Low watt bass amp for studio

[sws2h]

I'm looking for a good, small, low watt tube bass amp for the studio. Any alternatives to a B-15 or a Ashdown Little Bastard?

 

[zenitB]

Behringer Thunderbird. For me it is to bass what the Pathfinder is for the guitar

 

[loudboy]

Why would you need an alternative to a B-15?

One of the handful of truly classic amps, and not really that expensive.

 

[sws2h]

I'd like a B-15N, but I'm a little more comfortable with $250-$400 vs $750-$1000+

 

[sinner]

You might look at some vintage Traynor YBA's, the low watt ones might work for you.

 

[NashSG]

 

[Endr_rpm]

If you want to get out inexpensively, combine a low wattage guitar head with a bass cab miced up, plus a clean DI. use the DI for low end, and the cab and amp for mids and highs. combine to taste. You can even use one of the wee 5 watters for this.

 

[alexanderplatz]

If you want to get out inexpensively, combine a low wattage guitar head with a bass cab miced up, plus a clean DI. use the DI for low end, and the cab and amp for mids and highs. combine to taste. You can even use one of the wee 5 watters for this.

Any suggestions for a bass speaker to be driven by a 5 watt amp? The Weber 10" bass speakers, for example, are rated at 150 watts. Would that work?

 

[tayste_2000]

Realistically without a B-15 you're just going to get DI'd, for years I tried with all sorts, 1957 made Dynacords, custom made Matamps and don't get me wrong they sound amazing but on bass most producers aren't interested in mic'ing it up.

Turn up with a B-15 and it all changes.

That said if you're in your own band and doing your own recording etc bring what you want, it's your time and your dime.

All I know is even though they are as rare as hens teeth in the UK I got a B-15 and it's killer, it will be the last amp that leaves my hands before I walk towards the light

 

[sws2h]

Thanks for the suggestions, this would be for my studio not personal use. I'll just have to suck it up and buy one. I've used them a lot, owned a B-15S for awhile (wasn't the same).

I also like those little Fender Musicmaster amps, when they were like $150, combined with a good DI like an Avalon U5. Grit from the Fender, low end from the Avalon, but those littles amp just aren't worth what they are demanding these days.

 

[Endr_rpm]

No real opinion on the speakers, too subjective. If you have a big enough miss-match between amp/speaker power rating (ie a 5 watt amp into a 25+ watt speaker) you may not even need a bass-specific speaker, just roll some of the bass off.

 

[TedintheShed]

Go to Talkbsss.com and search the "low wattage tubesters" thread for ideas.

 

[Primakurtz]

You might look at some vintage Traynor YBA's, the low watt ones might work for you.

My YBA-1a is just gorgeous at low volume, through an EV 15.

 

[Davo17]

For low volume, I actually like using my 5e3. Shhhh.

 

[timsmcm]

B - 15 nothing gonna be better.

 

[crackbass]

This

http://www.ampeg.com/pdf/svtdi.pdf

Or this

http://www.adesignsaudio.com/reddi-all-tube-direct-box.htm

 

[rigg]

B-25b. You can thank me later.

 

[tayste_2000]

This

http://www.ampeg.com/pdf/svtdi.pdf

Or this

http://www.adesignsaudio.com/reddi-all-tube-direct-box.htm

mmmmm reddi

 

[mhuxtable]

For bass recording through an amp you need volume. It's not like guitar amps (that are meant to break up)....they need to thump some air to feel full.

 

[jefesq]

swr baby blue? I or II

http://www.thecavanproject.com/review-swr-baby-blue-ii-bass-amp/