Description

Babycakes! 80s HH Electronic Studio 60 Bass Baby 60-watt MOSFET Bass amp with Compression and EQ, $199!

The HH Electronic Bass Baby Studio 60 is a vintage bass amplifier from the 1970s, produced by HH Electronics, a British company known for their solid-state amplifiers. The Bass Baby Studio 60 is part of HH’s range of bass amplifiers that were popular among bass players for their reliability, distinctive tone, and affordability. Known for its straightforward design and powerful output for its size, the Bass Baby Studio 60 is a compact, solid-state bass amp that delivers a clear, punchy sound suitable for studio and smaller live settings.

Features:

  • Solid-State Design: The Bass Baby Studio 60 uses solid-state technology, which was particularly favored in the 1970s for its durability, consistent performance, and lower cost compared to tube amplifiers.
  • Power Output: The amp provides 60 watts of power, which is sufficient for practice, studio work, and small gigs. Despite its relatively low wattage by modern standards, the Bass Baby Studio 60 is known for its ability to produce a loud, clear sound.
  • Single Channel: The amp features a simple, single-channel design with controls for volume, bass, middle, and treble, allowing for straightforward operation and tonal adjustments.
  • Integrated Speaker: The Bass Baby Studio 60 typically comes with an integrated speaker, often a 12-inch or 15-inch, depending on the model, providing a balanced frequency response suitable for bass.
  • Compact and Portable: The amp is designed to be portable, with a relatively compact and lightweight construction, making it easy to transport for rehearsals and small performances.

Sound Characteristics:

  • Tone: The Bass Baby Studio 60 is known for its clean, punchy sound with a strong midrange presence. The solid-state circuitry provides a tight bass response and clear highs, making it well-suited for genres where a clean bass tone is essential.
  • Versatility: While primarily designed for bass, the amp’s clear, neutral sound also makes it usable with other instruments like keyboards or electric guitars, particularly in a studio setting.

As Used By:

British Rock and Punk Bands:

  • Jean-Jacques Burnel (The Stranglers):
    • Usage: Jean-Jacques Burnel, bassist for The Stranglers, was known for his powerful, driving bass lines. While his primary amp was the larger HH Electronic V-S Bass Amp, the Bass Baby Studio 60 is often cited as a smaller, more portable alternative used by bassists in similar genres for rehearsals or smaller gigs.
    • Notable Tracks/Performances: Burnel’s tone on tracks like “Peaches” and “No More Heroes” showcases the kind of punchy, mid-forward sound that the Bass Baby Studio 60 can deliver, albeit with a more compact setup.

Studio and Session Musicians:

  • Various British Session Bassists:
    • Usage: During the 1970s and 1980s, many session musicians in the UK relied on HH Electronic amplifiers, including the Bass Baby Studio 60, for their studio work. The amp’s reliability and clear sound made it a favorite for recording bass tracks in a variety of genres.
    • Notable Sessions: While specific sessions using the Bass Baby Studio 60 are not well-documented, the amp’s presence in British studios during this period is well-recognized.

Country of Manufacture:

  • United Kingdom: The HH Electronic Bass Baby Studio 60 was manufactured in the UK, reflecting the high standards of British engineering and design in the audio equipment industry during the 1970s.

The HH Electronic Bass Baby Studio 60 is a vintage solid-state bass amplifier known for its reliable performance and punchy, clean tone. With 60 watts of power, it’s well-suited for studio use, rehearsals, and small gigs. The amp’s simple, straightforward design and durable construction have made it a favorite among bassists looking for a no-nonsense, workhorse amplifier. Its compact size and portability further enhance its appeal, making it a practical choice for musicians on the go. As a piece of British amplification history, the Bass Baby Studio 60 remains a respected and sought-after model among collectors and vintage gear enthusiasts.