The 30 best bass amp brands
Fender, Peavey and Phil Jones Bass lead our ranking of 30 bass amp brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Bass Amp brands, ranked
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1
Fender
Leo Fender’s ambition was to design an instrument that was functional and easy to operate. With that in mind, he created a unique guitar. Fender guitars prioritized volume and fun tones when used. Going back to as far as 1946, Fender has revolutionized the music industry worldwide in practically every genre. Moreover, many people, from hobbyists and amateurs to acclaimed artists, have utilized Fender products, which should assure you of its quality.
Website: fender.com |Brands like Fender
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Peavey
Since 1965, Peavey has enabled musicians to express themselves with absolute Peavey excellence. They've always had a simple philosophy: build goods that will allow musicians to do what they love: write music, perform, and create art. Every day, they follow this passion by starting novel goods for all levels of play in practically every genre. For over 40 years, they have built a distinct portfolio of brands, each born of a desire for creative expression via the best audio technology.
Website: peavey.com |Brands like Peavey
Popularity 8.9/10
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3
Phil Jones Bass
Phil Jones Bass as the name suggests is a brand launched by Phil Jones himself. The founder happens to be a bass enthusiast himself, which is why he wanted to contribute his own innovations to the musical instrument industry. After extensive research, the brand brought out various electric bass guitars, loudspeakers, and others. The employees contribute immensely to the unique innovations of the brand, which has been on the market for the last 45 years.
Website: philjonesbass.net |Brands like Phil Jones Bass
Popularity 8.5/10
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4
Ampeg
Aiming to contribute to society as meaningful global corporate citizens, Ampeg manages its business as socially responsible and ethical. They surprise their customers with high-quality products that showcase new features and capabilities, inspiring them to create and perform in previously unavailable ways. With a people come the first attitude; they always strive to recognize humanity and treat everyone with some dignity. With significant innovations and integrity, they continue to excel in the industry.
Website: ampeg.com |Brands like Ampeg
Popularity 8.5/10
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5
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6
Blackstar
Blackstar is obsessed with the vision of sumptuous luxury. Intangible quality begins with leathers and fabrics hand-selected by our professional strategy team. Blackstar artisans then bring these magnificent raw materials to life, creating one-of-a-kind structures with smooth leathers, rich colors, and delicate underlays complemented with specific hardware and precise stitching. Western boots are among the most well-known in the category. Tall boots are a huge hit with young people everywhere. In the late 20s, booties have gained much traction in the fashion business.
Website: blackstarboots.com |Brands like Blackstar
Popularity 7.9/10
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7
Markbass
MARKBASS is a technological firm that creates professional and innovative amplifiers for the most discerning artists. Massimo Giordano founded the firm in Bologna, Italy, in 1988, and it has established itself as a prominent maker of bass amplifiers due to its attention to detail, a constant search for innovation, and ambition to develop permanently. Bass musicians all around the globe have relied on their amplifiers and effects for more than 30 years to help them express their creativity.
Website: markbass.it |Brands like Markbass
Popularity 7.5/10
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8
Ashdown
Ashdown music is a significant manufacturer of instrument amplifiers and other items based in the UK and is passionate about everything music. Their primary focus is on bass amplification and has a collection of products, including practice amps, FX Pedals, Tube and Hybrid amps, B-social, etc. Since 1997, the brand has strived to offer functional and unique products and improve the lives of music geeks.
Website: ashdownmusic.com |Brands like Ashdown
Popularity 6.5/10
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9
Warwick
Warwick Academy is the leading co-educational school in Bermuda. It offers a broadly inclusive program for its students consisting of academic study, sports, drama, extracurriculars, music, and community fusion making it a place where one can do much more than...
Website: warwick.bm |Brands like Warwick
Popularity 6.4/10
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10
Laney
Laney is a firm that offers musicians to obtain the greatest sound possible from their instrument, no matter where they perform. They've always been about putting amazing audio into your ears, from their first amplifier in 1966 to modern guitar...
Website: laney.co.uk |Brands like Laney
Popularity 6.2/10
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11
Aguilar
The guitar is for the head, drums are for the chest, but bass gets you in the groin. The right instrument can make or break the quality of the sound. Aguilar, a company that produces gears for bass, has a...
Website: aguilaramp.com |Brands like Aguilar
Popularity 6.0/10
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12
Orange
The best bikes in the world are what Orange Bikes are made to be. They diligently design and engineer each bike for performance, aesthetics, and value out of a profound passion for riding. They take pride in the way their...
Website: orangebikes.co.uk |Brands like Orange
Popularity 5.7/10
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13
Trace Elliot
Trace Eliot is a master of providing high-performing and high-quality amplifiers. The company constantly innovates and introduces one-of-a-kind amplifiers that give your instrument a perfect amplified tone. The ELF Ultra Compact Bass Amplifier is a pocket-size product that doesn't compromise...
Website: traceelliot.com |Brands like Trace Elliot
Popularity 5.7/10
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14
Gallien-Krueger
Leading the market in bass amp technology for 50 years has put Galien Krueger on the map. The company releases some of the best and most highly innovative products for studio recording and performing on stage. What makes the company...
Website: gallien-krueger.com |Brands like Gallien-Krueger
Popularity 5.0/10
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15
Mesa
Mesa Electronics offers various products, including memory cards and modules, graphics accelerator cards, multi-port serial cards for industrial control applications, and OEM-specific cards. Their products are used in various systems across a wide range of industries where dependability is critical....
Website: mesanet.com |Brands like Mesa
Popularity 4.2/10
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16
TC Electronic
TC Electronic makes award-winning effects pedals and rack processors and some of the world's most inventive professional audio gear. Whether you play guitar, bass, or keys, make DJ sets, or want a more straightforward way to record your acoustic guitar,...
Website: tcelectronic.com |Brands like TC Electronic
Popularity 4.2/10
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17
Eden
Eden Fantasys is an adult lifestyle retailer that is entirely customer-focused. With over 1,50,000 goods from the biggest brands in the world, they are the online retailer for sex toys and sexual health products with the fastest increasing inventory. Their...
Website: edenfantasys.com |Brands like Eden
Popularity 4.0/10
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18
Crate
Every company has huge amounts of data that needs to be sorted out. Crate is the best solution when it comes to all things related to data. It is a company of expert software engineers and data scientists who access...
Website: crate.io |Brands like Crate
Popularity 3.7/10
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19
Kustom
Kustom footwear is an Australian Brand that gives different types of value shoes and boots. Their product mainly focused on men, women, and boys only. They have recently added numerous clothing accessories, socks, and sandals for customers. All the sizes...
Website: kustomfootwear.com.au |Brands like Kustom
Popularity 3.4/10
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20
EBS
EBS manufactures amplifiers that provide a unique sound to the audience. The EBS proline is made from the highest quality birch. They feature balance, transparency, and natural warmth and deliver the highest speaker sound quality. The proline is one of...
Website: ebssweden.com |Brands like EBS
Popularity 3.3/10
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21
tech21
Tech21 is a pioneer in developing protection solutions for Apple, Samsung, and other device manufacturers. For over 15 years, they've been defending considerably more than your tech, from the clear Defender to the vibrant Evo Mesh. Technology is constantly changing...
Website: tech21.com |Brands like tech21
Popularity 3.1/10
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22
Marshall
Marshall packs a real punch with the music that they provide to their customers. They are well versed in the craftsmanship of making a device that can provide the best musical journey. All of their items are unique pieces that...
Website: marshallheadphones.com |Brands like Marshall
Popularity 3.0/10
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23
Behringer
Since 1989, Behringer has been engaged in the production of professional audio equipment like Microphones and Amplifiers. They make portable sound systems used in DJ and EDM, and their equipment can also be found in major studios worldwide. They are...
Website: behringer.com |Brands like Behringer
Popularity 3.0/10
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24
Stagg
Music is life itself. Stagg makes it more beautiful by manufacturing musical instruments for all the musicians. Its mission is to offer superior instruments, audio and lighting, and accessories at an affordable cost. They have guitars, cymbals and percussion, band,...
Website: staggmusic.com |Brands like Stagg
Popularity 2.8/10
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25
Bergantino
Backed by the precision of engineering genius and a quality-driven line of production, Bergantino Audio Systems is in a league of its own in the audio industry. Their speakers are lauded for their impeccable sound quality, and their instrument amplification...
Website: bergantino.com |Brands like Bergantino
Popularity 2.8/10
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26
Line 6
Line 6 was founded as a maker of guitar effects and amplifier modeling devices. The idea behind this company is to help musicians create their desired sounds. Over the years, Line 6 has made several revolutionary products that changed the...
Website: line6.com |Brands like Line 6
Popularity 2.5/10
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27
Bugera
Bugera is a music appliances brand devoted to offering the best quality guitar and bass equipment. It has its own music community to let the music lovers feel the music and express themselves through music. They assemble the components of...
Website: bugera-amps.com |Brands like Bugera
Popularity 2.5/10
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28
NUX
Nux is the leading Italian activewear brand with a versatile, trendy fashion line of seamless clothes using innovative knitting technology. The brand's distinct design and technical skills result in timeless pieces that are comfortable and flattering. Their products are made...
Website: nuxactive.com |Brands like NUX
Popularity 2.1/10
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29
Silvertone
Silvertone is a company with a mission: to equip you with the most fantastic guitars and music instruction available. Their innovative research and development team makes instruments for all styles of guitar playing, including rhythm, lead, bass, and more. They...
Website: silvertoneclassic.com |Brands like Silvertone
Popularity 1.9/10
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30
JOYO
JOYO Audio UK was launched back in 2014. They are relatively new to this playground but deeply understand acoustics and sounds. The company is digital music-oriented, so they make high-tech products that are produced with modern technology. JOYO Audio shares...
Website: joyoaudio.co.uk |Brands like JOYO
Popularity 1.9/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fender | fender.com | /Fender | fender | @Fender | fendermusical |
| Peavey | peavey.com | /PeaveyElectronics | PeaveyElectronics | @Peavey | – |
| Phil Jones Bass | philjonesbass.net | – | – | – | – |
| Ampeg | ampeg.com | /ampegusa | ampeg | @ampeg | AmpegTV |
| Hartke | hartke.com.au | – | – | – | – |
| Blackstar | blackstarboots.com | /BlackStarBoots | blackstarboots | @blackstarboots | – |
| Markbass | markbass.it | /markbassamps | markbassamps | @markbassamps | – |
| Ashdown | ashdownmusic.com | /AshdownBassAmps | ashdownamps | @ashdownmusic | AshdownBassAmps |
| Warwick | warwick.bm | /warwickacad | warwick_academy | @WarwickAcademy | – |
| Laney | laney.co.uk | /laneyamplification | laneyamplification | @laneyamps | Laney Amplification |
Bass Amp Buying Guide
Buying a bass amp can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the world of bass guitars. The right amp can make all the difference in your tone, so it's important to know what to look for when making your purchase. In this guide, we'll break down the key factors to consider when shopping for a bass amp.
Types of Bass Amps
Before you begin your search for a bass amp, it's important to know the different types that are available. Typically, there are three main types of bass amps: solid-state, tube, and hybrid.
Solid-State Amps
Solid-state amps use transistors to amplify the signal from your bass guitar. They're known for being reliable, lightweight, and affordable. Solid-state amps are a great option for beginners, as they require little maintenance and are generally easier to operate than tube amps.
Tube Amps
Tube amps use vacuum tubes to amplify the signal from your bass. They're known for their warm and natural tone and are favored by many professional bass players. The downside to tube amps is that they can be quite heavy and require occasional maintenance (such as replacing the tubes).
Hybrid Amps
As the name suggests, hybrid amps combine elements of both solid-state and tube amps. They typically use a solid-state preamp with a tube power amp, resulting in a tone that's both warm and reliable.
Bass Amp Wattage
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a bass amp is its wattage. The wattage of an amp determines how much power it can output, and ultimately how loud it can get. The general rule of thumb is that the more wattage an amp has, the louder it can get. However, this isn't always the case, as some amps are designed to be more efficient than others.
When choosing a wattage for your bass amp, it's important to consider your playing environment. If you plan on playing in a small bedroom or practice space, you likely won't need more than 50 watts. However, if you plan on playing in a large venue or with a loud drummer, you'll need an amp with at least 200 watts.
Speaker Size
Another important factor to consider when buying a bass amp is the size of its speaker(s). The size of a speaker is measured in inches and determines the overall frequency response of the amp. Generally speaking, larger speakers produce more low-end frequencies (i.e. bass) and are better suited for playing live or with a band.
Common speaker sizes for bass amps include 10", 12", and 15". 10" speakers are typically found in smaller amps and provide a tight and punchy tone, while 12" speakers are a good all-around choice for most bassists. 15" speakers are often found in larger amps and provide a deep and powerful low-end.
Number of Speakers
In addition to the size of the speaker(s), you'll also need to decide how many speakers you want in your bass amp. Amps are typically available with either one, two, or four speakers.
Amps with one speaker are the most common and are a good choice for most bassists. Two-speaker amps can provide more volume and a fuller sound, while four-speaker amps are typically reserved for professional-level setups.
Equalization (EQ)
Most bass amps come equipped with an equalizer, or EQ, which allows you to adjust the tone of your bass. EQs typically have four or five bands that control the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. Some amps also have a "contour" or "shape" knob that provides a quick way to adjust the overall tone of the amp.
When choosing an amp, it's important to test out the EQ to make sure it fits your playing style. If you play funk or slap bass, for example, you may want an amp with a strong midrange. Conversely, if you play punk or metal, you may prefer an amp with a scooped midrange and boosted bass and treble.
Additional Features
While the above factors are the most important to consider when buying a bass amp, there are some additional features that may be worth considering.
DI Output
Many modern bass amps come equipped with a DI (direct injection) output, which allows you to send your signal directly to a mixing console or recording interface. This can be a useful feature for recording or playing live, as you can get a consistent sound no matter where you play.
Effects Loop
An effects loop allows you to connect external effects pedals (such as a chorus or delay) to your amp. This can be a useful feature for players who like to experiment with different sounds.
Tuner
Some bass amps come equipped with a built-in tuner, which can be a handy feature for players who don't want to rely on a separate tuner pedal.
Conclusion
Buying a bass amp can be overwhelming, but understanding the key factors to consider can make the process much easier. When shopping for a bass amp, it's important to consider the type of amp, its wattage, speaker size and number, EQ, and any additional features that may be important to you. With these factors in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect bass amp for your needs.
