First real amp was a GK backline 600 into a 4X10 GK cabinet, and I still use a GK 700RB II into a 6x10 Ampeg. Gotta stick with what you like right?
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Your First "Real" Bass AMP (Caution, Old Guy Content)
- Thread starter knockerjoe
- Start date
Brand new 1970 Ampeg B15N. Not all that heavy, but weighed more than my eleven year old body at that time!
Still have it out in the shop - fried but not forgotten.
Tim
Still have it out in the shop - fried but not forgotten.
Tim
If I were to be totally honest here....my FIRST amp was a built-in-the-case Sears Silverstone guitar that my folks bought me for Christmas....I don't remember exactly what they paid for the rig (guitar and built-in) but if memory serves it was like $69 back in the early 60s.
Today" $1,500 IF you can find one.
But later, the FIRST REAL amp was a bassman.....damn fine amp!
Today" $1,500 IF you can find one.
But later, the FIRST REAL amp was a bassman.....damn fine amp!
GawdAwmighty...I was the King of the World!
devnulljp
Supporting Member
Mine was all solid state. Borrowed a Peavey MkIII (or IV, I can't remember) 400w? with a 2x15 cab.
First one that was actually mine was a Trace Elliot with 8x10. Beautiful sounding amp, but a beast to move around.
It got stolen. I hope they threw out their backs stealing it.
First one that was actually mine was a Trace Elliot with 8x10. Beautiful sounding amp, but a beast to move around.
It got stolen. I hope they threw out their backs stealing it.
devnulljp
Supporting Member
The YBA3 is the king of bass amps if you ask me. Too bloody heavy to lug around, but what a sound.
I still have one with a 2x15 cab, but it rarely leaves the house.
In 1988 I had saved up enough money sacking groceries at Randall's to buy a Peavey TKO 75 with a Black Widow Speaker, which has since been stolen.
In addition to being HEAVY, it only had one little handle on the top, so it was a pita to carry. I put casters on mine.
(not my pic)
In addition to being HEAVY, it only had one little handle on the top, so it was a pita to carry. I put casters on mine.
(not my pic)
Great amp, but I was in late teens and carrying it was no big deal. Now, forget it!
I had a YSR-1 in the early '80s that made for a great recording bass amp. I ran it into either an old Bullfrog 2-12 guitar cabinet or a front loaded folded horn I built with a JBL 2225 in it.
1978: 1961 blonde/oxblood Bassman head ($200) with a 2-12 Guild Thunderbass cab ($35!!!!).
I had one of those heads at one point, only paid $50 for it
I had one of those heads at one point, only paid $50 for it
My first non-combo bass amp was the TubeWorks RT-3300. I got it after my TubeWorks RT-3100 combo, thinking I'd be getting more of the same, only more so. Totally different beast!
It served me well for a number of years but went into retirement once I got my Shuttle 6.2. I'm just not that into heavy gear anymore.
It's really odd but being an old school lead sled, it does seem to "prefer" passive basses and 15" speakers. It doesn't like my Acme B2 at all. I can't explain it.
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It served me well for a number of years but went into retirement once I got my Shuttle 6.2. I'm just not that into heavy gear anymore.
It's really odd but being an old school lead sled, it does seem to "prefer" passive basses and 15" speakers. It doesn't like my Acme B2 at all. I can't explain it.
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HiWatt Custom Bass 100
Great amp, wish I still had it!
Great amp, wish I still had it!
1965 Kustom 2 JBL D-130 15's 193rd one made. Toured two summer seasons 7-8 shows a week. Still have it.
In 1971 I bought a brand new EMC 1x15" combo on casters to go with a used Fender Mustang bass. My first bass rig after about 8 or 9 years of self taught guitar. Don't remember much about the. EMC, not even sure I'd recognize a photo. Anyone else ever heard of EMC, or seen such? Had to really crank it sometimes, so it might have been only 50 or 75 watts. Iit sounded good for no real EQ controls.
I graduated from a Sears bass amp to a Plush P1000s that I found in a pawn shop in 1974 for $200. It came with the black Naugahyde covering and a 3x15" speaker cab with the chrome ports.
Naugahyde is not the most robust material to be covering heavy cabs that are loaded with difficulty into cars, trucks and vans but I still have the pair and they've held up pretty good with few troubles since buying them.
Now I've got a Fender PS400 but no matching cab as well as yer basic SWR SM 400 with Henry the 8th cab.
I've got no pictures to show you right now but who would lie about such a thing?
Naugahyde is not the most robust material to be covering heavy cabs that are loaded with difficulty into cars, trucks and vans but I still have the pair and they've held up pretty good with few troubles since buying them.
Now I've got a Fender PS400 but no matching cab as well as yer basic SWR SM 400 with Henry the 8th cab.
I've got no pictures to show you right now but who would lie about such a thing?
Yamaha B100 with the 215 bottom. And I had no car at the time. It was a major purchase in '75, used, at around $200 iirc.
My old keyboard player had a B100 head that he'd used in elder days, and gave it to me when he was unloading some junk. For only 100 watts it's surprisingly loud, and doesn't sound too bad!
My old keyboard player had a B100 head that he'd used in elder days, and gave it to me when he was unloading some junk. For only 100 watts it's surprisingly loud, and doesn't sound too bad!
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