Custom bass head question

[dadagoboi]

Wow, interesting debate.  I was curious about this idea as I have a friend who uses clone tube guitar amps built by a local guy and he loves them.  Knowing nothing about it, I was wondering what you all thought.  Carlo makes a good point.  Vintage is still the real deal and can be repaired/maintained by a good tech.

Yeah, because at this age we deserve the real thing!

[drbassman]

Yeah, because at this age we deserve the real thing!

Amen Carlo.  We should be able to treat ourselves by this time in our lives!!!! 

[slinkp]

I could understand getting something done custom if what you want doesn't quite exist... but I don't think I would buy a custom-bulit clone of an existing amp.

[drbassman]

I could understand getting something done custom if what you want doesn't quite exist... but I don't think I would buy a custom-bulit clone of an existing amp.

Good point!

[godofthunder]

 Bill I presume you are talking about John Nau. He has been keeping my amps humming for 27 years. He has wanted to build me a rig for quite some time but I can't justify it. Not that it wouldn't be great but I'd never get my money out of it. He always asks me why I use this ratty old stuff and my answer is that is sounds fantastic.....................at least to me.

[Happy Face]

Well, there are those amps like the Reeves bass heads which I'd day are an improvement on the Hiwatts. At least in terms if usability. No?

I was using an Orange AD 200 Mk 3. The Orange snobs refuse to accept those. But it sounded good enough that when I saw a hand wired version on EBay I bot it. It's a thing of beauty inside, but most important,  it kicks butt live.

I used to agree with you guys about running old amps and I'd buy an old SVT if I ever went that route. But it is nice nice not having to worry about knocking an old solder joint loose when you load in or out.

[godofthunder]

 Thats why I always have at least one back up in the van. I bought a Orange terror bass for that exact purpose.

[Happy Face]

Same here. I also use it as part if my "small" rig.

[drbassman]

Well, I didn't go the custom route.  I bought a Marshall Super Bass head.

[godofthunder]

  Good move!

[drbassman]

  Good move!

I've been reading up on them and decided I'd like one and it was a good deal compared to an old Hiwatt.  I'll chat more about it after it arrives.

[godofthunder]

 I find the old Marshalls have more sparkle less oomph than the Hiwatts. That's a very simplistic description. Time to break out your Ric and your Roger Glover licks.

[amptech]

Well, I didn't go the custom route.  I bought a Marshall Super Bass head.

Bought one myself last summer, restored it and grown really fond of it. It must be the unit I own that does bass and
guitar equally perfect! And just loud enough for bass..

[drbassman]

I find the old Marshalls have more sparkle less oomph than the Hiwatts. That's a very simplistic description. Time to break out your Ric and your Roger Glover licks.

Well, it's finny you mention sparkle because I am missing that with the Mesa head.  When I get the boominess under control I don't really like the tone I'm able to get.  I'm also having a little problem with attack time on the Mesa.  We also have lots of acoustic problems with the little club where we play and I have to clean up my tone a bit as reverberation is a major issue right now.  So, sparkle might not be bad.  Beside, I bought it to collect as well as play. Maybe a Hiwatt is in my future some day too!

The best tone I have is my B-15 at home.  Maybe I should try that!!!

[drbassman]

Bought one myself last summer, restored it and grown really fond of it. It must be the unit I own that does bass and
guitar equally perfect! And just loud enough for bass..

I remember.  I followed your thread when you were acquiring it.  I also read a few other things online and that's why I decided to give it a try.  I really wanted a vintage tube amp with 100 watts and it was a reasonable deal.