Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

OK here's a question I've not seen before:

What's the best amp for Rick-O-Sound?

I'm thinking a single amp with dual inputs. Could be stereo or simply stereo preamps. I can always run two separate amps (I have a Yorkie 400 head and an old GK 400RB also plus a Dr. Bass stack) but I'm looking for a single solution to possibly replace the Yorkie..or at least augment my equipment!

Here's what I've found in my travels thru the web (since I've not played any of these candidates):

MarkBass LMK: stereo, solid state, light, powerful, not sure of "tubiness" even with various filters, somehow I imagine this as a stereo G-K type sound, not sure of cost, and must buy at GC in US

Walter Woods: stereo, solid state, light, similar to MB LMK on tone (?), pricey ($2k-ish)

Ampeg B25: vintage, 2 preamps, single output stage, sort of like mini SVT, good tubiness, no line out (so need a DI pedal and PA will get only guitar signal), low power (50w) so iffy for larger venues.

Fender Bassman: vintage, 2 preamps, single output stage, variable quality depending on year (pre-CBD, blackface, etc), supposedly better for guitar than bass, lower power (50w) except in 100 or 150 models, so maybe difficult for larger venues, best vintage ones more pricey. No line out on old ones.

Fender Dual Showman: same basic pros/cons as Bassman but supposedly better for bass (or at least better than Bassman)...higher power (100W), still no line out and best variants are most expensive.

So..this is what I came up with. I may have some errors in my info..corrections welcome. But recommendations are most desired as maybe there are other options. To me, something in the $500-$1000 range is desired.

Thanks for the help!

Well this is above your range but I used to run a Ric stereo into an SVT (sometimes two separate heads and cabs), sounded great, but it sounded better mono, which ended that experiment. I may try it again someday if I can find my ric-o-sound box.

Yeah, unless I get lucky and find a steal on a vintage SVT...that's why I left it off the list. It's also a wee bit heavier to haul around of course.

You want a simple solution but you do not mention if you want two separate cabinets for the pickups.

If only one cabinet is desired, I would go with either the LMK or one of the Walter Woods with a mono power amp since these amps truly have two complete preamps with their own EQ, in the case of the WW you also get individual FX loops for each channel, perfect for Rick-O-Sound!

If two cabinets, get a stereo Walter Woods with two power amps, this way you only need one very compact, lightweight amp and the two cabinets to get true separation of the pickups; this would be my choice.

This a mono version, the stereo version would have a balance control on each channel between the post gain and the send mix controls. Two balance controls give you the option of sending each preamp to whichever power amp you want continuously variable so you can swap the pickups into the opposite cabinet with the turn of a knob or send both signals to both power amps to run mono if desired. This offers you lots of flexibility.

WW amps may seem rather expensive but once you see just what they can do and the fact that you basically would have two completely identical amps (the stereo version) in one small, light chassis, it doesn't seem so pricy after all. Not only that, Walter's customer service is second to none.

Rob,
I've an Ampeg B-25 and love it, it does indeed have a line out, at least mine does, the twin inputs work great with a stereo cable plugged into the Ric-O-Sound output on my 4003 ....

For larger venues, Mic up works great. !!

Guys:

thanks for the suggestions. Maybe there are some other options, too?

Jeffrey: my preference on cabs is generally a single cab. I'm not really trying to isolate each pickup to a cabinet (though that's what I have to do currently with two separate power amps).

Questions still unanswered:

typical US selling price for an LMK and source other than GC?

sound/tone of either WW or LMK vs the traditional Ampeg grind (without turning this into a "why my amp sounds great" thread)? I'm just trying to understand generally what tonal qulaity they offer.

doesn't anyone use old Fender stuff (yes, I know Ampeg is "the" vintage amp)

thanks again for the info and comments.

I think GC is the only US distribitor for Markbass stuff. At least, that's what the kid in the store told me. He was quite proud of his display.

typical US selling price for an LMK and source other than GC?

Currently, GC is the only US seller (they are the importer/distributer) and I don't think the LMK is being imported by them presently so you will have to go the Canada route for that amp.

Jeffrey: my preference on cabs is generally a single cab. I'm not really trying to isolate each pickup to a cabinet (though that's what I have to do currently with two separate power amps).

In that case there are plenty (relatively speaking) of WW amps (like mine) around.

Here is one on Bass Gear:

FOR SALE: Walter Woods
Posted: : 08/06/2007
Category: Bass Amps
Condition: Excellent
Age: Months
Asking Price: $700

Walter Woods mid- 80's 2 channel 216 w model with Red light, refurbed by Walter 2 years ago. Great Cond. Pics available upon request 700 firm plus shipping. Call 813-713-2755

FULL NAME: Michael Ross
PHONE: 813-713-2755
CITY, STATE: Tampa Fl.
EMAIL: [email protected]

Assuming it hasn't sold yet!

As far as the amps you mentioned I guess it depends on what kind of a sound you are looking for. I prefer the vintage Ampeg tube head sound, they become a part of your playing style as they "bend" when you lean into them, even SVT's do but at an extreme volume. Fenders are ok but they didn't have enough volume for the most part. I've owned many different amps over the years, but have almost always had at least one tube Ampeg.

I use an Old kustom Tuck n Roll it has two separate channels that can be used at the same time which sounds pretty good with the infamous Rick-O-Sound

It's not a modern high-tech fancy amp, but I've been running both channels of my old Acoustic 140 for more than 30 years and don't have any complaints. They're almost indestructible, have tone controls that work, plenty of power and are dirt cheap these days. I do have far more control over the individual sounds coming out of my bass than ROS provides, but I suspect that it would still work quite well with a Rickenbacker.