The relationship between the bass guitar and an amplifier is vital. After all, you won't be able to produce the specific sound you desire if you have the wrong amp. The amp is what brings the electric bass to life. Furthermore, the amp has the ability to modify the sound of the bass by changing its tone, volume, and, in some cases, adding distortion, reverb, or other effects. Like basses, the purchase of an amplifier must reflect the buyer's needs. In addition to budget restrictions, musical needs must be considered too. For example, if you plan to play in a loud rock band, you will need an amp that, at the very least, can be turned up loudly. On the other hand, if you plan to accompany a pianist at church services, then a softer, smaller amplifier will do just fine.

There is a wide range of amps available to you at different price points. Buying a used amp is certainly worth considering. However, as is the case with most electronics purchases, you have to make sure that the unit is truly in good working order as most purchases on used amps come without any type of warranty.

There are basically two types of bass amps: combos (where both the speaker and the electronics portions of the amp are housed in the same, single enclosure) and bass amps featuring a speaker cabinet and amp “head” (in separate enclosures). Often, a combo bass amp is smaller to mid-sized, easier to cart around, and proportionately less loud. Bass amps that feature separate enclosures for the speaker cabinet and amp head are often for the professional bassist or for someone who needs to play very loud. The cabinet and head portions are commonly sold separately and are a more “boutique” setup; they offer the bassist a more creative approach to assembling his “dream” bass amp.

Some of the features you will want to consider when making your amp purchases include:

• The dimensions of the cabinet and speaker itself. Generally speaking, the louder you wish to play, the larger these need to be.

• How you'll transport the amp. If you have a spacious car or van, a large, heavy cabinet may not be hard to schlep. However, if you own a compact car or regularly take mass transit, you will want to look into smaller, more portable options.

• The tone knobs and other dials. These items add variability to your sound.

• Tubes versus solid-state. Tube amps offer a warmer, vintage sound. Solid-state amps generally offer a cleaner sound.

• The wattage of the amp. Wattage is another indicator of the unit's loudness.