Bass Amps for $200-$300

Hutzbordello · #1 03-18-2010, 04:05 PM

So I've been looking at Bass amps and the Orange Crush 50w and the Behringer Ultrabass BX1800 have caught my eye. I have yet to play a gig so I dont really know if the Crush would cover the drums and at least one other guitar.

I like the sound of both, probably more on the Orange side.

Also I play an ESP ex-104 if that helps

Or if you any other suggestions on what I should get instead Id be glad to hear it

Basshappi · #2 03-18-2010, 05:08 PM

You won't like this suggestion but go find an old Peavey Bass MkIV or Megabass. You will be able to find the under $300.

They are not sexy (though the Megabass is a rackmount), but 20 years from now when it's still working you'll thank me.

Hutzbordello · #3 03-18-2010, 05:29 PM

I've also seen the Kustom KB100, it looks promising

RickenBoogie · #4 03-18-2010, 05:54 PM

If you're looking for a gigging amp, I'd suggest you wait and save up some more money. And even then, used gear will get you alot farther. A combo amp, especially those small ones, aren't much use other than practicing at home, alone.

Govier966 · #5 03-18-2010, 06:00 PM

maybe the gk mb112, i believe it comes out later this moth

TortillaChip520 · #6 03-18-2010, 06:04 PM

BUY USED
Craigslist is your friend.

aus_bass · #7 03-18-2010, 06:11 PM

Behringer pretty much gets bashed around here, but I had the BX1800 and can recommend it.

Never had a problem with it. Even gigged it a couple of times in small(ish) bars. No problem up against 2 guitards & a bashing drummer.

Sold it to a kid just starting out, when I upgraded to my SWR. He's still digging it.

Gintaras · #8 03-18-2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TortillaChip520

BUY USED
Craigslist is your friend.

have to agree with this. the combos you mentioned will have trouble keeping up with a drummer and guitarist

NaH · #9 03-18-2010, 06:15 PM

I agree that 50w won't cut it, especially with the drums. I got a Behringer Amp with a used bass I bought and I wouldn't recommend it. Very muddy sound. In the process of trading it in.

M0ses · #10 03-18-2010, 06:19 PM

$300 for an amp and a cab that can gig? That's gonna be pretty tough. Even used.

kesslari · #11 03-18-2010, 06:31 PM

You can pick up a used Genz Benz NeoPak for a bit more ($325-350) and it's all you need for a gigging amp.

**butchblack** · #12 03-18-2010, 06:33 PM

Musician's friend is listing the new MB112 for $299. 200 W 112, light weight. I have it's bigger brother, the MB 210 and it kills. It should be enough for smaller clubs if your band doesn't play at ear splitting levels. I'd wait a couple of weeks until they become available and get one of those.

TortillaChip520 · #13 03-18-2010, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gintaras

have to agree with this. the combos you mentioned will have trouble keeping up with a drummer and guitarist

you would barely be able to keep up with a conversation with those combos.

LAPetrarca · #14 03-19-2010, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaH

I agree that 50w won't cut it, especially with the drums. I got a Behringer Amp with a used bass I bought and I wouldn't recommend it. Very muddy sound. In the process of trading it in.

Agreed!

I have/had Behringer gear and don't have ANY complaints. There are those around these parts that have NOTHING good to say about them however.

50 watts DEFINITELY won't cut it. I wanted an amp powerful enough for rehearsals and one that could be used as a backup in case of emergency. I traded a 50 watt Crate BT50 for a 100 watt GK Backline 112. I tried it a rehearsal for the first time last night wtih the whole band and it worked out fine.

DJS · #15 03-19-2010, 06:22 AM

I suggest taking your bass out and doing some amp auditions. I learned a ton, going through this process a few weeks ago and ordered a GK 210 as a result. Virtually all the major brands have a near or at $300 100+ watt single 12 or 15 that could get you started.

+1 one the GK 112. It's powerful, and can take an extension speaker if you want to upgrade later.

lpdeluxe · #16 03-19-2010, 08:14 AM

I just bought a Fender Bassman 400 210 combo, used, for $400. It has 350 watts, a comprehensive EQ system, and neat stuff like a tuner out and a mute button. It's 80 lb, but that doesn't matter since I got it to leave at my practice space rather than tote my Mesa/Boogie back and forth all the time.

It's a little more than I need, but I've checked out new bass amps in that price range in the past and found NOTHING worth plugging my bass into. Sure, there are small and light combos that sound really good (a friend has a Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0/210T that sounds great) but you won't find the good stuff for that low a price. As has been noted, if you buy new you'll end up with something you'll outgrow before you know it. The distance between a small, inexpensive bass amp and a proper piece of kit is enormous.

I'm not advocating that you go seek out a used Fender Bassman 400, but there are bargains out there. Craigslist is a great resource: I found a primo blonde ES-335 for well under $2K and a Fender Deluxe Reverb reissue for a good price. Just be prepared to go check out the gear in person. And take your bass.

lowfreq33 · #17 03-19-2010, 08:32 AM

If you prefer new, and can wait until you've saved up another $100, you can get a Peavey Tour TKO 115. 400 watts, 1x15. Probably the cheapest gig worthy bass amp around that won't fall apart in a year.

**StrangerDanger** · #18 03-19-2010, 09:20 AM

Just say no to Behringer.

ohskigod · #19 03-19-2010, 09:24 AM

I'm not the most experienced player here by a long shot, but i concur with the others who said going the used route with that budget will be best.

The best bang for buck amp I bought was a Hartke 2500. looks beat to death but works like a champ. got it for 100 bucks as a beater to keep at the house where our band practices. I REALLY like that amp

joshmickelson · #20 03-19-2010, 09:28 AM

PMed ya.