I'm interested in hearing from any bassist who cares to chime in: pros, semi-pros, amateurs, and hobbyists alike. First off, do you feel the need to have both a tube and a solid state rig? I do, as I play in both rock bands and jazz ensembles, and I appreciate the tone qualities in solid state amps though some do not find them desirable. Second, what kind of tube amp do you use, and what is your dream tube rig? Are you a Fender loyalist, or any other brand for that matter? Third, does anyone have experience with Peavey's VB-3? I'd love to hear from you on that, as it's the one I'm looking at hard right now. And finally, did you stick with the original valves or do you have a particular preference there as well?

-Dave

I picked up an old 68 Fender Bassman and a 69 2-15 cab a few years ago at a bargain basement price.If you can find an old Bassman you won't need another bass amp.The old Bassman could also be used for guitar and has gobs of tone and the lower notes just pound out-especially with a 2-15 cab.You can still pick them up on ebay fairly cheap.I paid $200 for the amp and $250 for the bottom(with original speakers)a couple of years later.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Mesa Boogie Bass 400+
They don't make 'em anymore so you'll have to find a used one.
They are freaking HEAVY!!!
They are also the best bass amp that was ever made by any company.
I ran mine with a Hartke 410.
Every bass tone imaginable is in there.
It's equally happy to quietly thump along at home jam levels as it is generating moderate earthquakes with its sheer brute power.

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Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

I do like the hybrid amps. The best of both amps combined. They put out great, and sound great as well.