Cheap yet brutal bass head

[hydro]

Hi,

Haven't been on here for a while and never posted in the Bassment before.

What's the good word on a cheap, brutal bass head? I'm talking chair-throwing, ape-swinging-on-the-garage-door rock and roll. Needs to be able to keep up with a 100 watt tube rig on guitar. Needs some break-up and growl. Maybe in the $500 or below range. Am I asking too much?

Used, new... whatever. The cab is an 18 and two 10s.

Any advice appreciated.

[Securb]

Re: Cheap yet brutal bass head

I was looking at these Ampeg Portaflex 800W Bass Heads for a while. The reviews seem to be OK.

https://reverb.com/item/3517426-ampeg-portaflex-800w-class-d-bass-head?gclid=CL_954OQt9QCFVVMDQodyhoBvg&pla=1

[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: Cheap yet brutal bass head

Hartke LH500. 500 watts, 12AX7 preamp, and its freakin' loud! Only $350. Fat tube tone.


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[NeedForPower]

Re: Cheap yet brutal bass head

Acoustic B300h. Loud, versatile and can be found for 200 to 300.

"The B300H 300W Bass Amp Head from Acoustic packs 300 watts of earth-shaking bass power into our classic footprint. An overdrive channel with separate level control, notch-filter with sweepable frequency, and 6-band EQ with shape control ensures you get that legendary Acoustic tone, and the built-in Acousti-comp compression keeps your dynamics in check. The full-featured direct out includes a level control, ground lift and pre/post EQ switch.

Features
300 Watts (@ 4 ohms)
1/4" inputs w/-10dB pad for active basses
Solid state preamp
Gain, Overdrive, Overdrive level and Volume controls
Notch filter w/selectable frequency
6 band EQ w/ shape control
XLR direct out w/ Level control, pre/post switch and ground lift
Dual 1/4" speaker outs (4 ohm min. load)
Effects loop (1/4" send and return)
"Acousti-Comp" compressor, switchable, w/clip indicator light"

[allbutromeo]

Re: Cheap yet brutal bass head

I've been very happy with my Carvin BX500

[treyhaislip]

Re: Cheap yet brutal bass head

I really like the Fender Rumble 500–very versatile and great sound. New they are slightly above your price range but there's also the 200 which is killer too...but I'd recommend 500 Watts for up against a 100 Watt tube amp. Comes with built Overdrive as well as three separate voicings (offered as a head or a combo.)

[toneseeker74]

Re: Cheap yet brutal bass head

Maybe a G-K 800RB if your cab's are efficient.

[Bass_Medic_05]

Re: Cheap yet brutal bass head

Maybe a Trace Elliot Elf Micro Bass Guitar Amplifier 200 Watt Portable Gig Amp or a Trace Elliot AH300 GP12 Bass Amp both on Ebay

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Cheap yet brutal bass head

GK Rb's are one for sure.

Or find yourself an old peavey. You could buy a main and a backup and still probably have $$ left over in your budget for lunch

[PipeRain]

Re: Cheap yet brutal bass head

Yeah, I'm late to the party but I paid $450 for a hartke LH1000 and a Hartke 4.5 XL. It'll get you the tone you want with plenty of power on tap to fry the cabinet of you aren't careful but with just a bit more scratch you could pick up a HyDrive 4 X 10 instead and be golden. Your guitarist will be crying and begging for mercy.

[crguti]

Re: Cheap yet brutal bass head

If you're looking for the SVT sound but you don't want to spend big bucks on it, check out the Tech 21 VT500. It can do the jazzy to brutal.