Suggest an amp for a P-bass...

[derrenleepoole]

Scored a nice P-bass of eBay, due to arrive tomorrow hopefully, and I was wondering what amplifiers really suit this type of instrument? Can anyone make suggestions as to what they think/believe makes the best amp to suit a P-bass - more sound authenticity and reproduction etc. What would you choose if you could?

 

[Lon86]

My fav is an old SWR Bass 750 with a 4x10 and 1x18...

And you could never go wrong with an old classic SVT rig...


.

 

[EricF]

What's your budget? What kind of sound are you looking for - modern and articulate, vintage and growly, something else?

To me, a P bass into an all-tube Ampeg with an 8x10 cab is sonic bliss.

 

[scottbass]

To me, a P bass into an all-tube Ampeg with an 8x10 cab is sonic bliss.

+1. Or maybe one of those great-sounding Behringer amps with the single 8" speaker? [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Smurf-o-Deth]

LMII. Clear, punchy, articulate, yet still warm, and can make for a serious vintage amp with the VLE.

By the way, I play a P5 through a LMII.

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

Scored a nice P-bass of eBay, due to arrive tomorrow hopefully, and I was wondering what amplifiers really suit this type of instrument? Can anyone make suggestions as to what they think/believe makes the best amp to suit a P-bass - more sound authenticity and reproduction etc. What would you choose if you could?

Truth is, this bass, as so many do, will sound great with so many amps. I'm not sure if I have played a P-Bass through an amp that didn't sound good, except for really crappy amps- the kind in which no bass would sound good. I've played a P-bass through an 8*10 all the way down to a small combo amp, and even running sans the amp into recording console. I was happy with the sound each time.

I'd say, take your new friend to the local music store and experiment. You'll learn a lot (ideally) in the process, and about your preferences and dislikes in a way that nobody via the internet or TB can advise for you. They're your ears. And it's your wallet.

Congrats, and good luck with it.

 

[Ric Vice]

Scored a nice P-bass of eBay, due to arrive tomorrow hopefully, and I was wondering what amplifiers really suit this type of instrument? Can anyone make suggestions as to what they think/believe makes the best amp to suit a P-bass - more sound authenticity and reproduction etc. What would you choose if you could?

Derren Poole,
If you want that classic sound than the combination of the B-15 and P Bass are ideal for that. Unless you can find one of the rare B-12's that sound about the same and are a little lighter. A Precision that's properly adjusted will sound great with just about any amp. If you want a lighter weight amp the Little Mark II and the GK MB 500 both have nice sounding preamps. The Little Mark has a analog power supply so IMHO it can emulate the tube sound to some extent.

Ric Vice

 

[LP75]

All tube SVT rig.

 

[stratovani]

I agree with those who say to bring your P to a shop and try it on different amps. A couple of months ago I was browsing at a shop near my daughter's school; I tried a P through an Ampeg BA-115. Sounded killer to me!

 

[Hans Gruber]

I own a few different amps but for the P-Bass, my Ashdown ABM head is the perfect match. It's not super hi-fi like an Epifani or something, but somehow the right ingredients of the Ashdown and it's warm tube pre really complements the warm growl of a P-bass. The P doesn't haven't super exaggerated highs, which also works well with the Ashdown. Both the Ashdown and Fender have so much fatness, you can't go wrong with it.

 

[JustOpenYourMind]

SVT, SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,

 

[Scarrsese]

Obviously the only amp you will need is the Marshall Murder One amp with matching 4x12 and 4x15 cab.

 

[Stu L.]

SVT, SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,SVT,

Does anyone else find this ironic from "JustOpenYourMind"?

 

[JustOpenYourMind]

Does anyone else find this ironic from "JustOpenYourMind"?

My favorite bass is a P-bass, I play through an all-tube SVT and I could not get a better sound for the kinds of music I play.

Conclusion, I suggest to the OP he at least try that setup.

My post was a bit humorous but you get the point

What is close minded about liking the SVT + P-bass combination?

 

[MHensleyJr]

Definitely go with a berhinger head into a crate 4X10.

 

[wingnut]

As earlier stated, take it to your local music store and try everything. However, to answer your question; GK RB800, LMII, Vintage Ampeg.

 

[Webtroll]

To me, a P bass into an all-tube Ampeg with an 8x10 cab is sonic bliss.

I used to have this and only sold it due to it's weight and size. Sonically I can't imagine having a better tone.

 

[Stu L.]

My favorite bass is a P-bass, I play through an all-tube SVT and I could not get a better sound for the kinds of music I play.

Conclusion, I suggest to the OP he at least try that setup.

My post was a bit humorous but you get the point

What is close minded about liking the SVT + P-bass combination?

Nah, I agree with you. I too play a P-bass into a tube head, and sometimes with a fridge.

I too was going for humorous

 

[EricF]

I used to have this and only sold it due to it's weight and size. Sonically I can't imagine having a better tone.

Honestly, I have compromised my own ideals by running a 410HLF cab with my SVT-CL. Due to vehicle and old-man-back issues, I'm not willing to haul around a fridge. However, one of the rehearsal studios we use is equipped with a CL/810 rig and it makes me smile all night long.

 

[MarkMcCombs]

for small to medium sized gigs and with PA support, I'd say an Ampeg B100R. Can't believe no one has mentioned this.