I dont know much about amps

[vengence]

Can u play your bass with just the amp or do you need the amp head?

[WhoDidTheElf]

If you have a combo all you need is an instrument cable.

If you have an Amp Head, you need a Cab to go with it, the head doesn't produce anything on its own.

A combo is simply a smaller amp head latched to a small cab all in one.

[C.Linton]

There are two basic types of amp.
1. Combo amp - Amplifier head and speaker combined in one unit.
2. Amp "stack" - component amp consisting of two parts, the amp head and a separate speaker cabinet, You cannot use the amp head or cabinet by themselves.

[pedroims]

Originally Posted by C.Linton

There are two basic types of amp.
1. Combo amp - Amplifier head and speaker combined in one unit.
2. Amp "stack" - component amp consisting of two parts, the amp head and a separate speaker cabinet, You cannot use the amp head or cabinet by themselves.

Unless is a head that has a headphone output and not cab load is needed, Genz Benz is a good example, I practice with head and headphone all week and plug the cab only for rehearsal.

All depends what you need, for practice at home you may not need a head and cab or combo, you can use a tascam bass trainer, Alesys S18 drum machine, Pandora box , etc and headphones for silent practice and still play along with your records.

[vengence]

Originally Posted by C.Linton

There are two basic types of amp.
1. Combo amp - Amplifier head and speaker combined in one unit.
2. Amp "stack" - component amp consisting of two parts, the amp head and a separate speaker cabinet, You cannot use the amp head or cabinet by themselves.

So what's the up side to having an "amp""stack""?

[C.Linton]

A number of reasons. In some ways it can be easier to transport a stack, and you can mix and match any amp head to any cabinet as long as the specs match up, there's a lot more flexiblity with a stack. You can take amp head "A" and pair it with a cabinet that has either 8 10" speakers, or one with two 15" speakers, or 4 12's ... you get the idea. With a combo amp you're kinda stuck with whatever the maker joined it with. And usually most stacks are more powerful than the average combo. (although there are exceptions). Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with combo amps, you can usually find some configuration to satisfy you, and it's all in one convenient package, and sometimes can be less expensive than a stack.
TBH, whichever you prefer is often a mere matter of personal preference, each has their own set of advantages/disadvantages.
EDIT: I would add that combo amps might be best for a total beginner, then you won't have to worry about the technicalities of matching the right head to the right cabinet. That technical stuff not actually hard to learn, but it's not something you need worry about right away. If you stick with bass, all that stuff will come to you eventually.
I'm assuming you're thinking of starting bass, else you wouldn't have posted here on Talkbass. If that's so, you've made a good start by coming to this forum, it's probably the most informative resource a bassist can have. Any questions you could possibly have about bass can be answered here.

[vengence]

So what do recommend for me? I'm in a rock band and we gonna start doing more gigs soon

[Bass_Pounder]

Originally Posted by vengence

So what do recommend for me? I'm in a rock band and we gonna start doing more gigs soon

Either a combo or seperate components that will give you:

300-500 watts

4X10, or 2X12 speakers

Expandable (able to add more speakers when necessary).

[bassgod0dmw]

What are you currently using, and how much are you looking to spend?

[SC Bassboy]

Originally Posted by vengence

So what do recommend for me? I'm in a rock band and we gonna start doing more gigs soon

A good 4x10 cabinet is hard to beat for starters. When my current band first started playing out I was running a SWR Goliath 4x10 and an old solid state Ampeg B3 head. I think it was only putting out about 125 watts, which is funny to think back on.

[vengence]

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

What are you currently using, and how much are you looking to spend?

I'm using my guitarist amp cuz I'm to poor to buy my own T.T and a schecter bass

[vengence]

Originally Posted by SC Bassboy

A good 4x10 cabinet is hard to beat for starters. When my current band first started playing out I was running a SWR Goliath 4x10 and an old solid state Ampeg B3 head. I think it was only putting out about 125 watts, which is funny to think back on.

How much do u think it would cost?

[vengence]

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

Either a combo or seperate components that will give you:

300-500 watts

4X10, or 2X12 speakers

Expandable (able to add more speakers when necessary).

How much do u think that would cost?

[will33]

Probably a few hundred bucks although good deals can be had on used gear if you're patient. Better to get something quality used than the cheapest thing made new. Bass is not good for guitar speakers, if you keep playing his at anything louder than bedroom volumes you could break it. Sell your video games or some other stuff you don't need and get a bass rig. Old peavey stuff that still works good is everywhere for cheap. Should be able to put together something for about $300 or so, can't get much cheaper than that.

[MNAirHead]

IF we knew where you were, someone here may be able to throw you a bone.

[BassRudro]

I am a starter too, and I dont know wich combo should I buy, I dont want to spend much money, and I want to play some gigs and those stuff with my friends (rock band too).
Can u guys explain me the thing about the effects ? Is there combos with effects or I have to buy a pedal ?

[ozzyismetal]

Originally Posted by BassRudro

I am a starter too, and I dont know wich combo should I buy, I dont want to spend much money, and I want to play some gigs and those stuff with my friends (rock band too).
Can u guys explain me the thing about the effects ? Is there combos with effects or I have to buy a pedal ?

What is your exact budget? If it's really low, I don't see many amps that are giggable. And effects aren't necessary, just a preference thing for different sounds. There are some cheap combos that have effects built-in, but they generally tend to sound quite bad and are a waste of space.

[bassgod0dmw]

Originally Posted by vengence

I'm using my guitarist amp cuz I'm to poor to buy my own T.T and a schecter bass

And...how much are you looking to spend? We can recommend stuff that costs $300 all the way to $5000 plus...so it's difficult to recommend anything without a number in mind.

[BassRudro]

Well, I want to spend about 150-250€, but I dont know if there are cool combos for this money.

[Sartori]

Remember, buy used.

More amp for your money that way.