Tube vs. Solid State

[kaiser_sosea]

As I indicated above, the Bassman 100 is next on my wish list. Was wondering if you're gigging with it regular and what cabinet you use with it? If you're so inclined, the type of music, bass guitar, etc. would also be helpful information for me.

In addition to my tube amps, I also own a GK 700 which is a terrific amp. So I would agree with those that say you should try a bunch of stuff and see what you like.

I'm currently not gigging regularly but did for about a year a couple years back. Even used it to play the historic Surf ballroom in Clear Lake, IA if anyone is familiar. Anyway it has always held up wonderfully and gigs that required PA support like the Surf were just miked. I run my matching Fender 4x12 for bigger gigs but for most and for practice i run my Avatar B212Neo. I love the tone i get from it but sometimes i feel i could use a little more punch, then I just make sure i'm tighter with the drummers right foot, problem solved. I play everything from rockabilly to funk to psychadelic to jam band improv.... It has always fulfilled my needs, now I just need to get the Daryl Jones Lakland I am after to finish the rig off. One thing to be careful of is running an active bass which can really distort the head but I like to keep the channel volume low and torque the master for a clean sound... Also makes a helluva guitar amp, especially if you remove 2 of the power tubes, gets overdriven real nice... IMO

 

[kaiser_sosea]

This sounds like a post from someone who has never owned a "vintage" tube head. C'mon dude! There is no hassle with owning an old tube head. I have been all-tube for over 2 years now. Absolutely ZERO problems, and this includes playing outdoor gigs @ 95 degrees and gigs where we played for 5-6 hours. The one problem I have had was 2 years ago when a power tube flared up...on my NEW YBA-200. Zero problems with my used Sunn 300T (90's model), my used V4 (76 model) OR my used SVT (73 model).

If your too cool to play old vintage gear thats fine. However, making a statement like that is rediculous. Like others have said, the vintage stuff was built to last forever. You dont need a warranty, just a good tech for a post-buy checkup.

I wont get into the TONE or the resale value benefits.

All IMO!

+1, i've played gigs where it started pouring on us and i can't begin to tell you how much beer has been spilt on this head since i've had it, it's been banged around and left in the cold and she keeps on ticking, if only my fiance' was this understanding

 

[pedro]

Thanks for the info kaiser_sosea. (Nice choice of names, btw.) I play mostly r&b/soul so I'm not terribly concerned about tons of watts. The Bassman was the amp I grew up, eventually ended up with a Dual Showman before I switched to SS amps. As an old guy now I like the symetry of returning to something from my youth.