Custom bass head question

dadagoboi · June 18, 2014, 07:21:38 AM

Quote from: drbassman on June 18, 2014, 07:03:43 AM
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 · June 18, 2014, 08:02:07 AM

Quote from: dadagoboi on June 18, 2014, 07:21:38 AM
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 · June 18, 2014, 11:27:32 AM

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 · June 18, 2014, 12:42:29 PM

Quote from: slinkp on June 18, 2014, 11:27:32 AM
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 · June 20, 2014, 07:43:07 AM

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 · June 20, 2014, 10:17:25 PM

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 · June 21, 2014, 08:03:46 AM

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 · June 21, 2014, 03:10:11 PM

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

drbassman · June 21, 2014, 07:43:54 PM

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

godofthunder · June 22, 2014, 07:45:01 AM

Good move!

drbassman · June 22, 2014, 07:52:28 AM

Quote from: godofthunder on June 22, 2014, 07:45:01 AM
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 · June 22, 2014, 08:32:20 AM

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 · June 22, 2014, 12:15:26 PM

Quote from: drbassman on June 21, 2014, 07:43:54 PM
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 · June 23, 2014, 06:42:09 AM

Quote from: godofthunder on June 22, 2014, 08:32:20 AM
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 · June 23, 2014, 06:47:12 AM

Quote from: amptech on June 22, 2014, 12:15:26 PM
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.