


(In general, tube amps are louder than solid-state amps with similar power ratings.) If you buy a separate head and cabinet, you’ll have to make sure the speaker’s impedance, measured in ohms, meets the minimum impedance listed on the head. For most rehearsals and gigs, a 50-watt amp is underpowered, a 300-watt amp gets the job done, and a 1,000-watt amp is overkill. If you’re in the market for a head, you’ll notice the distinction between tube amps (renowned for their “warm” old-school sound and desirable distortion), solid-state amps (lighter, smaller and less expensive than tube amps) and hybrids, which combine tube preamps and solid-state power amps.Īn amp’s power is expressed in watts. Although some musicians prefer separate power amp and preamp units, many modern bass amps combine both elements into a “head.” A “combo” brings together a head, speaker and cabinet in one unit. When we use the term “bass amp,” we’re usually talking about the combination of a preamp for tone control, a power amp that amplifies the signal, and a speaker inside a cabinet.
#BEST BASS AMP HOW TO#
Although in-ear monitors are more common than they used to be, they’re not as ubiquitous as amps you never know when you’ll be asked to bring your own rig, so understanding how to get “your sound” makes all the difference when you encounter an amp you’ve never seen before. The answer is almost certainly yes! In fact, learning how to sculpt the sound of an amplifier - the last part of your signal chain and a crucial factor in your bass tone - is just as important as choosing the right instrument and strings. In a world full of digital audio workstations, in-ear monitors, and clubs and rehearsal studios that provide “backline” amps of their own, you might wonder whether it’s worth investing in your own rig. The next step? An amp that’ll bring your bass lines to life. You’re happy with your bass, you’re getting great tone in your headphones, your regular practice sessions are showing results, and you’re ready to throw down with a drummer.
