A bass amplifier is essentially an amplifier that is specifically designed to amplify the sound of an electric or electro-acoustic bass guitar. Its electronic components are chosen to enhance the sound and frequencies within the range of a bass instrument.
Most bass amplifiers have a separate speaker enclosure, although in recent times a few of the more prominent bass amp manufacturers have started to produce Bass amplifier combos where the speaker and amp are integrated into the same unit.
The need for bass amplification occurred in the late 1950s and early 60s when upright double-bass instruments in dance bands could no longer be heard above noisy brass sections.
