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Fender Bassman 400 or Ampeg BA-210SP

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by LiquidMidnight, Nov 6, 2001.

  1. Nov 6, 2001 #1
    LiquidMidnight

    LiquidMidnight

    Dec 25, 2000
    I was wondering if you fine people could help me with some amp advice. I'm currently using a Crate BFX100, which I don't care for very much. The tone is very muddy, it seems like I can only get one tone out of it, and it clips very easily. Once I got some money, I was thinking about getting a stack (head and either 4x10 or 4x12), but then I started thinking of the price, all the equipment I had to carry, and the fact that I have to fit all this in a Chevy Corsica. (Let's not start a car debate here though :D )

    So I've been looking at combos again. I have been thinking a lot about these two amps. I was wondering what you people thought of these two amps. I'm interested in a tone, that has enough bottom end rumble, but has smooth enough mids and highs to cut through a mix, and if I want to use an effect or solo, I simply have to adjust the volume and not worry about the tone or pickup selection on the bass. I also want to try to slap, which I haven't really done a lot due to my earlier amps. I know the Ampeg has less wattage, but I highly doubt I'll need all 350 watts of the Fender. Think I should bother checking these setups out, or stick with my orginal idea of a half stack?
     
  2. Nov 6, 2001 #2
    captainpabst

    captainpabst

    Mar 18, 2001
    Tennessee
    i would go with a head/cab. it'll be easier to expand/upgrade in the future. for not much more than the bassman combo, you can get fender's bassman head and 4x10. there are alot of options for around $1000.

    don't worry too much about portability. i have a henry the 8x8 that i fit in the back seat of my civic!
     
  3. Nov 6, 2001 #3
    brianrost

    brianrost Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 26, 2000
    Boston, Taxachusetts
    I'm with the good Captain, get a head/cab, forget the combo. It's more flexible and versatile as your needs change over time. I've used the same head for 12 years but have used five different cabs in that same period as my gigs changed.

    As far as thinking you won't need 350 watts over 200 watts: WRONG!!! To get a significant increase in volume you need to quadruple your current power...you have 100 watts now, so you should be looking at 400 watts. The Bassman squeaks in at 350, it'll do, the Ampeg might not do what you want. Fat bottom needs watts, don't skimp. I wouldn't go overboard into 1000+ watts, but I would suggest you get into the 400 watt ballpark.
     
  4. Nov 6, 2001 #4
    Bass18

    Bass18 Guest

    Jul 21, 2001
    Australia
    No problems with carrying gear on my front...
    I've got a 70's orange kombi-van!