Best gigging amp for $800 or less?

billiam5billion · #1 01-23-2012, 01:28 PM

Just like the title says, need suggestions for spending my tax refund. I gig regularly, small to medium gigs. Would prefer to buy new.

jeff7bass · #2 01-23-2012, 01:30 PM

Ampeg PF-350 + Avatar TB153. 350w into a mighty cab that can dish it out.

bassgod0dmw · #3 01-23-2012, 01:31 PM

Type of music?
Tone you're going for?
Preference on combo or separates?
Preference on brand?

billiam5billion · #4 01-23-2012, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

Type of music?
Tone you're going for?
Preference on combo or separates?
Preference on brand?

I purposely left this up for suggestions. No preference on brand or combo/stack. I need something that can do country, blues, rock, surf, punk, 60's garage, psychedelic, and a little bit of funk.
I'd like something with clarity, punch, and plenty of headroom.

GreggBummer · #5 01-23-2012, 01:47 PM

Hartke LH500 and VX410 cab. Should come in at about $800.

Plenty of headroom. Reliable. Versatile. Well reviewed. Tube preamp that can get a little dirty if you need it.

bassgod0dmw · #6 01-23-2012, 01:51 PM

Markbass LMIII or used LMII for a head
Used cab(s) of choice, I'd look for Bag End S15D's. People are getting rid of them cheap these days, but they sound great. They are the smallest 15's I've seen, fairly light, and did I mention they just plain sound good?

If you wanted a combo, I'd have a look at the Markbass CMD 121P. It's a little over the budget, but it's very small and light, with the ability to add an extension cab in the future.

There is also the GK MB stuff. Sounds great, very light, inexpensive.

Guitar Center should have some Markbass, GK, and Ampeg stuff in stock to try our for yourself, let your ears be the judge. I've owned something from each and they all do their own thing...they all sound great too.

smogg · #7 01-23-2012, 01:52 PM

What's wrong with your mb115 combo? Not loud enough? Will it let you add a another cab?

**lowendfriend** · #8 01-23-2012, 02:02 PM

Gallien-Krueger MB212 2x12 500W Ultralight Bass Combo Amp and more Bass Amplifiers at GuitarCenter.com.

billiam5billion · #9 01-23-2012, 02:07 PM

The MB115 has been giving me trouble with sound guys around town. The DI jack is installed so that the release switch on the cable is butted up against the cabinet, so it's a pain to pull the cable. It's also been buzzing badly when plugged straight into the board. It's not clean enough at higher volumes either, which isn't an issue when running direct, but I have a monthly outdoor gig at a restaurant with no sound board or sound guy.

billiam5billion · #10 01-23-2012, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowendfriend

Gallien-Krueger MB212 2x12 500W Ultralight Bass Combo Amp and more Bass Amplifiers at GuitarCenter.com.

The MB212 has the exact same DI setup as my 115, and I've heard stories of major hiss issues.

rummy · #11 01-23-2012, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowendfriend

Gallien-Krueger MB212 2x12 500W Ultralight Bass Combo Amp and more Bass Amplifiers at GuitarCenter.com.

Good call.

Russell L · #12 01-23-2012, 02:10 PM

Markbass Little Mark III head with Traveler 151P cab. Like me, but they're $600 apiece. But well worth it. Or the Ampeg PF500 + PF115HE cab.

viper4000 · #13 01-23-2012, 02:13 PM

I'll give my love for the GK700RBii. 450-ish watts at 4ohms. Also does 8 ohms. Ability to have one or two speaker cabinets. Regular 1/4 or Speakon options. Its sounds good with 410's or 115. Not tried it with other cabs yet. Not a class D head, but not too heavy either. I have not used the DI, as I have a DI pedal for that.

I gig with it in medium sized clubs with and with PA support and never have headroom issues.

Try before you buy!

smogg · #14 01-23-2012, 02:14 PM

Carvin has some good deals going on. BX500 & 410 cab would come in under budget.

billiam5billion · #15 01-23-2012, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viper4000

I'll give my love for the GK700RBii. 450-ish watts at 4ohms. Also does 8 ohms. Ability to have one or two speaker cabinets. Regular 1/4 or Speakon options. Its sounds good with 410's or 115. Not tried it with other cabs yet. Not a class D head, but not too heavy either. I have not used the DI, as I have a DI pedal for that.

I gig with it in medium sized clubs with and with PA support and never have headroom issues.

Try before you buy!

Yeah, definitely going on a few test drives on my day off this week.

Twocan · #16 01-23-2012, 02:23 PM

I got a Markbass CMD 102p for about $700 used - fantastic for sound and portability.

RBX4 · #17 01-23-2012, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smogg

What's wrong with your mb115 combo? Not loud enough? Will it let you add a another cab?

This amp sux bad

billiam5billion · #18 01-23-2012, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBX4

This amp sux bad

I wouldn't go that far. It's flawed like every amp, but it's awesome for very small gigs and practice. I would actually recommend the MB115 to beginners or coffeehouse players over Ampeg's BA series or anything from Crate or Peavey. I don't even plan on selling mine after buying a new one, I can't think of anything better for around-the-house jamming.