Help with Bass amps

[fenderbender4]

I'm primarily a guitar player, but want to start playing bass. When it comes to bass amps, it seems there are many more solid state amps out there. Is there a reason for this? Does a tube bass amp make larger difference like a tube guitar amp does?

Thanks.

[jay42]

Schlep-ability and EQ possibilities. While there's nothing quite like an SVT or one of the big Sunn amps, they weigh on the order of 80 lbs for a head. A one or two space tube pre-amp and a QSC PLX power amp can get a very pleasing tone at under 30 lbs. My experience is that you can get away with an Ampeg V4/V4B, a Music Man HD-130, or a Fender Dual Showman (lowest headroom) for practice and clubing if you must have tubes. Of those, the ampeg has the most versitile EQ.

[testing1two]

The answer really depends on the music and on your definition of ideal bass tone. 9 times out of 10, a solid state rig of some kind will suit your needs and your budget more effectively than an all tube rig. As jay42 said, the preamp/poweramp rig allows you to pick your flavor and then add as much power/speakers as your gigs require. However, if you're not gigging then a solid state combo (perhaps with a tube pre, but not necessarily) is the logical choice.

[The Golden Boy]

Does a tube bass amp make larger difference like a tube guitar amp does?


I prefer SS bass amps. Tube amps, by nature have distortion which some people describe as "warmth." There's also a "sag" that's inherent in tube amps.

Just in those two differences- some people like that and look for that in their sound. I personally look at that "warmth" as "lack of clarity." That "sag" to me is "lack of immediacy."

Add to that about the weight. These days you'll find good sounding 600w SS bass amps under 5 pounds. UNDER FIVE ****ING POUNDS. I've got a 600w SS head with a 35-40 pound chunk of iron in it. I remember hauling around a Fender 300PS that was outrageously heavy. I can't put an SVT head on top of an 8x10 by myself anymore. But I can sling around my 900w amp in a rack with a tuner and power supply like nobody's business. And I get the sound I want, and it doesn't break the bank.

[padavis]

Well... I think I dig solid state with a tube preamp myself. My pops had a SVT CL head down in the bassment and it seems a little slower than his new Mesa Fathom. Something about the bass and speed for me... maybe its that sag Golden Boy is talking about. Anyways, good luck on finding heads to try, atleast in my town there are like 3 bass heads so it sucks looking for good bass equipment to test out here.