Need decent first amp to fill in for worship

topfencer · #1 11-07-2011, 10:40 PM

Hi guys,

I am primarily a guitar player who has been filling in for our bassist at church some weeks using a buddy's borrowed gear. Recently found a Peavey Fury on the local craigslist for $65, so picked one up with the goal of actually learning to play bass like a bass! Now looking for an amp.

I've looked through several other threads, but most seem to be looking for something a little different than I am. Here's what I'm really looking for:

-Cheap ($100 used ideal, $150 realistic, $200 for a really killer amp)
-Portable
-DI or XLR out would be nice, as we currently mic the amp but have limited mics
-Headphone out is almost a must, as I'm a med student living in a duplex, so some late night practicing is inevitable
-FX loop would be nice
-Most tone I can get for the $

It seems like a lot of people recommend 200+ watt amps. If it's either/or, I'd take portability over size, as we usually mic the amp (playing through a buddy's Fender Rumble 30 now). FWIW my church is VERY small (~100 ppl), and we meet in a hotel conference room with congas for drums.

Here are some amps I've found online that look promising, but as many of them are older (used), would be buying online. Has anyone used these?

-Fender bassman 25/60
-Carvin microbass 110 (112 looks awesome but prob too much $)
-Tech 21 landmark 60
-Hartke kickback 10/12
-Ampeg BA 112
-Gallein Kruger backline 112

Any reviews, recs, or relevant bass info? Pretty new to the bass, so please excuse any stupid questions, etc. Also thanks to the guys at thegearpage for the referral here. Nice to meet you all, and thanks in advance for all your help.

John

will33 · #2 11-08-2011, 07:44 AM

As far as I know, all those have a DI. I've played the ampeg and the hartke. Both are pretty good little amps. The hartke I'd describe as a little cleaner, clearer sound, more highend if you want it, can dial it out if you don't. The Ampeg sounds like an ampeg in a small package. Little warmer, more "beef". Little harder to make really clean and clear but both are good amps, just a little different tonal flavors.

Crater · #3 11-08-2011, 07:59 AM

The Tech21 Landmark 60 is a guitar amp, isn't it? Don't use a guitar amp for bass, please.

I'd really recommend at least 100 watts and at least a single 15" speaker (or two 10") for playing in a band situation, yes even with PA support. If that's more than you can afford, then at least get something with a 12" speaker and 50+ watts. Anything with a single 10" speaker is only suitable for home practice in my opinion. I have a Crate BT-100 combo amp and it has all the features you're looking for: DI out, effects loop, headphone jack. I bought it for $100 used and yes that was a good deal. Used Peavey bass amps are generally considered to be decent quality, as are Fender and Ampeg.

I hear good things about the new Acoustic line of amps, the B100 model might be worth checking out. I have an Acoustic B20 and it's a very nice little practice amp.

topfencer · #4 11-08-2011, 08:52 PM

Thanks for the info, guys. Crater, I think you may be getting it confused with the Trademark 60, which is a guitar amp. Here's the page for the Landmark 60, which says it's supposed to be a bass amp. Looks pretty cool on paper, as everything I've seen about the Tech 21 bass DI gives it pretty rave reviews.

Will check out the B100. Any other recs for good older (and hopefully not super heavy) 15" 100ish watt amps that could afford.

TodB · #5 11-08-2011, 09:41 PM

I got my son a GK MB112 for his first bass amp and was really impressed with it. Most of the small entry level amps have no guts but that was the exception You just can't get decent sound without reasonable wattage. It might be a little more than you want to spend but you'll like playing a lot more if you like the way you sound.

slobake · #6 11-09-2011, 01:06 PM

I have been playing an Ampeg BA 08 in church. Very small, not very loud, great tone IMHOP. It also has headphone in, line out amd has a place to plug in your MP3 or Laptop. I use it for practising along with songs on YouTube.
We are a pretty small church and I haven't had to use the line out yet, but I will be using it this weekend.
We are playing a lot of Jesus Culture and Hillsong songs and it sounds great for that.
I payed $99 for a new amp.

basscooker · #7 11-09-2011, 01:44 PM

peavey tnt150, tko65 are good entry level amps, both can be found cheap on cl. i agree stay away from anything under a 15 or pair of 10's. i'm sure some 1x12's are good too but don't have any experience there, so i can't reccomend them for sure.

pedroims · #8 11-09-2011, 01:48 PM

you will use it as monitor right? I would recomend the hartke, small, clean, great customer service

tdub0199 · #9 11-09-2011, 01:49 PM

GK MB115...

henry2513 · #10 11-09-2011, 01:57 PM

Get a used Ampeg BA115. I used that in my worship band until my recent upgrade only because I have other projects now where I need to be a bit louder.

It sounds great, built like a tank and has all the features you're looking for.

Stumbo · #11 11-09-2011, 04:14 PM

I recommend you check out Roland. For around $275 you can get everything you want and more (plus 100w and 1x12): Roland CB 100

There's a Roland Cube 30 also available for about $60 less.

Get it up to ear level or tilt it back (in back or front of you) and it would be a great stage monitor.