Why are bass amps so ugly?

[Stranger Danger]

As a "native" guitarist, every time I go to Guitar Center I have this thought. Why are bass amps so ugly compared to guitar amps? Sure, there are some handsome classic bass amp designs such as some Ampegs, and Acoustics, but the vast majority of bass amps currently on the market just have really ugly, gaudy design to my eyes. Here's what I'm talking about:

Bass Amps:

Guitar Amps:

Because guitar amps are made to just keep the speakers from rolling around on the ground. Bass amps actually have to be engineered for functionality.

 

[angrychair]

also, guitar center used to sell good stuff like Ampeg and Spector.

I don't think Aguilar stuff is ugly, I like it.

 

[Matthew Fisher]

Unfortunately it's the only thing I can find recorded. In person it is amazing what he can do. I'm not a huge fan of improv but once I saw it done by some people who get it, it's really amazing what can be drawn from an instrument that sounds nothing like you would expect that instrument to sound and not also sound like crap. A guitar player I've worked with forever is in to it and that's how I got exposed. At first I thought it was just people wanking aimlessly, trying to be non musical, but when I saw Davey and LaDonna the first time I came to realize it takes a serious master of an instrument in a conventional sense to be able to make improv worth listening to. I went to a show in Jacksonville FL and a drummer started on a conventional kit and wound up playing the building while a gentleman who was a concert violinist and had escaped the Chinese cultural revolution alternated between a fiddle and a traditional samisen. One upside to improv is there is never any danger of hearing Mustang Sally.

Nice!

Anybody ever used a huge plectrum like that for bass? You can't see them very well in the videos below, but a plectrum of roughly the same size is used for tamburitza bass and balalaika bass. Traditionally made of hard leather, if I recall correctly.

Not to derail the thread or anything, but um, maybe it wouldn't hurt in this case. Squirrel!

 

[bobyoung53]

The most beautiful amps ever made IMHO were the early Marshall's (used a Major for bass many moons ago) before they put master volumes on them, the more knobs the worse they look. I also like Ampeg's, they're built like tanks and look like it but are good looking at the same time. Some of those above amps look like if they fell more than 3 inches they'd be ready for the junk pile.

 

[bobyoung53]

HAHAH!! The Markbass 210 right beside the Dewalt power tool set is killing me!! Can't stop laughing!! I agree with you 100% brother, I'm all about those classic Ampegs because of this reason.

I don't like the looks of Markbass, don't like the sound and especially don't like the name, this will probably get me shot but I think the name Markbass is about the wimpiest name to ever grace a bass amp or guitar amp or ANY amp for that matter.

 

[bobyoung53]

• Started in 1965 with this, and it's still a favorite for looks and sound.

Yes those early white fenders are among the prettiest amps ever made. I got a 68 Silverface Bassman and it's much bigger but is still pretty and still sounds good.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Unfortunately it's the only thing I can find recorded. In person it is amazing what he can do. I'm not a huge fan of improv but once I saw it done by some people who get it, it's really amazing what can be drawn from an instrument that sounds nothing like you would expect that instrument to sound and not also sound like crap. A guitar player I've worked with forever is in to it and that's how I got exposed. At first I thought it was just people wanking aimlessly, trying to be non musical, but when I saw Davey and LaDonna the first time I came to realize it takes a serious master of an instrument in a conventional sense to be able to make improv worth listening to. I went to a show in Jacksonville FL and a drummer started on a conventional kit and wound up playing the building while a gentleman who was a concert violinist and had escaped the Chinese cultural revolution alternated between a fiddle and a traditional samisen. One upside to improv is there is never any danger of hearing Mustang Sally.

Thanks for posting the video. It's always interesting to see something different.

 

[rtav]

The top 1/3 of my rig:

Link Removed

 

[40Hz]

I've long thought that Rickenbackers and Orange amps are a great visual combination

A Fireglo plugged into an Orange would be a beautiful sight. No two ways about it. Like having Nicole Kidman and Christina Hendricks sharing a podium together. (Go Gingers!)

 

[fhm555]

Thanks for posting the video. It's always interesting to see something different.

Thanks, and to the OP. Sorry about the derail.

 

[RED J]

i don't feel like reading through 8 pages, has anyone asked the obvious question yet, "whats a bass amp supposed to look like " ?

 

[thehornedone]

Everyone's sharing photos of their rigs, and I see a lot of contradictions to my question.

Here's my bass rig, which I'm not mad at looks-wise, but it doesn't make me drool like the sight of my guitar rig.

Bass rig:

Guitar rig (Bonus sexy looking vintage MM amp in the background - not mine):

 

[beans-on-toast]

If you've ever been subjected to professional comportment clauses, they include how to present yourself and extend to how the equipment looks. Basically, no ratty gear allowed.

 

[Matthew Fisher]

Everyone's sharing photos of their rigs, and I see a lot of contradictions to my question.

Here's my bass rig, which I'm not mad at looks-wise, but it doesn't make me drool like the sight of my guitar rig.

Bass rig:

Guitar rig (Bonus sexy looking vintage MM amp in the background - not mine):

One stack of boxes is plain, and the other is gorgeous? Well, OK, we all like what we like. What if the Aguilar went to eleven?

 

[Edword]

Guilty. Hahahaha!

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

guitar center sells crap for selection man.

Context?

 

[Roxbororob]

Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder. I personally find this to be beautiful. The added benefit... even just one of them can run right up there with 100 watt Marshall or other full stacks with ease. I know this from experience.

and if you feel those Acoustic control rigs just aren't cutting it.... there's also this.

Did someone say more bottom?

Oh my....lovely indeed

 

[Roxbororob]

I'll just leave this here.

and more.....

 

[Ffreddy]

Bass amps look great if you play the right ones.

 

[beaglesandbass]

We have a "no posts/threads" rule about ugly basses. There's no current rule against amps or other gear, but we will decide for sure. If threads about amps are allowed, this thread will be reopened.