. I'm experimenting with cabs. I actually like it with a DB112 cab. No complaints volume wise. Sorry for the hijack. The Demeter just gets me excited.

 

[BassGreaser]

I've always been a tube head type of player.

The list of tube heads I've owned through the years..

Ampeg B25B
Fender Bassman 135
Fender 300PS
Traynor yba200
Trace Elliot Hexa

And making the switch back to all tube head soon with a Gries Bass 45!

 

[TMARK]

ThunderFunks are my favorite SS amps!

Mine too. Wish I still had it. I do find the D800 very similar to the TFunk 550b.

 

[Kevin1960]

Class D does not mean digital.

Yes you are correct, I stand corrected.

 

[devnulljp]

I use both depending on what I'm looking for. Acoustic Image Coda or an Aguilar TH500 SS, or an Aguilar DB359 or '73 Marshall Super Bass tube amp, depending on the sound I'm after.

I've also got a bunch of other amps kicking around: some SS Trace Elliot stuff, tube Trace Elliot Hexavalve, SS A.M.P BH420 (Thunderfunk), old Acoustic Corp., 60s Traynor YBA-1s.

I play mostly jazz these days so the AI Coda wins out. It's also the easiest amp in the world to transport.

Guitar's different though – don't think I own any SS guitar amps.

 

[JMacBass65]

All three!

Depending on venue and mood, I choose from:

1976 SVT
GK 400RB
Genz Benz Neopack 3.5 (this was their first adventure with lightweight SS amps, 4.5 LBS, 500w @ 2 ohms) and has a 12AX7 preamp tube which works quite well to warm things up.