Sunn Coliseum 300

The Sunn Coliseum 300 is a solid-state bass amplifier head renowned for its immense power, clean tone, and robust construction.

History of the Sunn Coliseum 300

• Introduction (Mid-1980s): The Sunn Coliseum 300 was introduced in the mid-1980s as part of Sunn's shift toward solid-state amplifiers, following the company's earlier success with tube-based designs. It was designed to deliver high power and clean headroom for bassists playing in large venues or outdoor settings. Rated at 300 watts at 2 ohms, the Coliseum 300 was capable of driving multiple speaker cabinets, making it a favorite for players needing significant volume and clarity.
• Design Features: The Coliseum 300 featured a straightforward control layout with knobs for Gain, Bass, Midrange, Treble, and Master Volume. It also included a built-in limiter to prevent distortion at high volumes and both normal and bright inputs to accommodate different playing styles or instrument types. The amp's rugged design made it highly durable for touring musicians.
• Tonal Characteristics: Known for its clean and transparent tone, the Coliseum 300 provides a solid low-end foundation with clear mids and highs. While it lacks the warmth of tube amplifiers, its solid-state design offers a fast transient response and reliable performance. Many players appreciated its ability to maintain clarity even at high volumes.
• Legacy: Although Sunn ceased operations in 2002 after being acquired by Fender in 1985, the Coliseum 300 remains highly regarded among bassists for its reliability, clean tone, and historical significance. Its influence can still be seen in modern solid-state amplifiers.

Popular Settings

• Classic Clean Tone:
  • Gain: Noon
  • Bass: Boosted slightly (1 o'clock)
  • Midrange: Flat (noon)
  • Treble: Slight boost (1 o'clock)
  • Ideal for foundational rock or pop bass lines.
• Punchy Rock Tone:
  • Gain: Noon
  • Bass: Noon
  • Midrange: Boosted (1-2 o'clock)
  • Treble: Noon
  • Great for cutting through dense band mixes.
• Funk/Slap Bass:
  • Gain: Slightly lower (10 o'clock)
  • Bass: Boosted (2 o'clock)
  • Midrange: Slight cut (11 o'clock)
  • Treble: Boosted (2 o'clock)
  • Perfect for tight lows and crisp highs.
• Heavy Rock/Metal Tone:
  • Gain: Higher (1-2 o'clock)
  • Bass: Boosted slightly
  • Midrange: Boosted (2 o'clock)
  • Treble: Flat or slightly boosted
  • Suited for aggressive tones with strong low-end presence.

Notable Players

The Sunn Coliseum 300 has been used by numerous influential bassists across genres:

• Krist Novoselic (Nirvana): Known for his powerful live sound during Nirvana's early years.
• Mel Schacher (Grand Funk Railroad): Valued the amp's clean headroom and ability to handle loud volumes.
• Mike Starr (Alice in Chains): Used Sunn amps to craft his deep, heavy tone on early Alice in Chains records.

Summary

The Sunn Coliseum 300 remains a beloved amplifier among vintage gear enthusiasts and professional bassists seeking a reliable, powerful amp with historical pedigree. Its legacy endures as a symbol of Sunn's innovative approach to solid-state amplification.