Cheap Stage-worthy amplifier?

De93 · #1 06-20-2010, 05:09 PM

Our bassist is in a tight money situation and needs a good, but cheap amplifier. It needs to be loud enough to compete with two guitar half-stacks in a metal band without being mic'd through a PA, because that's not an option at every show. Of course we'd want to get our hands on a Ampeg or something, but even used, these prices are our of reach. I'm not sure about price range, but under 400 would be great, and the cheaper the better. It will be played through a 4x10 and 1x18.

Open to any suggestions. Thanks!

Herbie 80's · #2 06-20-2010, 05:24 PM

Hit up craigslist. Also, look into older vintage gear.

You could probably find a used Ashdown head for under $400, and a used Ampeg head for under $400. Lots of possibilities.

whatshizname · #3 06-20-2010, 05:34 PM

I've never had any problems with my old Peavey Mark III head. It's from the 80's, but it's never given me a problem. With a metal band, I'm not sure. It's worth a try, though. I bought mine used from Music-Go-Round for like $160.

RickenBoogie · #4 06-20-2010, 05:41 PM

+1 for a Peavey head.

JonTKK · #5 06-20-2010, 05:45 PM

I play in a tech death/grind band with crazy ass loud asses on guitars competing with them volume wise, is pretty difficult. I remedied the issue by running my basses into a Hartke HA3500, it does its job pretty well, jam after jam, gig after gig. It retails for $500 here in Singapore, meaning it should be $400-ish where you are

waleross · #6 06-20-2010, 05:53 PM

If you can locate one, an Ampeg SvT400T is a great trusty work-horse of a head. Look up the reviews on Harmony Central. I was glad I kept mine after trading in my other Ampeg heads. Next would be an SvT450H or a similar model and then a B2re head. I would go to either Guitar Center or Samash and see what was traded in this past weekend, you could find something worth buying.

A-Step-Towards · #7 06-20-2010, 05:56 PM

On ebay lately i have seen Gk 800RB heads going for under 300$ , and really there awesome heads. I just won one on ebay for 268$ shipped and it was in pretty good shape.

ALso as said peavey mark heads are great I have one with a behringer cab , total cost 300$ and it kicked. I also had one of the newer acoustic b200H heads paired to an acoustic b410 cab and that was not bad for 295$ on sale.

craig.p · #8 06-20-2010, 06:00 PM

Check the classifieds on this site and grab that whiteface Peavey beast.

**lowendfriend** · #9 06-20-2010, 06:02 PM

There is a great GK700RB-II on TB now for 400 bux. I'd jump if I were you.

Foz · #10 06-20-2010, 06:13 PM

under $400?

+1 to 800RB's off CL and eBay - seen a lotta good deals on these heads lately - might pick one up inside your budget if you flash the cash

also

+1 to keep your eye out for someone giving away an old Peavey SS head - some of these are pretty darn good and they go awful cheap.

and my $0.02 - stay away from the Behringer bass heads - every guy I know who bought one has blown it up inside of 6 months - serious reliability problems

Foz · #11 06-20-2010, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowendfriend

There is a great GK700RB-II on TB now for 400 bux. I'd jump if I were you.

yep - that dog will hunt

dls59 · #12 06-20-2010, 06:21 PM

Another vote for the GK RB. It's bulletproof and can be had for few dollars.

OtterOnBass · #13 06-20-2010, 06:36 PM

Buy a cheap used head and build a Bill Fitzmaurice Jack12 or the Fearful15.