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Why are bass amps so ugly?
- Thread starter thehornedone
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Works for me, though this one is a DR103 pre with a smaller power amp
When I need more than 20 watts I go with this one
I do too! Remember, form follows function. Maybe the OP should look in stores other than Guitar center. Now that I think of it, it is hard to find decent Bass equipment in any store. Where's the best place in Texas to shop for Bass amps and cabs?
I find it ironic that the same guys who get up on a stage dressed like they're about to do yard work or change the oil in their cars will get so concerned about the aesthetics of their rig. As though audiences give a dump about the aesthetics of their rig.
I have always liked the rolled and pleated early Kustom amps
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That’s just a really offensive post. Please back it up with actual marketing numbers, or keep your biases to yourself.
It is certainly true that as we get older, we may have more means to indulge our interests. But, that in itself does not make older players as a class to be worse people any more than skin pigmentation or gender are (not) differentiators.
The reality is that older players may be able to afford nice rigs, like Bergantino etc, that younger players have more difficulty justifying. I get that. OTOH, after sucking it up and paying for four college tuitions and three weddings, an older player may rightly feel like they have paid sufficient dues to not feel overly guilty purchasing a correct piece of gear. Not to mention the hundreds of gigs already played with the used no name 410.
We don’t necessarily need to be nice to each other; but, let’s try to be kind.
To the OP: I think bass players want something that looks powerful and functional as opposed to pretty. Now with everything going smaller and lighter, that powerful look becomes harder to pull off, now most just look functional. I do like the way Ampeg PF350-500-800 amp heads look as well as the Fender Rumble combos.
I think the intention is that the "no name 4x10" is probably not going to be allowed to be sitting in the living room next to the tv, where a $3000 beautique may be more acceptable (but not in an Ugly Amp post). Just my take on it.
Could be. But, being at that point in life, I can tell you the wife doesn’t want a bass amp in the living room, even if it’s made by Ethan Allen. Keep your Cafe Walters in good working order if you want to practice in the living room. Just my $0.019.
Do you have a link where I can buy such a thing? I'm a big Sanford & Son fan
Oh btw..I used a beautiful 1970's Marshall Super Bass 100 way back then, and those heads are identical looking to the picture you have as a guitar amp. Not so ugly now then. I think bass amps are beautiful and functional as we bass players need more tone control over our sound than you guitarists. After all the bass is the guts of the band and with the drummer the entire rhythm section that hold down the bottom end. Without the "ugly" bass amps and heads you wouldn't have a band.
I don't think bass amps are any uglier than watching the guitarist from behind at front of stage prancing about playing tuneless leads and suspect chords.
ps. I have applied to The Grumpy Old Farts Club for membership lollll
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Do you have a link where I can buy such a thing? I'm a big Sanford & Son fan
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] make a lot of their amps using chassis from old radios, TVs, and suitcases. Some of them are really quite nice looking.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Bass amps seems to be designed for function over form. The "pretty" bass amps (SVT, etc.), were designed either to be, or look like, guitar amps. Take GK - thick but relatively light metal grill for protection - check. Light, but sturdy hardware - check. Looks cool - who cares?
Almost every guitar amp seems to look either like a classic Fender amp, or a classic Marshall. Since power (I have a 500 watt head, my guitarist uses 25-40) and lots of speaker area is not as important (generally bassists use 4 10s, 2 12s, or 2 15s - it's not unusual for a guitarist to use 1 12), it's easier to play with cosmetics.
Almost every guitar amp seems to look either like a classic Fender amp, or a classic Marshall. Since power (I have a 500 watt head, my guitarist uses 25-40) and lots of speaker area is not as important (generally bassists use 4 10s, 2 12s, or 2 15s - it's not unusual for a guitarist to use 1 12), it's easier to play with cosmetics.
