Need help choosing an amp.

pica · #1 03-28-2013, 09:01 PM

I can't decide what amp to get. My funds are limited so I'm looking to buy used. So I decided to put my choices out there and see where it goes. Feel free to post comments.

Floyd Eye · #2 03-28-2013, 09:05 PM

What's your budget ( ballpark) ?
Amp and cab or combo ?
Are you in a band and if so what kind of band?

pica · #3 03-28-2013, 09:08 PM

Budget $400 - $450
Just the amp
Not in a band yet.

atomicdog · #4 03-28-2013, 09:15 PM

What kind of music are you going to play? Are you gonna be gigging or practicing. I have a Rumble 350. Pretty versatile (doesn't get a lot of love on TB). I've used it in a small club and bar situation and it had plenty of headroom. I might recommend the 350 head and a cab over the combo though--more opportunity to use different cabs and such. The Genz Benz 6.0 run $600-$700, so that's out of your stated price range.

Downunderwonder · #5 03-28-2013, 09:26 PM

Cab plus amp puts you in Rumble camp.

pica · #6 03-28-2013, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomicdog

What kind of music are you going to play? Are you gonna be gigging or practicing. I have a Rumble 350. Pretty versatile (doesn't get a lot of love on TB). I've used it in a small club and bar situation and it had plenty of headroom. I might recommend the 350 head and a cab over the combo though--more opportunity to use different cabs and such. The Genz Benz 6.0 run $600-$700, so that's out of your stated price range.

I like to play rock, classic and modern. I'm going to practice but want something that I can use to gig with when the time comes. I tried the Fender 350 amp with a Rumble 2x8 cab and really liked it. I liked the Hartke a lot, but it does not come with a headphone jack. I live in a house with other people and a headphone jack is important but not a deal breaker.

Green1 · #7 03-28-2013, 09:52 PM

I used to own a Shuttle 6.0 and have played all the heads you have listed, I would suggest also looking at an Aguilar Tone Hammer......all of these are quality amps, it really comes down to what sounds best to you. Good luck!

Gougedeye · #8 03-28-2013, 10:00 PM

I have a Rumble 350 head. I like it. It has plenty of power and it is easy to use. There are not a ton of features, but the price is pretty good.

Randy S · #9 03-28-2013, 10:02 PM

Simple choice. If you are American, buy a GK, or another USA made brand.

pica · #10 03-28-2013, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green1

I would suggest also looking at an Aguilar Tone Hammer......all of these are quality amps, it really comes down to what sounds best to you. Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll take a look at it.

1stnamebassist · #11 03-29-2013, 12:50 AM

Carvin Micro combos are really nice and reasonably priced.

dukeorock · #12 03-29-2013, 01:08 AM

I know it's not on your list, but for a tight budget, the old GK1001's are still a great value...good sounding, plenty of power, dependable

nolezmaj · #13 03-29-2013, 01:13 AM

Got myself GK MB500 couple of weeks ago, and like it very much so far. Lightweight, fits in my small equipment bag, enough of power, boost works great for r&r. It cost me 300 euro new.

xroads · #14 03-29-2013, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolezmaj

Got myself GK MB500 couple of weeks ago, and like it very much so far. Lightweight, fits in my small equipment bag, enough of power, boost works great for r&r. It cost me 300 euro new.

May I ask where you paid 300 for a new MB500?

Downunderwonder · #15 03-29-2013, 04:24 AM

Euros are still worth more than Bucks.

**JxBass** · #16 03-29-2013, 04:55 AM

Another in the "not on your list" category (sorry), a used Markbass LMII/III is a very nice head.

pica · #17 03-29-2013, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JxBass

Another in the "not on your list" category (sorry), a used Markbass LMII/III is a very nice head.

No problem. The ones on my list are just the ones I tried. I'm open to suggestions. Thanks

qervo · #18 03-29-2013, 05:17 AM

Peavey max 115. 300watts , plenty of contour , headphone jack, aux in for iPods , mp3, tube tone , weighs about 35 pounds . Cost about 300 bucks

ArtechnikA · #19 03-29-2013, 05:41 AM

Shop the sales and coupon deals...

I pounced on a 15% sale at MusiciansFriend and picked up an LH1000 for $425.
They're showing the LH500 for $350 and they've always got some kind of '1-item' deal going (today's is 12%). Yes - no headphone jack. There are lots of solutions to the quiet practice problem for not a lot of money. Here's an 11-page thread that talks about _many_ of the available options... --> TalkBass Thread: headphone practice options

The ToneHammer gets a lot of love here but it does have a 'vintage tubey' sound I wasn't sure I'd like. I can always add the effect later if I decide I must have it. If you want that sound, it's another great option. It's small and light, which the LH amps aren't. I can't tell if it has a headphone out but - this is your research project, not mine

. And as mentioned, there are solutions to that issue.

Watch the classifieds for cabs - guys here are moving up and down all the time. Be prepared to pounce with cash for the right deal.

packhowitzer · #20 03-29-2013, 06:21 AM

I voted for the GK and here's why- Not only is it very portable and a good value for the power and features- but it is also EXTREMELY easy to dial in a good sound on it. The GK active EQ is different from those on most amps. It's really hard to get a bad sound out of it, and easy to be heard in the mix with the way that it's voiced. I think the Genz Benz is at least as good or better on build quality, but with GK- just set the eq knobs at noon, makes some (very slight) adjustments, and you are set. Easy fast setup every time. The song in my signature was recorded with a GK MB-800 (similar to the 500) that has been mic'd with no effects on it- if you need a reference. good luck.