Need big amp, small price?

UnderDogbassist · #1 06-03-2010, 10:15 PM

i'm looking towards replacing my peice of trash rumble 25. i want something i can play at home with by myself, but also can take to small gigs. nothing big, just a couple small places here and there, can't really come up with a size a dimension, but if youve played starting gigs then you would know how big. im reading on other forums and places like yahoo answers and people are saying that i would need over 200 watts just to be heard over a drum. 200 watts sounds like something i would definetly not be able to afford. this is something i have interest in. http://www.dagexpress.com/incEngine/?product=1030198878 a nice traynor 50 watt amp. my teacher recommonded it to me, and it's in a reasonable price range as well. problem is, will it be able to play in smaller venues? if not, what's a suitable replacement.

Jim Carr · #2 06-03-2010, 10:19 PM

Any idea of how much money you intend to spend? That is a most important bit of info!
Buy used....

ajunea3 · #3 06-03-2010, 10:20 PM

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....age?sku=483494

UnderDogbassist · #4 06-03-2010, 10:23 PM

Srry i'm really bad at numbers lol. I'm looking for something less than 500 preferably in the 300to 400 range

M0ses · #5 06-03-2010, 10:32 PM

You CAN get 200 watts with $400.
50 watts will not be enough for anything but the very, VERY smallest of gigs. Trust me, I've been there.

I will however not recommend Acoustic amps because IMO the Notch knob is a dealbreaker, unless you can turn it off, which you can't with the 200 watt models.
The Fender Rumble 150 is pretty decent, though. I've played through it, definitely workable. There's also the Gallien Krueger MB115, which I haven't played but it looks pretty cool. At $400 you're going to have to get a combo.

Buy used, though.

Jim Carr · #6 06-03-2010, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0ses

You CAN get 200 watts with $400.
50 watts will not be enough for anything but the very, VERY smallest of gigs...At $400 you're going to have to get a combo.

Buy used...

Do not get a combo, unless you are not even mildly serious about bass. A worthwhile combo is quite costly and only (IMHO) for pro's who have PA support and know exactly what they are doing. A combo can not be upgraded, only replaced. The modularity of a cabinet + head is much more cost efficient.

Do get a used head and a used cabinet. Check TB classified, but in all honesty, craigslist or Kijiji is your friend.

babebambi · #7 06-03-2010, 10:50 PM

You can definitely afford 300 watt with your budget.

But you need to be patient and search for pre-owned equipment.

I just sold my Yorkville 400 watt XS400T combo for $500.

UnderDogbassist · #8 06-03-2010, 10:58 PM

It's funny cuz like. It sounds like my Schools fender baseman 100 watt amp can fill my entire school gym (I've gotten untroubled for playing it too loud) but that kinda goes against what you guys are saying so yeah lol

Marginal Tom · #9 06-03-2010, 11:05 PM

If you go the head/cab route, make sure they're compatible. You shoudn't try to run two 4-ohm cabs unless your head is capable of working at 2 ohms (see the FAQ's). You shouldn't try to run a 400 watt amp wide open through a cab rated at 200, either (see the FAQ's)

kurotenshi · #10 06-04-2010, 05:04 AM

I'm not an expirienced guy when it comes to amps but power and quality with low price Ashdown comes to mind. I simply love my friend's ABM stack but I also played the MAG 300H + MAG 410 and it is quite the nice setup.