Buying my first gigging combo amp, need advice.

[daveinvain]

I'm a 16 Year Old bassist looking for a new bass rig for my next talent show which occurs next year. I'm buying a completely new bass rig over the summer and since money doesn't come buy often where I live, this rig is going to last me 2-3 years until I can get a job. I have my bass picked out and the accessories. That will leave me $500 for an amp and if possible, some effects. This years talent show was a success but next year, My band is playing Muse and Metallica. Im going to be doing some Cliff burton and Chris Wolstenholme type playing and I need a combo amp that will do just that.

What I want to know:
Name of Amp:
Price of Amp:
General info of amp:
Effects?:

[BassmanPaul]

A part of the world in which you reside would be a help. No use recommending something that's not available where you live.

[kosmicwizard]

There are not a lot of similarities in tone between those two players. You want a combo that will be able to do either of their tones? Get a MESA/Boogie Buster 200 and MOST importantly a EHX Big Muff. Cheers.

[daveinvain]

I live in the United States. New York. How much does the Boogie Buster 200 cost

[CLMSHQ]

You are going direct into a PA correct?

[daveinvain]

Yea PA during gigs but I want an amp that can be heard during rehearsal

[stevetx19]

edit: TB classifieds are full of good deals. Look for GK combos.

[bannybassman]

Sounds like you're in a similar position that I was a few months back. The amp I bought is the Ashdown Electric Blue 15-180 combo, and I honestly cannot recommend it enough, It copes with many different styles of music brilliantly, it's loud and has loads of bass. Also it has a direct DI output, so it can be put through a PA easily. I've seen them online for around $450.
Ashdown Engineering | Bass Amplification

[Electricblue]

Originally Posted by bannybassman

Sounds like you're in a similar position that I was a few months back. The amp I bought is the Ashdown Electric Blue 15-180 combo, and I honestly cannot recommend it enough, It copes with many different styles of music brilliantly, it's loud and has loads of bass. Also it has a direct DI output, so it can be put through a PA easily. I've seen them online for around $450.
Ashdown Engineering | Bass Amplification

Aye, i had the same one. It broke itself after one gentle outing, and struggled to keep up with a relaxed drummer. Fantastic sound though.

[bannybassman]

Originally Posted by Electricblue

Aye, i had the same one. It broke itself after one gentle outing, and struggled to keep up with a relaxed drummer. Fantastic sound though.

I'm surprised to hear that, I've used mine for several gigs and had no problems so far, also I regularly use it when performing with our 11 piece jazz band and it copes, volume wise, with no problem, I also use it every week to practice with my rock band, it can easily keep up with a somewhat "heavy handed" drummer, and 2 other guitarists without ever going about 1/2 volume.

[spaz21387]

Hartke makes great stuff and its cheap if you are lucky enough to find one at guitar center it will be way cheap

[Electricblue]

Originally Posted by bannybassman

I'm surprised to hear that, I've used mine for several gigs and had no problems so far, also I regularly use it when performing with our 11 piece jazz band and it copes, volume wise, with no problem, I also use it every week to practice with my rock band, it can easily keep up with a somewhat "heavy handed" drummer, and 2 other guitarists without ever going about 1/2 volume.

Guess I got a lemon then, Ashdown make a lot of lemons. And raspberries sometimes.

[CLMSHQ]

Originally Posted by daveinvain

Yea PA during gigs but I want an amp that can be heard during rehearsal

Not knowing your rehearsal set up, though...I went to an audition earlier this week and brought my small set-up MarkBass LMIII into an Avatar 112..they practiced in a fairly open concrete basement...Usually it is loud enough, but this situation was different and needed a little more as the concrete soaked up the sound. I like practices to be a little more quiter..as the singer(s) need to hear themselves and it is better to get dynamics down.

You have several options.

-Ampeg BA115 is a great amp. It is a true 100wt gig worthy amp. about $350

-Acoustic B-200 about $350

-GK Combos get good reviews.

-Fender Bassman 115- Had it and gigged with it at small and medium size venues. Great amp.

-Even a Behringer B3000- They actual sound good!
about $300.