How to Choose Your Ideal Bass Modeling Amp

When considering a modeling amplifier, bass players oftentimes get overlooked.

The effects and amp models that come in the most popular modeling amps out there are mostly enjoyed by guitarists, which boxes out their four-stringed brethren.

But we now live in a new era where bass players get to have the fun and access to creativity that guitarists do. Fender offers a slew of modeling amps aimed directly at providing bassists with the ability to add unlimited texture and color to their compositions. The role of the bass player has changed since the 1950s, and these bass modeling amps can unlock new doors of expression.

But what does a bassist need to know when searching for their ideal modeling amp?

Let’s dive into the questions you need to ask.

Where Do You Want to Play?

The good thing about modeling amps is that they can serve as a practice amp, studio amp and live amp, as the onboard digital effects and amp models make them useful for any setting. They are also lighter because they’re don’t have the heavy transformers, tubes and heavier speakers needed to power tube amplifiers, which makes them extra portable.

And modeling amps come in all different sizes, so you can choose one with lower wattage for bedroom jamming or one with a larger speaker and higher wattage for more oomph on stage. Speaking of wattage …

What’s Up with Watts?

The power of an amp is measured in wattage, otherwise known as the amount of electrical output driving the speakers. Generally speaking, bass amps need higher wattages than guitar amps because bass amps require more headroom to push a strong, clean low-end signal to cabinets filled with large speakers for projecting.

If you are playing with a drummer and guitarist, you should probably look for an amp with more watts, likely two to four times as powerful as the amp connected to the guitar. So if the guitarist has a 50-watt amp, plug into a bass modeling amp that is 100 or 200 watts.

The great thing about digital amps is that because they’re modeling the amplifiers, the tones you want to get on tube amps the modeling helps get that great tone at any volume. It’ll sound good at lower volumes.

Unbox the Effects and Models

Modeling amps have a plethora of effects built in to the unit like reverb, distortion, chorus, delay, etc. But it’s more than just having the effects in the amp, as you can experiment by placing the effects at various places in your virtual signal chain and save them in a preset for easy access. Bassists never get to have that fun!

Additionally, the processors in modeling amps will emulate the sound of tube technology, so you have numerous amps to play with in a single box, from classic Fender models like the Bassman to high-gain contemporary amps.

Which One’s for You?

There are a lot of benefits to purchasing a modeling amp for your guitar, and Fender has several of note that can fit your needs.

The Rumble LT25 is the perfect beginner bass amp, as you can sit down, plug in and start playing immediately. It’s ideal for any bassist who wants a great sounding, easy-to-use amp with a super simple interface, boasting 50 presets that cover a wide array of music.

The Rumble Studio 40 and Stage 800 both harness the potent processing power of Fender’s GT engine to deliver a studio’s worth of realistic bass amp and effects models. Create your own sound and get inspired with over 15 amp models and 40 effects — all controllable via Bluetooth and the exclusive Fender Tone app.

And if you’re looking for a bass am that of the non-modeling variety, check out the Rumble 100, which is a perfect practice amp light enough and loud enough for any recording session.

The best part, however, is finding out what amp is right for you by playing it! Shop all Fender amplifiers here and click here to learn more about Fender’s modeling amps.