Bass Amplifiers

Bass amplifier

If you're looking for a high-powered bass amplifier that won't break the bank, a solid-state amplifier will likely meet your needs. Tube amplifiers are more expensive (sometimes very much so), and tubes, as you might expect, are somewhat more fragile. The difference lies in the way a solid-state amplifier overdrives compared to a tube amplifier. Solid-state amplifiers play loudly, but when they reach their upper limits, the distortion produced is not very musical. Meanwhile, tube amplifiers will produce a much more pleasant overdrive. However, you should keep in mind that most high-quality solid-state amplifiers are built with sufficient headroom to avoid overdriving, so it's a problem you need to be aware of. But not necessarily one you should be worried about.

Combo amplifier or head and cabinet?

Just like with standard electric guitar amplifiers, you need to determine if you really need a high-powered amplifier. If you're going to play studio concerts and small clubs, you can definitely get by with an all-in-one combo amplifier. In the 1960s and into the 1970s, there weren't many combo models. The "piggyback" Fender Bassman with a 2 x 12" cabinet pretty much set the standard.

Although you will historically remember that Fender's first bass amplifier was the original 4 x 10" Bassman from the 1950s. Today, manufacturers understand that a properly designed amplifier/speaker combination with a closed back will play loud enough for everything right up to larger venues. Most allow players to add an extra cabinet to reinforce the lowest octave.

For large halls, auditoriums, and open arenas, powerful heads matched with a single or double cabinet will be required to create the desired sound. These megawatt monsters can play loudly and cleanly all the way down to the low E string. If you need a solid foundation that can be felt as much as it can be heard. Nothing beats a powerful amplifier driving two 1 x 15" cabinets or a single 2 x 15". However, it is worth noting that most manufacturers offer closed 4 x 10" cabinets, which when matched with a 1 x 15" produce a wider frequency response preferred by bassists who have active tone-shaping capabilities on instruments.

Advantages of modeling

Modeling offers the best of all worlds. You can buy a basic "practice" amplifier today that will deliver almost any tone or effect you may need or want. It will pull double as much as a great studio amplifier. These budget-friendly models provide everything from clean tones to full overdrive along with all the must-have effects that bassists are looking for.

There is no longer any reason to compromise your sound just because you are just starting to play guitar. Even more impressive are the "do-it-all" amplifiers that are sonic chameleons. They can deliver the sounds you need. But today, thanks to modeling, all effects (even multi-effects like chorus and delay plus reverb) are designed to be incredibly quiet. What’s more, modeling frees you from the limitations of having to "settle" for a specific amplifier's tonal range.

For some players, modeling is simply no substitute. And since a player's individual tone is critical, we acknowledge that each bassist decides for themselves whether modeling is the right choice for their bass amplification.

Does size matter?

Is bigger always better? Not necessarily. Modern bass cabinet design can enhance low-frequency response in a well-built 4 x 10" cabinet and actually allow them to handle a low B string (which produces frequencies even lower than a 42Hz E string), something that was previously considered unattainable. A larger 15" speaker will still move a room with plenty of low-end rumble, so we still see a number of 1 x 15" combo amplifiers and cabinets that are great for smaller gigs and practice rigs.

What is best for you? Well, that's subjective. But many successful bassists rely on a great cabinet design and spend less time worrying about the size of the speaker itself. When in doubt, you can count on your Sweetwater sales engineer to provide you with reliable, accurate information that allows you to make an informed decision about what is best for your needs.