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Small Studio Amp?

I've been having such good results with just a good DI and Amplitube SVX lately that I haven't even thought of micing a bass cab in a long time. However, I don't feel the same for guitars. Something about all that tube saturation on the high frequency content of guitars that amp sims can never seem to get quite right IMO. But for bass, DI and amp sims all the way now.
 
I know an engineer will suggest a rig change, but on the other hand, it's kind of his job to get you the sound you are looking for. As most have mentioned you should be able to go either direct or with a good DI. Is your sound not acceptable for the project?
 
My question is, does any one have any experiences with small amplifiers, im really looking for quality at a reasonable price? (arn't we all?)

Can you define "reasonable"?

You can't go wrong with an old B15-N. If you don't want to rent one (which would be a great solution for this project) perhaps a silver face Bassman head and a nice lower cost 15" cab like a Bag End S15-D? That would be a great recording set up. An early 70s Traynor YBA-1 is a real sleeper as well.

Either of those mixed with a great DI signal is going to sound killer IMHO.
 
reasonable = i wont have to sell a limb or take out a second mortgage !

Ive talked to people again today and the general gist is just replace the cabs, so im just going to look around guitar shops in town see what they can rent me.
I'm currently doing a audio systems degree and i agree that DI is a solid way to go, but its always nice to have a mic to mix in as well. Obviously it is different on every track but i like to use it as a general rule.
 
I've always brought an amp to recording sessions but I've never used it, even to add color to a track. The finished product has always been bass into DI into the board (desk). If you spend money on anything, get your bass set up really well, and if you don't think that will do the trick buy a really good DI even though a good studio will always have a better one they like more. If neither of those works, insist that the engineer pay out of his budget to rent an amp because you're paying him to make you sound good.
 
I've been getting some great results with an old ampeg SB12 fliptop, but they aren't exactly cheap or common. Since you're in a studio and don't really have to crank, you might consider just using a nice tube fender or similar guitar amp - I've had success with that too.