Best Bass Amp?

[barefoot]

Ok, I'm trying to design "The Ultimate Bass Amp", and I want to get a feel for what is out there.

What do you consider to be the very best of the best bass amps, and why?

Also, if you had a wish for a bass amp sound or feature which doesn't yet exist, what would it be?

Thanks,

barefoot

 

[barefoot]

Oh yeah, one more thing.

Do you think there is at least a small market for a very high end bass amp and cabinets? I mean, are there pros out there who would consider laying down maybe $5k or $6k for a no compromise, fairly small self contained system, with incredible tone, and rock solid, earth shaking lows? Or is that just way too much for anyone to consider?

 

[Lame Thrower]

Hey Barefoot,

I'm don't know enough about acoustical physics or eletronics to really answer your questions, but I've seen the monitors you've built, and I'm sure you could apply your knowledge to bass amps.

Have you looked at the cabinets at www.accugroove.com? They are in the $2-3,000 range. It seems like an interesting design, with each driver having it's own enclosure within a single cabinet.

As a bass player, the holy grail of cabinets to me is a compact, full range cab that doesn't break the bank.

Good luck with this. I'm very curious to see what you come up with.

 

[barefoot]

Excremento! Yeah, I've been there!

Hey this is encouraging. $2200 for these and mine would be way, way cooler. Plus mine would be self powered.

Unfortunately, since I'm a one man operation, bank breakers are all that really make sense for me to develop.

Thanks LT

barefoot

 

[Scooter B]

Barefoot,

I saw this post when it first came up but it took me a while to reference some old bassplayer mags for you.

One other high end manufacturer you might want to check out is Alessandro at www.alessandro-products.com.

Bassplayer reviewed one of his bass amps (Basset Hound Amp) that retailed as tested at $4,000 for just the head (January 2000 issue). Very botique high end sound but only 4 control knobs on the outside. On the inside everything is silver plated with gold plating on all electrical contacts, audiophile. The amp head itself is encased in what looks like stained and polished figured maple.

One other they use in the refernce lab for gear reviews is a german built GlockenKlang head that retails for about $2100.

If you are shooting for the top check those two out and I would be happy to field test your prototypes in exchange for one finished product.