Peavey Delta Blues 1x15: ok for bass?

[del]

Hi offsetters -

Do any of you have thoughts on using the Peavey Delta Blues 1x15 as a low-power bass amp?  My thought is that it should work as long as the speaker is strong enough to withstand the bass frequencies, but I wonder how it would sound.  Hmmm... what if the speaker was replaced with a traditional bass speaker?  Would the amp power it sufficiently? 

Thoughts?

Thanks!

~del

[øøøøøøø]

It will sound how it sounds... you may like it, you may not.  At low volumes, the speaker will probably hold up fine, but a higher-power purpose-built bass speaker would certainly hold up fine in that amp.

If you wanted to full-on turn it into a bass amp, you could tailor the cathode bypass caps of the preamp tubes.  As-is, they're probably something like 22µf @ 25v.  Replace them with 50µf@25v (47µf is fine) and you're suddenly voiced a little more like a 'typical' bass amp, probably. 

[rickenmetal]

I think it's an open back cabinet, so it might not sound all that great even if you change the speaker.

[øøøøøøø]

depends on what you mean by "great." 

Closed-back cabinets are typically the 'norm' for bass, but that doesn't mean that an open back cab can't sound good for recording.  Probably wouldn't be powerful enough for stage use.

[rickenmetal]

It might sound kind of farty with bad low end reproduction, it's also possible that it might sound ok, can't really say without trying, plus it depends what kind of sound you want to get and what bass you plug into it.

[frippy]

I ran an SG-style EB3 and a Mustang Bass through one years ago; it sounded pretty good. It sounded really good w/a Epi Rivoli 

Regarding open-back vs. closed-back for bass amps, all Fender bass amps in the '50s were open-back. I think the issues are the speaker at higher volumes and the sound you're after.

IMNSHO  you'll like how it sounds 

[del]

Thanks for the replies! 

My initial post neglected one important point: I have a Univox Minimax that is on its last legs and I'm looking for a replacement.  That amp is a low/mid watt 1x15 solid state combo that has separate inputs for guitar and bass.  It has worked fantastically for both and I'm trying to eye a replacement (until I can find another one).  A Bassman combo would be a nice option, but it's more powerful and expensive than I need.

I'm a Stooges/VU/Fall/Gories style player, so getting a nuanced Geddy Lee bass tone doesn't apply at all: open-back cabs are aok!

Any other thoughts?

~del

[frippy]

Any other thoughts?

It's not a Delta Blues but have you looked at/considered the Ampeg B-100R? 100w SS 1x15 combo in nifty diamond blue tolex for about the same or a little less than the DB 1x15. It sounds really super with guitar too.

[kalipigeon]

For close to what a Delta blues costs you can get a used Peavey Nitrobass or Firebass head.  They're amazing bass amps for the money, though I don't think they came in combos.

[rickenmetal]

You could also try a Sovtek 50 watt tube midget bass head if you want a low power tube bass amp.