Can someone recommend a good intermediate amp?

Tupac · #1 09-17-2011, 08:27 PM

I've been played for many months now, and I think it's time to upgrade. I currently use a $100 Acoustic B10 combo, which I don't exactly like. Whenever I plug in headphones, it suddenly sounds worlds better and reminds me how bad the speakers are. So, can someone recommend something? My price range is around $200-$400, pretty flexible. The cheaper the better though.

Also, I don't gig, I just play as a hobby. So I don't need anything ultra powerful, just clarity.

5port · #2 09-17-2011, 08:50 PM

Thats a very good price range these days for the type of amp you want. However I dont know the sound thats in your head. You need to take your bass to the nearest music store and start auditioning amps. Some people will say buy used.

OK I'll throw one out there...GK MB200 with the GK 112Neo II cabinet. A little more than you want to spend but great clarity and tone.

pmano · #3 09-17-2011, 09:07 PM

It depends on what you like, you should really go to a local music store and try out stuff in your price range. That being said, I recently got a GK MB112- it is a combo (just google GK MB112) and I like the fact you can get great tone (GK makes great sounding bass gear), it has a headphone jack (in case you want to play/rehearse and not disturb anyone) and it has a jack for an MP3/IPOD in case you want to play along or learn songs. For under $350 it is a very good amp. light, portable, takes up very little space and if you do start playing in bands, it's 200 watts- decent volume provided the people you play with aren't using monster gear, it can handle light rehearsals. It also has a DI if you play live, you can go direct thru the PA. Again, it's what you like personally, I just think for a beginner looking to upgrade, this amp offers a lot in tone, convenience and ability to practice/learn at a reasonable price. Check one out, I think Guitar Center carries them.

kb9wyz · #4 09-17-2011, 09:16 PM

I like the GK MB115 combo a lot. Similar to the MB112, but a 2 way 15 and horn.

Also, the Acoustic B100 is not at all bad if you want a more rock and roll kind of tone.

rad bassman · #5 09-18-2011, 03:39 AM

i like the roland cube range, maybe even peavey would be a good place to look, as said before, get to the music store and try some out, travel a bit to other stores to try other products, nothing worse than buying a product only to realise a week later you dont really like it. at the end of the day YOU need to like it

Gearhead17 · #6 09-18-2011, 04:42 AM

Glad someone already said it! GK MB series gear kicks butt in the tone and volume department. Nice clarity for sure.

I would be a little worried about buying a combo amp used. Combo amps, IMHO, are usually sold because someone destroyed one or pushed one to it's max before realizing it's not loud enough for band practice. Still, if you find a bass player who comes across as a smart dude and his gear looks to be in great shape, he probably took care of it. If you go to an 16 yr. old's house and he has stickers on his bass along with cords, laundry and other crap lying around, he probably killed the combo amp.... Sorry for the stereotype there, but there is some truth to that.

pmano · #7 09-18-2011, 06:06 AM

He could buy one of the GK MB amps new; it's in his price range. As far as used, used stuff from Guitar Center is a pretty safe bet, they usually don't buy junk and they re sell it at a reasonable price. I find them to be pretty up front about their used stuff.

Tupac · #8 09-18-2011, 08:49 AM

I'll look into those GK ones. Do you think a combo would be better than buying separate?

pmano · #9 09-18-2011, 09:57 AM

you mentioned that you were a beginner so that's why I recommended combo. You do start pricing yourself out of your range when you are looking at separate amp/cab combinations. The GK we're recommending to you is a great next step. If you like that sound, and decide to buy it, when you're ready for the next move, GK makes come great heads, the RB700, RB1001, RB2001 and some great cabinets. You also have brands like Ampeg which makes great stuff, Mark Bass, Epifany, SWR, Aguilar, etc. I think for your situation that would be down the road, once you determine you're sticking with the bass and are ready to make a bigger investment and take your rig to the next level.

cableguy · #10 09-18-2011, 10:07 AM

GK does make great stuff. I have a 700RB-II now. I have in the past had Carvin combos with a 15" speaker. Good price point and I never had a problem. Might be worth a look there as well.

pmano · #11 09-18-2011, 10:20 AM

absolutely, forgot about Carvin, they make good stuff at very reasonable prices, their bass combos look very good.

Gearhead17 · #12 09-18-2011, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tupac

I'll look into those GK ones. Do you think a combo would be better than buying separate?

Separate pieces are almost always going to be the smarter purchase for the long run because you can upgrade easily. As pmano said, if you are just playing by yourself with no band in sight, a combo is just fine.