Bass Amp v. Bass Guitar?

afzoomie67 · #1 03-01-2011, 06:20 PM

Hi all,
This is my first post, as I just registered. I have a question though..
yesterday was my 14th birthday, and I now have $225 to spend on either an amp or the following:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--HOFHCT5001

I'm looking into a Peavey amp, for something big.. I haven't played any shows, but I'm starting a band soon. I've been playing bass for 2-3 years now.

SchizoBassist · #2 03-01-2011, 06:28 PM

Did you have a specific question or just an urge to use a smiley?

christw · #3 03-01-2011, 06:28 PM

Good choice on Peavey. They tend to be inexpensive used and very reliable. I would advise a band rehearsal/gig capable amp if you don't have one aready. Who needs a nice bass when you can't hear it?

Ps- Buy used and save a lot of money.

panama · #4 03-01-2011, 06:31 PM

My advice is don't buy anything new.

Also that Hofner isn't $225.

**BullHorn** · #5 03-01-2011, 07:33 PM

A cheap Yamaha/SX/Squier with a decent combo can sound alot better than it really is.

afzoomie67 · #6 03-01-2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SchizoBassist

Did you have a specific question or just an urge to use a smiley?

I did forget my question, haha. It's what bass amp do you guys like that's relatively inexpensive?

christw · #7 03-01-2011, 08:08 PM

You're going to get many different suggestions based on people's own unique tastes and experiences. Try answering the following so we can help guide you:

What styles do you play?
What are your tonal goals?
What basses do you play?
Do you have any "idols" that you really adore the tone of?
What venues will you be playing?
Will you have PA support?

Noose · #8 03-01-2011, 08:48 PM

I know that at 14 it can be tough to come up with money but if you can manage to scrounge up about 75 bucks more you could easily find a decent used combo. Youmight have to mow a few lawns, rake some leaves, shovel some poo, whatever. But it will be worth it. There are plenty of peavey combos, SWR workingman combos, etc that are solid for 300. At 225 I worry you will have a tough time finding something that sounds good and will get you the volume you'll need to compete with guitars and drums in a band situation.

steelhead2 · #9 03-01-2011, 10:17 PM

tnt,tko,or a fender rumble,shop the pawn shops(with cash in hand),the trick is to try and figure out how much you can offer,one pawn shop manager that i do autobody work for told me they look on eBay,see what an item sells for and loan half that amount

so,figure they are in the`item' half what they have it priced at(sometimes less,and sometimes MUCH less)it's a shell game for them=if someone walks in with,say, a 66 Fender stratO caster that uncle bob had in the closet(and they have no clue about value) they can make a killing,,

so!,trick is to be interested but`i have another one i was going to buy,how much(cash) for this one today?',don't be afraid to,haggle,but don't blow em out,flash the cash(hold wad up in clenched fist from pocket,make sure there's plenty of ones to fatten up the wad

),if they don't jump on down to 50% on the offer;re-offer 75%,,,of course look for a clean one versus dirty,beat up,knobs missing etc.,you just might buy a peavey 1/15 combo for a hundred bucks,add a pedal in between you bass and amp,,,

and blow em up!

,,,at least you have a `viable' garage band amp that can be run over and still work,and you can always re-sell for a hundred no matter what=peace man keep kickin a!!

Sartori · #10 03-01-2011, 11:51 PM

Get a used Peavey.

Downunderwonder · #11 03-02-2011, 04:33 AM

Best to keep saving until you can afford something usable with drums. Nothing worse than not being able to hear yourself.

+1 on the used Peavy. Those things are very loud for the dollar.

d_jason_05 · #12 03-02-2011, 05:04 AM

You should be able to get by with a used 1x15 combo amp for a good while. Fender Rumble and Peavy are solid choices.