Finding a Bass Amp

**Rainer.** · 07-25-2004, 08:10 PM

I don't really know much about bass amps. I recently got a bass, and want a bass amp to go along. Playing through my guitar amp, like I'm doing now, it sounds OK, but doesn't really have a very great bassy tone, that I know is because I'm using it through a guitar amp. So I want a decent bass amp. As of yet, I don't have the money to get one yet, but I don't think there's any harm in just looking for one at this point. It's a Peavey Grind Bass. A standard lower-end neck-through bass with J-bass style (to an extent) passive electronic arrangement. I'm probably not gonna be playing ever to a whole ton of people, but I'll need something that can cut through, which means something in the range of 60+ watts. So far I don't have much knowledge about bass amp wattage, what tube vs. solid state means to bassists, and whatever other secrets bassists keep from us guitarists aobut their rigs.

I'll say, though, that I really dig on that overdriven J-bass sound. Growly and just awesome (Think Geddy). Any ideas?

Deren · 07-26-2004, 05:42 PM

Well Peavey makes some good afordable bass amps,
try the TKO 115 bass amp, very good tone and shapping w/75 watts. Got ours used for $300 Canadian so in states you could get a better deal.
Also, try Marshall bass-state amps, afordable but pack a great punch.

hope this helps,
-Deren

SenorPapaCabasa · 07-26-2004, 10:16 PM

i have an ampeg amp, 115 watts, 15" speaker, sounds great... it was only $250 used. they go for cheaper then that on ebay. i even gigged with it a few times when i didnt need my main rig, it sounds good mic'd too.

my practice amp is a smaller fender, with a 12" and i think some tweeters. but its 65 watts, good tone, i use it for praise and worship, i forget the model though, ill look. but i know ive seen them on ebay for around 150

Visirale · 07-27-2004, 06:07 AM

Don't worry about tubes. It's just a taste thing. And they don't even make much in the way of tube power amps under the 300 watt rating... Save the ampeg 100 watt head.. but that's based off of their vintage guitar amp series...

Most pros have a tube preamp of some sorts... sipmly because most pro bass heads and stand alone preamps have tubes. Simple really.

The big all tube heads, if you ever were to care:
Ampeg SVT
Mesa Boogie Bass 400+
Fender also has a 300 watt tube head, but it is relatively new and not nearly as widespread as the aforementioned two.

But that's all useless, since you're looking for a smaller amp.

I second the ampeg 115 combo. It would sound nice, and have plenty of power.

**Rainer.** · 07-27-2004, 09:14 AM

Anyone here have any experience with SWR LA series? They're cheap. Perhaps too cheap. I don't know about their quality but the price is rather appealing...

I'll look into the Ampeg. Thanks!

LWatford · 07-27-2004, 11:27 AM

I've got a first generation LA8 on the floor next to me right now. Fine little practice amp. Very small and portable, very nice sound. The 8" speaker is kinda not the best, but whatever. You won't be able to gig with the smaller combos.

I like the Fender Bassman 60 combo. Very nice, could probably gig with it (at moderate volumes and with PA support). Nice sound.

Visirale · 07-27-2004, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LWatford

I like the Fender Bassman 60 combo. Very nice, could probably gig with it (at moderate volumes and with PA support). Nice sound.

My first amp was the fender bassman 60. I didn't like it too much. The tone only sounded good with the "enhance" circuit on, and it started clipping at about volume level 4. It's also way overpriced.

I say either go with a Peavey 115 combo or an ampeg 115. But perhaps Lee knows some redeeming information about the bassman 60.

SenorPapaCabasa · 07-27-2004, 08:53 PM

i remembered what my other amp was... fender bxr60

**Rainer.** · 07-29-2004, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LWatford

I've got a first generation LA8 on the floor next to me right now. Fine little practice amp. Very small and portable, very nice sound. The 8" speaker is kinda not the best, but whatever. You won't be able to gig with the smaller combos.

I like the Fender Bassman 60 combo. Very nice, could probably gig with it (at moderate volumes and with PA support). Nice sound.

I don't think I'd go with the smaller amps. 15 watts through a 8" speaker isn't gonna get me through much. Also, I tried out the Bassman 60 at GC yesterday, and it was OK, but it's overpriced compared to what I'd seen.

LWatford · 07-29-2004, 09:24 AM

My experiance with the Bassman was limited to using it a few times when I would sub at a church. Using my basses, I thought it sounded pretty good for being so small. Of course this was still during my "flat response is where it's at" phase...meaning I use very little Eq, and usually only in a corrective manner.

What else have you seen?

If you want something bigger, but still want to keep it on te lower end pricewise...look for a used Peavey Combo 210. Great amp, you can find them around $250 sometimes. Same specs as the current Combo 115, but in the more useful 210 combination. A used SWR Workingman's 12/15 would be another great amp, a good bit more than the Peavey though. With amps I'm all about buying used...

**Rainer.** · 07-29-2004, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LWatford

What else have you seen?

Not much, really. I went to GC yesterday, but only got to test the Fender out.

Ashleigh · 07-30-2004, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Anyone here have any experience with SWR LA series? They're cheap. Perhaps too cheap. I don't know about their quality but the price is rather appealing...

I dont have much experiance with SWR, but I've heard they're quality has gone down since they were bought out by Fender.

Maybe look into the Ashdown Mag amps.

**Rainer.** · 08-02-2004, 11:21 PM

I tred the SWR and the Ampeg today. I really liked the Ampeg. I think I might get a distortion pedal (big muff or something) to get the overdriven sounds. That sound good? I'd usually like an amp where I can dial in my drive, but I didn't see any lower end models other then Fender that had separate pre/post amp levels.

LWatford · 08-03-2004, 11:54 AM

Most bass amps do not have pre/post gain control like a guitar amp. I'd find an amp you like that has a usuable amount of power, then put a SansAmp Bass Driver D.I. infront of it.

Visirale · 08-03-2004, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rainer123

I tred the SWR and the Ampeg today. I really liked the Ampeg. I think I might get a distortion pedal (big muff or something) to get the overdriven sounds. That sound good? I'd usually like an amp where I can dial in my drive, but I didn't see any lower end models other then Fender that had separate pre/post amp levels.

Don't get a muff, unless you want SERIOUS fuzz. It doesn't do slightly overdriven or anything. It just goes from extremely muddy fuzz, to extremely gritty fuzz. But I have it and like it. Makes harmonics fun.