Hello!

I play bass and have been using an old Ampeg tube bass amp for a while now. It has awesome tone, but because it's old I want to buy a new, maybe sold-state amp so I can keep the old Ampeg safe at home.

Any opinions on what you all think would be a good buy? I need to go out and try the new Ampeg amps- do any of you out there own one?

Hey poptart!

I've found the Portabass to be a springy, lightweight, little gem in the Ampeg family. The 250 has some seriously solid punch, and on one of the combo models I believe the head is removeable so that you can use it as a combo or to drive an 8 ohm cabinet. It's a pretty solid buy. If you're looking for something more like what you're probably running right now, the SVT Classic remake is absolutely stellar in my opinion for crisp clear tube tone through and through. I'm just not sure if you need to be lugging around an 80lb head and cabinet or if a combo will do. Do you really need the tube tone?

That's your call. Let me know more if I can help!

Peace,
ShackMan

Hi ShackMan!

I will try the 250 that you recommend; I don't need the true tube tone- I'm willing to sacrifice having tubes for a lighter and maybe more versatile amp that I can take out to gigs without worry.

I will try one and let the forum know what I think. Thanks Shackman.

Hey guys,

I ended up trying a few of the amps at the shop and bought an Ampeg BA115HPT 1x15 220 watt bass combo amp. The thing rocks! Great tone and portable- I can choose the tube sound [from a real tube pre-amp] or one of the solid state sounds. A very versatile amplifier all in all.

Just thought I'd let everyone know. Thanks for your help!