Simplest no-frill Bass Amp. Does one exist?

[Schlyder]

Ashdown just came out with the Retroglide 800
Has input gain knob, 12 band EQ, and an output knob. Doesn't get much simpler.

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[Chef]

I dunno if I'd call 12 band eq super simple.....just me though.

 

[gjbassist]

I dunno if I'd call 12 band eq super simple.....just me though.

Yeah a 12 band EQ looks like the opposite of simple to me!

 

[friendlybass]

And that kind of power translation is widely understood. Its not a trick.

The terror bass will actually deliver 500 (or 1000 depending which model) watts at 4 or 8 ohms via the switch in back.

 

[GLEN18INCHSPICA]

The Kustom KXB500 seems to be a distilled down bass amp. Small, usable power, basic EQ, done. I've read reviews/comments on here from owners who said they liked them. Might be worth checking out.

This amp sounds like what you are looking for. The midrange is right where it should be & the highs & lows are at a good wide range. I lower the bass nob some & thats it everything flat & done. I use other eq with it but not because it needs it.

 

[Slevage]

Used power amp (bridged if necessary). Any cheap preamp. ART makes a tube pre for about $50 (used they go for $25).

 

[chris_b]

So the OP wants a simple amp? Well my Thunderfunk is very simple to operate. I only have to use 2 controls. the Timbre and Master Volume. the rest are either off or permantly sit at 12 o'clock.

The secret of an amp that gives a great sound with very little EQing is using one that matches a great cab. Like my TH500 and CN212.

 

[madjazzbass]

I dunno if I'd call 12 band eq super simple.....just me though.

Ditto. ...BTW, I dislike graphic EQ'S on Bass amps, but that's just me I guess.

 

[madjazzbass]

I find that Peaveys are usually pretty straight forward, no nonsense kind of amps.

 

[B-string]

Ditto. ...BTW, I dislike graphic EQ'S on Bass amps, but that's just me I guess.

Nope, you are not alone in that.

 

[CL400Peavey]

The terror bass will actually deliver 500 (or 1000 depending which model) watts at 4 or 8 ohms via the switch in back.

Sure but that is the exception, not the rule with SS amps.

 

[two fingers]

Really simple. Price not an issue?

This
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/markbass-momark-800w-digital-bass-amp-frame

Plus this
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Plus this
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/markbass-momark-eq0-bass-eq-module

Plus this
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/markbass-momark-m0-bass-master-module

You wind up with an input gain and a master volume. 800W should do it unless your cabs are terribly "power hungry".

If you change your mind later buy an EQ module and go nuts.

 

[friendlybass]

Sure but that is the exception, not the rule with SS amps.

Yeah. Sorry must've misunderstood ya. Love me some ohm math

 

[Signs]

Lots of happy users of the Gallien Krueger MB series.

When I tried an MB at Guitar Center, it sounded great with a P bass playing into four very different cabinets. I had never played one before and found the controls pretty simple. These are nice amps.

 

[floydman]

I too enjoy low frills amplification. The MB Fusion suited this interest pretty well for me- I leave the EQ flat except for some treble cut and from there it is great bass sound every time. Any tonal adjustments beyond that happen in my playing technique or in the bass controls.

I just picked up a Carvin B1500 as a backup. Great simple design and classy appearance, also heavy and loud!

 

[Benthoven]

I was having trouble with every bass amp I tried my upright bass through that had onboard EQ. So, I went and tried out some powered monitors, and WOW - natural double-bass sound, plenty of volume and virtually no feedback from both the JBL and my fave now, the QSC 1000w monitor with a 12" and a horn. I have all the EQ I need with my Fishman preamp, and all the clean volume and lo-frequency projection I need for small clubs, big band concerts etc. So far, my electric basses sound great in it, but haven't had a loud rock/blues club date to really push the stage volume for that sort of gig. I'll just bring my SWR for that.

 

[bertthebassist]

I suggest trying a Carvin B1000, the B2000's little brother.
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Carvin has a trial period with there gear so you may have it shipped to your house, try it in your studio or with your band, and if you don't like it, simply pay the shipping to return it.

 

[spectorfreak]

I'm happy with my Ashdown Mibass 2.0, 400 watts rms, single input, 3 band rotary EQ, input gain and output level, 2 combo speaker outs, 1/4 or speakon, other then that has nothing but an aux in with level control and a headphone out. I paid $500 US last spring for it, great little amp. 5 year warranty, small, sounds great.

 

[Spirit of Ox]

Any of the Hartke amps are just really good. They are reliable, great tone, and the best customer service rep.- Larry Hartke, the owner and founder. He really stands by his product.

 

[Munjibunga]

It doesn't get much simpler than the GK MB200. If you need more power, its big brother the MB800 has only a few more bells and whistles, but still very straight-forward.