Cheapest best quality combo

Ben Mitchell · #1 09-19-2011, 07:44 PM

Hey TB,

I'm a starting bassist, and my band recently started doing some gigs, and i definately need some wattage to keep up with the drummer. 20 watt acoustic just isn't doing it. I need something good quality, and loud, for the least amount of money. I'm 15 and don't have a job until summer, but I need an upgrade now. I play mostly modern rock with a bit of alternative and occasional funk thrown in.

Thanks!

jowens004 · #2 09-19-2011, 07:55 PM

I love my little TC Electronic BG-500 2x10 500 watt combo. Cuts great with the band too.
Picked it up at GC for $350.00

thedevilisbad · #3 09-19-2011, 07:59 PM

Look for an old peavey. Lots of wattage for the money. Not the best tone in the world, not bad either, and will suit you well for rock.

Oobly · #4 09-20-2011, 05:37 AM

The Gallien Krueger MB112 and MB115 pack a decent punch for the size and money.

NoiseNinja · #5 09-20-2011, 05:51 AM

Hartke Kickback 15 120w is pretty good.

Russell L · #6 09-20-2011, 05:51 AM

+1 on Peavey. I only paid $125 for my old Combo 300 way back. 200w with a 15". Don't get less than 200w. But, the best thing is to get a separate head, if you can. Personally, I'd prefer 300w at 8 ohms, but that's just me. Lots of Peavey stuff is 4 ohms, though, with one speaker. But, they will go 2 ohms as well with two speakers. Their stuff is heavy, but sounds good and lasts.

BassPenguin22 · #7 09-20-2011, 05:53 AM

Some of the Ashdown Combos are alright, especially if you can get one cheap

dalkowski · #8 09-20-2011, 05:54 AM

+1 to used Peavey. Plenty of them on the market every day. Short money, good sound, can't kill 'em and you'll get a ripped upper body in the bargain.

LAPetrarca · #9 09-20-2011, 06:04 AM

At 15, I'm sure money must be an issue. Go used......LOTS of bargains to be had. Check out Craigslist......

Peavey, Ampeg, GK, Hartke are all reputable names to look at. Good luck.

HotelX · #10 09-20-2011, 06:22 AM

Peavey is a good choice. Cheap and durable. Might be kind of heavy.

jeff7bass · #11 09-20-2011, 07:08 AM

Tough to beat Carvin's MB15 for 369.00 new. 200w by itself, 250w with an extension. Great EQ section, all pro direct out features too. Sharp too, available in colors and patterns including new Snakeskin (wild).

Carvin.com :: MB15

tombowlus · #12 09-20-2011, 07:13 AM

Those GK MB combos are really nice, if they are in your price range. I have also been impressed with the newer Ampeg combos and the Guitar Center Acoustic brand combos.

jeff7bass · #13 09-20-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jowens004

I love my little TC Electronic BG-500 2x10 500 watt combo. Cuts great with the band too.
Picked it up at GC for $350.00

That had to be a special price because it's been discontinued. Too bad, looks real sharp.

iiipopes · #14 09-20-2011, 07:15 AM

+1 on Carvin. I've been using Carvin gear since 1993 and have always had the best tone and reliability. I currently use an MB12 for both electric & upright, with an extra 1X15 cab loaded with a Carvin driver when extra reinforcement is needed.

jeff7bass · #15 09-20-2011, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iiipopes

+1 on Carvin. I've been using Carvin gear since 1993 and have always had the best tone and reliability. I currently use an MB12 for both electric & upright, with an extra 1X15 cab loaded with a Carvin driver when extra reinforcement is needed.

When I saw the design of the new MB12 the first thing I thought was that it would be a great amp for guys who doubled on upright or fretless basses. I have the MB10, great little amp and gig-worthy with either my Avatar or DB extension (12” cabs).

MODELL · #16 09-20-2011, 07:21 AM

Don't overlook early 90's Fender Bassman series amps. These are now being sold on ebay/craigslist very cheap. They are of good quality and great sound. If you could find the 200 watt 1 -15" version, you'd be set (most likely under $200.00).

Blankandson · #17 09-20-2011, 11:45 AM

I didn't see if you mentioned what your bass is. I used a very cheap Berringer 40 watt combo for both practice and small gigs with a passive bass and it was OK for that. But it couldn't even take my active Warwick at low volumn without breaking up. Is your bass active / passive / or both?

andertone · #18 09-20-2011, 11:59 AM

Eden Nemesis, get the 2 x 10 model. Amazing sound for the size, and great tone. They can be had for about what you would pay for a Peavey TNT 115, more power, sound better

Lee Barker · #19 09-20-2011, 12:03 PM

A real workhorse often overlooked is the SWR Workingman's series. 10, 12 and 15. I think you'd be happiest with the 15. XLR out, bulletproof, and they'll rattle the floor if you need it. They often can be had (used) for south of 200 bucks.

naruki · #20 09-20-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oobly

The Gallien Krueger MB112 and MB115 pack a decent punch for the size and money.

I second that. And also the Roland Microcube Bass RX.