How Big of an amp for me?

[Jordangtmichals]

I have been looking into getting something bigger than my lame practice amp now.
But how big should I go?

I play in churches and small gigs where we use PA systems.

1x15 combo? 2x10 head/cab? 1x12 practice amp combo?

Help?

[xed]

I'm a big fan of head+cab instead of combo since it leaves you more options to mix/match/upgrade at a later time.

If you have pa support then you need enough amp to function as a bass stage monitor for you and your band. If you don't have pa support then you need to be able to have enough amp to carry the room. Depending on the context of what you play; what you'll need to cover that will be different (light jazz vs death metal).

I'm guessing a 2x12 (or a pair of 1x12's) would be a good starting point to consider.

[butchblack]

Originally Posted by Jordangtmichals

I have been looking into getting something bigger than my lame practice amp now.
But how big should I go?

I play in churches and small gigs where we use PA systems.

1x15 combo? 2x10 head/cab? 1x12 practice amp combo?

Help?

What kinds of music do you play? What is your budget? Are there any other considerations like size, weight?

Very general rule of thumb is that you want at least 3X the wattage as the guitarist. Headroom is important so you should err on the side of too much versus not enough. 200-300W should be the minimum you're looking at unless everything you're doing is at coffee house volume levels. The new GK neo combos (MB series) are very nice. I have an MB210 that will handle all my needs. a 210 or 115 combo might be a nice step up for you.

[Jordangtmichals]

I am playing Alt. Rock/Popish. A lot of the music is chill but there is definitely some solid bass lines. I like to keep everything around $1000.

[butchblack]

Originally Posted by Jordangtmichals

I am playing Alt. Rock/Popish. A lot of the music is chill but there is definitely some solid bass lines. I like to keep everything around $1000.

For that money look into the GK MB 210 or 212 combo if you don't want to go the separate head cab route

[Ronny49]

Originally Posted by xed

I'm a big fan of head+cab instead of combo since it leaves you more options to mix/match/upgrade at a later time.

If you have pa support then you need enough amp to function as a bass stage monitor for you and your band. If you don't have pa support then you need to be able to have enough amp to carry the room. Depending on the context of what you play; what you'll need to cover that will be different (light jazz vs death metal).

I'm guessing a 2x12 (or a pair of 1x12's) would be a good starting point to consider.

+1

[ZachM]

I would absolutely say that you should get a separate head/cab setup. That will be so much better later on, when you're looking to upgrade. I'm sure there is some really good combos out there, but I bet you'll be happier later on with separate components.

[sammyp]

i'm pretty happy with by budget oriented FEnder Rumble 350 ....$500....i just front load it with a Boss CS 3 comp, TU2 and Boss Bass EQ ...i don't need the EQ...i have enough between the amp and bass