High End Bass Amps- What do you like?

[jojobean39]

I’ve been a fan of Eden amps for a while. I don’t know if they’re really considered high end or not, but they’re pretty solid beasts. I’ve played them exclusively for a while. I’ve owned other brands- Trace Elliot, Peavey, Warwick and some others I’ve long forgotten.

But I’m curious about what else is out there on the higher end of the spectrum. It’s quite hard to test any of these out, as your local Guitar Center doesn’t exactly stock a wide variety. I’m a couple hours from Bass Central, but I prefer to buy used. I’d like some recommendations, as that’s probably all I will have to go off of if I end up moving that way.

I’ve never gotten to play a Glockenklang. They seem super nice to me. I’m also interested in Darkglass. But I’m really open to hearing about anything.

I am super knowledgeable about guitar amps, but bass amps are a bit different.

Thanks!

 

[chadds]

Glockenklang is the real deal. They are industrial grade gear meant for playing. Glock makes something in most configurations. I have the BAC pre. It was so bass specific that it has a high pass in the effects send, selectable, so if you wish you get pure low fundamental and the effects on the mids and highs. It has rich harmonics and what is apparent speed in it's response.
Some hi end gear has the audio taper feature. That means it gets louder as you turn it up. So playing it at 8 is just louder than 4. Some amps have no sound then loud at 4 then distortion at 6 and nothing louder but unpleasing distortion artifacts. You turn the tone knob it gives you more or less of what you desire.

Used is the way for most gear to me. Buy with approval agreement and you're out shipping. The advantage is you hear it in your space not a loud Home Depot oops GC.

 

[BogeyBass]

Reeves

Custom 225
Custom 400

 

[lomo]

What do I like? Mesa, Arkham.

 

[JimmyM]

Without mentioning any names, let's just say tube amps are my thang.

 

[jnewmark]

I've been playing Genz Benz Shuttle amps for about 10 years now, without having gas for anything else. If you want used, they are a great bargain, and the designer, Aged Horse, is a member here who also will do repair work on them if needed.

 

[Marty Forrer]

Not boutique, but boutique quality... Genzler. I've had Eden, Mesa, Trace and many of the bigger, more common brands (I work in the industry) and Genzler does it for me. It's a bonus that Aged Horse and Jeff Genzler both check in here regularly.

 

[Funk With Me]

I’ve wanted to give one of those EBS Fafner heads a go for some time now.

 

[6thplanet]

I wish I had High End money for a High End amp....

 

[Joe Nerve]

Bergantino NV610 is the best cabinet I ever owned or played through.

 

[chadds]

Bergantino.

 

[chris_b]

Sadly I never owned one, but IMO Eden made fantastic amps and cabs, when David Nordschow was running the company.

I've owned several Thunderfunk amps since 2007. My next longest serving amps are Aguilar, TH500 and AG700. I'm waiting for the AG1200 to come out then I'll be done.

 

[SleazyB]

Verellen is fun

 

[staurosjohn]

Without mentioning any names, let's just say tube amps are my thang.

a***g?

 

[JoeWPgh]

For grunt I like Ampeg. For lightweight convenience, Quilter

 

[msb]

Bergantino .

 

[mmbongo]

If you know guitar amps, then you know how good Mesa amps are. Their bass amps are every bit as good.

 

[Clark Westfield]

I wouldn’t say my Tech21 VT500 is high end, but it is very different.

I always get comments on my tone and inquiries at gigs.

I guess that makes it high end.

 

[Sands]

If you know guitar amps, then you know how good Mesa amps are. Their bass amps are every bit as good.

Yep. I’ve owned 3 Mesa Boogie guitar amps. Or is it two? Well I remember 2, pre coffee at the moment. A Stiletto and a Mark V. Definitely almost pulled the trigger on many others. Anyway. Amazing. Loud.

The best part for me right now about the Mesa Subway WD-800 is how great it sounds at low volume. I’m stuck in the house with a few others, working, sleeping, studying, watching TV, whatever. I can play and enjoy it without disturbing them, Berg Ref210. Deep, rich, full tone. Responsive. Love it.

Of course the experience is great at thunderous volume as well.

I have been through many good amps. This one is great.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

I got to play through a Magellan 800 once. Also a Quilter Bass Block through an Ampeg 8x10. Both real nice.