You know how that new trendy song goes, “… can we skip to the good part?” — sure we can. Here’s the list of my favorite bass amps to grab in 2023. 

  1. Hartke LX8500
  2. Aguilar Tone Hammer 700
  3. Darkglass Microtubes 900 v2
  4. Ampeg SVT-7PRO
  5. Peavey MiniMAX V2 600-watt
  6. Fender Rumble 100 v3
  7. Markbass Little Mark 250

As a musician myself, I know how important it is to have the right gear to bring your sound to life. That’s especially true for bass amps since they play such a huge role in helping you get the tone you’re looking for just right. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best ones out there in 2023!

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your setup, you’ll find something in this collection that fits your needs. I’ve considered various factors like power, portability, and price to ensure there’s a perfect fit for everyone on this list. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to scroll through this article as we find the right bass amp for you!

First things first: Are you looking for a head or a combo?

In this article, I’ve mostly focused on amp heads, but I have included one combo amp (the Fender Rumble 100).

In case you’re just starting out, here’s the gist: The amp “head” typically refers to the piece of equipment that powers the signal, while the cabinet or “cab” is the speaker out which the sound actually comes. Some products combine these two pieces, hence the name “combo amps.” But, for most of these, you’ll also need to get a cabinet to play out loud.

If you knew that already, great. If not, no shame.

Okay, onto the list.

1. Hartke LX8500

Price: $649.99

Pros

  • Never falls short on power
  • Has a well-designed stage-ready head
  • Very strongly built despite being lightweight

Cons

  • Not for the all-tube lovers

My first pick has gotta be the LX8500 from Hartke. It’s mostly because of the insane value for money you get with this power-packed chassis. It’s compact in size and light enough to carry around fairly easily, yet features a 800-watt Class D amplifier (4 ohms) which is fed by a Class A valve preamp. The tones you get with Hartke’s Tone Stack EQ sound organically musical, robust, and full. Sure, you’ll need some time to get used to its operation and output, but once you’re past that stage, there’s a lot to love about this bass amp. 

The model also comes with a bit of analog heat which it owes to its preamp’s 12AX7 dual triode. And as far as the tone shaping is concerned, the LX8500 has a 3-band equalizer that allows you to adjust the bass, mid, and treble frequencies to your liking. There’s also a shape control that lets you tweak the overall tonality of your sound. And with a bright switch, you can add some extra clarity to your high end for a more cutting sound.

While there’s something in it for all playing styles, I think slap players will find tad more to love with this particular amp. If it sounds like a good match, add it to your cart here!

2. Aguilar Tone Hammer 700

Price: $849.99

Pros

  • Weighs under 5 pounds thanks to its class D amplification
  • High tone-shaping power
  • Offers tube-like punch and distortion through its AGS drive circuit

Cons

  • Lacks a headphone amp

The Aguilar Tone Hammer 700 is a versatile and compact bass amplifier that packs a punch! With 700 watts of power, this amp can handle any gig, big or small. One of the things that makes the Tone Hammer 700 so special is its tone shaping capabilities. It features a 3-band EQ with a sweepable mid-range, which allows you to fine-tune your sound to your exact specifications. It’s a great feature for bass players who like to have a lot of control over their tone.

I also love its size! It’s small and lightweight, making it easy to carry between gigs. Despite its compactness, it still has enough power to fill a room with a rich, full bass tone. So, if you’re a touring musician or someone who needs a portable and powerful amp, this might be the one for ya!

The Tone Hammer 700 also features a balanced XLR direct out, making it super easy to connect to a PA system or recording setup. In terms of sound quality, the Hammer 700 is top-notch. It delivers a warm, punchy tone that will make your bass sound amazing. Whether you play fingerstyle, slap, or pick, this amp will bring out the best in your playing.

3. Darkglass Microtubes 900 v2

Price: $1,149

Pros

  • Premium build
  • Highly tunable overdrive through its microtubes section
  • Very powerful

Cons

  • Not the best for retro tones

At number 3, I’ve got the Darkglass Microtubes 900 v2 bass amplifier. Let me tell you, this amp is a real powerhouse! With 900 watts of power, you’ll have more than enough juice to drive any size room.

What makes it such a killer combo is its 6-band EQ, a switchable mid-range frequency, tons of power — all that fitted into a fairly compact package size! Despite its petite stature, it still delivers a big sound, so you’ll never have to sacrifice tone for portability.

Sound quality is of course, a top priority, and the Darkglass Microtubes 900 v2 delivers in spades. It has a warm, punchy tone that will make your bass sound incredible. 

So, in a nutshell, the Darkglass Microtubes 900 v2 is an amazing choice for bass players looking for a compact, powerful, and versatile amplifier. With its tone shaping capabilities, balanced XLR direct out, and great sound quality, it’s sure to make your gigs sound better than ever! If you’re in the market for a new amp, I highly recommend checking this one out!

4. Ampeg SVT-7PRO

Price: $999.99

Pros

  • Warm, tube-like tone for full character.
  • Versatile with 3-channel preamp for easy sound switching.
  • Has a balanced XLR direct out for easy PA or recording connections.

Cons

  • May be pricier compared to other options in the market.

The Ampeg SVT-7PRO is a classic bass amp that has been a staple in the industry for many years. It delivers a powerful, punchy tone that will make your bass sound amazing. With 700 watts of power, the amp never feels underpowered no matter how hard you push it.

One of the standout features of the SVT-7PRO is its 3-channel preamp. It’s great for bass players who like to have a variety of tone options at their disposal, allowing you to switch between different bass sounds with ease. 

I personally love its warm, tube-like tone. This amp uses a hybrid design that combines a solid-state power amp with a tube preamp, giving you the best of both worlds. The result is a tone that is warm, punchy, and full of character.

Overall, the Ampeg SVT-7PRO is a great option for bass players looking for a powerful and versatile amplifier. With its warm, tube-like tone, 3-channel preamp, and balanced XLR direct out, it’s sure to make your gigs sound better than ever! If it sounds like just your type, give it a closer look here.

5. Peavey MiniMAX V2 600-watt

Price: $399.99

Pros

  • 600-watt output power delivers plenty of volume.
  • User-friendly interface with intuitive controls.
  • Built-in tuner and effects processor offer added versatility.
  • Very affordable

Con

  • Heavy weight makes it less portable.

Next up, we have the Peavey MiniMAX V2 600-watt. It’s compact, powerful, and versatile – basically everything you could possibly want in your new amp head! It’s got 600 watts of pure bass thunder. That’s enough juice to shake the foundation of any venue — small or big alike. Despite being powerful, the MiniMAX V2 is pretty simple to operate. It has intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface, making it easy to dial in the perfect tone. It’s got a three-band equalizer, volume control, and a master volume knob – all the essentials, in other words.

As the cherry on top — it has a built-in tuner and effects processor! That’s right, you can say goodbye to carrying around a bulky pedalboard. The built-in tuner is easy to use and always accurate, and the effects processor has all sorts of sound-shaping options, like distortion, chorus, and reverb. It’s like having your own personal sound engineer, only without the diva attitude.

The MiniMAX V2 is built like a tank, too. It’s got a rugged metal housing that can withstand the rigors of touring and gigging, and Peavey’s exclusive DDT compression technology ensures your sound will always be crystal clear, even when you’re cranking it up to 11.

Okay, so here’s the only downside – it’s a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at over 10 pounds. But hey, if you want something built to last, you gotta make some sacrifices, right? All in all, the Peavey MiniMAX V2 600-watt is a solid choice for bass players of all levels. So, if you want to take your bass game to the next level, the MiniMAX V2 might just be the perfect amp head for you!

6. Fender Rumble 100 v3

Price: $329.99

Pros

  • Combo amp
  • Cheapest option on this list 
  • Super easy to use
  • Very loud for its relatively power threshold
  • Has a decent EQ on it

Cons

  • You’ll probably have to invest in a bigger amp down the line

Want a combo and tired of lugging around a massive 900-watt amp just to play small gigs or practice at home? Well, the Fender Rumble 100 v3 might be just what you’re looking for. This compact and portable amp is perfect for bass players who don’t need a ton of power, but still want great tone and versatility. With 100 watts of classic Fender sound, it’s perfect for small to medium-sized gigs, as well as jam sessions and home practice.

And even though it’s small in size, the Rumble 100 v3 is packed with features. It’s got a three-channel preamp that lets you dial in your perfect tone, as well as built-in effects like chorus, reverb, delay, and more. Plus, you can connect your MP3 player or other external devices via the auxiliary input, and use the headphone jack for late-night practice sessions.

But here’s the best part – the Rumble 100 v3 is super portable! It’s lightweight, compact, and built to last, with a tough exterior and a heavy-duty handle. So, if you’re a bass player who wants great tone and versatility in a compact package, the Fender Rumble 100 v3 is the perfect choice. Not to mention, it’s also the cheapest option on this list — and that’s a huge selling point for players and hobbyists on a tight budget. 

As the only combo amp on this list, the Rumble 100 v3 may not be the best choice for players who need a ton of power for massive shows. But for the majority of bass players who just need a reliable and portable amp for small to medium-sized gigs and practice, the Fender Rumble 100 v3 is definitely worth a look.

7. Markbass Little Mark 250

Price: $315.00

Pros

  • Signature Markbass warm, punchy, and articulate tone.
  • Compact and portable design.
  • Versatile 3-band EQ.

Cons

  • Limited power compared to larger bass amps.

Lastly, I’ll round this article up with the Markbass Little Mark 250. This little guy might be small in size, but don’t let that fool you. It packs a huge punch, delivering 250 watts of power that will keep up with the biggest and baddest bass rigs out there. Plus, it’s loaded with features that make it a versatile and reliable choice for bass players of all levels.

The Little Mark 250 also features a 3-band EQ. With a simple turn of a knob, you can shape your tone to perfection, dialing in the perfect balance of low end, mid-range, and high end. And if you need to add a little extra brightness to your sound, the bright switch will do the trick.

Thanks to its XLR direct out, you can get your sound straight from the amp to a mixing board, or to record directly. Plus, the Little Mark 250 is super portable, making it a great choice for bass players who gig frequently or who just like to be able to take their amp with them wherever they go.

Now, let’s talk about tone. The Little Mark 250 has a signature Markbass sound that’s warm, punchy, and articulate. And, it’s versatile enough to handle a variety of playing styles and genres, so you can use it in any situation.

So, if you’re looking for a compact and powerful bass amp in 2023, the Markbass Little Mark 250 is definitely worth considering. It may be small, but it’s packed with features, versatility, and tone. Give it a shot!

Final thoughts on getting the perfect bass amp

Well folks, there you have it! That’s my take on the 7 best bass amps of 2023, each with its own unique set of features, versatility, and tone. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an up-and-coming bass player, or just a hobbyist, I think there’s something on this list for everyone.

Trust me, I know how hard it is to find the right gear to get your tones and sound just right. But there’s something out there for you. The key, in my opinion, is to pick something and get to playing.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and try some of these amps for yourself. You won’t regret it. With one of these bad boys in your rig, you’ll be ready to lay down some serious grooves and take your playing to the next level.

Here’s to the future of bass playing — cheers!