Tech 21 Sans Amp - Old vs. New

[Laurier Tiernan]

Hi Guys,

I just started getting professional bass gigs last year after being a guitarist for ages, and I'd like to buy a Tech 21 Sans Amp. I don't want to waste my money though so I'd like to ask for everyone's opinion before I purchase one. I heard that the new ones don't hold a candle to the old ones. Is this true? Should I look for an old one on Ebay instead of buying a new one? If so, how can I tell that it's old enough to be one of the better sounding ones? Is there a serial number or something?

 

[EastCoastThump]

It depends what sound you're after. I'm not a big SansAmp booster, but I've gotten good tracks and live tones out of the original (w/ the mini DIP switches), RBIs, RPMs, and the VT and Leeds from the characters series.

To my ear, Sans Amps are prone to fizzy high end--less pronounced in the character pedals I've tried (esp. the VT), and even when using the older pedals and rack units you can generally dial in useful tones that minimize the fizz.

 

[walterw]

if you're talking specifically about the bass driver DI, the new one is pretty much the same (why mess with a classic?), but has line/instrument level switches for more routing flexibility.

 

[rolleharris]

The BDDI is not that great. Get a good DI box instead

 

[john_g]

Not a fan of the VT pedal or BDDI, but I love my RPM.

 

[Dantreige]

The BDDI is not that great. Get a good DI box instead

I use a PBBDI and think it is great. It's ok not to like it, but blanket statements without context are silly and not helpful in any way.

OP, try to pick one up through the classifieds here on TalkBass. You can save some cash and can resell it to a TB'er if you don't like what it does. Everyone is different and have different needs.

I don't know about any differences from old and new. I just know it works for me.

 

[walterw]

yeah, sansamps rock! (literally, you might not dig it so much for jazz or gospel gigs.)

both as a bass player and as a bar/club soundguy, they just sound good in a rock band mix.

i use mine into whatever power amp i have lying around (currently a crest LT1500); who needs "bass amps"?

 

[Laurier Tiernan]

Thank you very much for your feedback and advice, guys!