Just curious to what brands/manufacturers of bass amps and cabs other TB users swear by/trust? Basically the gear or manufacturer you always look to first when buying gear and also that you would suggest to anyone looking into buying gear. For me I swear by and are completely hooked on Mesa/Boogie gear. American made and although looked at as often being expensive you really do get what you pay for with great solid products both in build and performance. When thinking budget wise I often look to Peavey. Great solid products as well at often lesser price tags.
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Gear you swear by
- Thread starter klejst
- Start date
I've pretty much always liked Trace and SWR for amps and cabs. I like EV and JBL for drivers. The overall sound I go for is sort of vintage modern, so having the 80s/90s amps/cabs paired with speakers that have a vintage vibe but relatively modern specs usually works for me.
I like Mesa's guitar stuff a LOT, but I haven't been too wowed by their bass stuff yet. I used to lust after a Bass 400 until I found out it had a Fender style tone stack which is a big turn off for me. I tried an M9 or M6 or something and it didn't do a lot for me personally.
I like Mesa's guitar stuff a LOT, but I haven't been too wowed by their bass stuff yet. I used to lust after a Bass 400 until I found out it had a Fender style tone stack which is a big turn off for me. I tried an M9 or M6 or something and it didn't do a lot for me personally.
Mesa Amps & cabs,
Bergantino cabs- can't fault 'em.
Older Ampeg tube amps ( ony coz I've had one & it was bomb-proof & can't say re the newer ones - but my 7 PRO seems great!)
Bergantino cabs- can't fault 'em.
Older Ampeg tube amps ( ony coz I've had one & it was bomb-proof & can't say re the newer ones - but my 7 PRO seems great!)
Hopkins
Commercial User
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,045
- 45,909
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- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
Believe it or not, I like Ampeg
Ha ha now how did I know you were going to say that!?
Great responses guys, there is a lot of great gear out there. I love hearing about other peoples gear combinations and the many different tones.
Fair enough Passinwind, nothing wrong with that.
Unless dealing with their (those who offer) budget gear, most name brands are going to serve well.
From there it just come down to purpose and taste.
From there it just come down to purpose and taste.
Right on, it is all personal preference, however was basically asking what gear/brands people love to use.
For gear, Genz Benz has earned the first look by making quality products that often have "my tone" out of the box and backing it with the best service in the biz. While I own and enjoy other gear as well, Genz continues to pass my ear test 
For basses, after having played a LOT of stuff Warwick and Spector ring my bell. Might try some other things again in the future, but for the time being the basses in my stable give me 110% of what I want.
For basses, after having played a LOT of stuff Warwick and Spector ring my bell. Might try some other things again in the future, but for the time being the basses in my stable give me 110% of what I want.
I would say Mesa until my original M9 Carbine died and ruined a recent gig.
GK heads, MIA Ampeg SVTs, Berg cabs and older Peavey and Harte gear seem to last forever IME.
GK heads, MIA Ampeg SVTs, Berg cabs and older Peavey and Harte gear seem to last forever IME.
Oh I was going to say I have sworn by a lot of equipment, usually not the equipment's fault
G-K is where I have been for some time now, but still give pre MTI era Ampeg a big nod.
Genz heads (their cabs are nice too, but I prefer other options) they seem to fit me the second I plug them in, not to mention their CS is phenomenal.
Peavey everything for budget gear that has never let me down and sounds good.
Can't forget Ampeg! Serious props for sounding great since day 1 and setting industry standards throughout their career.
Peavey everything for budget gear that has never let me down and sounds good.
Can't forget Ampeg! Serious props for sounding great since day 1 and setting industry standards throughout their career.
Haven't had the scratch for Ampeg/Genz/Mesa/Berg, etc., but sure would like to some day. Gigging with a Peavey Bam 500 210 and Carvin 115 cab right now, and they have been bullet proof. Rehearsing with a Carvin BX600 210 and Carvin 410 cab. No complaints there either. My band likes both rigs.
Of the gear I'm currently using, I will definitely have to say Hartke and Tech 21 (for effects/preamps). Both make dependable, road tested gear, that will not only sound great, but operate smoothly in the often ridiculous circumstances that happen to the gigging bassist. Both also have fantastic customer service. (especially Hartke)
As for gear that I do not currently own, the company whose products I would be willing to stand behind any day is Peavey. Rugged, American-built gear with a great tone and amazing customer service. Another would be Carvin for similar reasons.
As for gear that I do not currently own, the company whose products I would be willing to stand behind any day is Peavey. Rugged, American-built gear with a great tone and amazing customer service. Another would be Carvin for similar reasons.
