Are Bass Guitar Amps Dead? 4 Reasons Why…

Are bass guitar amps dead in 2023?
This video looks at 4 reasons why it might be time to ditch your bass amp and switch to a bass DI and in-ear monitors.
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[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

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[@mikeymacaque]

I play rock/punk/hardcore in a decent-sized US city, and my band regularly plays at a venue that supports top local acts and nationally touring bands. It’s the best sounding venue in town. I bring my GK 800rb and GK Neo 412 cabinet, and the sound guy mics me up instead of running me DI. Every time we’ve played, he tells me he loves working with my amp, and I’d say most players there run DI rigs. For him, he gets that old school grind and for me nothing can replace feeling your bass in your feet on stage and the sound moving at your back.

[@progrockrules]

'nothing can replace feeling your bass in your feet on stage and the sound moving at your back'. Boom - you nailed it.

[@frostriver4547]

I love my Neo 412! It’s been paired with an Epifani UL501 for years now. Never had it mic’d for stage gigs. I like to be able to adjust my speaker volume without affecting FOH. But sometimes I wonder how much more true tone I would get with a mic

[@tirestore69]

Lottery ticket sound nerd engineers are the best. Too bad there’s so few on the beginning of the journey but that’s part of it.

[@mikeymacaque]

@@frostriver4547 in my case the feel is more important to me live, but I’m sure if you’re playing more articulate and nuanced stuff you’d want more tone control. Your rig sounds sick though!

[@mikeymacaque]

@@tirestore69 yea I feel like there’s a lot more sound guys who feel like it’s their job to teach artists the “ideal” sound (from what they read on forums), and not what serves the song/room/band. I do run DI in my cover band, but that’s because I’m usually playing in a restaurant for 3-5 hours and it’s easier for FOH to dial things in with the fluctuations in the room, not because stage volume is always bad.

[@danieltorres5238]

Negative!! I'm in my 40's and still bring a rig to every gig. I don't care if it's heavy. It helps me stay in shape lol. For me, It's a preference. Our equipment are tools that we use to produce the music we do. Some prefer IEM but I still prefer my amp. My rig usually sits right next to the drummer. I don't crank my amp super loud but enough to create a sound and feel that resonates with the rest of the band. Music is to be felt and heard. Bass amps are still in demand. The biggest amp manufacturers like ampeg, Gk, hartke , Markbass etc still produce a large amount of heads and cabinets every year. I recently caught Keanu Reeves band Dogstar and he uses a whole rig of GK cabinets. To sum up. The bass amp is NOT going anywhere soon. Rock on everyone!

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

If it makes you play better and naturally suits your style then I agree, there’s no reason to ditch it. Cheers for commenting!

[@mattster693]

nothing will ever beat a good real analog powered bass amp! yes modeling is good, but when i play live or really any time i play i want to FEEL it not just hear it, and most PA systems dont handle lowend very well at all, they usually high pass the lows in favor of overall volume, ive never liked playing thru a DI, it feels awful and too clean for me, nothing quite like turning up an svt for bass, i dont even really care how much the rig weighs, my current setup probably weighs close to 150lbs total including an 11.2lb warwick bass, its all worth it

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

If it makes you play better then it’s the best option. There’s always a lot to be said for that approach.

[@anthonyb5279]

You are absolutely right. Just because this guy does not want to lug around good equipment does not mean bass amps are dead. He wants to do it all digital with cab modeling he can do that it sounds Ok. Best sound is real good gear shaking the nails out of the walls.

[@jerrymckee5184]

I would have to agree with pretty much everything you said in the video. I’m a bass player who hasn’t used an amp on stage in almost 5 years. I’m using an Ampeg DI and the whole band uses IEM’s, so we have no monitors. Part of me likes it, it’s certainly convenient, we can each control our own IEM mix with our phone or tablet, and I like that my ears ring a whole lot less after a gig using this system, plus transporting equipment is a lot easier, but some days I do miss the sound and feel of my 2 15” cabs thundering behind me. Because bass players still love the “feel” of bass, and many like the certain color or characteristics of their chosen amp, I don’t see amps going away completely. But you just aren’t seeing the big 810’s and SVTs on stage like you used to. Personally, I’ll always have an amp, but my days of lugging it to gigs seems to be pretty much over.

[@bigbri7519]

I used to carry an SVT everywhere i played, not anymore. They sit in the basement. I will never give up my B15. Lately i have been using a Mesa WD800 and I'm going to grab 4 single ultralight Mesa 12's. Or maybe some Barefaced. I need to feel the vibes from my amp onstage or anytime.

[@JTSunriseMusic]

My old fender bass amp heats my bedroom in the winter, tubes make a nice warm glow also

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Hahaha I didn’t anticipate that kind of use

[@basserx78]

I'm 67 and I still load out my old 2 x15 cabinet and Ampeg head. I just really gotta have that sound. But it ain't gettin' any easier, I freely admit.

[@gibsonguy5240]

This guy makes a very good point. But I rarely trust a sound man. Don't let anyone take your bass amp from you.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

So true! Bad FOH can ruin a gig!

[@louderthangod]

I see bass amps all the time at gigs. Thankfully the bands I like still play 8x10’s and stacks for guitars.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

🙌🙌

[@richardervins]

I play bass in three different bands (as one of one to sometimes three players). Only my own rock band has no substitute members, but I play guitar, blues harp, sax and keys in it. We have different setups with each formation. The cover band completely relies on in-ear monitoring on stage and for rehearsals . But the only one with an amp is the bass player - me - as the in-ear systems don‘t really convey the low end. In the singer-songwriter band (g, b, keys, dr) we only use modelers (but we have a lot of instruments on stage). The blues and the rock bands only use amps and wedges for practise and for stage monitoring. But we‘ll have to change that soon, as we want to scrap our tour mini van and take our private cars instead. It‘s a question of economy and playing pleasure, not puritanity. 😁

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

That’s a great point. You do have to spend more on IEM’s if you want them to handle bass properly! Great to hear you’re busy with gigs!

[@ProfDrMau]

@@OnlineBassGuitar1 i will say it all the time, there is and there will never be an IEM comparing with 4x10 or 8x10 cabinets. Periode. That being said, at least a quarter of that physical, body shaking ooumph that these got comes from that first slap delivered by the audio engineer seeing you enter the venuee with one.

[@ruhaidai]

I have all the options when it comes to amp's and monitoring. Even have the backbeat on my strap. However, I will always use a physical amp and cab on stage if the setup allows it. It looks great (especially the Vanderkley cabs) and has that unquantifiable mojo you don't get with digital systems.

[@alexrobertson9875]

There is definitely a shift away from amps on stage. I've played some shows just with a DI box but find I definitely prefer using an amp on stage. I'm Ears are fine for my backing vocals but I don't like hearing my bass through them. What I have done was downgraded from a head with 4 x 10 cab to a good quality single 12 combo with di out. I have a single 12 extension cab for larger gigs. These fit on a small fold up trolley. I then have a Mono dual bass bag to carry my bases on my back, and a mini pedal board. I can carry everything in to the venue in one go.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

It's much easier to move around, right?

[@progrockrules]

This is all very well if you are playing with a PA that can handle bass PROPERLY - unfortunately - in my little world - that's hardly ever the case. My rig is not dying - just my back.

[@josephzummo9685]

Mostly because the music's crap the audience doesn't care anymore.

[@woody4269]

Those drum grooves r sa. Cool vid. Thanks man🤙

[@bengraves4724]

Remember its meant to be a show. Big shiny drum kit, wall of amps, cables, boxes, things people don't see everyday. It adds to the audience excitement. So you have to carry a few bits to gig. That's part of the job. Keep music live in sound and experience.

[@dandaddeadbeat8788]

Last week I decided to plug in my Peavey Max 115 'as a treat'. In about 20 minutes I got fed up of trying to dial in a nice tone, gave up and sold it the next day. It's served me well in my youth in the practice room and for some gigs, but it's almost exclusively been a laptop stand for the last 4 years. Still a great amp and it deserved better, so I'm glad to pass it on to a gigging musician. At the moment I'm mostly practicing at home through headphones using Guitar Rig 6, everything is so easy to dial in a nice tone and load up a track to practice to, and it completely takes out the work of dealing with the room sound too. It definitely feels like the technology has improved so much. Should I start gigging again, I've got a head I take if a bass cab is provided, or I'm planning on getting a DI box. I'd also love to try out in-ear monitors too. Thanks for this video, it popped up at just the right time.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

My pleasure! Thanks for such a detailed comment! Hope your rig works out for you!

[@dmitrivincent1433]

Can you send us links to the in-ear monitors you use and the DI's? That'd be very helpful. Thanks in advance

[@garylankford9306]

Last year I played live all I used was a SanAmp DI. Told the sound tech to set all my levels equal and I can shape my tone with the DI and my tone controls on the Stingray bass. All fits in my guitar case. I do use a Mesa D800 and 4x10 Ampeg cab at home to practice.

[@Ballahooligan1]

My Markbass just sits in the office now. My stuff is mostly musical theatre and I'm now using a Zoom B6 straight into the desk, then out through the monitors or in ears. Still comes out for rehearsals occasionally but its been a year now since I gigged with it.

[@danhguitardemos]

I feel amps are typically pretty dead due to the listed reasons, but I will always drag around my 4x12, even if turned down to 3-4. I find having moving air and a rumbling floor is a tactile response that allows me to *feel* my playing instead of just hearing it, in turn making it easier to focus on and adjust how i'm playing instead of trying to hear every minute detail and adjust what i'm playing.

[@tagacale1733]

Nah. I need that power behind me when I’m playing.

[@trunks828]

I’ve been doing this since 2010 a sans amp rbi into a power amp and cab. Lately I’ve been using cab irs for live and home recording and leaving the cab home. but still take out my cab for recording sessions and for some gigs.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Sounds like a great set up for you!

[@johnvarr9950]

I started using IEMs several years ago primarily to protect my ears. Playing on stage with loud guitar amps and cymbals crashing all around you takes a toll on your hearing after many years, and I only have one set of ears. I use high quality, molded IEMs so I can control the volume going into my ears. But the added benefit is that I can hear the articulation of my bass notes much better and I can also hear my vocal harmonies better. Of course this is all contingent on having a good audio engineer that can get you a really good in ear mix. If I'm dealing with new production people, sometimes I'll throw a small, 1x12 cabinet in the trunk just to have as a safety net. But overall, I much prefer using IEMs for almost all gigs. Plus, I'm in my 60s and have no desire to cart around an amp and cab unless absolutely necessary. ;-)

[@JimijaymesProductions]

One of the major differences between bass and guitar is that guitar is frequency limited and the speakers are important in this sound, in bass nearly all cabs have a compromise, if they are light they don't have solid low end, if they are heavy, they are heavy and most likely a PA is now way more powerful and better setup for low end than a bass amp. Bass amps on stage can cause all kinds of issues because it is loud. Studio bass amps are usually very much expensive tube amps (most likely) and favour flavour over solid low end, often in the studio you can mix both DI and amps to create the perfect balance of solid low end and distorted character (its possible live but phase can cause issues).

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Excellent points made! I often find that a blend works best in the studio. DI for body and amp for character. Cheers for commenting!

[@anthonyb5279]

This is why I make my own amps and cabs. Just not happy with the compromises. I don't compromise ever. No holds barred, unconditional surrender! Anything else is just lazy.

[@volkerjansen3901]

I stopped playing bass in bands around 20 years ago. But even back then my Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+ with 2x10 and 1x15 cabinets was gathering dust. First, like you stated, it was just too heavy. But even more important, the mixers hated it in our smaller venues, because they could not control it from their board. I had to turn the volume up to hear myself against the drums. But then too much of the sound went to the audience uncontrolled. Sometimes I turned the 2x10 around and pointed it up at me, but that was not great either. They all much prefered I use a DI so they had complete control of the sound. And I could hear myself through the monitor speakers quite well. Win-win :)

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Glad it worked out for you 🙌

[@bacongl]

That was my dream rig for many years. Those 400+ heads are glorious.

[@johnchrestman4245]

Well your problem there was allowing the sound guys to tell you what to do. I do sound for bands and play as well I would never let some sound guy make me use a di that’s just ridiculous. And you o heavy. What are you guys? Women??

[@anthonyb5279]

@@johnchrestman4245 Yep been on both sides of that. Not going to ruin some ones tone. As the sound man its your job to reproduce that into the audience not control someones creativity and mojo. You support them they don't support you. I have worked with the biggest acts in the world Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, The Mighty VanHalen. Beat The Whos db record, Im in the Guinness World Records. Bass amps are not dead!!!! just because this guys show is so small he does not need a crew. Total wuss NOT Rock & Roll.

[@user-wm3dv6gu7e]

Regarding the moving the air and capturing that nuance that a modeler can't get. If you can notice a difference between the two in a blind test, you might have something there. I'm skeptical if you can tell and even more skeptical when combined with all the other instruments/vocals on the recoding

[@mattc1176]

For rehearsals and smaller gigs my small & light 1x12 Markbass combo is ace. I wouldn't use/need it for a bigger gig but it's portable enough to take on the bus/tube, gets me good sound reliably etc. If you're going anywhere where you aren't 100% on what the setup is sound wise it gives you peace of mind. I do agree more generally that bass amps have become much less useful. But I think there are still some use cases and some really good and light options.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Exactly. I don't think it will ever get to either or. Even rehearsals are so varied these days. Some times they are a chance to set up IEM's rigs for a long tour. But if you're just running songs then amps are the way to go.

[@sparkyguitar0058]

You can use yours at any gig for your own convenience. I always want to hear my own sound 1st. I E M's have the whole band.

[@rebeltuba9422]

DI's and a monitor mixer who has no taste and will not put enough bass in the monitor mix can create huge problems with the rest of the band not being to lock in properly. Drummers need to hear plenty of bass. I've played with too many sound guys who don't like bass and screw up things for everyone.

[@zibbezabba2491]

Pubs and small club gigs are probably where about 95% of bass amps are still used. The raw experience of playing with backline amplification along with a live drummer is still the easiest and most practical way to do a gig in a pub. Bass amps are not dead, any top band you see will still be using bass amplification, It's usually the support act who have to use monitors because it's less hassle for the sound engineers and they don't care about the support act as much. You'll know you'll have gone up in order of importance when the sound engineers are accommodating your needs and not the other way around. Why do you have to set your bass gear up in the house after gigging with it? You can plug into anything for practice or how about investing in a small practice amp in the house for practice? That way you can find a storage solution that saves you dragging your bass gear up and down the stairs.

[@cavetroll666]

how do you go ampless i have a tech 21 bass fly rig what do i need to just go to the gig on a bus since i own no car?

[@maxine2798]

I like the sound of my bass AND amp. If I just want the sound of my bass, I’ll DI it. However a mic’d up amp in a real room has a lovely growl. If you can’t dial in the right sound with you amp, you’ve got the wrong amp!

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

If it makes you play better then there’s a lot to be said for that!

[@kravselj]

playing on markbass marcus 500 and 1x12 cab. Super portable, loud enought, so you can hear yourself and feel bass on stage, di out to pa (and loud enought for band practice). But there is almost always a cab already on stage I can use and leave 1x12 in car. Before I played on ashdown 4x10 and abm500 head and that was one hell of a thing to carry around - not worth it. Probably will switch to helix or ampero to use for both guitar and bass. But I see that thing are changing weight-wise. My ashdown 4x10 was over 50kg and oversized, so almost imposible to carry on your own, new Markbass MB58R 4x10 is as small as it gets and weights only 15 kg.

[@alexfeatherstone8854]

I play in a 7-piece R&B/funk band. Still using head, 2x10 & 1x15, with a growing pedal board that needs to be slimmed down due to complexity. I don't see guys at the venues I play using in-ear, but I am becoming more interested in moving away from heads and cabs. But like you said here, if you use in-ear in a small club, I would need the sound guy to set the mix for my in-ears, right? That seems like that would go extremely poorly. I feel like the sort of work I am doing (bars/clubs, some festivals and private events) doesn't feel like it's ready for the amp modeler + in-ears, although I am becoming more open to it due to tiring from load-in + setup +teardown +load-out. And I use my amp mostly as an on-stage monitor, and always try hard to not dominate or drive stage volume, but find that sweet spot where me and the others in the band can hear me, but I'm not Lemmy out front. Some days that feels like a delicate balance, but I've improved as well (I can resist turning up when I wish I could hear more clearly). Any advice from others in my situation? None of our guys are in-ears, and it almost sounds like to really make that move, the whole band has to participate? A smaller pack, (more?) consistent tone and lower on-stage volume are the big attractions for me.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Having a bad mix can totally undermine in ears for sure. It’s a very common problem. If I were in your shoes I wouldn’t ditch the amp just yet. But maybe also have some in ears ready to go for when you move onto gigs that necessitate them 🙌

[@alexfeatherstone8854]

Good advice. It sounds like in-ears can go from very affordable to very expensive. Any advice on what to look at for a player like me who may not need them very often but would want decent ones when the time comes?@@OnlineBassGuitar1

[@sosmooth7]

OK ,looks like the overall consenus is that yes, we do need bass amps. There are many ways to achieve sounds whether in the studio or live. There's nothing like the sound of great bass amp. So. I would have to agree that bass amps are not dying a slow death.

[@bochafish]

I look at my on stage amp at my stage monitor. I like to feel it, and dial in what I'm hearing in the live mix. I hate IEM's, I generally haven't liked anything in my ears, and am paying for it after 30 years of playing. Just stuck in my ways. Sansamp bass di into a fender rumble is really all I need.

[@ryanwarsh]

I can see both sides of it. My band uses IEMs at most gigs. The problem is, I’m playing with guitarists who use amp modelers with different patches for every song, and the dB levels are all over the place. My bass can easily get drowned out in my ears, so I still like to bring a small amp/cab with me. My Ampeg PortaBass 250 is very portable, as suggested by the name 😆😆😆

[@JM-co6rf]

Most live shows that I've seen that were "ruined" (by bad sound) were ruined by a bass player who turned his amp up too loud :)

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Hahaha we’ve all been there 😂

[@chrisparker5278]

Amp modelling uses Impulse Responses which are indistinguishable from that real amp in that room. IR quality varies drastically, so finding a good one is challenging. But when you have it, your tone is perfect every time.

[@rockboy360]

it is frequencywise but the 3D feel of the air movement is missing. However that's extremely subtle and could even get lost in a busy mix.

[@bacongl]

I play in a gigging death metal band and we always use at least half stacks for stage volume. I absolutely cant feel what I am doing without actual cabs as a bass player. I don't like In ears. Most gigs I play are club gigs and nobody uses in ears except the occasional drummer. Most people still use wedges. I do use the DI out of my head and a cab mic mix. I think it depends on the genre of music you play as well. I know my beastly biamped 1600w stack wouldn't fly in a blues band for example. But I practice with a live band 4 days a week. It becomes a habit.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Exactly. There’s a fair bit of making ends meet here. Glad you’ve got a set up that works for you!

[@SeattleSam-ul5hr]

Being in an amp-less band can greatly simply load-in and load-out for everyone. It also (like you mentioned) eliminates stage noise (with E drums). A good sound guy can make you sound amazing and quiet if necessary. With IEMs, no more volume wars with your guitarist!

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Exactly this!! If you’ve got the right set up for it at a gig, they help a load!

[@ericajohnson7535]

Modellers have 1000000 ways you can set up your sound. Even if you do basic math. There are endless amounts of parameters you can tweak, things you can add to your chain. And with Quad Cortex, you can even profile your pedals... or can use things in loops like you do. Even without the randomized "air moving", your guitar/bass will always sound a little different on each day because of RF interference, weather, how new/old your strings are. There will always be uniqueness with modellers...unless everybody uses the same modeller, same firmware version, same factory preset, same guitar, set up the same way, same brand of strings, same amount of dirt/grit on their strings, same picks, playing the same way, trimmed fingernails the same length... which they WON'T. And just anecdotally, I've used computer-simulated amps as far back as 2018 in a major recording studio. I think amps right now are just mostly for purists, cork-sniffers... as well as bragging rights. Because you can't really take a recording studio seriously unless they boast their giant roster of vintage amps/speaker cabs. This will all change once people's way of thinking changes.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Things are changing for sure. I've been planning a follow up video to this on whether all you need is a good clean tone for studio work. As you allude to, so much like re-amping or adding of effects, VST's etc can be done in post. And whilst some still prefer real amps, there's definitely been a shift.

[@jreid641]

I still use amps on every gig. I don’t care what anyone else is doing, but I’m not giving up my amp.

[@dazd8306]

How would I make myself heard or hear myself at a pub gig??

[@SeattleSam-ul5hr]

You’d have to send your signal directly to the PA and depend on their stage monitors to hear yourself (or bring an IEM system).

[@simonwhitlock9189]

I use a GK 800rb head from the eighties and a GK 2 x 12 neo cab and nothing is going to stop me using this rig live, I hate IEM and won't use it I want to hear my instrument, I am happy to put it off stage if need be as for carrying it to and from gigs well I have a trolly and the cab lives in the garage and only the bass ,head and a bag of leads comes upstairs so no problem.

[@luisborralho4298]

Considering to go the in-ear route. Logistics are a pain for cabinets, and with the right tools you can get in-ears to work for small venues. I am fed up with places without proper monitors where everybody just dials to 11 in order to hear themselves.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

It’s been a game changer for me for sure. If you’re in the right type of gigs, or if you just prefer IEM’s, I’d say they’re a solid investment!

[@luisborralho4298]

@@OnlineBassGuitar1 you forgot to add that for some players, it can even prevent becoming dependent of a car for the ride (if you are within areas with suitable public services)

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

@@luisborralho4298 great point!

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

you get a light weight cab with detachable casters. that handles a lot of power. like my 4x10 neo cab. at 4ohms (1,200 watts continuous) with detachable casters that will handle my ampeg svt 7 pro. know what your doing.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Lightweight does help loads!!

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

@@OnlineBassGuitar1 its a old carvin cab. 4x10. no port for air. movement.

[@kal_george32]

I have only ever known using an bass amp, I haven't played live for years but do appreciate modern tech and convenience of not using one on stage. I would still use an amp, even if it's a small combo. I wouldn't be comfortable without it and just going through a DI only. A bass and an amp (and pedals) all go together, I liked the look of them too, but hey, I'm just an old rocker now 😄

[@GhostsofBabylonBand]

Just can't beat the sound that comes out of our Marshall cabs. I think it's very genre specific, we're a loud band that wants a wall of sound on stage. It's part of the adrenaline, the stoke and it makes our shows better if we are hyper and stoked. Maybe not the most technically correct thing to do, but we just love it this way! Our amps and cabs are here to stay!!

[@sacredgeometry]

Also I dont know why people get so confused about this. You can put modellers through a PA and through a cab giving you access to all the amp and effect models at the front of the signal path. Hell you can them mic it up and send that signal back into the modeller for post processing before sending it to the desk. People seem to have this misaprehension that you need to run modellers entirely in box ... that is in fact not the case at all. Especially with the better ones which give you highly granular control over your signal path.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

True! There are so many options! I might do a follow up video and make these points. Thanks for your comment!

[@sacredgeometry]

I think there is a single bass amp model on the AxeFX 3 ... I have never needed more than that or DI for recording. I dont play live anymore but if I did I would just plug straight into the PA. A guitar amp is and has been outside of the scope of things I deem necessary to own for decades so a bass amp is well outside of it.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

I hear you. A solid clean tone is essential as so much can be done digitally or in post these days.

[@sacredgeometry]

​@@OnlineBassGuitar1 Absolutely plus with bass almost all of it (excusing for specific effects) is at the bassist. Both in how they have set up their bass tone (on the instrument) and for the most part in their articulation and ability to play. Thats one of the most impressive things about bassists ... they have no where to hide.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

@@sacredgeometry very true! Thanks for commenting

[@MrRafaztar]

And then rock players do this and the stage sound empty , both guitar and bass. I think smaller almost monitor like would be a great in between medium

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

They can work really well. Just having the feeling of air being moved can make you play differently.

[@pideuhweuh8459]

IMO bass amps could have died the day sansamp was invented, the reason amps are still arround isn't tone, it's about the feel of how the low end is ironing your pants and pounding in your chest. And ironically enough, amps are only relevant on small stages, when the PA is great, your favourite pedal pre will do the job just fine, Sansamp is enough in Wembley but might not cut it at your local bar. That being said, I still play an amp rig but let's be honest, it's not necessary, I just want to.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Great comment! I do think there’s a lot to be said for how the gear affects the player. If it makes you perform better and it’s logistically feasible, then why not use an amp? As you point out, the performance rather than just the tone has to matter here!

[@gibsonguy5240]

Wow I just checked out his in ear headphones. $800 on the low side and $3700 on the high side.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

$3700 yes but the cheapest pair in the IEM's video you can find on Amazon for around £50/$75. Cheers for checking out the videos!

[@gibsonguy5240]

@@OnlineBassGuitar1 How much did yours cost?

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

@@gibsonguy5240 the Aguilar head was £600 when bought in 2013. The cabs were about £600 each in 2016 and then the Jule Monique Dovecage was around £1700 and the power amp for that was about £1600 if I remember right.

[@fat_ninja_status]

Idk everytime i went in studio i just went straight to board. My current rig i got 20+ years ago and is sans amp rbi and power amp. I also gave up playing for 20 years and just pulled everything back out. Figure either way my rack can be used as di and amp probably run through my pevey 1516 in most gigs if i start playing like that again. Its definetly a lighter cab over my ampeg 410hlf. I went rbi so i could run direct to board and still here myself on stage. Same as in studio just run rbi to board and bring cab in case. Just never played live or studio again after i got it. Lol

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

For sure. There’s certainly room for DI’s in the studio. They give a much cleaner sound. I usually find that putting a mic on a cab is more about giving the sound character. Cheers for your comment!

[@fat_ninja_status]

@OnlineBassGuitar1 understand and agree just was preference of every studio I went to. Well third studio was like why did you only bring your bass? I was like well no other studio used my rig and my gk800 had just died. So all I really got right now. Lol 😆

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

@@fat_ninja_status 😂😂

[@jamesryan1939]

Sold all my amps and moved to a quad cortex two years ago, and many large bands in my area are doing the same. Once I moved to in ears, I never heard anything on stage, so why spend the time moving an amp and setting up a mic to just end up sending that to the audience and to myself and no one is really hearing the physical amp. I play both guitar and bass, and switched for both. The other issue is, many venues are cracking down on noise levels, so a lot of drummers are also going to digital sets and with no amps you can play at very low volumes allowing for more opportunities to play. I haven't been to a studio in a while, but the ones I been to, they only like to use their equipment to cut down production time, because they have everything dialed in. So unless you are paying a lot, they don't want any new amps. Most of them will force the bass player to even use a P bass, because they have it dialed in for one and they have one there if you don't have one. But for home recording, which is becoming more popular, the quad cortex is amazing you have access to a million dollars worth of pedals and amps and you can record directly from that to USB for a perfect tone.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

So true man! Time is money and studios are so efficient with their set ups. I should do a video on this. Really appreciate the comment ☺️

[@jamesryan1939]

@@OnlineBassGuitar1 thanks love the content!

[@anthonyb5279]

Lazy.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Everyone Else: Bassists only need a small combo amp with a clean DI Me: Arrives with two full stacks and sick pedal board! 😂 All kidding aside, a 2x10H for most gigs, and I'll add 1x15 underneath it for outdoor gigs. A minimum for me is the 2x10. Playing with a DI is a necessity, but I haven't experienced a venue where they would not let me use my amp.

[@godsinbox]

people have been lamenting the death of the amplifier since switch mode psu came in 30 years ago. also multiband compression has changed the music we listen to, not that anyone has noticed that. the question you should ask is, what innovation has there been in amplifiers? new sound? No? None the amplifier industry still squeezes out sausages that have to be eaten, now they are lighter and smaller with the same flavour.

[@rumaoficial4723]

A classic Bass rig : head +cabinet "feels" real in a live situation...and is more dificult to be robbed vs a pedalboard + di boxes😂

[@philosophicallyspeaking6463]

Its has long been a myth that the cabs on stage are anything more than set dressing in large venues regardless of what instrument you are playing. The quietest place in the room is on stage in large venues, where musicians today wisely pamper their hearing with only sufficient sound to saturate their playing experience.

[@Harjawaldar]

It seems to me that pretty much everyone recordring bass for metal music these days are just using DIs, and that's a shame cause of the lack of uniqueness.

[@cederickforsberg5840]

I just hook a bass straight into DI box and let the soundtech handle the sound with EQ and compression to however he wants.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Do you get a pre-feed for your monitoring? It’s a great set up that way.

[@lalogarcia-maynez4968]

If I can get away with going into the mix I will ! I don’t care if I have to carry two cabinets which I usually place on each side of the stage . When you go into the PA you are not in control of your eq anymore ! So if it’s possible I will bring my rig and play the room . If there’s no choice but going into the mix I will sound check with a very long Cable and will talk to the sound man about what I want to hear . Most of them like a boomy sound with no definition (and I hate that !). So should NEVER start playing until you are totally satisfied about your sound. Just my advice after 40+ years of doing it .

[@georgyj111111]

None of the listeners will identify your "unique" studio sound as special, unless it's veeeery special.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Haha I see what you’re saying. My point was more that it’s about satisfying producers and artists that you work for. Some producers etc will prefer amps for the same reason that some players do. They just like them, or at least the idea of them, better. So from an artistic point of view at least, it becomes about doing what the producer or artist feels is best for the song. Not necessarily what the listener will notice. Cheers for commenting!

[@creepymcpeepers]

Bands like Metallica and Mötley Crüe and Guns N' Roses are never gonna use that stuff because the arena rock sound is the amp

[@bramvanmelle5130]

Remember when they said digital was killing analogue? Haha. Can't get the feel without the real deal.

[@bobs1540]

In my opinion, for the average, every day player, big rigs are probably pointless. There’s a reason why the smaller and portable market just keeps growing. You’re seeing touring musicians in big bands just having a rack set up that plugs into the PA or whatever. But there’s something to be said about being in the club and the bass player has a killer rig. Listening to Derek Boyer of suffocation or Alex from Cannibal. That rumble in the front is amazing.

[@sebastianvera7416]

Hello. I think you're wrong. Almost all professional bassists use their amplifiers on stage. I am a bassist and I wouldn't change the feeling of your own amplifier behind your back for anything. Not even close to personal monitoring. Greetings!

[@Oscaraha]

All though I am a amp guy myself - amps feel best imo, looks cool and arent that bulky if you dont want it to be anymore. My impression from norwegian proffesional bass players is that IEM are on its way to taking over. I definetly see why, its seems easier to sound good and makes the job for the sound engineer so much easier. But for me music playing dont have to be all about practicality, when Metallica plays with in ears it just seems wrong.

[@marcushart7150]

I know that the pros for going amp-less probably outweigh the cons, but I just prefer my bass coming out of my Thunderfunk TFB550 and Aguilar GS212 cab. It's "slightly" heavy, but I don't mind. I like to "feel" the bass behind me.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Keep your eyes open for my next video. On the subject of feeling bass. I will say no more 😎 But I totally get you. Sometimes there nothing quite like having an amp behind you!

[@akinwale_p]

Hands may be thrown over this video ngl

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Haha bring on the discussion! It's what a great community like this one is for! Cheers for the comment!

[@omarmoran3097]

​@@OnlineBassGuitar1 I been seeing way to much videos on this subject. I'm really thinking of getting rid of my amps.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

@@omarmoran3097 what are the key issues for you?

[@naz7525]

You clearly got the wrong amp... if you're not hppy with having to lug all that gear... multiple heads, cabs... You should look into some of the newer 2x10 combos that are pumping out 300 - 500+ watts like the Ampeg Rocketbass 2x10; or the Boss Katana 2x10... talk about having every type of Amp available at the push of a few presets; plus every type of effects possible... that Katana nails it, and with its Class AB design, it can more then keep up with a full band.

[@wilbe7327]

Playing out if Di is no go for me I hate it

[@ericplaysbass]

You’ll have to pry my SVT from my cold, dead fingers.

[@dazd8306]

Where is the fun in it? I love my loud growly Orange amp

[@1man1guitarletsgo]

For live gigs, if you have a good engineer out front it should be possible to achieve a good sound via the PA, with no proper amps, and the musicians using in-ears. Many bands don't have a sound engineer, and the PA is operated by one of the members, either physically or using an iPad. In my experience, this setup can result in the sound out front being quite poor. Far better to use real amps in these situations. The worst sounding bands I've seen have been those using modellers and in-ears (my niece's wedding springs to mind).

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

That can be a problem for sure. You are really putting your faith in your front of house engineer. Great point!

[@M.Holland]

It really depends on the band. I love to play in ears, no matter if I have an amp or just using my quad Cortex. Since you have no bleed from the venue, the monitors from the other band members etc, you can actually play way tighter. If you use a click track even more. I heard a few bands with real amps and they sound muddy af. The band I’m thinking about right now was a international top tear band. All tube amps, just mud. The band after that: modellers, never heard such a clean sound. Sure depending on the venue, the first few rows don’t feel the same pressure when you don’t use amps. So just play bigger venues 😂 I play in several bands, all on in-ear. One band is just straight Direct sounds, besides the drums, the other band is more traditional with real amps but still with in-ears. Works great in both.

[@creepymcpeepers]

I bring a di pedal to practice

[@B0BHW]

Bass amps and cabs are great while you've got someone else to carry them for you. But if it's got to be me... it'll be DI.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Haha I hear ya! Best part about touring!

[@bflathead]

Why would Ampeg/Yamaha introduce a whole new product line of bass amps ? I always bring an amp to the shows that I play. I’m old school and that just the way I like it. Technology is changing things but I don’t think the bass amp will completely go away. The generation of lightweight bass gear has created a new category of Wimpy Bassists that don’t want to move heavy equipment.. ( excluding those who are not well enough to move gear)

[@brucesahroian1482]

asking a question? Have you ever played your bass thru a Versatone Bass amp? I think not!!! Too Bad!

[@RaiderNation-North]

Nonsense. Doesn’t a guitarist with a head and 2 4X12’s have the same portability issues?? huh?

[@JblBassist]

Lol I have yet to see a small PA system that didn't end up making me sound like muddy dogshit. If you want an actual crisp and clear tone a good amp and cab is the way to go.

[@georgeprice4212]

Reason #5: John Entwistle isn’t alive anymore. Talk about Gear Head System!

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

😂

[@klauth_Yksyn]

As a music and gear fan... I've lost interest in going to shows that don't have gear on stage.

[@s44g44n]

I play guitar, so my experience may differ, but in my humble opinion, i think it depends on the style you are playing, and like someone already said, the feel of what you are playing. For example, i get why DI are so so practical, and for a lot of bass players, it's a great option, but i've played beside an ampeg head with a 8x10 cabinet that the bassist used for that particular gig, and my god that was gorgeous lol i played doom metal, so that kind of feeling, low end and overall massive sound can't be replaced by a DI, may be irrelevant in other genres, but like i said, i think it depends on your style and personal choice. Nice video!!

[@godsick]

My bass katana says you strayed off the wae. That is not the wae.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Hahaha

[@koriehakim9188]

*Promo sm*

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

Promo? What am I promoting? Apart from my own opinions 😂

[@philosophicallyspeaking6463]

All that matters is that a trumpet sounds like a trumpet, a clarinet like a clarinet, and a bass like a bass. NO ONE ELSE CARES! The only difference is that the electric bass' sound has always been an artificial synthesis (rather than organically acoustic) of the many variable and disparate pieces used to build it. What it 'does' was never really intended to sound like an upright bass, THAT'S THE MYTH! It was always intended to correct and expound upon the strength and the 'deficiencies' of the upright bass', not emulate its lack of volume and sustain. So...what is it supposed to sound like if not an upright? Well, that's the problem. Who knows? But the address of it is...WHO CARES! The final arbiter of who decides is determined by who signs the cheque. You just need to have the equipment necessary to keep them happy, unless you are...an artist, LOL, who is willing to starve for your art.

[@jammininthejammies4982]

Guy complains about carrying an ultra light weight bass cab. Yawn. I’ve had fights with sucky sound guys over my bass amp. I win every time. I get my bass sound from my amp. Good sound guys understand this and work with me. Easy peasy.

[@ErixSamson]

I think bass amps are almost dead. They will disappear soon, preamp / Di are becoming better and better these days.

[@christocr]

I absolutely LOATH in-ear monitors. Even the really high end ones sound crappy IMO. Especially the bass sounds like crap. And if your bass sounds like crap to you onstage, you just won't be playing to your full potential because of the lame sound. So far I've quit two bands because of the in-ear monitor thing--and no whining on their part brought me back. No in-ears, period. And it is even worse if the FOH mixer dude is controlling your in-ear for you. No thanks. I can live with a good bass DI/Preamp that I control going into a high quality wedge monitor that will handle bass frequencies well, but I will always prefer a dedicated bass amp behind me. I'm old, but so far not so soyboy wimpy that I can't pack in a bass amp (Jesus, the new ones are LIGHT compared to the SVTs of yesteryear--quit being a pansy). So, I just go out of my way to find bands that still used amps rather than that sterile modeling and in-ear monitor shit. And no subbing if it involves in-ears onstage. Guitars sound like crap through them too. Not to mention a show starts feeling like you are playing along with CDs through headphones in your bedroom. I'll pass. If I want to do that, I'll just do that. Let me FEEL the bass and bass drum onstage. You don't get that with in-ear crap.

[@scottmatthews172]

Waaagh! I'm too much of a wimp to carry a few pieces of equipment. There's no way in hell bass amps are dying out. You can't beat the sound of an old school tube amp. You young people think you know everything. You kids don't know shit.

[@bassistdc]

Bass amps are not dead.

[@OnlineBassGuitar1]

How so in your opinion?

[@bassistdc]

@@OnlineBassGuitar1 They are not dead to me. I never gig without one. Every bassist I know gigs with an amp. My guitarist however, plays through the PA.

[@jasonchristian8362]

no. they are not. silly.

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

#167_June2024_Good_Cool_IdeasFromOneWhosBeenThere🇺🇸

[@riffsnoleads]

KZbin brain and lazy sound guys have made DI the standard and it sickens me.

[@revnichols1]

With all this class D and neo speakers. Na, don’t agree…

[@creepymcpeepers]

You have so many di's I never seen lol

[@user-wp4cs6eg8q]

Guitar amps will die before bass anps

[@sjmusicforlife4638]

We just bought a tube head and cab for our church as we want the best sound possible.