Getting a new Amp: Worth it?

[Ezmar]

Okay, first off I'm NOT asking if Getting a new amp is worth it. I'm going to start gigging soon, and I have a 15W practice amp. Of course I need a new amp.

Anyway, a while ago I was looking at amps, talking to bass players I know, getting recommendations, and I sort of settled on Acoustic. I was looking at the B200 (1x15) combo in particular.

Anyway, I was playing a show last week, and The bass rig that I was using (not mine :P) was an 8x10 Backline cab with an Acoustic head, I don't remember the wattage, and I think it was an old one, because going through their catalog now, I don't see it, it had a graphic Eq, with sliders, and none of the ones on the site have one. ANYWAY, That made me really want to get the acoustic, because the Head was overdriving a little, and the growl it had was Outstanding, and Even though I know I probably wouldn't be getting that same sound out of a combo, I still like that that tone is there, and I would be playing more clean most of the time anyway.

My real question is about the Cab, though. I had been practicing with my brother's 1x15 Backline combo, (with no horn, admittedly) and I had been breaking strings like a boss the week before (New ones too, So angry), and I had a new set on. On the combo, I really couldn't tell that much that they were new, and I use Rotosounds, swing 66s, so they're nice and zingy. I had moved up a gauge since my last set up, and the action was slightly higher, and I wasn't quite getting as much fretboard rattle when I really hammered the strings, so I chalked it up to that.

But at sound check, when I plugged in to the bass rig, I was astounded at how crisp and bright it sounded, because it hadn't sounded anything like that on my brother's amp, and the EQ was set more for Flats on a P bass rather than SS on a J bass. I imagine that this is due to the 8x10 cab, rather than the 1x15 on the combo.

So my question is this. I'm going to be in college next year, and I don't know how much money I'll be making, or how much I'll have left after textbooks and such, but the experience last week made me consider saving some extra and getting the B450, a 2x10, rather than the 1x15 B200. The problem is that it costs more, and not just a bit, I think it might be at least $100. But I really like the tight focused high frequency response I got out of the 8x10, and I really think I'd prefer the 2x10 to the 1x15. Would it be worth it to try to save up the extra money for the B450? If I absolutely need an amp for a gig or something, I COULD always use my brother's again if I didn't have my own, even though it's in crappy shape and I don't love the way it sounds. But...

Would it be worth it to go for the B450?

:: Acoustic - the pro's tone since 1967 :: - B450

:: Acoustic - the pro's tone since 1967 :: - B200

Also of note is that the B200 apparently weighs only 23 POUNDS! THAT'S AMAZING, because that's exactly how much their 10W PRACTICE AMP WEIGHS! Just thought that was funny.

[Nalte]

Since it has a horn, the 115 should have the highs that you are looking for.

I don't know how loud your band is, but a 115 or a 210 might not be loud enough if your band has a drummer and you play somewhere with less than optimal PA support.

Also, if you live in a city, craigslist is a great place to get some quality gear on the cheap (as long as you are a flexible about what you buy).

[Ezmar]

Well, I don't really have A band put together yet, but I will, and I'm sure that both of those amps would be plenty loud, because it would just be small gigs.

And Yes, I do know that the horn would add some of the highs, but I sort of do think that a 2x10 might be worth it, because I really don't feel like I need any of that low rumble sound. I certainly won't rule it out, but I sort of feel like the 2x10 sound is what I'm looking for, rather than just reinforcement of the higher frequencies. I feel like the 2x10 would give a better response all across the range than a 1x15, because the latter is so low heavy, but...

I guess what I'm saying is I would rather have the 2x10 than the 1x15, and I'm wondering if it would be worth it to save up the extra money, or should I drop on the 1x15 right away.


...man, I sound like I'm just dismissing your advice. I really don't mean it that way. :/

[Mirios]

If you want the 2x10 save up and get it. One area you never want to skimp in the bass world is the cabinet. Get the best one that you can.

[carl h.]

Price out your books before you become too invested in the idea of purchasing new gear.

If you have any money left over, hit up craigslist.

[Caca de Kick]

I always say, your dollar goes farther buying used gear, especially cabs. You can find time-tested GK and Ampeg gear all day long in the classifieds and local c-listings.
Acoustic brand is GC's house brand, it's not the same gear the famous stuff was made from back in the day.
Main thing is, try out lots of stuff before making a decision.

[kski94]

B200's are more like 75 pounds.hahah. at least mine is.but the sound is worth it.

[Bass_Pounder]

Originally Posted by Caca de Kick

Acoustic brand is GC's house brand, it's not the same gear the famous stuff was made from back in the day.

Just wanted to make sure this was seen.


You say you played an older Acoustic and liked it.

The old Acoustic is different then what you get now.

The "new" Acoustic is a cheap house brand made for Guitar Center, and other then "looks" it is nothing like the one you played.

Make sure you test them out thoroughly before buying.

[Ezmar]

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

Just wanted to make sure this was seen.


You say you played an older Acoustic and liked it.

The old Acoustic is different then what you get now.

The "new" Acoustic is a cheap house brand made for Guitar Center, and other then "looks" it is nothing like the one you played.

Make sure you test them out thoroughly before buying.

Yeah, I DID know that. That's the main problem, I don't have much of a chance to get out to try stuff out, unless it's in town, because there's not much in town, and the nearest other place is a guitar center maybe an hour off.

I was looking into combos, but would a head and cab be worth it too? How much do they cost, in comparison? There actually is a pretty good place in town for checking out used gear, it's a new place, and there's only one other store in town, and I don't trust them. I heard a horror story about how they SOLD this other guy's guitar that he had in the shop to get new pickups on it.

It's just that from the research and asking around I've done, I really think the Acoustic sounds good, and not just because of that old head I played last week. I'm basically looking for something with a pretty straight, transparent tone that I can shape however I want. Like Ampeg, they have a great reputation, but I also hear they "color" the sound, which I don't want too much of.

So the advice would be to go and check out the local shops and see how I like the stuff there? Should I make the extra effort to get out to Guitar Center to try out stuff there? I really don't think I could go wrong with the Acoustic, because I'm really not a discerning customer here, I don't really have any expectations of how it will sound that won't be confirmed by placebo effect. Basically any new amp I get will sound exactly like I want it to. Self fulfilling prophecy, you know?

Anyway, I appreciate all the feedback. I'm super excited to get this new amp, whatever it is. I sort of worry that I'll start thinking too hard once I'm out and trying them out, because if there is more than ONE that I like, I'll endlessly debate their comparative merits.

Also, a secondary consideration (and one of the reasons I like the Acoustic) is the asthetics. I don't like the Modern, industrial design of say, Fender and Peavey; I prefer the Older, vintage looking style. Now, I certainly wouldn't grap an old-looking amp over a modern one that sounded better, but... Just for asthetics, what would I look at to find that old-style kind of stuff? just the minimalistic kind of thing, no fancy frills and garnish.

Sorry if I carry on a bit. You know how it is, you're young, and excited, and it's the COOLEST DECISION YOU WILL EVER MAKE UNTIL YOU NEED A NEW AMP.

[Ezmar]

Hey, One more question. If I decided to go and get a Cab/Head instead of a combo, What sort of effect is the Brand of the Cab going to have? I feel like the Brand of the head would be more important, because that's the actual amplifier, but how much would the Cab be affected by the manufacturer? Is the cab basically how well the Wattage and ohms match up, and the speaker enclosures, regardless of WHO actually produces them?

Thanks again, and I hope I can get out to test some amps out soon!

Edit: Also, How much could I Expect to get a nice head and Cab for? Would I be able to shoot for something like a 4x10 on a budget of a couple hundred dollars? And If I bought used, would the quality still be just fine if I got it significantly cheaper? Basically, with a couple hundred dollars, how nice of a Cab and head could I expect to get?

[billgoodwin]

I bought a B200 from G-C during the 4th July sale....and have been completely amazed with the tone / sound that it pumps out. But, I am considering a trade up to the B450. Reason being, with the B450 more wattage of course and the fact that I can add another cab with out dropping a lot of power (it's been said the B450 amp is the same as the B600H head). I love my 15's but having the option of pairing the 2-10's with a 1-15 is more attractive. With my B200 , if I add another cabinet, because it's wired in series, the wattage drops.

My B200 has done a grand job and everyone that's heard it has said nothing but great things (mainly play my Squier VMJ and a '71 Precision thru it).

So yes...in the long run..if you can save a bit more..then go for the B450 especially if your gonna gig on a regular basis.

cheers

[Balog]

Used is always better, in terms of quality per dollar spent. I'd really hit Craigslist hard, try out a few things, and find something you like.

Also, cab is generally thought of as just as if not more important than the head.