Reeves Custom 50 as a bass amp???

[Starsailor]

Lately I've jamming with a band and playing bass on 50% of the songs, switching with one of the other guitarists. A bit of an odd arrangement I know. I'm not a bass player by trade and don't even own a bass or any bass related gear. We're borrowing a cheap Dean bass from a friend. I'm still scratching my head as to how I wound up in this position.

Anyhoo, we've got a slot for an upcoming benefit show and have only been using a rather crappy practice bass amp. Of all my amps my Custom 50 + 2x12 cab is the only one that even remotely fits the bill. I know the Hiwatt Custom 200 or Reeves 225 are big hits with some bass players but does the 50 have enough ass behind it for a bass rig? Just as a temporary fix.

Also, for future reference, what would be a good bass combo on the cheap? Sorry in advance if this should be in the bass forum.

 

[FFTT]

In recording you'd be fine, but you'll mostly be struggling to hear yourself
unless you have very good monitoring.

A Bass cab will help to prevent you from blowing your guitar speakers.


I jammed on bass all the time with just a Blues Deluxe on about 3
and any more volume would turn the speaker to mush.

You may be able to voice the amp to cut through, but you won't have much
low end.

There was a time when 50 watts would be plenty for bass with very good inter band
volume control, but good luck with that.

I have no idea about price, build or reliability, but the small Ashdown 4X10 head/cab
rig sounded pretty good at club volume.


It would be great to get a reproduction B-15 stand alone cab from fliptops
to go with your custom 50

 

[Starsailor]

Oh well. Figured it was a long shot. Especially with the small cab. May have to either rent/borrow an amp or go straight to board, ugh. Bad timing financially for my bass playing prospects. I'll check out some clips of that Ashdown, thanks.

 

[FFTT]

You'd have to ask Bill for safety hook up tips,
but you could slave the Reeves 50 pre section
to a cheaper solid state power amp.

 

[Dashface]

My band has had to use my Custom 100 as a backup head for the bass player once or twice. It sounds absolutely awesome - but it isn't quite as loud or anything; obviously a 50 would have less headroom etc. This was running through an Ampeg 4x10, mind.

I would recommend just renting a bass amp from your local Guitar Center, or renting (or borrowing) a bass cab from someone and using your head.

 

[DRS]

50 watts was enough for a bass amp in 1960 but not today - unless it's a very low volume gig with a quiet drummer. Plus a bass can kill a 2x12 guitar cab quickly. There are so many great solid state bass amps that are light and affordable used. I wouldn't go combo - the weight is just too much. I'd go minimum 200w with 400w ideal. I think the new Galien Krueger stuff is good. Get a decent head and cab. Go to a bass forum and ask the questions.

 

[FFTT]

You might as well try it at rehearsal, but you really should use a bass cab
or a single 15 full range.

IF...... you can control band volumes you might actually be fine with the tones
running your Custom 50, you can always add depth in the PA.

 

[dmagalhaes]

Get your self a Sans Amp and go direct..

 

[Starsailor]

Wow, forgot about the Sans amp option. Thanks. I'd prefer a proper amp but may have to go that route for a while.

 

[Starsailor]

Thanks for your input, FFTT(and others). My fellow Reeves enthusiast. Def. can't afford to blow up my 2x12. I hate I even have to consider using my 50 this way. Options are bleak when you're on short notice and broke though.