What’s the difference between a Bass Amp Vs Guitar Amp? Frequently asked questions between beginners and intermediate bass and guitar players. Today we are going to end the differences and hopefully erase the mystery. We will talk about combo AMP, not modeling AMP, AMP heads, or stacks.
To better understand the difference between combo bass Amp Vs guitar Amp, it is good to start with a basic understanding of both instruments. Electric bass guitars produce lower cleaner frequencies than electric guitars. These lower frequencies need to be promoted so that they resonate louder when using solid-body electric bass.
Bass Amp Vs Guitar Amp
Electric guitars produce wider, faster, and higher frequency ranges. This gives the electric guitar maximum sound which works well with pedal effects, such as distortion or over-drive tone. For these reasons, bass and guitar AMPs focus on the sound or tone of the instrument in each instrument’s frequency range.
Bass Amp Vs Guitar Amp – Basic concepts of AMP
Both bass amps and guitar amps have some similar features and or controls such as gain and master volume control. They can also have multiple device inputs and output connections for external accessories or speaker cabinets. However, this is where the similarities end. One of the most notable differences is that the bass AMP usually has a thicker speaker than the guitar AMP. This is due to the low frequency of the bass guitar, which is still slow and produces a strong vibration frequency response.
Guitar AMP, on the other hand, is designed for the wide, high, and fast frequency range of electric guitars. To adjust the frequency range of the electric guitar, the speaker is generally designed for faster response, while maintaining a smaller, thinner, and faster light frequency of the electric guitar.
Bass Amp Vs Guitar Amp Size matters and sort
Why different speaker sizes? The answer lies in the compound frequency response. Because the electric bass guitar produces lower and slower frequencies, the speaker vibration (or response) is more pronounced and stronger. The larger the volume, the more aggressive the speaker cone’s frequency response action will be. Therefore, the small and thin speaker of the electric guitar AMP can not handle the frequency response of the electric bass guitar, especially at high volume levels. The higher the bass amp, the more the speaker helps the sound to resonate better and louder while being able to handle the more aggressive frequency response.
Speaker size (diameter) for bass AMP can be reduced to eight inches. Smaller speakers are usually found in Solo MPS for practical or both devices. The average speaker size of modern scroll bass amps is ten to twelve inches. Guitar combo amp speaker sizes range from five to twelve inches.
Bass amp vs guitar amp watts difference
Because both devices produce different frequency ranges, AMP is designed to maximize and optimize the range given for each device, especially at high volume levels. High volume levels and pedal effects cause high-frequency responses through the speaker. For example, if you are using a guitar AMP for an electric bass guitar when the volume increases, the small thin speaker of the guitar AMP will not be able to handle the frequency response on the cone and will eventually “blow.”
This now leads us to the next major difference in the output of two amps, watts or power. Bass amps typically have a higher wattage rating, power output than a guitar amp. The lower frequency of the boss AMP requires more power output to run the signal and resonate loudly. While a guitar AMP is usually around 200 to 300 watts. The wattage rating may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and to high professional stage quality MPS. Therefore, speaker size and composition are the two main features of AMP.
Bass Amp Vs Guitar Amp The Sound difference
Voice control is another big difference between two amps. Because electric bass uses the sound of a guitar cleaner, tone controls are straightforward and easy. Typically, Bass AMP has bass, middle and treble controls. Some bass amps, such as the PV Max 300, have controls for overdrive, smoothie, mid-shift, and bright tunnel effects. These additional controls help to improve the sound or add a little color to the sound without too much power on distorted or impressive signals.
Bass AMs may also have an option for the type of pickups used on electric bass guitars, either inactive or active. This is important because active pickups are more powerful, producing stronger signals. If your electric bass guitar uses an active pickup, it is important to check that the bass AMP you are using can accommodate an active pickup. In some bass amps, this is done either by a selector switch or by separate inputs. Some new digital bass amps can automatically handle high input signals of active pickups. So no option is required for the pick type.
Guitar AMP has a large range of effects, functions, and tunnel control to adjust the maximum frequency range of the electric guitar. Guitar combo AMP may include ship pedal effects, equations, and other functions, especially digital modeling AMP. For example, the PV6505 Plus 112 has lead and rhythm guitar functions, with separate tone controls for each. A digital electric guitar AMP can include in-ship pedal effects such as reversal, delay, compression, course, and more.
Conclusion
Central distance follows the old adage, the right tool for the right work. Although it is possible to use other devices for each device, the sound will not be the same. If you use an electric bass guitar with a guitar amp, the result can be costly.
From garage bands to practice, from basic to professional, there are many types of amps each. With so many options and styles, it’s worth the time to research which AMP is right for your music style and price range. Lastly, try it out before you buy it. Most music stores will give you an in-depth test before you buy it. Take advantage and spend your time, games, and discover the right AMP. However, the most important thing is to have fun!
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