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How big an amp do you think you need?

How many watts? (Closest)

  • you need all 17 watts?

    Votes: 4 0.9%

  • 50 does it

    Votes: 8 1.7%

  • 100

    Votes: 19 4.1%

  • 150

    Votes: 16 3.4%

  • 220

    Votes: 76 16.3%

  • 500

    Votes: 231 49.7%

  • 800

    Votes: 45 9.7%

  • 1000

    Votes: 36 7.7%

  • Can't make it sing with no measly Kilowatt

    Votes: 30 6.5%
  • Total voters
    465
#183
JimmyM said:
And seriously, please don't try to tell me that if Dennis Chambers played the intro to "Rock 'n' Roll" in his regular style that it would sound like Bonham playing it.
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Dennis Chambers could nail John Bonham's style. Zep fans wouldn't like the visual aspect of it much though. He'd look like he was doing his shopping/laundry list and calculating his income taxes at the same time.
 
#184
#187
Red Planet said:
And here is another perspective, what is your point?

I am saying there are many situations where different power levels are appropriate. You are saying there is no situation that requires 1,00 watts unless I am missunderstanding.

Either way regardless of the amount of power of the bass amp the power will be required for the size of the venue and there is nothing you can do to change that. I myself would rather feel what I am playing especially with a very loud drummer (that is where the fun begins).

Ear plugs have never entered into it for me and I have been doing this for 35 years. You have to know what your doing and if you dont you break out the earplugs.
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Its just a subject that intrigues me. Growing up playing during the 60-70's we played lots and lots of bars, clubs, outdoor parties, etc. all with 50-100-200 watt amps. Go back even further and think of the rock and roll pioneers of the 50's and imagine what kind of amps (if any) they were playing with. And though we are playing the same type of venues, the power expectations have changed so dramatically.
 
#194
pedro said:
Its just a subject that intrigues me. Growing up playing during the 60-70's we played lots and lots of bars, clubs, outdoor parties, etc. all with 50-100-200 watt amps. Go back even further and think of the rock and roll pioneers of the 50's and imagine what kind of amps (if any) they were playing with. And though we are playing the same type of venues, the power expectations have changed so dramatically.
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There are definately venues and styles of music that a 100 watt Bass Amp will do just fine. Playing Bass behind Jimmy and Speedy with that style music 100 watts might be overkill (but they do have volume knobs).

Playing with Eddy Van Halen 100 watts would not even bring you close.

All I am saying is there is'nt one size fits all. If your in a very loud Rock N Roll Band with a Loud Drummer one way or another your going to need the power either from the PA or your Bass Rig. There is no avoiding. You can say there is but doing it and saying it are two different things.

While we are on the subject of the Olden Days for years Bass Players struggled to keep up with Guitar Players and Stadium Drum Kits. Now the Power is there if you need it.

I myself will be running an 830 watt amp into and 800 watt 4x10 Cab at all my Gigs. Thats not to say at all of them I'm going to need to use all my Horse Power but it will be there when I need it. I also greatly like the Sound/Feeling of a Rig that has spare Headroom on tap over a Rig that is taxed to it's Limits.

In the end there is no right and wrong there is only what works for you. However my needs and venue/situation/music style may greatly differ from yours. What works for you may not be imposed on another. There is no rule one can refer to and enforce.


If you look at the Pole so far a good number of folks think at least 500 watts.

Anyway I think I have said my peace on this one. Unsubscribing to this bad boy. Have a great day.

Bass From Mars.
 
#198
Those of you who have never tried a 1000W rig must think it's crazy loud or would damage your ears quite easily, but that's not the case. The difference from let's say, a 300W amp is somewhat subtle in perceived volume, but the benefits on the overall tone and roundness of sound is worth the investment, IMO. Everyone should try it someday, not a big deal at all... Bass watts don't behave like guitar watts. Even our beauty queen knows that.

tal.jpg
 
#199
allexcosta said:
Those of you who have never tried a 1000W rig must think it's crazy loud or would damage your ears quite easily, but that's not the case. The difference from let's say, a 300W amp is somewhat subtle in perceived volume, but the benefits on the overall tone and roundness of sound is worth the investment, IMO. Everyone should try it someday, not a big deal at all... Bass watts don't behave like guitar watts. Even our beauty queen knows that.
Click to expand...

Agreed. After about 300 or 500 watts, and enough speakers everything is capable of being loud as hell. But the higher wattages really allow you to do more with the tone. I can get some sickkk extended low end while still maintaining the clarity of my signal.
 
#200
I don't know why we're arguing about this. Some of us want the giant monster rigs and some of us are happy with smaller ones. There's no reason to bicker. As long as you get the job done, buy whatever you want.

I still say those of you with 1000w rigs just like to tell people you have a 1000w rig, though :p:p:p
 

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