• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Most Durable/Reliable SS Backup Amp

markjazzbassist

markjazzbassist

Apr 19, 2005
13,033
4,742
Shaker Heights, OH
#1
Well I have a Orange All-tube head that's my main rig, but when I'm touring I need a backup head and I'm trying to find the most reliable and durable SS amp. Price doesn't matter but I'll definately be looking Used. It's gotta be able to be tossed around in a trailer non-stop, sit without playing for months, and have no problems (except, fuses, i can deal with those).

I'd like it to sound halfway decent as well since it might see use if a tube fails or something. So warm tubey like tone is a must.

So pitch your favorite SS backup amp to me. Whatcha got?
 
#2
Was going to suggest GK because my 400rbIII was very dependable - i dropped it on concrete a few times and it never failed once, i used it for 5 years. Also most techs should be able to fix one. But it doesn't have a very tubey tone.

I'd also suggest looking for a used Thunderfunk - i'm in the middle of touring with mine. Had a briefcase style flight case made and its been on flights and spent much time in a van and hasn't missed a beat. It has a warm middy tone but it is very quick and punchy - might not be your thing.

cheers
 
#3
Mr_Dave said:
Was going to GK because my 400rb was very dependable - i dropped it on concrete a few times and it never failed once. Also most techs should be able to fix one. But it doesn't have a very tubey tone.

I'd also suggest looking for a used Thunderfunk - i'm in the middle of touring with mine. Had a briefcase style flight case made and its been on flights and spent much time in a van and hasn't missed a beat. It has a warm middy tone but it is very quick and punchy - might not be your thing.

cheers
Click to expand...

yeah i've heard GK is really reliable. If i can get it for considerably cheaper than say a TF, i'd do it. thanks for your input.
 
#6
I take this one to every gig in a padded bag. It saved my bacon once when I thought my Glockenklang blew up (it didn't ... operator error). 1,200 watts, 7.5 pounds.

WWUltra01.jpg
 
#10
Gallien Kreuger 800RB.

Also, depending on your price range, you could look at a Kustom 1200HD or 1300HD head. They're 1200 watts, solid state, can run at 2 ohms, and are really reliable. I got mine brand new (1300HD, came out at NAMM this year) for $500. It can get that tube like sound but has the reliability of solid state.
 
#11
If one of those pedals can feed out a line level signal, why not just hauls a lightweight PA amp like a QSC PLX?

It could back you up along with feeding extra monitors, and other purposes rather than just a bass head. If those boxes can't get a Sansamp or similar to just provide the line level to the amp.

If you need a head, depending your ohms on the cabs, a GK 400RB, if 4 ohm, or 800RB if 8 ohm, would be my picks.

Jim
 
#13
Kelly Lee said:
Anything with the name Peavey on it. Seriously. You can get some really decent tone from them and they can take just about any kind of abuse the road can dish out.
Click to expand...

I agree with this whole heartedly. Peavey's dont necessarily sound as good as the others mentioned, but for a back up, its important to know that it will turn on and produce sound every single time you need it to. :)
 
#14
The GK 800RB or 400RB depending on how much power you need it to have. You can find them used for good prices. Very reliable and they sound good. They've become a standard in the industry. They've never let me down.
 
#15
spideyjg said:
If one of those pedals can feed out a line level signal, why not just hauls a lightweight PA amp like a QSC PLX?

It could back you up along with feeding extra monitors, and other purposes rather than just a bass head. If those boxes can't get a Sansamp or similar to just provide the line level to the amp.
Click to expand...
This is a great idea. It seems like any touring band I've ever been in could always use a couple more PA amp channels for separate monitor mixes or mains or whatever so you could even make a pitch to your band that it be "commonly owned" if your band does that stuff. A lot of those amps are flat out indestructable (unlike GK stuff, which I've had way too much "it's in the shop" experience with) and although you would notice the difference between a warmed up Orange head and a SABDDI through a beefy PA amp, I doubt your audience would.
 
#16
mustbampeg said:
I agree with this whole heartedly. Peavey's dont necessarily sound as good as the others mentioned, but for a back up, its important to know that it will turn on and produce sound every single time you need it to. :)
Click to expand...

+ the biggest number you can think of

I can get some nice usable tones from my amp but definantly not tube. It can simulate some break up by running the pre full on, but an Orange it is not. Some Peavey amps have a tube pre in them so don't know if you would consider a hybrid, prob not for what you are looking for. Good Luck.
 
#17
GK is a good bet. If you really just need the amp for pure back-up/emergency use, I'd also consider a used AI Focus or Clarus. You can usually get a Series II model used for a good price. They are featherweight, small, light, and come in a nice protective bag, but yet would be loud enough to get you through a gig in a pinchy (of course, much cleaner than the Orange, but we are talking emergency back-up here).

They are quite reliable.
 
#20
I would try to find a used Mesa Walkabout head. It's small, light, durable, sounds good and has plenty of power. It's not too expensive if you look around a bit and can double as a good home practice or small gig rig when you don't want to drag out the big guns.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back