Thunderbird Club

[PillO]

I have a 110 (no HP that I know of). Haven't used it since moving (2 yrs), but would think you would need to start out about 11:00 on bass, 2:00 mids (setting 3), and around 10-11 treble. The pre is no where like a SVT, but SVTs are not flat at 12:00, but I can't recall exactly what flat is on an SVT but close to the above. While the pre is different, the voicing is somewhat similar and this my help to get away from that Ampeg sound a little.

I have a BA110 - my first practice amp. My assessment is that, for a bass amp, it lacks some low end and has plenty of treble. it is useful; I use it to play music through for home practice; it seems very good (flat) for that.

 

[JJR58]

Sorry, I think 15, not 12.

Ampeg: Bass Amp Series - BA115HP

Not so great, you won't like it.
Played through one at rehearsal studio, was awful.

 

[PillO]

Other than Pyramid Gold's, GHS is the thumpiest. Compared to DTFs they have more low mids and are more balanced across the freqs, whereas the DTFs might be perceived as deeper at times because they seem slightly scooped in some low freq. In my experience, the LaBellas would be closer (not alike by any means), to Fenders than the GHSs. I hear the GHSs being more even with no one freq jumping out and the DTFs as having lows, some mid/upper mids and pleasant highs. Both are great in certain applications and take time to settle in to the thick zone and the GHS E may sound different at first, having more old school thump when new. The others will follow with some play time. both are smooth, but of the sets I've had, GHS is more so. The "Perfectly Balanced Set" above is really smooth.

As others chime in, please feel free to disagree or correct with counter observations.

OK, now do that description like a real bass player - using only food metaphors!

 

[dagrev]

I have a BA110 - my first practice amp. My assessment is that, for a bass amp, it lacks some low end and has plenty of treble. it is useful; I use it to play music through for home practice; it seems very good (flat) for that.

They make really good keyboard amps.

 

[PillO]

They make really good keyboard amps.

Yep; full range. Bass amp; lacks the bottom end you would expect.

 

[Engle]

Ok Donnie (and others)
I decided to go with flats on the VP equipped BaCH NR II and have narrowed it down to these two choices.
View attachment 4823410 View attachment 4823411
…I don’t have experience with either one so any insight would be helpful (other club members feel free to chime in as well).

My tone goal is smooth creamy dark relatively old school for this bass (I already have Fender 7150 rounds on my other VP for a brighter tone and grind if needed). Playing will be strictly finger style, typically between the single pup and neck area. Music ranges from classic rock to smooth Jazz, swing and country.

Note - I’m trying not to duplicate the sound of any of my other Tbirds. So Cobalt flats, Optima Golds, La Bella black tapes, Fender 7150 rounds, Boomers, Roto Flats, SITs and D’Addario XLs and Black Daggers are out. I’m not fond of the chromes that are currently on it - too top end focused, fairly high tension.

I’ve used both, although not on a VP. My vote is for the LaBella DTFs. You need to have those on at least one bass!

 

[dagrev]

OK, now do that description like a real bass player - using only food metaphors!

GHS sounds like BBQ Brisket and DTFs more like steak.

I'm not that creative. Remember, I only have double digit IQ to work with here so you get limited results.

 

[GBassNorth]

OK, now do that description like a real bass player - using only food metaphors!

LOL - or colors, that’s always expressive.
Personally, I relate well with dog breeds. So I’m not looking for pit bull strings and I’d like to avoid the high end yelp of terrier’s and the low end woof of basset hounds. I’m looking for something deep balanced and lively more along the lines of a black lab or maybe a Great Dane.

 

[dagrev]

Yep; full range. Bass amp; lacks the bottom end you would expect.

It's been a while, but I don't recall it being that shy in the lows, for a 110. It had more than my Rumble, or at lease sounded bigger. But compared to something bigger which is what we are most used to, it can sound thin.

 

[dagrev]

I’ve used both, although not on a VP. My vote is for the LaBella DTFs. You need to have those on at least one bass!

The DTFs sounded really good on the '21 NR as well.

 

[JJR58]

It's been a while, but I don't recall it being that shy in the lows, for a 110. It had more than my Rumble, or at lease sounded bigger. But compared to something bigger which is what we are most used to, it can sound thin.

Ken revised the description, it's a 115.
Pure mud, no cut through what so ever as well.

 

[dagrev]

LOL - or colors, that’s always expressive.
Personally, I relate well with dog breeds. So I’m not looking for pit bull strings and I’d like to avoid the high end yelp of terrier’s and the low end woof of basset hounds. I’m looking for something deep balanced and lively more along the lines of a black lab or maybe a Great Dane.

Now colors and dogs. Clearly asking too much now.

 

[Engle]

Terry Slater having a little fun with a NR T-Bird with the Everly Brothers in Australia 1968.

 

[Engle]

The DTFs sounded really good on the '21 NR as well.

I just put them on my Les Paul Tribute (Doublecut) the other day.
Perfect for R&B/Motown!

 

[dagrev]

Ken revised the description, it's a 115.
Pure mud, no cut through what so ever as well.

I don't think I ever played one. But I can imagine you being right on target. I like a few Ampeg offerings, and really can't stand the rest. Some of their cabs are just awful sounding.

 

[JJR58]

I don't think I ever played one. But I can imagine you being right on target. I like a few Ampeg offerings, and really can't stand the rest. Some of their cabs are awful sounding.

After the departure of the B-15, and the early Rocket combos.
I wouldn't touch any of the later models.
That's just me.

Although their Heritage series B-15's are awesome.

 

[Engle]

Ken revised the description, it's a 115.
Pure mud, no cut through what so ever as well.

Good thing he has a GK preamp to put in front of it.

 

[Stealth57]

Now colors and dogs. Clearly asking too much now.

Just because, I say the La Bella black tapes are a Black Lab with a flea issue.

 

[JJR58]

Good thing he has a GK preamp to put in front of it.

I hope that saves him.
It will for sure help.

 

[dagrev]

After the departure of the B-15, and the early Rocket combos.
I wouldn't touch any of the later models.
That's just me.

Although their Heritage series B-15's are awesome.

I bet. Their Heritage series is almost a different animal. I have the Heritage 410 and it sounds great, not at all like the others. Their other 410s (all I played anyway) sucked. My Heritage was about $100 more and that $100 had a noticeable difference. I would never own a 410 Classic.