Bass Heads

A bass amplifier head is a standalone amplifier without a speaker that you connect to a bass speaker cabinet. It allows you to assemble your rig as needed, so you can replace the cabinet without replacing the amplifier and vice versa. This category also includes preamps and small headphone amplifiers for quiet practice. When choosing, check the power, circuit type, number of channels, outputs and weight.

Solid-state, valve or hybrid?

Power and connections must match the speaker cabinet

First check the head's output power at the impedance required by your cabinet, and only then compare the wattage figures. The minimum permitted impedance and output type, such as Speakon or jack, are important. If you do not yet have a cabinet, browse bass speaker cabinets. For quiet playing at home, bass headphone amplifiers are a practical option.

What else to check

• Equaliser and tone controls: the number of bands and your options for shaping the sound.
• Inputs and outputs: line output, DI, effects loop and headphone output.
• Weight and dimensions if you transport your rig frequently.
• Cooling and durability during loud rehearsals and performances.
• Brand and servicing options if you are choosing a valve model.

How to assemble your rig

Start by choosing the speaker cabinet, then look for a head with suitable power. Lower power is sufficient for the rehearsal room and home playing, while a loud band and larger stage require more headroom. If you are building a portable rig, check the weight of both components and the dimensions of the transport case. For quiet practice, use a headphone output if the head provides one.

The range includes equipment from brands such as Bugera, Aguilar, Joyo, Valeton and Darkglass. You will find a broader overview in the bass guitars category.