GUIDE and FEATURES of Amplifiers for Electric Bass (Combo and Head). Best Brands: Ampeg, Hartke, Fender, Orange, Markbass…
Amplifiers for Electric Bass: Valves, Hybrids or Transistors
In the world of electric guitar amplifiers, the top models are the so-called tube amplifiers. These devices are made with old-fashioned vacuum tubes. However, when it comes to amplifiers for electric basses, the use of transistors is very widespread.
For example, major manufacturers such as Markbass opt for the use of transistors to develop their products. At most, the brand opts for hybrid manufacturing in some models, in which both valves and transistors are used in the same device.
Although there are legendary models of amplifiers with a complete tube construction such as the Fender Bassman, some Ampeg models such as the V-4B or the SVT, or the legendary Orange AD200B Mk3.
But these legendary devices often cost well over 1000 or even $2000 per piece. In addition, they would have the usual drawbacks of maintenance, fragility, size and high weight, compared to transistor amplifiers. However, some bassists would not change their tube amplifier for anything in the world.
However, if the sound of a tube keeps us awake at night, we can always opt for hybrid models, which consist of a tube preamplifier to recover the warm sound of vacuum tubes, and the amplification power of a transistor amp. In this way, we will obtain the most interesting qualities of both types of construction in the same device. In addition, they are cheaper than those built entirely with tubes.
Power between Tube and Transistor Amplifiers for Electric Bass
When it comes to power, there is a huge gap between tube and solid-state amps. For example, a 100-watt power rating for an all-tube amp would be more than enough for playing live. We even have models that can reach 300 watts of power to optimize the clean path of the device until it begins to saturate or distort, also known as Headroom.
It would not be usual (unlike guitar amplifiers) to take the bass amplifier to its power limits. This way we will obtain powerful low frequencies, but at the same time with a very defined sound. In short, it would be highly advisable for our bassist to always have plenty of power in our performances.
As far as transistor bass amplifiers are concerned, we will need at least 300W of power to obtain optimal presence of our bass, within a full band.
However, we can find transistor amplifiers for bass of 500, 1000 and even 2000W like the Bugera BV1001M Veyron Bass Head. A powerful, lightweight, compact amplifier with integrated optical compressor and in a hybrid version for tube lovers (Bugera BV1001T Veyron Bass Head).
And in the transistor combo version we have the Bugera BXD15 with 1000W of power, and a 15-inch diameter speaker.
Speakers of Electric Bass Amps
While the most popular speakers for guitar amps are 12-inch speakers, in the case of bass amps, the standard would be the 10-inch speaker. Although it is not unusual to find models with 15” speakers, as in the case of the Bugera mentioned above.
The 10-inch speakers provide a pronounced attack and are more defined in the reproduction of low frequencies. Very suitable for bassists who like to use techniques such as slapping or tapping, and prefer a sound that occasionally stands out from the overall mix.
On the other hand, their smaller size is detrimental when it comes to delivering the deeper frequency ranges. Manufacturers compensate for this problem by adding several of these units in their bass cabinets. The 4×10 cabinet configuration is the standard and most commonly used model on stage.
BEST BRANDS of Amplifiers for Electric Bass
Ampeg
One of the legendary manufacturer and pioneer in the development of bass amplifiers is the American brand Ampeg. Used by such diverse bassists as Roger Waters, Robert Trujillo, or Stanley Clarke.
The brand that created the SVT model (Super Vacuum Tube) in 1969 with 300W valve power. A true icon of Rock music, revered by bassists to this day.
Ampeg would launch the V-4B in the early 1970s. Another legendary amplifier, but with a lighter 100W tube power.
With half the power we have the speaker head version, the Ampeg Micro-CL Stack. A rather cool transistor amp for rehearsal, with two 10-inch speakers.
The brand also currently manufactures transistor amplifiers such as the Ampeg Micro VR with 200W of power. An amplifier that can be purchased together with the Ampeg SVT-210AV cabinet with two 10” Eminence speakers. This set is named Ampeg SVT Micro.
In the combo version we have the RB series. In this range we can have from the Ampeg RB-210 with two 10” Eminence speakers and a power of 500W, to the Ampeg RB-108 with a single 8-inch speaker and a power of 30 watts. Ideal for playing at home.
Hartke
Another legendary manufacturer is Hartke. This manufacturer revolutionized the sound of the electric bass by incorporating its aluminum cone speaker into its amplifiers and cabinets. Hartke built the first acoustic cabinet for bass legend Jaco Pastorius in 1984. Later, other electric bass stars would follow in his footsteps, such as Jack Bruce, Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith, Victor Wooten, or David Ellefson of Megadeth, among many others.
The aluminum speaker developed by Hartke produced a wider frequency range in both bass and treble than the standard paper cone. Although Hartke also makes speakers with paper cones and a mixture of both materials. These speakers are known as “HyDrive”.
A brand that developed the best-selling electric bass amplifier of all time: the Hartke HA3500. This device has a power of 350W, 10-band equalizer, adjustable compressor, and switchable tube or transistor preamp.
Hartke también dispone de modelos combos muy asequibles como los de la serie HD que van desde el HD 15 con 15 vatios de potencia, hasta el HD 500 con 500 vatios.
Hartke also offers very affordable combo models such as the HD series. This range from the HD 15 with 15 watts of power to the HD 500 with 500 watts.
Amplifiers for Electric Bass Markbass
The Italian brand Markbass, founded at the beginning of the 21st century, is another manufacturer with a great reputation for the quality of its products. Amplifiers used by many artists such as Richard Bona, Alain Caron, or Marcus Miller.
Markbass has become the first company to use Neodymium magnets for the construction of its speakers, as opposed to the standard ferrite magnets generally used in the manufacture of speakers.
Neodymium magnets are characterized by their high power, but they have a smaller size and weight than ceramic magnets.
Markbass is the company that has currently generalized the use of this material for the manufacture of speakers for bass amplifiers, and other brands have joined in the use of this material such as the legendary manufacturers Eminence and Celestion.
Markbass speakers are recognizable by their striking yellow color. The brand’s signature color and a great marketing element. Markbass products can be recognized from the other side of a football stadium.
Although a large part of Markbass products are high-end, we can also find some models with a moderate price, as in the case of the Markbass Little Mark 250 Black Line head.
In the combo version, the most affordable model is the Markbass Micromark 801. This amplifier has a power of 60W, an 8” neodymium speaker and a headphone output. Perfect for playing at home.
Amplifiers for Electric Bass Orange
The British brand Orange, apart from being a leader in guitar amplifiers, is also a renowned manufacturer of bass amplifiers. The models of this brand are the delight of the most musically seasoned bassists, such as Steve Harris of Iron Maiden, Geddy Lee, or Glenn Hughes.
Orange products are not usually cheap, but we can find some transistor combo models such as the Orange Crush Bass 50 at a fairly affordable price. A rehearsal amplifier with 50W of power, 12” speaker, integrated tuner, and headphone output.
We can also opt for the Orange Crush Bass 25 with 25W of power and an 8” speaker for home use.
TC Electronic
Although Danish brand Tc Electronic is well known for developing guitar effects pedals, it also makes bass amplifiers and cabinets. And despite its short history in this sector, there are countless professional bassists who use its products, some with a very high cachet, such as Roger Glover, bassist of Deep Purple, or Nathan East, bassist trusted by Eric Clapton.
The products of this brand have an excellent quality-price ratio, since we can acquire, for example, a compact but powerful head for rehearsal and small performances such as the tc electronic BH250.
Fender y Wazwick
Two brands worth considering and specialists in transistor bass combos are Fender and Warwick.
Fender has the Rumble range, in which we can find amplifiers from 15 to 800W of power. And in the Warwick brand we have the BC series with amplifiers from 10 to 300W of power.
Peavey
One of the best-selling bass amps is the Peavey MAX 100, with 100 watts of power and a 10-inch speaker. It also features an overdrive effect, headphone jack and built-in tuner.
If we need more power, we have the PEAVEY Max 208 with 200 watts, mounted with two 8-inch speakers.
EBS
The manufacturer EBS is another brand to consider for its quality. Although we will need to invest a little more money to be able to use its products, compared to the previous brand. For example, the EBS Session 60 Mark II has a power of 60 watts, mounts a 10-inch speaker, and a headphone output.
And the 120-watt version (EBS Classic Session 120) with a 12-inch speaker.
Cort
One of the best low-cost options may be the Cort CM150B. This model delivers 150 watts of power and features a 12-inch speaker. One of the best-rated bass amplifiers for its balanced price-quality ratio.
Eden
In this price range we can also opt for amplifiers from the Eden brand, such as the EC10 with 50 watts of power and a 10-inch speaker. If we need more power, the brand offers the Eden EC210 with 180 watts with two 10-inch speakers.
Aguilar
Finally, I will mention the Aguilar brand for its reputation. But it is a high-end brand in which the cheapest amplifier costs almost 800 dollars: the Aguilar Tone Hammer 350.
