Orange AD200B? Or other tube bass amps

[Agileguy_101]

My bassist just got a 70's Ampeg 8x10 and he's looking for a nice tube amp to go with it. He wants an Ampeg SVT Classic, but for $1800 we can do better than a Vietnamese amp that weighs 80 ****ing pounds. Enter the AD200B - seems like a much better amp.

Let me just insert this here - my bassist is looking for a single channel, simple all tube bass amp. A bit more on the modern sounding side, but not totally modern. A good loud clean tone that can get a bit broken up would be ideal, but it should be able to take a fuzz or two really nicely to mesh with the music we play (stoner metal more or less). Whatever he buys also must be new, as he's going to finance it. Durability and reliability are very important to both of us.

So, the AD200B looks like it pushes all of the right buttons. Simple amp with a full tonestack, all tube, passive/active inputs, slave out (always nice) and ruggedly built (UK instead of Vietnam) without being heavy as hell (under 60lbs) and Oranges just look awesome.

So, any opinions on the Orange? Any recommendations for something better?

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Orange AD200B? Or other tube bass amps

The SVT's are nice even if they are MIV.

As for the weight, tell him to man up...if he wants a high power tube bass amp heavy is part of the game.

I don't know much about the Orange but I will say that if I were in the market for an old school (tube) bass amp I'd be looking at stuff like the Silverface super Bassman or even Silverface Showman head(s)...older V4's are still affordable, old Traynors...lots of bargins out there.

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: Orange AD200B? Or other tube bass amps

He doesnt' actually have a problem with the weight, it'd just be nice to have a lighter head. If we had a problem with the weight, I wouldn't have my Bassman 2x12 and he wouldn't have the Ampeg 8x10!

I actually asked him about getting an older Fender/Ampeg/Traynor, and he said he wants something more modern.

I had asked a few of my bass playing friends about the newer Ampegs and the feedback I got is that modern Ampeg just has way too many quality issues.

I think I'm going to get him to go for the Orange. This video convinced me:

 

[everdrone]

Re: Orange AD200B? Or other tube bass amps

I like that said orange weighs about 55 pounds, the clip above is nice too! I bet it takes pedals ok, though I am not always a fan of that many pedals on bass; said orange is not that dirty however.

most would just recommend a vintage amp, but I just am not sold on the reliability of an ampeg v4 etc

I think my line 6 lowdown 400 bass head is the best! best tone, it mixes a dirty signal with a clean, so the low end is there. it does many different styles and is lighter than any tube monster. tubes are expensive and go out quick.

otherwise, get a tech 21 modeler and a slave out head, like my used $200 peavey tour 450 and my tech 21 bassvt character pedal.

 

[Powdered Toast Man]

Orange AD200B? Or other tube bass amps

Traynor YBA200 or YBA300

 

[zzmoore]

Re: Orange AD200B? Or other tube bass amps

Is he addicted to tubes.?
If so I would take a look at.....
Reeves
D/13
Satellite (Adam builds nice simple amps)

I agree with TGWIF from above. For A Long time, there was was not much distinction between a Guitar or a Bass amp.
I have what was (kind of) Traynors "answer" to a Fender Showman. It runs 4x EL34 in stead of 6L6. He can borrow it for a bit if you guys want to give it a try. It can also double on guitar with a simple cabinet swap. Would leave him with a bunch of money left in his pocket.....
best

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Orange AD200B? Or other tube bass amps

It also depends on what kind of sound he is going for.

I love Eden amps, regardless of whether they are valve or solid state.

 

[zzmoore]

Re: Orange AD200B? Or other tube bass amps

It also depends on what kind of sound he is going for.

I love Eden amps, regardless of whether they are valve or solid state.

No doubt...
Your own ears are always the final verdict.
We have an Aguilar SC500. A very Bad Ass bass amp. Kind of underrated in my opinion.
best

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: Orange AD200B? Or other tube bass amps

I read a lot of opinions and checked out a bunch of amps, and what my drummer and I are thinking is to convince my bassist to get the new Fender Super Bassman. 300W powered by 6 6550's, two channels, really nice looking. It's the same price as an SVT, but it's got WAY more going for it. Plus, I've even heard from more than a few people that it can get a great SVT tone. That alone is enough to sway my bassist to the Fender, but he's just waiting until he's ready to buy the amp until he makes his final choice.

I got a lot of help from the guys on TalkBass - in 24 hours I had a thread with over 80 replies. Those guys sure know their stuff.

 

[Powdered Toast Man]

Orange AD200B? Or other tube bass amps

Oh yeah, Talkbass is a killer forum. I used to hang out there when I played bass in a band and that's an amazing resource.