anyone know of a good inexpensive amp good enough to gig with?

helterschecter · #1 05-23-2011, 09:07 PM

Hello..as of now I have a traynor that is more than good enough for practice. But I just joined up with a couple of guys that want to gig and my amp just isn't enough..I can't afford a new rumble 350 or anything like that..so does anyone know of any good off brands

::::BASSIST:::: · #2 05-23-2011, 09:11 PM

gk 400rb or old peavey.

Throw a VT Bass into the effects loop of any junky amp and it will instantly sound better for not a whole lot of money.

Joe Nerve · #3 05-23-2011, 09:44 PM

I believe this is the cheapes loudest amp you'll find, if you're looking to buy new.

Ultrabass BXL3000 300W 1x15" Bass Combo: Shop Bass & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

I've owned lots and lots of amps, owned one behringer, and had no issues with it whatsoever. Lots of people have many issues with many amp companies... so be wary of the complaints you're probably about to hear regarding behringer. A lot of people seem to want to bash them - me thinks simply because they're so cheap. Can't tell you how many amps (with "reputable" names) I've had to return or have serviced that cost me 4X as much as one of these.

::::BASSIST:::: · #4 05-23-2011, 10:16 PM

^ Just make sure it comes with a solid return policy.

omnimutant · #5 05-23-2011, 10:21 PM

Check the TB classifieds, there are always some good deals popping up.

**JxBass** · #6 05-24-2011, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helterschecter

Hello..as of now I have a traynor that is more than good enough for practice. But I just joined up with a couple of guys that want to gig and my amp just isn't enough..I can't afford a new rumble 350 or anything like that..so does anyone know of any good off brands

What's your budget?

Floyd Eye · #7 05-24-2011, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JxBass

What's your budget?

He can't afford a Rumble 350 so it's obviously less than $400.

I don't think a Rumble 350 would cut it for gigging anyway.

lomo · #8 05-24-2011, 06:01 AM

Cheapest giggable rig is a used Peavey 15 inch combo-check eBay!

allexcosta · #9 05-24-2011, 07:11 AM

Roland CB100 for small gigs, quiet drummer...

Standalone · #10 05-24-2011, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lomo

Cheapest giggable rig is a used Peavey 15 inch combo-check eBay!

Any working Peavey TNT130 TNT160 or Combo 300 will cover all your gigs. I have the 130 and can honestly say that any gig I have had would have been reasonaly served by that amp.

Lazerrus · #11 05-24-2011, 08:34 AM

Peavey Firebass 700 and 410's. Get em around $350 to $400.

stflbn · #12 05-24-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazerrus

Peavey Firebass 700 and 410's. Get em around $350 to $400.

Something like this.

If you hvae a combo, and it's not enough. And you want something more to gig with, then get away from a combo and go with an older rock solid proven work horse.

Pilgrim · #13 05-24-2011, 08:42 AM

I've used a Behringer BX4500 head for almost two years and had zero problems with it. Heavy, but under $150 used and puts out more than 400W. The 4500 has consistently good reviews.

Besides that (and lighter) an older GK head, or a Peavey.

sparktone · #14 05-24-2011, 09:08 AM

They're getting harder to find used, but the Yorkville (Traynor) XM200 (115) and XM200T (210) are a great value. Built like tanks and stupid loud for their power (200 watts with an extension cab; 140 watts without).

Standalone · #15 05-24-2011, 11:42 AM

Another option is to turn down the low bass and bump the low mids up. You'll get more perceived volume from your rig. Big boomy bass can work against your band's sound in a live context anyway. It's the deepstof the lows that take up the most energy in your power amp.

RickenBoogie · #16 05-24-2011, 11:45 AM

Shop for used gear, buy as much wattage as you can afford, don't skimp on the speakers. More is better, anything less than a 4x10 will not be enough. Spend MORE on the speakers than the amp.

Metal Bassist · #17 05-24-2011, 12:11 PM

I'm sure you could get away with less than a 4x10, surly a 2x10 or even a good 12 will be good enough to get started, especially with PA support?

bassplayerken · #18 05-24-2011, 12:23 PM

The cheapest option would be a VT pedal into a decent DI box, and have the sound guy throw you in the monitors as loud as possible without distorting. The obvious problem with this is if the venues you are playing at have a decent enough sound system to do so effectively. I have heard many bass players get great tone through this method and you can probably carry your whole system in your gig bag. These players had great DI's though, so I wouldn't skimp on the quality. I bought a GT Brick on TB for roughly $150 and put NOS tubes into it.

c2thej2theizzo · #19 05-24-2011, 01:40 PM

I'm not familiar with Traynor , and you didn't mention the model of your amp, so check the back of your Traynor combo amp , chances are you have a powered speaker out (extension speaker out) that you can probably add another passive 8 ohm speaker cabinet, If so try your local craigslist or music store for a used 2x10 or 1x15 carvin, peavey or used GK speaker cab for $200 or less, This will probably almost double your sound without adding a whole new amp, make sure whatever cab you get is 8 ohms, NOT 4 ! Most little combos cant handle more than a 4 ohm load