If you’re looking for an amp specifically designed for bass, you’re in luck as we finally got around to putting together reviews of the best guitar amp for bass available in the market in 2022.
What is bass?
Bass is the low-pitched range of frequencies in music, which gives depth and feeling to the music. The best guitar amp for bass should therefore be able to reproduce these frequencies accurately.
As there are different types of bass guitars with varying sounds, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best guitar amp for bass.
Why is a dedicated bass amp important?
A good quality bass amp will not only make your bass sound better, but will also make it easier to control the low end frequencies. This is especially important if you’re playing in a band, as you don’t want your bass to be drowned out by the other instruments.
Can You Plug a Bass Into a Guitar Amp?
While guitar amps aren’t designed to handle bass, you can plug a bass into a guitar amp if you’re in a pinch. However, we don’t recommend doing this as bass frequencies can damage guitar amps. Bass at volumes can damage your guitar amp and is not great for your ears as well.
The image below shows how you can plug a bass into a Katana-50 guitar amp input.
What are the different features of a great guitar amp for bass?
The different features of bass amps include:
- -Volume control: This controls the overall volume of the amp.
- -Gain control: This controls the amount of distortion.
- -EQ controls: These include low, mid, and high EQ controls, which allow you to boost or cut specific frequencies.
- -Limiter: This prevents the amp from being overloaded and distorting.
- -Effects loop: This allows you to add effects pedals into the signal path.
- -Headphone jack: This allows you to practice without disturbing others.
Differences Between a Bass Amp and a Guitar Amp
The main difference between a bass amp and a guitar amp is that bass amps are designed to reproduce low frequencies accurately, while guitar amps are designed to add distortion to the sound. Bass amps also usually have more EQ controls than guitar amps. Bass amp also has larger speakers than guitar amps from 15 inches while guitar amp works with smaller speakers from 8-inch to 12-inch speakers.
In terms of power output, a bass amp is usually more powerful than a guitar amp. This is because bass frequencies require more power to reproduce accurately.
The frequency range for a bass amp is also different from those of a regular guitar amp. The range for a bass amp is 20 Hz – 200 Hz, while the range for a guitar amp is 80 Hz – 15 kHz.
How to choose the Best Guitar Amps for Bass:
When choosing the best guitar amps for bass, there are a few things you need to take into account.
- -The first is the wattage. You want an amp that’s powerful enough to reproduce the low frequencies accurately without distorting. Since guitar amps have a wide range of wattages available, it’s important to choose an amp that’s powerful enough to meet your need to play bass.
- -The second is the size of the speaker. As we mentioned before, bass frequencies require larger speakers to reproduce accurately. This means that you’ll need to choose an amp with a larger speaker size if you want to get the best sound quality.
- -The third is the EQ controls. As we mentioned, bass amps usually have more EQ controls than guitar amps. This allows you to fine-tune the sound of your amp to get the perfect tone. Go for an amp with as many EQ controls as possible so you can shape your sound exactly the way you want it.
- -The fourth is the effects loop. The effects loop allows you to add effects pedals into the signal path, which can be very useful if you want to add distortion or other effects to your sound.
- -The fourth is the type of amp. There are two main types of amps: combo amps and head/cabinet setups. Combo amps are more convenient as they’re easier to transport, but they usually don’t have as good sound quality as head/cabinet setups. Go for combo guitar amps for bass if you’re just starting out or if you need an amp for practice. If you’re looking for an amp for gigging, then a head/cabinet setup is the way to go.
How to Tell a Bass Amp From a Guitar Amp
The easiest way to tell a bass amp from a guitar amp is by looking at the power output. Bass amps are usually more powerful than guitar amps, as they need to be able to reproduce low frequencies accurately. Bass amp, therefore, have bigger speakers than guitar amps.
Another way to tell them apart is by looking at the EQ controls. Guitar amps usually have more EQ controls than bass amps, which allows you to fine-tune the sound of your amp.
Bass amps also have higher wattage, which means they can reproduce low frequencies without distorting.
Bass amps have lower frequency waveforms which are longer and require more power to produce a clear sound from the speaker compared to guitar amps. On the other hand, guitar amps require less power to transmit as they have a higher frequency and shorter waveforms.
Types of Guitar Amps for Bass
There are two main types of amps: combo amps and head/cabinet setups. Combo amps are more convenient as they’re easier to transport, but they usually don’t have as good sound quality as head/cabinet setups.
Combo guitar amps for bass:
Combo guitar amps for bass are a great choice if you’re just starting out or if you need an amp for practice. If you’re looking for an amp for gigging, then a head/cabinet setup is the way to go.
Head/cabinet setups:
Head/cabinet setups are more expensive and harder to transport, but they offer better sound quality. They also allow you to mix and match different types of speakers to get the perfect sound for your needs.
Reviews of the Best Guitar amps for Bass:
#1. Peavey Vypyr VIP 3
Our overall best guitar amp for bass in this 2022 list is the Peavey Vypyr VIP 3 which morphs from a bass amp to an acoustic amp, to an electric amp.
The Peavey Vypyr VIP 3 guitar amplifier combo for bass delivers the features and tones that will make you a star. With its enhanced chromatic tuner, 12 Amp accessible stompbox models plus delay reverb and wah (with optional Sanpera), 36 onboard amp models, and 6 bass amp models, this combo has something for everyone. The Peavey Vypyr VIP 3 also offers USB recording output and a headphone output with speaker emulation, making it the perfect practice tool.
The 6 bass amp models are:
-BTQ Clean
-Tube Screamer
– British Invasion
-Funk
-SVT
– Metal
These 6 amp models won’t cover all the bases, but they’re a great starting point. The 36 electric guitar amp models will give you a wide range of tones to play with, and the 12 amp-accessible stompbox models (plus delay and reverb) will let you create your own signature sound.
This is a 100W combo amp that comes with 12″ speaker and a wide range of features, including an effects loop, USB connectivity, and more.
The Peavey Vypyr VIP 3 is a modeling amplifier that’s designed to give you the best sound possible. It has a patented TransTube technology which gives you an authentic tube tone without the need for tubes. The PowerSponge 100 Watt to 1 Watt variable power means that you can control your volume level and have it stay consistent throughout your performance.
The amp also features an acoustically ported semiclosed back with a 12″ Custom voiced modeling speaker so that you can achieve any tone or sound that you want.
The Peavey Vypyr VIP 3 modeling amplifier is the most advanced and versatile amp on the market. With 10 instrument models including acoustic guitar simulators, 12 string guitar model, sitar model, 7 string model, baritone model, resonator model, electric violin, and bass guitar models, the Vypyr VIP 3 can cover any style of music. The amp also features a built-in looper for creating custom loops and sonic textures, and a USB interface that allows you to record directly to your computer.
The Peavey Vypyr VIP 3 is a guitar amplifier that gives you access to over 400 presets, as well as a LCD display for quick preset and effect selection. With its dual power amp design, the Vypyr VIP 3 can deliver up to 100 watts of power.
We reviewed Peavey Vypyr VIP 1 here.
Pros:
- -The Peavey Vypyr VIP 3 is an extremely versatile amplifier that can be used for a wide range of genres and is great for bass.
- -The amp has a power sponge feature which allows you to control your volume level without affecting your tone.
- -The built-in looper and USB interface make it easy to record directly to your computer.
- -The amp comes with over 400 presets, making it easy to find the perfect sound for your needs.
Cons:
- -The Peavey Vypyr VIP 3 is a bit expensive.
- -The head/cabinet setup can be difficult to transport.
#2. Fender Rumble 40 v3:
The Fender Rumble 40 v3 is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable and versatile bass amp. With its new and improved features, the Fender Rumble 40 v3 is one of the best guitar amps for bass in this list.
The Fender Rumble 40 v3 is a bass combo amplifier that offers a wide range of features and tones. With its new and improved design, the Fender Rumble 40 v3 is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable and versatile bass amp. The amp has two 10″ speakers that provide a full and rich sound. The Fender Rumble 40 v3 also features a 3-band EQ, gain control, and volume control.
The Fender Rumble 40 v3 also has a new and improved overdrive circuit that gives you more control over your sound. The overdrive circuit can be turned on and off with the push of a button. The Fender Rumble 40 v3 also features a headphone jack, so you can practice without disturbing others.
Pros:
-The Fender Rumble 40 v3 is an affordable and versatile bass amp that is great for a variety of genres.
-The amp has two 10″ speakers that provide a full and rich sound.
-The Fender Rumble 40 v3 also features a 3-band EQ, gain control, and volume control.
-The overdrive circuit can be turned on and off with the push of a button.
-The Fender Rumble 40 v3 also features a headphone jack, so you can practice without disturbing others.
Cons:
-Some users have reported that the amp is not very loud.
-The overdrive circuit may be too subtle for some.
Hi there! I am Jack Musau, the founder of this Best Guitar Amp Review site. I am an avid musician with several years using both traditional and electric guitars and created this site to assist others looking to find the best guitar amplifiers in the market today. I also offer private coaching and training on how to use guitars and guitars amps of all kinds. You can reach out to me using my email, jack@soundspros.com.