Best
Hybrid Amp
-
Overall: Superb sound quality with little to no EQ needed.
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Best Feature: 500W of power at 4 ohms and 300W at 8 offers limitless volume potential.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Solid-State Amp
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Overall: Active 3-band EQ for maximum sonic range and expression
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Best Feature: Bi-amp inspired amplifier with foot-switchable Gain and Blend controls
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Tube Amp
-
Overall: 300W of power to cut through any stadium
-
Best Feature: 6 x 6550 power tubes, 3x 12AX7 preamp tubes and 1x 12AT7
-
TedScore™: 9/10
The guitar amp is a great piece of equipment for any musician, regardless of the instrument they play. But what if you’re a bass player? Have you ever wondered if can you use guitar amp for bass?
In short, the answer is no. You really shouldn’t use a guitar amp for a bass guitar. I mean, you could, in theory, use it – but it wouldn’t be wise.
Now let’s say you did. So, how do you get the best sound out of it?
In this article, we’ll explore the world of using guitar amps for bass and go over the pros and cons. We’ll also discuss ways to make your amp sound great so you can get the most out of your setup.
So if you’re looking for a way to add some extra bass kick to your sound, read on!
Can You Plug a Bass Into a Guitar Amp?
At first glance, it might seem like plugging a bass into a guitar amp is impossible. After all, the two instruments are completely different beasts! But, the truth is – it is possible to plug a bass into a guitar amp… but it’s not necessarily recommended.
Yes, you can use a guitar amp for your bass – it will make your sound louder. However, the sound will significantly differ from what you’d get from a dedicated bass amp. Guitar amps are designed to amplify the sound of a guitar, while bass amps focus specifically on the nuances and complexities of bass sounds.
Standard guitar amps are generally not optimized for the lower frequencies of a bass guitar. Running a bass through guitar amp can produce a thinner and less defined sound due to the amp’s design, which may not effectively handle the bass’s lower frequencies.
The amp for bass, also known as a bass amplifier, is a crucial component for enhancing the sound quality of bass guitars. It provides amplified signals, optimizing tone control and delivering deep, powerful bass tones. Whether for live performances or recording purposes, investing in a quality bass amp can significantly enhance your bass playing experience.
So when it comes down to it, your best bet is to invest in a dedicated bass amp to get the most out of your instrument. This way, you can enjoy all the unique qualities that make your bass sound so special.
But, if you’re looking for something quick and easy to get started with, a guitar amp will do the job just fine.
What is the Difference Between a Guitar Amp and Bass Amp?
If you want to add a new amp to your collection, it’s important to know the differences between bass amp vs guitar amp. Though they both serve the same basic purpose – amplifying sound – there are some significant differences that make them suited for different instruments.
Frequency Range
The main difference between a bass amp and a guitar amp lies in their design to accommodate the specific frequency range.
The frequency range of a guitar amp is designed for higher frequencies, allowing it to accurately reproduce the sound of a guitar. These higher frequencies are essential for a guitar to achieve its distinct sound. On the other hand, a bass amp is designed to handle low frequencies better, allowing it to produce the huge, thunderous sound associated with bass.
The frequency range of a bass amp typically ranges from around 40Hz to 400Hz, while a guitar amp’s range is usually much higher. This means that the bass amp can be used to increase the low-end sound of a guitar, while the guitar amp is not suited to produce the same amount of low-end power as a bass amplifier.
Speaker Size
The speaker size of a guitar amp is typically much smaller than that of a bass amp. This is because a golf set up requires less power to produce the same sound as a bass rig, so the speakers can be smaller and more compact. The low-end frequencies of bass require more power and larger speakers to be heard.
Guitar amps typically come with a 8-12 inch speaker, whereas bass guitar amplifiers can have up to 15 inches of speakers. This size increase allows the bass to be heard better, cutting through a band setting and providing a powerful foundation for the music.
Power Output
The power output of guitar and bass amps is another major difference between the two types of amplifiers. Guitar amps generally come with lower-powered speakers, meaning they can’t produce higher volumes needed for louder genres such as rock or metal.
Bass rigs on the other hand have larger speaker cabinets and more power, allowing them to reach higher volumes which are needed for playing in loud bands.
Effects
Guitar amps are far more likely to come with effects, such as chorus, delay, or reverb. These effects are designed to give your bass guitar sound a unique and interesting flavor; many artists use these options to create new sounds that can’t be achieved without them.
On the other hand, bass amps generally don’t include any effects. The only options available with bass amps are usually dials for adjusting low, mid, or treble frequency levels.
Concerns When Using Bass with a Guitar Amp
You should be aware of some potential issues when using a guitar amp to amplify your bass. Firstly, the design of the amp might not adequately accommodate the sound of a bass guitar. Because of this, the low frequencies will be lacking, resulting in a shallow-sounding tone that won’t have as much clarity or depth as it would if plugged directly into a bass tube amp.
And as I’ve noticed, the sound might be too harsh and overwhelming for the guitar amp speakers, leading to distortion and audio clipping.
Another potential problem is that the guitar amp may not be able to handle the bass frequencies, leading to overheating of its components. This can cause permanent damage to the device and risk a complete breakdown in sound quality.
Furthermore, turning up the volume too loud on your guitar amp could cause feedback from other sources in your environment, resulting in an unpleasant and unwanted sound.
Finally, you should be aware of the risk of electric shock when plugging your bass guitar into a guitar amp. This could be potentially dangerous if not handled correctly, so it is important to ensure that all cables are properly insulated and connected before use.
How To Avoid Damaging Your Guitar Amp if you Have no Alternative?
To avoid sound issues, you should tweak the EQ of your guitar amplifier to achieve a more balanced sound that won’t overpower your amp’s speakers. Keeping an eye on the volume level is essential to prevent any audio clipping.
If your amp runs out of headroom, don’t hesitate to adjust the volume and tone knobs accordingly. Furthermore, avoiding distortion or overdrive pedals that would push the volume too high and damage your amp is important.
Great Amplifiers for Bass Guitar
Solid-State Amps
For bassists looking for clarity and punch, a solid-state amplifier is the way to go. With lightweight construction and plenty of headroom for playing even the most complex chords, these amps bring out the best in your guitar sound. When paired with a quality cabinet, the sound of your bass will cut through any mix.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Intermediate
FEATURES: 500W of MOSFET power
OTHER INFO: 5-position mid-tone control and Ultra Hi/Low boosts for sonic sculpting
Ampeg Portaflex PF-500
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Deep, rich tone that cuts through the mix
- Class D power amp for maximum efficiency
- Onboard compressor to tame your sound
- Footswitchable mute switch
- Balanced direct output and XLR connection
- Compact size and lightweight portability
- Lacks some features in more advanced models such as a graphic EQ or parametric equalizer.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate to Advance
FEATURES: Bi-amp inspired amplifier with foot-switchable Gain and Blend controls
OTHER INFO: Active 3-band EQ for maximum sonic range and expression
Orange OB1-500 Bass Head
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Full range of tones from a subtle level boost to fully saturated savagery
- Punchy 500-watt power for live performances
- Balanced DI with ground lift and line output for studio use
- Rugged steel chassis for optimal durability
- Might not deliver the timeless classic tones that many bass guitarists prefer.
- Some may find the price tag a bit steep.
- Not suitable for beginners as its features are more advanced.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: 500 watts of power with class-D technology
OTHER INFO: Passive/active switch to adjust tonal response for active or passive basses
TC Electronic Thrust BQ500 Bass Head
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Punchy bass tones with a full bottom end
- Dynamic control of the low-end and mid-range sounds thanks to the Shape EQ
- Create unique tones with the built-in compressor
- Dedicated 4-band EQ for precise sound sculpting
- Thermal overload and short circuiting protection
- Can be quite noisy at higher levels of gain.
- Heavy weight
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Tube Amps
Tube amplifiers are a great option for bass guitarists who want to get an authentic, vintage-style sound. Tube amps provide full-bodied and warm tones while still being able to handle high volumes. They typically require less maintenance than solid-state amps.
However, the cost of these amplifiers can be quite high, so they’re probably best suited for those who are serious about their sound.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate to Professional Players
FEATURES: 6 x 6550 power tubes, 3x 12AX7 preamp tubes and 1x 12AT7
OTHER INFO: 300W of power to cut through any stadium
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Warm, crunchy and dominant sound
- Powerful enough to fill a stadium
- Classic Fender circuitry
- Dual channels for clean or dirty tones
- Roadworthy construction and rugged design
- May be too much power for small gigs or practice at home
- May require some experimenting to get the exact tones you want.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate to Professional Players
FEATURES: Single-channel design with master volume, middle, bass, and treble controls
OTHER INFO: 55 cm wide, 24 cm high and 28 cm deep
Orange AD200B MKIII Bass Head, Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Professional-level sound quality
- Extremely easy-to-use EQ feature
- Pioneering force in the guitar amplification industry
- Rigorous testing before leaving factory for superior sound
- Very heavy compared to other bass amp heads
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate to Professional Players
FEATURES: Dual 12AX7 preamp and dual 12AU7 driver tubes for classic tone
OTHER INFO: 0dB and -15dB input sensitivity options for greater control over sound levels
Ampeg Heritage SVT-CL
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Powerful 300 watt output for driving large venues and outdoor gigs
- All-tube design for classic warmth and vintage tone
- Adjustable tone controls provide maximum control over your sound
- 80 dB Signal-to-Noise ratio ensures good sound even at high volumes
- Heavy weight means it is not very portable
- Tube replacement can be costly and time consuming
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Guitar Amps That Work With Bass
Bass guitar amps are designed to provide a powerful, full-bodied sound. But if you’re a guitarist looking to get the most out of your bass guitar, a hybrid amp might be just what you need.
Hybrid Amps
Hybrid amps are a great choice for those seeking versatile sound options, as they combine the punch and clarity of solid-state technology with the warmth and depth of tube amplification.
They offer more control over your sound, allowing you to find that perfect balance between low-end punch and shimmering highs.
My personal favourite is the Markbass Little Mark Vintage Bass Head.
This hybrid amp is a powerful and versatile amplifier designed for bass players. It stands out from other models in this list due to its vintage-inspired tone and compact design, making it ideal for gigging musicians who value portability without sacrificing sound quality.
When I play guitar using this amp, it feels like I have a lot of power at my fingertips, and the vintage tone adds so much character to the sound.
It might be a bit pricier compared to some other bass heads out there, but let me tell you, the Markbass Little Mark Vintage Bass Head is totally worth it. It’s built like a tank, gives you tons of tonal options, and performs like a champ, making it a solid investment for any serious bass player.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: Valved Preamp Based on Flagship AD200 Amplifier
OTHER INFO: 2 Speakon Outputs and 1 Balanced XLR Output
Orange Terror Bass Head
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Clean Switch & Pad Switch for Creative Freedom
- Optimised for Active or Passive Basses
- Crystal Clean Tones with Extra Headroom
- Create Anything from Clean Pop to Gritty Rock
- Built to Last with Orange's High Quality Control Standards
- Limited Distortion Capability
- Pricey for a Head Amp
- Overdrive Could be Improved
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: 2-channel preamp with Vintage and Overdrive voicing
OTHER INFO: XLR line out with level control and pre/post EQ switch
Fender Bassman 800 Head
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Versatile tonal range to suit any style of playing
- Powerful amp with plenty of headroom and punch
- Variety of control knobs to shape your sound precisely
- Quality tone that can be further enhanced with optional speaker cabinets
- Built-in effects loop for integrating external pedals and processors
- Higher price tag than some other amps in its class
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: 500W of power at 4 ohms and 300W at 8 offers limitless volume potential.
OTHER INFO: Three way flat/cut/old switch with preset tones.
Markbass Little Mark Vintage Bass Head
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Superb sound quality with little to no EQ needed.
- Vintage tones and beautiful aesthetics.
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Built-in transformer DI box ensures a clear signal every time.
- No mute button for on the spot adjustments.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Tips To Avoid Damaging Your Guitar Amp If You Have No Alternative?
Set It to a Clean Channel
When playing a bass guitar, starting with the cleanest possible channel is important. Doing so ensures you are not overdriving your amp and potentially damaging it. This will help you produce the clearest possible sound.
Do Not Use Effects
If your amp has any effects built-in (such as reverb or delay), it is important not to use them. The effects can add to the load of your amp, potentially causing overdrive and damage. If you must have some effects, opt for an external pedal instead.
Start With a Low Volume
When playing the guitar through an amp, you want to start with a low volume. This will allow you to gradually increase the volume and ensure you don’t go too high.
Adjust the EQ
Another way to protect your amp is by adjusting the equalization settings. Reduce the bass response, as this can help prevent overdrive. You should also adjust the mids and treble to ensure your sound is balanced.
Play Bass Through Your Computer
Finally, if you don’t have a dedicated amp for your bass guitar, you could try playing it through your computer. This option won’t be available in live settings. However, it can work as a great alternative when practicing at home or recording.
Can You Use a Guitar Amp for a Bass?
Summary
So, can you play bass through a guitar amp?
Well technically yes! A guitar amp can be used for bass, but it requires understanding the differences between guitar and bass amplifiers.
Is it a good idea though – no. You really should buy a dedicated bass amp that focuses on the lower frequencies.
Check out our article 14 Best Bass Amps to see some great options.
When using a guitar amp for bass, it’s essential to consider the wattage rating, speaker size, and type of tone control that works best with your instrument.
Finding the right combination of these factors will create a tone that’s pleasing to the ear, and powerful enough to cut through any mix.
So if you’re considering using a guitar amp for bass, give it a try; you might be surprised at the results!
What do you think? Have you ever tried playing bass through a guitar amp? How did it sound? Let us know in the comments!
While I appreciate the effort put into this article by Hugh Richardson, I’d argue that there’s more nuance to the topic. For instance, the impedance mismatch between a bass guitar and a guitar amp can have significant long-term effects, not just on the speaker but also on the amp’s circuitry. Additionally, the notion that solid-state amps are inherently better for bass due to their robustness is somewhat misleading. Tone is subjective, and some might prefer the warmth of a tube amp, despite the risks. It’s not merely about not damaging your equipment; it’s about understanding how your choices affect your sound and gear lifespan.
aight, so i was like super worried bout pluggin my bass into a guitar amp, cuz i heard it can mess things up big time. but this guide kinda puts my mind at ease. gonna try the clean channel thing and keep the volume down, see how it goes. gotta play, no matter what, right? lol
Interesting read. Never thought about the frequency range and speaker size difference between guitar and bass amps. Everyday’s a learning day.
Finally, someone explains the bass and guitar amp situation clearly. Thanks, Hugh Richardson. Been mixing them up for ages without really knowing the risks.
Becca, short answer, yes, but careful with the volume and settings to avoid damage.
Wait, so can I use my guitar amp for my new bass or nah?