tube vs ss bass amps?

[socialparasite]

Is there a really big difference? I want a bass amp that i can play blues and rock bass lines. I thought about looking into the SWR amps. I really like the mesa boogie bass amps the best but a little to much unless i can find a deal on a used one

[ModestCargo]

If you wanted tube, get yourself an old Fender Bassman head and some cabinets to go with (anyone know if Avatar's bass stuff is good?)

[slowpoke]

Yeah there's a pretty big difference. It's a little different than the comparison on guitar though. Solid state amps are nice because they can pack a lot of power and they have a great deal of clarity but tube amps have warmth, growl, and feel. Hmm, upon reconsideration the difference in the comparison isn't much.

I've got an Ampeg B-18 that will eat your children.

[PhantomLord]

i don't think the change in tone is as noticable in bass amps as it is in guitar amps, whether it is tube or solid-state.

[gamma_function]

as far as bass amps go, the arguement is very similar to the one guitarists have. tube amps tend to distort more naturally than ss. the exceptions are the G-K amps and the sansamp bass driver di. both of these have exceptionally nice distortion qualities for being ss units. to me the argument is more about perceived tone and reliability. ss amps are generally more durable and require less short term maintenance. tubes go out and need replacement and biasing (exception: swr's 750, 550, and 350. they use only one tube and do not need biasing when replaced.) replacing tubes can dramatically alter the tonal characteristics of our amplifier. if you are a gigging player, i would recommend a versatile ss head for their reliability and dependability (ie gk1001, ampeg b4, swr workingpro 700?). if you are more a studio cat, and your gear wont be seeing the harsh life on the road, i would recommend investing in a very nice tube preamp (there are a lot of choices available and many can be quite expensive. most of these are not available at your local music shop. you'll be lucky if they have the one or two tube preamps made by ampeg in stock).

you will not notice a tone difference on stage between ss and tube amps(and if you would notice it, you probably shouldnt have asked the question in the first place). you WILL notice a big difference between the two types in the studio and on recordings (i would, so i figure you probably would too). hope this helps.

[socialparasite]

^^^ i was just confused since i played more on the ss amps on bass. Just wondered if there was a huge difference like guitar. I like that rumble thump in rock music wiht the bass. I just wondered if most of those guys used tube amps thats all :)