Acoustic or Ampeg for starter amp?

[Zeb Norris]

First I want to thank all those who participate here. I find all the points of view helpful.

I'm just getting into bass and I need a good starter amp. Naturally I don't want to spend much, but would like something that at least could gig in theory.

Posters here have parised an Acoustic 15 that I'd consider... I think it was this one... http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....mbo?sku=482900

This ampeg is also interesting. http://www.zzounds.com/item--AMPBA115

I do like the RCA inputs. I'd think about something 2X10 too, but there doesn't seem to be much other that a Fender Rumble 2X10 at these price points.

Any thoughts/opinions?

[RickenBoogie]

It would be best to choose based on how they sound, to you. If you're ordering blind, online, it's just a toss up.

[mccartneyman]

I haven't played either amp, but I think the Ampeg looks best between these two. For one thing, it can be tilted back, and I like the 5 presets. Both are 100 watts, which should offer plenty of headroom. I used the Acoustic 360 nearly 40 years ago, and I've also used the SVT head to drive two 15s. The new Acoustic line isn't produced by the same campnay as the old, so I don't know about reliability or workmanship.

[JimmyM]

i have played both, and the acoustic sounds good until you play the ampeg. in its price range the ba115 is unbeatable imho.

[BassBob1]

i haven't played the acoustic amp you are talking about or any acoustic rigs for that matter. I love ampeg stuff i own an svt 7 pro and 410 hlf. With that said i really dont like the ampeg BA combos at all. to me they sound very artificial to me and way too "trebly." I like some of fenders small bass combos look at some of those. It is really opinion based play as many amps as you can and pick the one you like the sound of best if possible.

[seungkoo]

I would look for a used BA210

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by BassBob1

i haven't played the acoustic amp you are talking about or any acoustic rigs for that matter. I love ampeg stuff i own an svt 7 pro and 410 hlf. With that said i really dont like the ampeg BA combos at all. to me they sound very artificial to me and way too "trebly." I like some of fenders small bass combos look at some of those. It is really opinion based play as many amps as you can and pick the one you like the sound of best if possible.

i don't necessarily disagree with some of that. artificial might be overstating it, but too trebly at times would be accurate imho. if you can afford to get a micro vr or a used b100r or even wait till the new class d portaflex heads/cabs come out, that would be a good thing, but in its price range, it's really hard to beat the ba115.

[jmattbassplaya]

I actually love the BA115 from Ampeg. It's loud enough to play on a gig, it has a nice round and punchy tone, and it's reasonably priced. That said, I think I've read reviews that state quality issues, so check up on that.

[stiles72]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i have played both, and the acoustic sounds good until you play the ampeg. in its price range the ba115 is unbeatable imho.

+1

And of course the new Portaflex PF350 is coming out soon too...

[SurferJoe46]

The only addition to this is that the Acoustics are more noted for their old school sounds. I like all my Acoustic gear and I even got a good amount of time on the B100 at GC this week, and it impressed me with it's ability to push air.

The only thing I don't like is that it is a single 15", and 15s can get distorted easier than 10s. The mass of the cone is what seems to trip up a 15" as they have to move a little more mass plus more air than a 10 has to.

There may be Spl factors involved, I dunnow - but the B100 is pretty good at it's job and it's cute too.

[Zeb Norris]

Thanks for the input. Unlike my basses, which were bought blind online (all went well, very happy) I think I'll go plug in and see what I like best that I can afford.

And this is a good idea too...

Originally Posted by seungkoo

I would look for a used BA210

[TylerDurdenPSSC]

BA115, FTW!!!

I always said if I started a rock-a/psycho-billy band, we'd be called "The Bad-Ass One-Fifteens!"

[funkybassinator]

Having also played both, I'll agree that the Ampeg sounds much better. IME, the ampeg isn't very loud, but it should be fine for what it sounds like you're using it for.

[PunkSweeper]

I play an older B2 and I actually like it in that it doesn't really sound like a scooped SVT, but has very growly, rusty-train track-spike midrange.


It may just be the best combo....for metal.