Looking to get a new amp for small venues, suggestions?

[brlottermann]

Hey,
So I'm looking into getting a new bass amp for practice at home and for smaller venues.

I'm thinking something in the 300-500 watt range. Price should not exceed $800 preferably.

I've been interested in the Behringer Ultrabass BXL3000A, because I really dig the detailed EQ system on it and the compressor is a nice addition. Plus its very cheap and packs quite a punch.
Also, I'm liking the Markbass Mini CMD 121P which I saw at Guitar Center for $750. The tone is nice, however I fear it might be a little too small.

Any other suggestions?

[JetBlackJazz]

Save yourself the grief and DON'T get a Behringer. Ask anyone on TB why...

Ashdown MAG C210T-300 EVO II 300W 2x10 Bass Combo Amp Black with Silver Face and more Bass Amplifiers at GuitarCenter.com.

TC Electronic BG500 500W 2x10 Bass Combo Amp Standard and more Bass Amplifiers at GuitarCenter.com.

Acoustic B200H and B410 Stack Standard and more Bass Amplifiers at GuitarCenter.com.

BTW, the TC is what I own, just used it live last night and this morning. Flawless amp! watch out for the cheap buttons though

[bassgod0dmw]

Used Mesa Walkabout Scout

[JimWasHere]

Micro-VR and 210AV? Not quite in the 300 watt range, but it's definitely loud, and well within your price range, and it's surprisingly ampeg.

[brlottermann]

I checked out the TC Electronic BG500 and I really like it. sounds great, looks great, has great features. Do you know the ballpark price on it? I can't find it on Amazon :P

[JimWasHere]

Originally Posted by brlottermann

I checked out the TC Electronic BG500 and I really like it. sounds great, looks great, has great features. Do you know the ballpark price on it? I can't find it on Amazon :P

looks like head at 499 and combo at 699

[Sav'nBass]

Originally Posted by brlottermann

Hey,
So I'm looking into getting a new bass amp for practice at home and for smaller venues.
I'm thinking something in the 300-500 watt range. Price should not exceed $800 preferably.
I've been interested in the Behringer Ultrabass BXL3000A, because I really dig the detailed EQ system on it and the compressor is a nice addition. Plus its very cheap and packs quite a punch.
Also, I'm liking the Markbass Mini CMD 121P which I saw at Guitar Center for $750. The tone is nice, however I fear it might be a little too small.
Any other suggestions?

Consider a used Shuttle 6.0 (375W @ 8 ohms, 600W @ 4 ohms) or 9.0 (500W @ 8 ohms 900W @ 4 ohms) and a light weight 8 ohm 112 cab. Down the road you could get a second cab of the same make and have a very versatile rig.

I have never used Behringer (I have not heard good things about their products) .. but I have used Genz Benz and unless their products take a nose dive in workmanship .. they have a customer for life here.

[JimWasHere]

Originally Posted by Sav'nBass

I have never used Behringer (I have not heard good things about their products) ..

I've used it. I currently use it. I want it all to die in a fire

[1954bassman]

$800 will buy a lot of amp. Don't even think Behringer.

GK MB series
Mark Bass
Fender
Ampeg
Eden
uh, you get the idea....

[Joe Louvar]

Originally Posted by 1954bassman

$800 will buy a lot of amp. Don't even think Behringer.

+1, yea I think you’re going to need more money - expressly for a nice 300-500 watt rig.

Edit: Oops my bad, correction - $800 won't buy a lot of amp.

[RickenBoogie]

Shop used gear, and avoid Behringer like the plaugue. Also, don't skimp on the speaker cabs.

[2milehighspike]

Originally Posted by JimWasHere

I've used it. I currently use it. I want it all to die in a fire

I know someone who almost did when it caught on fire and almost torched his garage, NO BEHRINGER!

[JimWasHere]

Originally Posted by 2milehighspike

I know someone who almost did when it caught on fire and almost torched his garage, NO BEHRINGER!

It wasn't me, I have an alibi!

Seriously though, glad it was an almost for your friend.

[2milehighspike]

Originally Posted by Joe Louvar

+1, yea I think you’re going to need more money - expressly for a nice 300-500 watt rig.

Edit: Oops my bad, correction - $800 won't buy a lot of amp.

HUH? gk mb800-$699,gkmb500-$499, ampeg pf500-$399,markbass Lm3-$699 then get a 15% off coupon

[Joe Louvar]

Originally Posted by 2milehighspike

HUH? gk mb800-$699,gkmb500-$499, ampeg pf500-$399,markbass Lm3-$699 then get a 15% off coupon

The OP will still need cabinets for those amp heads.

[Joe Louvar]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Shop used gear, and avoid Behringer like the plaugue. Also, don't skimp on the speaker cabs.

^^^ +1, this is good advise.

[2milehighspike]

Originally Posted by Joe Louvar

The OP will still need cabinets for those amp heads.

Thats when you go used and look for an ampeg 4x10, they are all over the place used, btcha you can still get close to the $800 budget

[john_martin_sai]

I spent about $800 recently on a GK mb500 + 410mbe (4 ohm) Cab....

A Versatile 500 watts at about 45 pounds.....Turned out to be a very good buy!

[JimWasHere]

Originally Posted by 2milehighspike

Thats when you go used and look for an ampeg 4x10, they are all over the place used, btcha you can still get close to the $800 budget

This is a very good point.

$200ish for a used 410HLF
$299 for a new Crown XLS1000
$199 for a BDDI
$100 breathing room

Very giggable rig. And don't let the no mid control thing turn you off from the BDDI, you can still get some very good tones.

[Kryptos]

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

Used Mesa Walkabout Scout

+1