Good bass head

[Tonkpils136]

hey,im trying to find a good bass head that the lows are really good

im currently using a hartke 3000 and its ok but the top string doesnt have the sound i really want

i have also herd that swr has good lows

any advice would be nice

thanks for anyone who helps

 

[Estin]

i have a buddy that uses the SWR mo'bass head. she really likes it. massive lows and alot of power. and some nice onboard effects.

 

[Tonkpils136]

how about peavey heads,they any good

becuz im pretty much sold on swr for my next hear but want some opinions before i shell out the $$$ for one

 

[easelkillya]

I highly recommend the Ampeg SVT-4 pro. It's incredible for any sound.

 

[bovinehost]

Depends on what kind of tone you want, what kind of bass you play, what kind of cabs you're using, how big a space you need to fill, your favorite color, etc.

 

[Tonkpils136]

im currently using a ibanez btb

the tone i want is very deep lows and i use peavey cabs and my favorite color is silver

 

[Psychicpet]

From what i've heard, the Peavey pro500 head is supposed to be really good, although I'm not a Peavey user. Try out Yorkville if you can or if they carry it near you, they're not the "best" sounding amps but dollar for dollar they have good tone and wattage.

 

[Fretbuzz]

I'm using an Ampeg SVT-3 PRO and really enjoy it. It has many different frequency options so you get choices of bass that you need to fit the environment that you are playing in. SVT-4 PRO and 5-PRO are good as well too but you start to drop some serious $$$.

 

[Tonkpils136]

are those the ampegs that use tube amps?

 

[Estin]

i'm as big if a tube freak as the next guy, but do tube bass amps really pay? i seen a mesa bass head and it used 12 6l6 tubes just to get 600 watts. that pricey to re-tube a mother like that.

 

[giddy4geddy]

Although I have a GK 700RB-II stack, to save from lugging it around from time to time I play through an older Trace Elliot combo unit (similar to a 715 but with an 11-band EQ) at a local Japanese Cafe here in Tokyo that has remarkable lows. It's got an onboard EQ that dips into the 40hz range that you really can hear! It's a solid small venue unit for the bucks, though I will always tend to refer anyone to GK since I like that solid punch...

And, as always (Bovine), go BONGOS. Still awaiting delivery...

 

[easelkillya]

I believe the Ampeg SVTpros use tube preamps and solid state power amps. It may be the other way around... I don't really pay attention. All I know is I get the sound I want, and it is as loud as I've ever wanted it to be. After all, it is 1600 watts.

 

[Fretbuzz]

Easelkillya is right. Tube preamp pushed by solid state. They do have a "tube gain" knob on them. I have played live with a tube amp and like them but, IMO, I would just have a tube amp for the studio and lug around the solid state for gigs. Tubes are EXPENSIVE!!!

 

[Squawk]

I think your cab/speakers are a bigger issue here. And it does depend on the sound you're looking for.

I played professionally from roughly 1969 through 1972, and I last played bass on stage in 1975 (ringer for a disco band - what a trip!). I still have my 1969 Bassman with upgraded two 15" JBL-D130s; I've rented high-end Ampeg when I needed extra power.

I still have my original gear, but do not use the Fender head much. Instead, I use a Trace Elliot head I bought for $99 when MF was clearing them out a few years ago. My performing bass is a Hartke USA XL4 with an EMG active set. When set correctly, the tonality is indistinguishable from tube tone. The clarity - not to mention playing (and carrying) comfort - beats my old amp and '68 Fender Precision. Wish I had this setup way back when -- but I was younger, skinnier, and had more stamina then......