If you’re looking for the best amps for acoustic bass, you’ve come to the right post!
Basses add depth to music that’s hard to find in another instrument.
And acoustic basses are a super-fun addition to a jam session that not many incorporate into their sessions.
(If you want to know how else I recommend you spice up a jam session, check out my post here.)
Although acoustic basses add musical depth to jam sessions, amplification is often an issue.
The low notes of a bass may not ring out like you want them to when playing with other instruments or for an audience.
I’ve only messed around with acoustic basses and bass amps.
But with the help of someone more familiar with acoustic bass and bass amps, we’ve put together this post for you.
Let’s dive in.
Bass Amps
A bass amplifier commonly called “bass amp” is a musical instrument electronic device that makes use of electrical power to make lower-pitched instruments loud enough to be heard by the players and audience.
These lower-pitched instruments can be the bass guitar, double bass, or even kick drums.
Bass amps normally comprise a preamplifier, tone controls, a power amplifier, and one or more loudspeakers in a cabinet.
We know of the loudspeakers as “drivers.”
Although bass amps share many features with guitar amplifiers used for electric guitars, bass amps are different from other amplification systems.
This is because of the particular challenges associated with the low-frequency sound amplification of a bass.
This differs from normal guitar amps and affects the loudspeakers’ design, the speaker cabinet’s size, and the preamplifier and amplifier of the bass amp.
Speaker cabinets for bass amps usually integrate larger loudspeakers.
For example, 15″ speakers are more widespread for bass than electric guitar amps.
They also use more speakers and larger cabinet sizes than those used to amplify other musical instruments.
The loudspeakers themselves must also be thicker to handle the higher power levels and be capable of reproducing very low pitches at high sound pressure levels.
That said, let’s take a look at the best amps for your acoustic bass guitar.
Acoustic B600C Bass Combo
Although Acoustic may not be a household brand name like Fender and Yamaha, it’s first on my list.
This amp’s build and response are impressive.
The Acoustic B600C Bass Combo provides 600 watts of clean amplification through two custom-voiced 10” ferrite speakers.
This amp gives serious hobbyists and pro players all the sturdiness and tone they need for stage and studio.
The B600C’s cabinet is versatile enough to be used in a traditional vertical configuration or tilted back.
This versatility allows very precise personal monitoring at both rehearsals and performances.
Plus, this B600C features a 6-band graphic EQ, a convenient Shape Switch with a variable Notch Filter, and a Blendable Overdrive circuit.
This gives the player a wide variety of expressive tonal options across various musical genres and styles.
Acoustic BNS6210 (Class D/Neo Bass Combo)
If you are a traveling acoustic bass player, this could be the amp for you.
The BNS6210 provides a good balance of sturdiness and portability for the traveling bass player.
The Acoustic BN6210 bass combo, with 600 watts of Class-D/ Neo, provides a world-class bass tone in a very lightweight design.
This lightweight but sturdy guy boasts a 6-band edge-lit graphic EQ, a variable notch filter, and a super Hi & Lo EQ boost.
The BNS6219 also provides a wide array of sonic perimeters at your fingertips.
Key Features
- Effects Loop
- Front-facing shelf port
- Full-Featured Direct Out with Ground Lift
- 1/8″ Headphone jack, 1/8″ Aux In
- Dimensions: 20.1″ x 15.4″ x 28.0″
- Weighs only 59.7 lbs
Fender Rumble Series
This Is one of the most popular bass amps in the world today.
However, it didn’t make it to this list just because of its popularity.
It’s also one of the best-selling bass amplifier series ever.
Fender will probably exceed your expectations with the new V3.
A few of its selling points are its:
- Price: they are very affordable.
- Volume: they are small but very loud.
- Aux in: you can easily plug in media players and play along.
Also, if you are a first-time buyer looking for an amp to up your acoustic bass game, I recommend this one.
Peavey Max Series
Peavey’s Max Series has been among the best-selling bass amps for several years.
Peavey Max is one of the more popular bass amp brands, along with Fender’s Rumble Series.
According to some buyers, the Max Series is among the best beginner amps, and some users say they are better than the Fender Rumble for beginners.
Check out this line of bass amps if you are a beginner looking for a solid acoustic bass amp.
Key Features
- Angled baffle design: this means that the woofer is angled while keeping a straight outer case (as opposed to a kicked back design)
- Built-in tuner
- Built-in DI: this is one of the best features. Also, the built-in Direct Injection circuit makes it very suitable for acoustic basses. It also helps in making these amps exceptionally quiet.
Phil Jones Bass Roadcase
My list wouldn’t be complete without the Phil Jones bass Roadcase combo.
This is definitely worth it if you have the money to spend.
This big guy has the convenience of a combo but with output that you would normally only get from separate components.
One of the major features here is that it has two channels, with the first dedicated to acoustic bass.
So naturally this makes it a great choice for acoustic bass players.
The second channel is dedicated to electric bass.
Plus, its massive 750W RMS power amplifier has the headroom and tone to work on just about any stage.
The workmanship of the 12 “Neo Power” speakers enables them to cope with all styles of playing.
Also, its tiny footprint allows the player more space on cramped stages without giving up tone or volume.
Its ergonomics and size make it very easy to handle and carry around.
Key Features
- The Roadcase has the convenience of a combo but also output power you get from separate components.
- It has two channels: first channel is dedicated for acoustic bass and second channel for electric.
- Its massive 750W RMS power amplifier has the headroom and tone to work on just about any stage.
- The 12 “Neo Power” speakers have the finesse to cope with all styles of playing with the weight and authority from a much larger cabinet.
Conclusion
I hope this post has helped you in your search for an acoustic bass amp!
If you have more questions about acoustic bass amps, let me know in the comments!
