Acoustic B200 or Fender Bassman 100?

[Hellhog]

I think I've finally narrowed it down for what to get for my first amp. If I want to start small and upgrade later I'm looking at getting the Acoustic B20 or Bassman 25 (about $150 for either). However, I'm leaning toward starting a little big allowing myself room to grow without shelling out more cash as early.

I like that the Acoustic B200 has the ability to cab extend as well as the 6 band EQ, however I can only find it new in my area for $350. Also it doesn't have a headphone jack, but I can just use my Boss ME-20B as a heaphone out if I need to keep quite since thats what I'll be using it for when at school. The Fender Bassman 100 is nice, it is $250 used for the older model which is my only local option or $250 new for the newer model. I don't believe it has a cab extend however I think the newer model can have a seperate cab attached (disabling the internal) and the older model can effects send to another amp for more power. They both have a semi-parametric midrange EQ. Not sure which would be considered better, 6 band, or 3 band semi-parametric mid.

Should I start with a smaller amp? For the time being I only see myself using it in my house to practice. Or should I save the extra spending down the road and buy big? Which amp do you recomend? Acoustic B200, Fender Bassman 100 (older model), Fender Bassman 100 (newer model 2005)?

Which Bassman 100 is better? I can get the older model used from someone that has played gigs and recordings with it for 5 years or get the newer model brand new at the same cost. I'm a little worried about getting a 5 year worn amp that I will have issues with it and it will cost me more than I want to spend or die on me. The older one is a 1x15" and the newer one is 1x10". Both at 100W, would there be any significant difference in performance because of the speaker size?

Appreciate all the help!

Acoustic B200
Fender Bassman 100 (older model)
Fender Bassman 100 (newer model)

[DJ Bebop]

I would go with the Acoustic B200 myself. But as we all know, that's just me.

[fenderhutz]

I typically don't like Acoustic amps, all they are are rebranded Kustom amps made for Guitar Center. But out of the two you asked about, it would be the better choice.

[Donny Bassman]

I have the acostic 200H on top of a 115 and i love it. I had planed on getting a combo for practice, but after playing and pricing everything the acustic just made more sence. The tone is great. I wouldnt want to record with it, but id probly gig with it if i had too.
i didnt like the sound of any of the finder amps i played. They make good gutiar amps, but dont seem to cut it for bass, inless you like a thin sound.
But i couldnt see praticing with anything smaller than my acoustic now that im used to it. I play bass for the bass

[oldcatfish]

I have gigged with a lot of amp combos at moderately loud volumes (I often play at area churches where the amp is supplied). I've played the Bassman and Acoustic amps that you are looking at. For me it's no contest. The Acoustic has a way better tone and features to my ears.

That being said, if it were me it would be between the Acoustic and a new GK combo.

[Hellhog]

It seems to be hands down Acoustic. I should be heading to Guitar Center today with a friend to check them out.

[ThisisCraigP]

If I was in the market for a combo amp I would get either a Markbass or a GK. But both of those are out of your budget so get the B200. FYI, it's a lead sled.

[mtkegger]

I bought an Acoustic B100 combo about a year ago for home practice, it works fine. Actually, it has enough power for band practice. And just for grins, I hooked an old 15' Avatar cab to it and it actually pushed the pair pretty well...So for me, I've had no issues at all and it works great for what I bought it for...I'd recomend the Acoustic