Having one of the best bass amp heads and a high-quality bass cabinet is important for professional bassists, but can also benefit beginners.
This article looks at the best bass amps and cabinets available, in price order (according to prices at the time of writing).
- Trace Elliot® ELF™ Ultra Compact Bass Amplifier
- Peavey MiniMAX 600-Watt Mini Bass Amp Head
- Orange Little Bass Thing 500w Solid State Class D Bass Amp
- Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Bass Amplifier Head
- Fender Bassman 800HD 800-Watt Hybrid Bass Head
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Contents
1. Trace Elliot ELF Ultra Compact Bass Amp Head
The Trace Elliot ELF Ultra Compact Bass Amplifier is a portable powerhouse, one of the best bass amp heads available, and it also offers exceptional value.
Despite its small size and weight (1.6 lbs), it delivers 200 watts of clean, punchy bass tones, perfect for small gigs, practice sessions, and home recordings.
Its intuitive controls include Gain, Compression, and a 3-band EQ, allowing for precise sound shaping. Overall, the ELF is an excellent investment for bassists seeking portability without sacrificing sound quality.
2. Peavey MiniMAX 600-Watt Mini
The Peavey MiniMAX 600-Watt Mini Bass Amp Head is an impressive blend of power and portability, providing bassists with a versatile and robust amplification solution.
It has a compact design and lightweight construction making it easy to transport, while the 600 watts of output ensure ample volume for various performance settings.
The MiniMAX features a 3-band EQ with punch and bright switches, a built-in tuner, and an overdrive circuit, offering flexibility and control over your sound.
Other stand-out features include pre-gain control with transTube gain boost and psycho-acoustic low-end bass enhancement.
Despite some minor limitations in tonal variety, the Peavey MiniMAX is one of the best bass amp heads and a solid choice for bassists seeking a reliable and robust amp head in a portable package.
3. Orange Little Bass Thing 500w Solid State Class D Bass Amp
The Orange Little Bass Thing is a compact, lightweight, and potent 500-watt Class D bass amplifier that impresses with its performance and portability.
Retailing at $749, this solid-state amp head delivers the distinctive warm and punchy Orange sound, making it a perfect choice for bassists who are fans of the brand.
The simplistic design, featuring a 3-band EQ, built-in compressor, and a balanced XLR DI output, allows for intuitive control and ease of use, without compromising on versatility.
The Little Bass Thing’s diminutive size and weight make it ideal for gigging musicians who require an easily transportable yet powerful solution.
Overall, the Orange Little Bass Thing is a superb option for those seeking a reliable, high-quality bass amp head that packs a punch without breaking the bank or the back.
4. Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Bass Amplifier Head
The Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Bass Amplifier Head, priced at $899.99, is a compact and powerful choice for bassists seeking a versatile and portable amphead.
With 500 watts of output, the Tone Hammer 500 delivers a punchy and articulate sound that cuts through the mix in various live and studio settings.
The renowned Aguilar preamp section offers a flexible 3-band EQ with a sweepable midrange, enabling players to dial in a wide range of tones with precision.
For bassists who demand quality, portability, and excellent value for money, the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 is a top contender in the bass amplifier market.
5. Fender Bassman 800HD 800-Watt Hybrid Bass Head
The Fender Bassman 800HD 800-Watt Hybrid Bass Head is a remarkable blend of classic Fender tones with state-of-the-art features, making it an essential choice for bassists across a spectrum of genres.
With its low weight (25.44 Pounds), this amp head achieves the perfect equilibrium between tube warmth and solid-state precision. It has a sleek black look and the high quality and reliability that musicians have come to expect from Fender.
The dual-channel configuration offers distinct voicings allowing you to seamlessly switch between vintage and overdrive tones.
The vintage channel delivers a rich, warm tube sound, while the overdrive channel offers a punchy, gritty tone perfect for rock or heavier styles.
Further equipped with a 12AX7 tube preamp, a Class D power amp, and a variety of built-in tools, the Bassman 800HD empowers bassists to shape their sound with precision and ease.
The versatility and powerful output make this amp head a testament to Fender’s legacy in the world of bass amplification.
FAQ
The Difference Between Bass Amps and Guitar Amps
Bass amps combine the preamp, power amp, and speaker into one unit, making them easy to use and affordable.
Amp heads are separate amplifiers that require a speaker cabinet, providing greater flexibility but at a higher cost.
Speaker cabinets come in various configurations that affect the overall sound of your bass and are made of sturdy materials to handle high sound pressure levels.
The choice between bass amps and amp heads depends on personal preference and needs for gigging and recording. Beginners can always start with a basic bass amp and upgrade later.
Can You Use Guitar Amps as Bass Amps?
While it is technically possible to use a guitar amplifier head with a bass guitar, it’s not generally recommended for several reasons.
First, guitar amps are designed to amplify the frequency range of guitars, which is different from that of bass guitars.
As a result, you may not get a full, rich sound when playing a bass through a guitar amp, especially for lower frequencies.
Second, guitar amps, particularly tube amps, can be damaged if used with a bass guitar over extended periods.
Bass frequencies demand more power to amplify, and this can push a guitar amp beyond its limits, potentially causing damage to the amp’s speakers or circuitry.
If you’re looking to amplify a bass guitar, it’s typically best to use equipment specifically designed for that purpose, such as a bass amp and speakers.
They are built to handle the lower frequencies and power demands of a bass guitar, giving you a more accurate and satisfying sound.
Conclusion
Having a high-quality bass amp and bass cabinet can revolutionize your performances and increase your overall sound quality on stage, not to mention the recording quality of your music in the studio.
Good speakers and amps are important investments for professional musicians, and investing in your amp pays off for the artist and the audience.
Hopefully, this article has helped you to find the best bass amp head for your needs, that fits within your budget.
