Why aren't you using tube amps?

[RickyWoo]

The "if you can afford it" mentality toward tube amps is kinda silly. If you can save up to buy a solid state, why can't you save up under twice as long? I don't buy it.

 

[39-Bassist]

Well lets see...$ $ $...not just for the amp but also a case to transport it in. Gotta have that.
I prefer to have a Fender 300 or Super Bassman (pretty much the same thing) and of course 2 410 cabs and/or a 810
Now where is my back and why am I looking up at the sky? Hmmm

 

[Dynacord]

I often still do thanks to having an old all tube Dynacord Bass-King head. Not bulky or that heavy (about 18 lbs IIRC) and loud enough for most situation - though I do have more powerful amps for when needed. Has not been expensive to maintain other than having some of the caps replaced. Still has original 1960s German tubes so there's been no expense there (and they are common tubes anyway - 12AX7/12AT7 and EL34 equivalents).

 

[Mosfed]

Weight and my 1972 SVT will blow the power of most of the dive bars that we play

 

[pbass888]

nyc subway with... bass
amp and cab
sometimes.. iPad and stand, always
cables & strap
power chords....

or id be rocking a 12X18 cab and a spinal tapping lead sled

 

[Pilgrim]

Too heavy, too big, too expensive, too much service needed over time, too many class D amps sound just fine.

If I had a recording studio where an amp would live all the time, I'd love to have an SVT or a 400+. Or one of those Sadowsky ones they made for a minute.

There you have it. I use a Genz-Benz Shuttle amp and Shuttle speaker cabs, and my back likes me for it. I think the sound is absolutely as "good" as anything I can get from a tube amp. It may not be exactly the same, but "good" and "excellent" can come in different packages.

I still own my 1967 blackface Bassman. Caps have been replaced, power cord updated, and I have a tube tester to keep all tubes up to speed (haven't had to replace them yet). Freakin' thing is heavy as a boat anchor. It stays in my practice room and I have no interest in taking it out of the house when my G-B Shuttle weighs 3.75 pounds.

 

[Passinwind]

So I know the tube vs solid state thing gets beat to death. I'm not here for that. This is mostly for those of you who would like to use tube amps, but don't,

I would if I did.

And actually I do, for guitar, just not for bass.

 

[toomanyslurpees]

As far as power amps all things like weight, cost of tube replacement etc I found a tube pre/SS power amp set up that I just plan liked better than my SVT... weird huh?

 

[somebrains]

Weight and my 1972 SVT will blow the power of most of the dive bars that we play

That's why my SVT is sitting at my buddy's house in LA next to his Hiwatt stack.
I use a Buster 200 at home, it's a bit much to haul but I could manage it better than SVT+cab.
SVP-CL is tubey and gets it done.

I guess Ampeg had a point when they made those little recording tube heads.
Be nice if the $ point was lower.

 

[trofud]

I don't do originals, I play in a couple of cover bands, makes no difference to me. I'm not looking for a "signature sound", I just want to get the job done. I'm turning 49 this year, from my experience, showing up prepared, having the best possible attitude, being open minded goes a long way. To me this is more important than the gear I'm using. I buy what I can afford. And the audience won't give a hoot about my gear, I prefer to focus on the performance rather than what's on stage. As long as it sounds good enough!

 

[MrLenny1]

Saturday night gig had a full Ampeg SVT with 8x10 cab for backline.
Loved it, sounded great, but I do not own one because of size and weight.
Currently spoiled by TC RH450 that has compressor, tube emulation, 4 band EQ
3 memory banks, and built in tuner, all very nice features. 9 lbs. and the size of a book.
Also has matching foot switch with tuner display, mute and access to 3 memory banks.

 

[Obese Chess]

Because I have a bad back, a Ford Fiesta, and little disposable income.

 

[MCS4]

Price, weight, size, and generally preferring a clean tone that stays consistent regardless of volume level.

 

[Mosfed]

I would if I did. View attachment 2994023

And actually I do, for guitar, just not for bass.

I have a 5 watt Fender Vibro-champ that is so freaking loud on guitar I need lots of watts to keep up on bass. Even the 1 watt mode is super loud.

 

[Altitude]

I don't do originals, I play in a couple of cover bands, makes no difference to me. I'm not looking for a "signature sound", I just want to get the job done. I'm turning 49 this year, from my experience, showing up prepared, having the best possible attitude, being open minded goes a long way. To me this is more important than the gear I'm using. I buy what I can afford. And the audience won't give a hoot about my gear, I prefer to focus on the performance rather than what's on stage. As long as it sounds good enough!

Tru dat. I took my P-bass to rehearsal last night for my cover band. I’m not a huge P-bass guy but they are so popular at the moment that I find it in the rotation again.

I’ve had my $4500 Skjold out with this band about ten gigs. It sounds like an angel singing. Not a word from anyone. I whip out this P, which is actually a St. Blues, black with tort guard. Kinda beat up, really. Takes the drummer 10 minutes to start digging on it. “man, THAT is the right bass for this band.”

People don’t give a rat’s ass about gear. Even other players.

The P sounded good by the way. For the thread - Mesa D800 with an Audiokinesis 1x12 Changeling cabinet. Everything in one trip.

 

[el murdoque]

Would you get the Bass Prodigy for about US$1200?

I have to admit that I never tried the amp - afraid that I might like it too much. But for US$1200 I'd buy it if I liked it.
In fact, the Ampeg PF-50T that I ordered costs about that much.

 

[Dub56]

My Mesa M-Pulse 600 is basically a hybrid, but it's perfect for me. Gets enough of the tube amp warmth and breakup for me if I want it, and it still has the capability to sound more 'modern'. It's not too big or heavy either (it's certainly not tiny or light, but it's not bad at all).

Also, I have a Verellen Meatsmoke preamp pedal.... amazing. I feel like that kind of thing would be a really good option to bring some of that good 'tubeness' to a Class D amp. Certainly large for a pedal, but very manageable overall too.

 

[onosson]

Personally, I have never really enjoyed playing through a tube amp. Solid state is my preference purely on the basis of tone etc., light weight and lower cost are just fringe benefits.

 

[Bufalo]

I don't need my SVT's power for most of my gigs. When I need it, I use it.

 

[el murdoque]

The "if you can afford it" mentality toward tube amps is kinda silly. If you can save up to buy a solid state, why can't you save up under twice as long? I don't buy it.

I guess for most of the posters that were along the lines of 'can't afford it' it also comes down to the fact that while there is a difference between a good tube amp and a good micro head, it is not big enough to justify the huge monetary gap between the two.
If you have a grand to spend on a head, you can choose from a wide variety of class D heads that are in high regard.
Your gig-worthy tube head options are very limited, though.