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Help Selecting New Bass Amp Based On……..

scottrolf

scottrolf

Jul 13, 2011
367
348
Bandon, OR
#1
I'm in the market for a new bass amp based on the following criteria:

Sound/Tone - The best I can describe in terms of the "sound" I'm going for would be to listen to Michael Jackson's Man In The Mirror. That's it. What I'm hearing is tons of bottom end, clear, warm.
I'm not a fan of distorted OR too bright. I don't pull or slap. No funk. HUGE fan of bass pedals.

Head/Combo - doesn't matter.

Price - N/A

Venue Size - Small/Medium room.

Tube Or SS - N/A

Suggestions? Thanks
 
#2
Go play stuff. I like my GB Shuttle 3.0 and its 10t with a secon 10t. I used to play Peavey and Crate stuffe. I played GK for a bit. You know what? They all sound like me. The best suggestion is to find out what you have available and dig in. You may learn what brand's "baked-in sound" you don't like, so there's that. GK does tend to be a bit more aggressive, but that doesn't mean overdriven. You just have to play through stuff. Leave the pedals at home. ;)
 
#6
I'm with Jimmy. You could likely cop that kind of tone thru any quality amp. I would recommend at least 500-600 watts minimum if you want to push lots of low end. 2x12, 4x10, or a 15' cab should be able to accomplish your tonal goals IMO. It seems like a bass that puts out the sound you want would be the most crucial piece of gear. What is you go to bass?
 
#7
My "go-to" bass is an Am Std J-Bass.
When you say "500-600 watts minimum" I would assume you are talking about Solid State. For tube, I'm thinking of 300 watts.
I did try the Fender Super Bassman Pro (300 watt tube) through a Neo 115 and I must say it did sound very good. Kind of leaning that way.
 
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#11
scottrolf said:
My "go-to" bass is an Am Std J-Bass.
When you say "500-600 watts minimum" I would assume you are talking about Solid State. For tube, I'm thinking of 300 watts.
I did try the Fender Super Bassman Pro (300 watt tube) through a Neo 115 and I must say it did sound very good. Kind of leaning that way.
Click to expand...

If you can swing the cost, I think that would be near perfect for the sound you're describing. Seems like an excellent rig from all the reviews I've seen.
 
#15
Also you should realize that a studio bass tone may be nothing like a live tone. There could be all kinds of processing happening in the studio signal chain that simply doesn't happen live.

The first thing that comes to mind is two tracks of bass: direct, with a deep clear tone, and miked through some type of bass amp. Compress with expensive (and vintage) equipment, mix to taste.

Fifty feet from the stage the sound will be completely different than what you hear onstage, and every venue will conspire to change your tone due to acoustical differences.

Most quality amps and cabinets will get a good tone you like---just don't obsess trying to achieve perfection.
 

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