I'm a conservatory trained classical bassist (play on a Pöllman) and I'm getting into the broadway/musical circuit here in Boston. Right now I'm borrowing a friend's Realist pick-up and amp (no idea what kind of amp it is). The next run of shows I'm doing is 30 performances so I really can't borrow his stuff for that long :)

What's the best "bang for my buck" in terms of pick ups and amps? Do I have to get a preamp too? The realist is about $200 - I'd like to stay in that range if possible. How about amps?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Used GK MB150 combo. With the Realist you probably won't need a preamp. Should be under $400 used.

Like this one that sold on TB Click Me.
(http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=441148)

Yup. That's my setup. Realist and GK MB150. One of the most dependable and simple setups I've ever used. Freaking small and easy to schlepp too. I've even found that with an extension cab it gets about as loud as I ever need to get except maybe big outdoor stuff.