If you're an experienced bassist, you know full well that not just any amp will do. If you're new, consider this your first lesson in bass combo amplifiers. Since the electric bass has different power and acoustic demands than a guitar, a purpose-built amp designed specifically for the bass is effectively a must-have piece of equipment. The good news is that there are plenty to choose from in this section, so no matter your musical style or the venues you play, there's a bass combo amplifier for you. Making the right decision can be as simple as finding the amp that fits into your budget while putting out the kind of wattage you need.
When compared to their full-sized cousins (amplifier stacks), bass combo amps have one very important advantage: convenience. Since all the electronics are built right in to the speaker cabinet, you don't have to lug around a separate amplifier head. Combo amps are designed so that you can just grab and go, which is why they're the go-to amplifiers for virtually any venue as well as being the best type of first amp for a beginner. You'll also never have to worry about speaker cabinet compatibility. A combo amp is the amp that just works - simply plug it in and play.
Of course, not all bass combo amplifiers are created equal. Different models will have different electronics and speakers, giving each one its own unique voice. You'll find some of the most sought-after sounds in the ranks of the best-selling models, including the Orange Amplifiers Crush PiX CR50BXT 50W 1x12 Bass Combo Amp and the Fender RUMBLE 200 1x15 200W Bass Combo Amp. Some models, such as the Markbass CMD 102P 300/500W 2x10 Tilt-Back Bass Combo Amp, are designed with multiple speakers to pump up your sound by pushing even more air, or the ability to be used as a monitor by tipping up toward you on the stage.
Looking through this section, you'll see all the big names in bass amplification, from the ones we've already mentioned to others including Ampeg, Gallien-Krueger, Peavey, TC Electronic, Behringer, Hartke and Warwick. With all these brands (and more) to choose from, and in most cases multiple amp models from each one, there are tons of bass combo amplifiers just waiting to be discovered. So go ahead and dive right in... you'll be glad that you did.
