Need help figuring out an amp situation

Souperman08 · #1 10-19-2010, 11:46 PM

(I'm a new bass play so forgive anything stupid I might say).

I've recently gotten alot of offers (3 is alot for me) from guys wanting me to gig with them as a bass player. I've only in the last couple months started getting into bass playing, but I guess I've picked it up fast enough. I just bought a nice upgraded SX bass (from a forumite here), so now I'm looking for an amp I can gig/practice with. For practices, I need something that can be heard over a drummer and at least one guitar player.

As far as sounds that I like, I went into Guitar Center and played a used GK Backline 2x10 ($250), and absolutely loved how it sounded. I loved the punch of it, and the second channel for adding some overdrive/dirt to the sound. Problem is I can't afford it right now, and I need a bass amp ASAP. So, I have a few options and I wanted some input.

1. Get a cheap amp, probably a 1x15 combo so I have something to use, and then save up to either upgrade or get a sansamp or something to improve the sound

2. Hold off on the gigs until I can save up for the GK.

3. Get some other cheaper amp that will have a similar sound to the GK (Suggestions?)

4. Get a 2x10 cab a guy is offering me locally in a trade deal, and get some kind of cheap head on it (suggestions? I can't find a GK head locally, and I feel like shipping would get pricey)

Thanks in advance for your help guys.

SnakeKappele · #2 10-19-2010, 11:53 PM

Not #2.

What is your budget?

Souperman08 · #3 10-19-2010, 11:57 PM

It kinda varies depending on how much gear I can get sold, but probably 100 to 150. Maybe more if I sell my guitar amp (which I'm kinda leaning towards, but I'm unsure).

SnakeKappele · #4 10-19-2010, 11:59 PM

What is your guitar amp?

Ever try your bass through it?

Can it take an external cab?

Souperman08 · #5 10-20-2010, 12:06 AM

It's a Vox AC4TV, I haven't tried my bass thru it but I don't think it would be enough power (it's 4 watts), however it does have an external speaker output. Anyone know what guitar tone (with some pedals) thru a bass amp would sound like?

AwkwardLoudness · #6 10-20-2010, 12:09 AM

Congrats on the gig offers.

I say go for the GK 2x10 combo for $250 since you like the sound of it. Any useful gig worthy amp head + cab or combo won't be much cheaper anyway.

EDIT: The Vox AC4TV would not work for bass. Some bass amps are also great for guitar though it's generally best to use bass speakers for bass and guitar speakers for guitar.

rodl2005 · #7 10-20-2010, 12:10 AM

Find a 2nd hand Peavey 150 15" combo or an old Fender BXR 1x15" combo- both can be had REALLY cheap- will grunt under a guitar & drums!! Save yr gig $$$$ Then buy a GK or other rig of yr dreams

SnakeKappele · #8 10-20-2010, 12:20 AM

How about this:
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....Amp?sku=423638

They should have it at GC to try.

Souperman08 · #9 10-20-2010, 01:29 AM

Alright, I'm going to put up a "Looking to buy" posting on the local craigslist, and see what pops up, I'll bump this thread with what offers I get.

Axtman · #10 10-20-2010, 03:44 AM

Buy what you like. If you like the GK, as do I, then go for it. Anything else will disappoint you and you will always nag yourself with, "I shoulda bought the GK."

Souperman08 · #11 10-21-2010, 11:49 PM

Well, the good news is I found a guy on Craigslist selling the exact same amp (A GK backline 2x10). He's asking $250, but he's offering me $150 plus a pedal I was looking to trade. Now I need to sell a project P/J bass and hopefully make up the $150 ASAP.