Debating an Amp Upgrade...

[Electric_Spank]

As the title states, I am considering buying a new amp. I have come to you all for a little advice. I will give you some information about myself.

I've been playing bass "seriously" for a little over two years now and I consider myself to be a decent player. At the least good enough to be in a band. I have played live exactly four times. Now, I would consider myself a hobbyist on a basic level. My goal as a musician is to gig on a regular basis and that is about the extent of it. My current setup includes a Squier Precision, which I am completely happy with, and an Acoustic B20 amp. I like the B20, and it has served me just fine as a practice amp. I have miced this thing for half of my live shows and that works fine. I would rather just have an amp capable of playing a small/medium sized venue on its own, however. This thing can get pretty loud for a 20 watter. The only downside is that its volume is inversely proportional to its sound quality.

I would like to spend 400-500 on a used 410 and head. I feel like that is a reasonable goal. Doing so would bring my "rig" up to a respectable gigging level. However, I am not currently in a band.


tl/dr - See below

Decision: Spend some money on a new rig

Pros: -Ability to gig
-May have an easier time joining a band w/ the better gear
-Don't see myself needing to upgrade from something this size

Cons: -Costs me money
-Currently bandless
-Potentially waste my money via a combination of the first two cons


Any help/advice will be much appreciated. Feel free to point out any relevant information I have failed to consider.

[jastacey]

I'd check out as many amps and speaker cabinets as possible ...don't rush into buying an additional amp/cabinet, let your ears tell you what sounds good, check Craigslist frequently, deals do come up and you have to act on them kinda quickly to snag them

[JimmyM]

i've seen guys on here put together gigs good enough to gig on with $300. used 410's are plentiful and cheap, and so are are 300w ss amps. look around, play some stuff, wait for good deals, and it'll happen. since you're not in a band, you have nothing but time.

[RickenBoogie]

Yup, take your time, read alot here in the amps section, and don't buy anything you don't play through, first.

[countrybass007]

Too bad you're not close, I could fix you up, as I've got gear that's been replaced by PJB gear.