I hate doing this, but i need some help...

CardinalFan984 · #1 03-22-2010, 10:06 PM

I'm about to go off to college and I'll be stuck in a dorm that is nowhere large enough to house my monster of an amp. Therefore, it is being sold and I need to find something a bit smaller. That's where the problem comes in - Though I spend wayyyy too much time in the "basses" section of this forum, I know virtually nothing when it comes to amps. Hence why I'm posting this

I will have $800 to spend on an amp (combo or cab&head, doesn't matter). I can spend maybe $50 or so more if absolutely necessary, but I'm pretty much restrained to that budget. I need something small enough to fit comfortably in my dorm, but I'd still like it to sound halfway decent, with a preferably vintage-esque tone. I'll more than likely be using it to gig in college, so a line out would be nice, but a mic always works if that's not possible

Thanks a ton for your help!

uglyrumor · #2 03-22-2010, 10:19 PM

Eight hundred dollars should get you a good used Bag End 15 and a Thunderfunk or Gibson GB-440 head used. Might be pushing it, but should work for you. And I know you'll be happy. Later on you can add another Bag End 15 or 2X10 if you need to. Look in the for sale section of this site.

burl0029 · #3 03-22-2010, 10:43 PM

I'm currently waiting for my GK MB212 to arrive. I played the 210 in the store and decided to buy the 212 sight-unheard. The eq is pretty versatile and the 212 is only 700 new. The big problem, though, is waiting for them to come into stock. PM me in a week or three and I can hopefully give a report as to the amp's sound.

It's small, light, and is (the 210 was, anyway) wicked-loud.

nightcityburn · #4 03-22-2010, 10:46 PM

Maybe you can track down a Shuttle 3.0t combo? 300 watts and light. I am pretty sure that can be had for around 600 used.

davkane · #5 03-22-2010, 11:25 PM

I would also consider the Markbass mini 121p CMD.

You can get a pretty good vintage type sound (IMO) thru it. I have seen quite a few used at $675. It runs a 300 watts at 8ohm, when you get the chance, you can add another 8ohm cab and run it at 500 watts.

One negative, is there is not headphone out, which would be great in a dorm room for late night practice.

faceinbass · #6 03-22-2010, 11:31 PM

Here is some revolutionary advice..

Go play through a bunch and buy the one you like!

**JxBass** · #7 03-23-2010, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davkane

I would also consider the Markbass mini 121p CMD.

+1. Perfect "dorm sized" combo that comes with the great LMII/III amp. It'll blast away in the dorm and handle small gigs. Down the road you can add an extension cab and handle almost anything.

LDonnie · #8 03-23-2010, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faceinbass

Here is some revolutionary advice..

Go play through a bunch and buy the one you like!

This

GlennPagano · #9 03-23-2010, 05:04 AM

I would just keep it. You can fit it in your dorm just fine. I keep an Avatar 212 with a Carvin Bx500 in my dorm room

derridiandrift · #10 03-23-2010, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CardinalFan984

I will have $800 to spend on an amp... with a preferably vintage-esque tone... a line out would be nice

Ampeg B-200R

CardinalFan984 · #11 03-23-2010, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faceinbass

Here is some revolutionary advice..

Go play through a bunch and buy the one you like!

I knew this would be coming haha.

I plan to try as many as I can, but there are hundreds of different amps out there. Right now I'm just trying to narrow it down a bit so I'm not out trying amps forever trying to find one.

AltGrendel · #12 03-23-2010, 06:10 AM

Get this amp.

For the vintage thing, get a small tube preamp.

stiles72 · #13 03-23-2010, 08:35 AM

Ampeg Micro VR or B-100R. Both are small but sound great have the signature tones.

RickenBoogie · #14 03-23-2010, 05:48 PM

Buy a used mesa Walkabout Scout. Done, and done.

funkytoe · #15 03-23-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Buy a used mesa Walkabout Scout. Done, and done.

What he said.

rdwoody1 · #16 03-29-2010, 04:28 PM

I have an Ampeg SVT-II Pro and an Ampeg 8x10 in my dorm! But, we do have pretty large dorms at my school. I previously had an SWR Redhead in there. Super nice amp. You may be able to find an older one that meets your budget. I believe one sold on the FS forum a short while ago for something like $750.

johnk_10 · #17 03-29-2010, 04:34 PM

in your situation, my recommendation would be to get Don at LDS to build you a fEarful 12126 and find a used LM II for a head. i think that it would be small and light enough, yet be able to play most venues w/o any PA support.

62bass · #18 03-29-2010, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AltGrendel

Get this amp.

For the vintage thing, get a small tube preamp.

Looks interesting if only for the colour. What's it sound like and will it stand up to playing with a drummer in a small club without going into the P.A.?

62bass · #19 03-29-2010, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Buy a used mesa Walkabout Scout. Done, and done.

that's what I would do. I used one for a few years of steady gigging. Wonderful little amp with a huge sound.

honestjohnny · #20 03-29-2010, 04:43 PM

Contact Don @ LDS to see how much a Eminence Kappalite 3015 or 3012 (non-LF) one-way cab will run you. Buy a Tech 21 VT-Bass pedal and a Carvin DCL1000 or other poweramp. That'll give you small/light/loud/vintage.