Are you looking for an electric bass amp, but you don’t know which one to choose? This complete guide will give you all the essential information, some tips, and a complete overview of the best bass guitar amplifiers.
Are you a passionate guitarist, and do you play the electric bass? You’re in the right place to find out everything you need before buying the best bass guitar amplifiers. In this journey together, we will learn not only what are the various types of amplifiers, but also the perfect tips for the most valuable purchase you can imagine. You’ve been looking for this tool for a long time, but haven’t found a valid solution for you yet? Get ready to read a complete guide, which contains all the information that must be known to fully understand the world of bass amplifiers.
At this point, all you have to do is sit back and continue to read everything we’ve prepared for you!
How does bass guitar amplifiers work?
Let’s start by discovering a little bit more about the characteristics of a bass amp. This is a device that is designed to go to work on the electrical signal that is naturally produced by the bass pickups. It is then transformed into sound, which is diffused with the use of special speakers. Consider that at its optimal level it consists of 3 parts of maximum respect:
- Preamplifier: this function is to optimize the signal coming from the bottom. At that point, the sound is transformed and takes on a whole series of colors, and particular timbres, which the user manages with special controls;
- Power: in this case, we are talking about a function that serves to transform the electrical signal coming from the previous component to direct it to the speakers. In this case, power is supplied to the signal itself;
- Speakers: the electrical signal is converted into sound waves which are then what we commonly hear with our hearing.
What are the different types of bass guitar amps?
Just like with usual electric guitar amps, bass guitar amplifiers vary in type (solid or tube), shape, and price. There are 3 types that we want to analyze closely. We start with the Combo amplifiers, where the three components are mounted in a single structure. The greatest benefit is given by the small size and the maximum level of optimization of the model.
The second is the Stack amplifier or the amplifier head and box, where the power amp and preamplifier are mounted in one unit. The loudspeakers always remain separate, and in this way, the bass player can go and build what he loves most, following his overall preferences. Obviously, there will be a greater amount of space than the previous type, not to mention the increase in the final cost.
The last type we call into question is the Rack, where all 3 components are mounted on specific separate units. What does all this mean? Obviously, this division makes every tool ideal for expert technicians, who are also able to play with different combinations of the components themselves, so as to shape different sounds.
What is the best electric bass guitar amp?
As we already said, bass amps are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and tones. To help you find the best match for your configuration we have created a shortlist of the most interesting bass amps.
Fender Rumble 100 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier
Fender Rumble 100 V3 is a very light bass combo with a 12-inch speaker and 100 watts of power without connecting a preamp. The new versions that Fender has been implementing are notorious and always respect the quality with which it was designed. The silver fabric that covers the frame and the leatherette cover is very high quality, leaving a very interesting look. It is an interesting option if we plan to move a lot since the weight is very tight.
The corners are chromed to protect it from possible blows, perfectly fulfilling its mission. As for buttons, we find that they have a good touch and seem to last over time as they look solid. Its 100w is not crazy power but enough to play with any band and rehearse comfortably.
It has an auxiliary output, DI output, and headphone input. Ideal for rehearsals and rooms of medium and large size, and for musicians looking for a vintage tone with a limited budget.
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Phil Jones Bass Double Four 70W Bass Combo Amp
The flagship of the brand and the Phil Jones Bass Double Four model is a clear example. It might seem at first glance an amplifier too expensive due to its performance, however, they have managed to manufacture it in a very economical way.
Its compact size and its handles make its transport very comfortable and its finish is of quality.
It offers two channels, each with identical 3-band EQ, having channel A has a connector compatible with XLR plugs, and channel B with 4-ohm input.
The sensitivity and dynamics of the speakers are a positive factor to take into account with an attractive tone, good projection, and with round bass despite being a mini-amplifier size.
Its power of 70 watts has a presence and is stuck so it gives a feeling that it pushes something more of that and its line output allows us to record live.
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Hartke HD15 Bass Combo Amplifier
The best amplifier for beginners at a price more than good. Suitable for playing in the bedroom or the basement, without disturbing the neighbors since at low power we can hear the nuances of our instrument, in addition to producing a few annoying noises.
Focused on new musicians, it has enough power to play accompanied by drums and monitor us.
The robust design of the speaker and its design are acceptable with materials hard enough to last over time.
It has a headphone output to play in silence although where we will see it in its splendor will be if we take out the sound through its speaker that is rich and deep, quite complete.
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Vox Pathfinder Combo
Very small size and 10 Watts with a 5″ double speaker and despite its size, it is capable of reproducing serious sounds. It looks so friendly that it might seem like a toy although clearly, it isn’t. Its basket fabric and leather look remind its older brothers of this well-known brand, respecting the aesthetics and design of the legendary VOX.
This combined bass amplifier gives you lush tube sound without the CURRENT tubes thanks to the new NuTube technology. This means that you get all the exuberant responses of a tube bass amplifier with the reliability and instant gratification of a solid-state amplifier. It has a 4-band equalizer to facilitate sound sculpting, a built-in selectable compressor, and an overdrive that can bring your bass into the mix.
The price is perhaps the most surprising of all since it is more than reasonable.
The controls are quite simple among which we find, distortion, bass, treble, volume, and brightness, in addition to the headphone output.
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Orange Crush Bass 25W Bass Guitar Combo Amp
We have the amazing Orange Crush Bass 25, a powerful bass amplifier from the renowned Orange Crush range.
When you leave the box, you get all that orange hue thanks to the completely analog signal path and the 25 watts of power that make it a great amplifier for smaller concerts, rehearsals, and home practice. The 3-band equalizer provides all the control you need over your sound and the lightweight 8.3kg construction makes it easy to take it to concerts or the studio environment. The integrated CabSim technology allows you to enjoy the sound of a microphone in the Orange 4×12 cabinet through your headphones and can also be used on the studio stage through the headphone jack.
Simply connect your desk or PA to the headphone jack and your 8″ bass combo will sound like a massive Orange 4×12 combo!
If you put the amplifier into practice, you will enjoy the fact that it has an integrated color tuner and smaller dimensions for easy transport. This is one of the best portable bass amplifier options and one of the most used options too!
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Peavey Vypyr VIP 3
If you want a bass amp of very high quality, we suggest you take a look at this brand Peavy. It has a variable power that you can adjust at your leisure. In addition, its 6-year warranty is simply the element that will convince you of its quality. The type of bass you have is not a condition for this amp. Peavy has put everything in place so that no matter whether you have an acoustic guitar or an electric one, you can, of course, enjoy its benefits, especially its very good sound quality.
The big innovation with this amp is its two-way USB ports. These give it very high connectivity because they facilitate its connection with a laptop, a smartphone, or a tablet. Its price is indeed quite disappointing because it is very high. But it’s the opposite that would be amazing, knowing that it is a high-tech device.
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Markbass Micromark 801 60W Bass Combo Amp
The MarkBass micro-combo without usual tone controls, but with good sound. Designed to be easily moved, we can have it at home and transport it to any corner or the test ship without having to lift too much weight.
It has an 8″ speaker with 60w at 4 ohms and 50w at 8 ohms with a response frequency of 60 Hz to 8 kHz in just 6.6 kg of weight, which is a great achievement. With it, we can perform in theaters, churches, and concert halls, especially suitable for medium sizes.
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Bass amplifier: everything you need to know
It is very important to clarify before continuing: choosing an amplifier of this category also means knowing how to control and recognize your experience. What kind of use will you want to make of your instrument? Because one thing is to decide to play at home, another is to think of using it for official practice with your group. Always get used to assessing the right power, which is also compatible with the volume you will use to play.
No need to spend some kind of digits for a powerful amplifier, if you will make small or modest use of it. In case you want to use the amplifier to play only at home, then just use an instrument whose power is set between 10 and 30 Watts. If we level up and talk about a rehearsal room, then it goes from 30 to 150 W, and in the case of a live, then it stays between 80 and 250 (or more) watts. Bass players use amplifiers whose power is balanced with needs!
Another piece of advice we can give you is related to the integrated effects and the external ones which is going to connect. In the first case clearly, everything is already present in a device, which will certainly have a certain bulk. To be clear, it cannot be compared with the mini guitar amplifiers, which are portable and always ready to travel with you. You, therefore, understand that the right final assessment is essential to keep your specific needs.
Final considerations on the bass amplifier
We have come to the end of our review and complete guide, and now you surely have everything you need to be able to carefully choose this accessory. But remember one last detail: if you will often have to move and move around to play live in different venues, then it is also good to consider weight and dimensions! Finally, make sure that it has a headphone jack, which will help you play in total freedom even during the day, without running the risk of causing disturbance or annoyance to anyone!