Ok, BIG AMP lovers, which one would you choose...

[pbass6811]

...and why?

I'm not planning on stepping away from my ab fab, 6.3lb Mesa D800+, but a conversation with another bassist that I respect, admire, and trust got me wondering if the consensus really is all tube, all the time or "as long as there's a tube in there somewhere, I'm good"? He really likes my tone, but the fact that it's coming from an amp that weighs less than some basses completely baffles him...

As we were talking about gear, I told him there were just a few of the ginormous heads left, so he asked me which one I thought was THE one? I tried to come up with pros and cons for each and it came out pretty even for all of them, so I said I'd ask you guys.

If you had someone to schlep your gear(or you don't mind doing it yourself), which amp would you choose? Why?

-Ampeg SVT(any of it's variations-CL/VR/??)
-Mesa Strategy 8:88
-Mesa Prodigy 4:88
-Aguilar DB751
-Fender Super Bassman
-Orange ADB-200
-Ashdown CTM-300

I know there's a bunch of boutique amps that I'm missing(Reeves, Electric Amps, Verellen, etc), so if you wanna throw those in there, that's cool. I have no idea if he wants a new amp, all I know is that I gotta cart my own crap, so a big amp isn't high on my list of things to do, but I like having the info...thanks!

 

[Stumbo]

Fender Super Bsssman

•300 watts
•Tube preamp and power amp
•Rear-panel Fender Automatic Bias system
•Rear-panel impedance switch (2, 4 and 8 ohms)
•XLR line out with ground lift, level control and pre/post EQ switch
•Master volume control with push/pull mute
•Effects loop
•Get ripped from lifting

 

[Plastalmonus]

I voted Orange AD200B as I own one and it is hands down an awesome piece of kit.

However I still hold out that one day I will own an Ampeg SVT-CL and Heritage 8x10. Being that cost is prohibitive here in Aus, it may be awhile until that dream is realised. Probably at the same time I magically afford a Wal

 

[Raulplaysbass]

SVT

Mini and micros are great! I own a few w/ and without pre-amp tubes and regularly gig w/ a D-800+. But to my ears, none can compare to an ALL TUBE Ampeg SVT! I own a SVTII (non-pro) and it blows away all of my Mini's. The D-800+ is IMHO at the top of the heap for the Mini's, but 300 Tube Watts still rule the roost!

 

[High Camp]

Because I love Ampeg I voted SVT, it's just that simple.

 

[Wisebass]

Hi pbass6811
I vote for Ampeg because it' s loud enough

greetings

Wise(b)ass

 

[lomo]

He really likes my tone, but the fact that it's coming from an amp that weighs less than some basses completely baffles him...

....the above is essentially a tacit, honest admission of bias.....his eyes don't want to allow his brain to accept what his ears are telling it. If he closed his eyes and judged only with his ears, he'd simply approve of your tone

 

[vdub75]

i tried mesa, i tried Fender, i tried orange... always get back to ampeg. so svt.

 

[bobyoung53]

I tried a Quilter Bass Block yesterday at a jam and it did sound good but ummm.... Ampeg SVT.

 

[two fingers]

SVT, hands down.

I have had them all as provided backline gear. There were Fender, Mesa 400+, etc. There is something special about the SVT.

That being said, having, and loving, an Ashdown LB30, I really want to try the Ashdown. That thing should be scary good.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Fender Super Bsssman

•300 watts
•Tube preamp and power amp
•Rear-panel Fender Automatic Bias system
•Rear-panel impedance switch (2, 4 and 8 ohms)
•XLR line out with ground lift, level control and pre/post EQ switch
•Master volume control with push/pull mute
•Effects loop
•Get ripped from lifting

"Get ripped..."

 

[themarshall]

Not on the list but worth mentioning as big amps, Traynor still makes the YBA 200 & 300 tube amps. Love my old YBA4.

 

[foal30]

I bought an Ashdown CTM-300, it is an amazing piece of kit. I really like the Orange ABD-200.

I haven't tried the Aguilar or Fender.

 

[AlienLanes]

I've owned about everything on that list (except Reeves... would love one of those) and my 1989 SVT II Non Pro reigns king for me.

 

[Geri O]

Definitely prefer the SVT 810, but lately, I've been provided a few different 610 and 810 rigs and I felt like that for the most part, I got what I needed from the big rigs, either to cover me with no monitor or the "feel" with IEMs.

None of those amps sucked, but I'm always most happy with an SVT.

And I'm REALLY happy when I don't have to move mine!...:

EDIT: Gotta say, I'm curious about those late model Fender Super Bassman 810 rigs. They are trickling through more and more lately, but I have yet to be provided one.

 

[Kustom_Thunder]

I love my orange ad200b best tone I've ever had. It makes all of my basses sound uniquely like themselves I don't really know how to describe it it's just amazing

 

[ezra1]

I vote SVT
After that.... Ashdown

 

[JGbassman]

I love my SVT, and make no bones about it. I can quickly dial in a great sound and they are bulletproof.

On another note, I'd love to try a fender Bassman, as I've heard some good stuff about them, and I like the fact you can run a 2,4, or 8 ohm load on it. That would open the doors for versatility and allow me to use more cabs

 

[lfmn16]

I injured my arm last year and it's been slow healing completely so I shelved my SVT AV for a PF-800. The micros can sound good, but to me tubes sound better. SVT AV or Hetitage or vintage will always be my preference.

I think people miss the distinction. When their feet are held to the fire not many will claim that the micros sound the same as tube.

 

[The_Janitor]

I own and SVT-2PRO and an Ashdown CTM-300. Both are absolutely killer amps. That being said, the Ashdown does sub-low end better than the SVT.