Using a guitar amp head as a bass amp

[Roger2611]

Hi,

I have been offered a rather nice Hiwatt 100watt valve Hi Gain guitar amp head, obviously I would have to keep the gain under control but other than that is there any reason this wouldn't make for a cracking valve bass amp?

Cheers
Rog

[skankdelvar]

Customarily detailed SOS review [url="http://www.soundonsound.com/pm/nov07/articles/hiwatthigain.htm"]here[/url].

In ref to channel 1 (Clean) the review says: "Volume can go brutally loud and still stay dirt-free all the way to maximum, although an overall inherent hard-ish edge is apparent, rather than the slightly compressed, ringing zing characteristic of more costly Hiwatts."

So I imagine that - paired with a suitable cab - it should do service. If even the clean channel is too spiky you could always spend a tenner subbing out a 12AX7 for a lower rated pre-amp valve and see how it sounds.

FWIW I gigged a Marshall 50w non-master through a 2x12 for a while and it sounded fine, though not exactly sproingy modern.

[gjones]

I used to use a Selmer valve PA head as a practice amp for a while. Sounded fine but not much low end.

[molan]

I used a little peavey all valve guitar head for a while. As mentions above, it was fine at low volume but ran out of steam very quickly

[chris_b]

In the 70's I played a Marshall Super Lead 100 for a few years. I bought it from the Marshall shop and after trying a few amps I chose it over the bass version. I thought it sounded livelier and punchier.

Edited December 1, 2013 by chris_b

[discreet]

Where's Mr. Foxen? He'll know.

[Spike Vincent]

[quote name='Roger2611' timestamp='1385914834' post='2293550']
Hi,

I have been offered a rather nice Hiwatt 100watt valve Hi Gain guitar amp head, obviously I would have to keep the gain under control but other than that is there any reason this wouldn't make for a cracking valve bass amp?

Cheers
Rog
[/quote]


Worked well enough for JJ Burnell, although he used a 50w.

[Lozz196]

I toured with a band whose bassist used a Marshall Guitar head and guitar cab and his sound was amazing. For deep scooped bass tones I wouldn`t recommend it but for punchy rock-type in your face tones guitar stuff sounds ok - to me - for bass.

[Pentode]

I used to use an Ampeg V4 guitar head.

Brutal and thunderous I tells yer.

[Skybone]

AFAIK, a guitar head should be fine, just remember to use a bass cab/speaker (unless you want to blow the guitar speakers that is).

[bartelby]

Works fine for Rob Wright of NoMeansNo