What Cabinet Is Good for a Bass & a Guitar to Play In?

Many guitar amps can handle guitar and bass with no problems.

Conventional wisdom dictates that guitars must be run through guitar amps, and bass guitars through bass amps. However, there is no reason not to play bass guitars through guitar amps. It will not cause any damage and may provide a unique sound.

Vox

Popularized by The Beatles, Vox amps were at the forefront of amplified music for several years as the growing audiences required more and more powerful amps. They are still popular and provide good sound. Any Vox amp works well with both guitar and bass, including the V112 and V212 series. The AC series also works well with both instruments.

Fender

Fender amps provide quality sound. Many musicians use Fender Showman amps for both bass and guitar without experiencing any problems with sound quality or performance.

Mesa/Boogie

The D-180 is commonly used for both guitar and bass. It is an all tube amp with a lower volume, but a warmer sound. The Mesa 400 may be more appropriate, but it is also more expensive; however, the D-180 typically costs more than Vox amps.

Marshall

The JMP Super Lead 100w is another amp commonly used for both instruments. It is a relatively bare-bones amp with limited features. While that may be an issue for a guitarist, the equalizer is generally all that is required for bass.

Roland

The JC-120 Jazz Chorus is a guitar amp commonly used by bass players. It puts out 120 watts through two separate 60w speakers that create a stereo chorus effect. The chorus, along with reverb and distortion, can be controlled by a foot switch.

References

• Juliana Brown; TCS Recording Studios; Brooklyn, NY
• Michael Goldstein; Musician; Brooklyn, NY