Acoustic B200H Head with B115 Cab

WilliamSandoval · #1 07-08-2011, 08:09 PM

I need an amp for a garage band. Guitar player isn't necessarily loud, and we are looking for a drummer. Has anyone used this? Does it sound like crap? I know the only way to know for sure is to hear it for yourself, but the thing is... I can't drive. The nearest GC is like 6 miles away. I just want someone's input. I don't have a job either, because I'm not 16 yet...

Acoustic B200H 200W Bass Head and B115 250W 1x15 Bass Cab Package and more Bass Amplifiers at GuitarCenter.com.

WilliamSandoval · #2 07-08-2011, 08:28 PM

PDGood · #3 07-08-2011, 08:43 PM

I've tried it out and the head sounds pretty good to my ears, just not very much power. A lot of people are down on the new Acoustics because they aren't made by the same people that made the originals. But I owned a 370 for 35 years and tone wise the 200H head is in the ballpark. It sounds a lot more like the 370 than any other brand of amp I've tried (many). I'm less impressed with the speaker cabinets. They didn't compare well with almost anything I tried in the store.
But man, they sell those rigs so cheap, it's a temptation. You could upgrade the speakers later and improve the sound, I'd guess.

WilliamSandoval · #4 07-08-2011, 08:56 PM

I own a 35 watt 1x8 combo. It has to be better than that right?

JimmyM · #5 07-08-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

I own a 35 watt 1x8 combo. It has to be better than that right?

Yes, but while it does sound better than that, I find Acoustic stuff to be OK but not great. Definitely usable, but kind of cheaply made and not the best sound you'll ever hear. Personally, I'd look for a used rig by a better company, but that's me.

WilliamSandoval · #6 07-08-2011, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Yes, but while it does sound better than that, I find Acoustic stuff to be OK but not great. Definitely usable, but kind of cheaply made and not the best sound you'll ever hear. Personally, I'd look for a used rig by a better company, but that's me.

You have to remember though, I'm a 14 year old kid with no job. Sometimes I'll get 5 bucks a week for cutting the grass and taking out the trash, but that's only if I'm lucky. I don't want to beg for money either. Who wants a kid that empties your wallet all the time?

oldcatfish · #7 07-09-2011, 06:08 AM

It would be cheaper to get the B200 combo. It would work well for rehearsals. One of the churches that I play at has one...it's plenty loud at reasonable volumes. And you can add a 115 extension cab later, if needed. Personally, I like the Acoustic amps better than a lot of higher priced ones. They are heavy though, and not bullet proof like a Peavey amp would be.

Toptube · #8 07-09-2011, 06:48 AM

The amp head will be fine.

but you should look at a different cab. I have the B115 cab, have had it for about 3 years. Its just ok and serves as a decent bedroom or dorm amp. It doesn't hold well with a drummer. Its not even ported and the low end is pretty loose at high volumes.

In my oppinion, you should try to pickup a decent beginner head for around $200 and then look at the Talkbass classifieds everyday for a good deal on either a 15 inch cab or a 2x10.

If you want to buy a "new" head, try to get a return that is "like new". For example, Musician's Friend has the B200 head "like new" right now for $217. You could also get an Eden E300 head. It has less features, but it may be overall better quality.

good luck and don't rush into it. I know you want something now, but wait for the right deal to present itself. The TB classifieds move very quickly and change everday. There's likely to be tempting deals for you at least once a week. Barter for an early birthday, whatever it takes.

tdub0199 · #9 07-09-2011, 06:56 AM

IMO the GK MB115 would be a better choice by a long shot and the same price.....

Toptube · #10 07-09-2011, 06:57 AM

actually scratch all of that:

BUY ONE OF THESE

GuitarCenter

Slackerprince · #11 07-09-2011, 09:21 AM

When I was your age, I was mowing lawns all up and down the street. I also took care of people's dogs when they were gone on vacation.
You might consider picking up a few more jobs in the neighborhood, so you can get the gear you want.
Good luck.

S

theduke1 · #12 07-09-2011, 09:30 AM

I have a B200 combo and love it sound is great, but I only have used it in church and the theater, so I have not pushed it to hard. Also i got mine from the GC in Green Bay Wi 349 sticker offered 300 including tax and got it food for thought!
Good Luck

THORRR · #13 07-09-2011, 09:50 AM

I think the B200 head is one of the best bargains going -

I used one for 2 years with 2 -15" cabs with great results.
The Acoustic speakers leave a lot to be desired though. (I used Gallien Krueger cabs with mine).

But the head has great EQ controls and I was able to coax some great sounds out of that head.

It lacked the power for outdoor venues which my band started playing a lot of, so I sold the rig and went with an 800w Markbass head and Avatar Speakers.

My best advice is to get the head on sale for around $200 or used (I sold mine for $100) and shop for a good used speaker cab of better quality - something with 4 10's in it.

It'll make a great and punchy amp for your garage band and you'll be able to gig with it should the opportunity arise.

Best of luck to you

Lowbrow · #14 07-09-2011, 10:25 AM

That rig would be fine and when you have more $$ you can upgrade the cab and still use the B200H head, which is pretty bitchin' sounding, IMO.

Further, if you really want my advice, I'd get the B200 combo, which with a 4-ohm driver will wring a bit more power out of the amp (which is the same as the B200H head). It held me through a 2-guitar non-volume freak band very well.

JimmyM · #15 07-09-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

You have to remember though, I'm a 14 year old kid with no job. Sometimes I'll get 5 bucks a week for cutting the grass and taking out the trash, but that's only if I'm lucky. I don't want to beg for money either. Who wants a kid that empties your wallet all the time?

You, sir, are a stand-up kid, and I wish all kids thought like that. You should show this post to your parents, and no doubt, they will rush you right down to GC and buy you an SVT-VR/810AV because you care about their money!

But seriously, in your position, I would probably look for something that's a little better on the used market. I have seen people put together pretty doggone nice rigs used for $300-400. Acoustic isn't horrible stuff by any means, so if you have your heart set on it, it should be fine, but there is better out there for the same money on the used market.

Lowbrow · #16 07-09-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

...
But seriously, in your position, I would probably look for something that's a little better on the used market. I have seen people put together pretty doggone nice rigs used for $300-400. Acoustic isn't horrible stuff by any means, so if you have your heart set on it, it should be fine, but there is better out there for the same money on the used market.

True... if you can find a used GK400RB head - and they should be findable - you'll have a better, far more reliable amp. Pair it with a used Peavey 2x15 cab (also pretty bulletproof stuff) and you'll have a rig that I myself will envy.