Tips for Choosing the Right Boutique Bass Amp

With so many options out there, it can be hard to narrow your search for the perfect bass amp. In reality there may not be one perfect amp. For many players, it’s common to own multiple amps and cabinets depending on their needs. Certainly a home practice amp does not need to meet the same specs as an arena rocker. Let’s take a look at some of the considerations you should be aware of before purchasing a boutique bass amp for your home or studio.

Power

How much power is too much power? I guess that depends on where you’re playing. For a small space, a 15-30 watt model may be all you need to do the trick, but for gigging around bars and clubs you will probably want something with a little more punch. For some, 100 watts may be all that’s needed, for others 500 watts is more appropriate. If you’re powering a large cabinet, or a series of cabinets you may need to go even higher to get the volume and clarity you desire.

Speakers

When it comes to bass cabinets and combo amps, bigger isn’t always better. Large bass drivers are great at delivering deep powerful bass, but the waves take a larger distance to mature, so they aren’t a great choice for small venues. Large speakers also respond slower, so if you’re a very fast player this can result in a muddied sound. For many players, the ideal set up is a cabinet with an array of 10” speakers. These speakers have a quick response, and a great presence up close or at a distance.

Tone

Every amp has its own unique tonal qualities. The way the signal breaks up and naturally distorts can add an amazing texture to one players sound or ruin another’s. Ultimately bass tone comes down to personal preference based on the style of music you play. Most amps today offer extensive controls for shaping the tone, but the underlying sound signature is as unique as a fingerprint, so play around, experiment, tweak some knobs and decide what tone is right for you.