Good guitar head for bass?

[Just2play]

Hi all!
I am on search for a guitar head that could make a good bass head. Solid state, tube preamp or all tube. I am definitely concerned about the cost of replacing tubes, if the head is all tube and in that case I wouldn't ask for many watts. I would like to spend up to 300 euros ( $340 ). Of course I might go higher if I find something interesting, although I would like to avoid it.

The head will drive a 2x10'' 200 watts 8Ω cab or a 4x10'' 300 watts 8Ω cab.

I am looking in the used market and I have some heads available in good prices. These are:
1. Marshall MG100FX - 100 watts solid state
2. Marshall Valvestate VS100 - 100 watts Hybrid - Tube Preamp
3. Laney Ironheart 15w Studio - All tube

Do you know any model which could make a good bass head?
I am looking forward for your suggestions and opinions. Thank you all in advance.

 

[Drredplate]

Neither of the Marshals will make a good bass head and the Laney is probably too underpowered

 

[ahbass2500]

Above target price, but…

Tone Block 202

The Tone Block 202 is the ultimate "go anywhere do anything" instrument amplification head. A complete tool kit for stage and studio. Our "anywhere on earth" power supply, enhanced speaker drive options, new voicings, and our latest ultra quiet Direct Out interface enhance studio recording and...

www.quilterlabs.com

FRFR setting for Bass and keyboards.

Only mentioning above budget option as this particular head is marketed for both (which is uncommon).

 

[Drredplate]

Personally I would look for a second hand bass amp. Should be doable within your budget

 

[Pdaddy1978]

Fender.....bassman?

 

[JohnEdward]

My Marshall Origin head sounds nice through my Ampeg 212av. Excellent for quieter at home practice.

 

[JonathanPDX]

Why not just buy an actual bass amplifier? If you want tube tone there are tons of options to get you there without underpowering and ultimately destroying your speakers.

 

[groooooove]

older fender bassman is the only amp i think can really do well for either guitar or bass.

 

[blastoff]

ampeg v4



......b

 

[Iristone]

Obvious answer: Hiwatt DR103. Marshall Super bass and Sunn 200S can also multitask, but all of them tend to be expensive.
I also second the suggestion of a bass amp with valve preamps. Orange makes the OB1 and Terror Bass series with guitar-like drive, bass-ready power, and shouldn't break the bank.

 

[LowG]

You’ll get better advice if you explain more about why you want specifically a guitar amp, and what you think sounds good, examples of recorded bass sounds you’re trying to emulate, etc. We don’t know what you mean by “makes a good bass head”. Does it need to be loud in a full band or just at home for recording?

 

[bigtone23]

Peavey Century. The 100H model from the early 80s was a catch all amp for guitar, bass or keyboards. The 70s era Century 120 or 200 are also cool bass amps that can work with guitar, too.
All of the above are in your budget.

 

[definenredefine]

Peavey Century. The 100H model from the early 80s was a catch all amp for guitar, bass or keyboards. The 70s era Century 120 or 200 are also cool bass amps that can work with guitar, too.
All of the above are in your budget.

This is probably the right answer at this price point. I would add the Musician or Super Festival or any of the VTX series if you want tubes.

 

[monsterthompson]

Sunn Beta

 

[REV]

I used to use a 200 watt Marshall Major amplifier. It was a great bass head but it weighed a ton.

 

[Petethebassman]

Old 1970s Music Man heads are good multi purpose amps, though I highly doubt you could find one within your budget.

 

[definenredefine]

Old 1970s Music Man heads are good multi purpose amps, though I highly doubt you could find one within your budget.

That would have been my suggestion as well if not for budget constraints.

 

[Just2play]

My Marshall Origin head sounds nice through my Ampeg 212av. Excellent for quieter at home practice.

Very interesting amp and not totally out of my reach even if I buy it new. Used can be found around in good condition and reasonable prices as well. Lightweight too. Do you think the power would be good enough for the cabs I intent to use?

 

[Just2play]

Why not just buy an actual bass amplifier? If you want tube tone there are tons of options to get you there without underpowering and ultimately destroying your speakers.

Thanks for the reply. Tube tone is what I would like for sure. All tube guitar heads cost way less than all tube bass heads and that's the main reason I would prefer one. What bass amplifiers with that kind of tone could you suggest?

 

[Just2play]

You’ll get better advice if you explain more about why you want specifically a guitar amp, and what you think sounds good, examples of recorded bass sounds you’re trying to emulate, etc. We don’t know what you mean by “makes a good bass head”. Does it need to be loud in a full band or just at home for recording?

Thanks for the reply and the good question. I am looking for an all tube tone. Unfortunatelly all tube bass heads cost much more than the guitar heads and that's the main reason I would prefer them. Of course I left the options of solid state or hybrid open.
Talking metal I would say I like a Voivod kind of tone.