• 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.

Noob question about guitar/bass amps

L

Lord Black

May 28, 2008
12
0
#1
I have played guitar off and on for about 7 years and now plan on playing bass. I know that there are different amps for guitars and basses probably for good reason but at the moment I do not have the money to buy a bass amp. I have access to a bass but not an amp. I own a Marshall MG250DFX guitar amp and wondered if i could use it under any circumstances with the bass. I know its a kick butt amp and don't want to mess it up in case I pick up guitar in the future again but just wanted to know. I'm not sure the mechanics of how amps work but would playing it with headphones connected make any difference on the wear on tear of playing a bass on a guitar amp?

Thanks in advance for your help,

LB
 
#5
It doesn't matter so much how long you play as how loud you play. A guitar amp speaker is not made for the bass guitar frequency range.
But, for example, sometimes I play bass throught a mini-system at very low volume and no damage to the speakers.
If your amp has an external cab output, I'll suggest buying a cheap, used, small bass cab and problem solved
 
#7
Didn't understand very well...
When using headphones (no speaker), only the preamp stage is working. When using a cab or the combo's speaker, both the preamp and the power stage are working.
I've heard that guitar amp's transformers are different from bass amps in frequency response, so if u use the external cab don't push low frequencies too hard.
As far as volume, with headphones you can push it as hard as you want. You'll only damage your ears. If you use the external cab try to play at lower volumes.
 
#8
Lord Black said:
Say I use headphones...would that be like using a cab? If so I would then be able to turn it up as load as I would want with the headphones attached?
Click to expand...

It will work, no problem. The preamp, eq etc is not designed for bass so your sound probably wont be as bassy as a bass amp. As for the power amp side it wont matter and the speakers wont be designed for bass so as the eq really.

Most guitar amps speakers will be fine at low level if you choose to use them.

All in all it will be ok. When your playing stadiums then it might be time to change! :).

Rich.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back