A good pair of a VT Bass and a small practise/rehersal amp?

30hrz · #1 06-01-2011, 02:40 PM

Recently scored a VT Bass Deluxe on the cheap and I'm looking to move up from my lil practice amp to something nicer sounding. Only have about $300-$400 max to spend. Looking for something for home practice and band rehearsals. Suggestions appreciated.

Thanks.

**jmattbassplaya** · #2 06-01-2011, 02:49 PM

Are you looking just for a head or a full rig?

PaulDouglas · #3 06-01-2011, 02:52 PM

Ampeg BA-115 is 100 Watts and makes a very nice overall sound. I use it in rehearsals and it cuts right over the drummer and the lead just fine. I use an Ampeg BA-115HP (220 watts) live. Check out the Ampeg Mirco stacks befor e you decide. They are in your price range, they sound great in the spare room, and some have LXR line-outs for the mixing board and weight less that the Bass you will have strung around your neck.

Acoustic makes a nice amp too, as does Peavey. Both can give you more power than the Ampeg, for the same money; but less sound quality (to my ears). Then again, I often forget there is any other brand of amp except Ampeg.

30hrz · #4 06-01-2011, 03:57 PM

I considered the Ampeg Micro VT and cab though it's a touch out of my price range. Seems the fan noise might bother me for when I'm practising at home. The PF-350 + cab might be an idea though I haven't herd good about Type-D heads. A strong consideration is the b100r, which i'm trying to hunt down. I also hear Peavey is good for the money.

Scott549 · #5 06-01-2011, 10:32 PM

You can get a used GK Backline 600 for under $200, which is a good value. Pair it with a decent 15" and you're ready to rock.

JimmyM · #6 06-02-2011, 12:07 AM

With the fan noise again! Sheesh! It's not THAT loud. I'll never get that obsession with fan noise.

Anyway, in that range new, you're a little limited. Probably a 100w 115 or 210 combo would be the best bet. You could do better used, though.

JSK5String · #7 06-02-2011, 12:12 AM

If you already have a cab, you can't go wrong with a Mark Bass LM II. Since the III came out you can pick up a II pretty inexpensively and there's not much difference between the two. I think the line out level control and the ability to switch the line out between pre and post via an external switch are the only differences between the two.

At any rate, I picked up a II from a fellow TB'er and it goes with my VTB Deluxe just fine...

blastjv · #8 06-02-2011, 07:20 AM

The B100R is a fantastic amp, but it's a little limited in volume, so just make sure it will be enough for you. The tone is great, though. You can find them used for around $300-ish...

-JV

30hrz · #9 06-02-2011, 07:45 AM

Thanks again for the replies.

Going to need a combo or head + amp. Gonna head out to the local GC to see what I find.

MuthaFunk · #10 06-02-2011, 09:02 AM

I run a VT Bass through SWR Gear and it sounds awesome!! (Baby Baby Blue) The SWR stuff is quite adept at reproducing whatever it gets in and the VT Bass is no exception. With the VTB on it sounds like an old Ampeg, switch it off and volia! Modern SWR. It's really cool.

I just saw a 400Watt SWR SM-400 sell here on TB for $250 not long ago. It even took a while to move at that price too! If I were in your place I would take advantage of SWR's recent drop in popularity (thanks Fender) and search for a high quality used piece on the cheap.