New Amp Suggestions Needed

[bassplayer502]

I'm lost! I'm a guitar player for almost 20 years that started playing bass about 2 years ago. I was lucky enough to start with a MIA Jazz bass and an Acoustic B200 (1X15). I didn't want to sink a lot of money into an amp since I was new and wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I'm now playing classic rock and blues in a trio (for fun) and the B200 isn't cutting it (not enough power). I would like to upgrade to something a little more powerful but my knowledge of bass amps is limited and I'm not sure were to go? I've read through a lot of posts and I'm more confused. I play finger style (no slap) and find myself rolling off the tone almost completely in search of warm, round, fat tone. I'm thinking something around 400watts would be ideal in a reliable non-combo setup thats somewhat easy to move. I like the TC Electronics heads and stackable cabs from what I see on the tube? The local GC seems to push Markbass? Any input or direction would be appreciated. Thanks.

[bassguppy]

Well....depending on your budget you have probably a couple dozen choices at least.

Playing classic rock/blues look into an Ashdown ABM500 head with a 410, 212, or 210 & 115. The head weighs around 35-40lbs but I don't totally understand the need for a 5 lb head when you have to drag a 40 to 50+ lb cab anyway.

Markbass gets great reviews here as well, look into the Little Mark.

And definitely do a search as there are probably a couple thousand threads regarding a great amp in the 400-500 watt range.

[whatiswhat]

have you played on a markbass? i played one at gc and wasn't impressed. I play over a mesa amp and cab and love it. you just have to find one that you like.

[shoot-r]

Originally Posted by bassplayer502

I'm lost! I'm a guitar player for almost 20 years that started playing bass about 2 years ago. I was lucky enough to start with a MIA Jazz bass and an Acoustic B200 (1X15). I didn't want to sink a lot of money into an amp since I was new and wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I'm now playing classic rock and blues in a trio (for fun) and the B200 isn't cutting it (not enough power). I would like to upgrade to something a little more powerful but my knowledge of bass amps is limited and I'm not sure were to go? I've read through a lot of posts and I'm more confused. I play finger style (no slap) and find myself rolling off the tone almost completely in search of warm, round, fat tone. I'm thinking something around 400watts would be ideal in a reliable non-combo setup thats somewhat easy to move. I like the TC Electronics heads and stackable cabs from what I see on the tube? The local GC seems to push Markbass? Any input or direction would be appreciated. Thanks.

I'd suggest adding G.K. to your "try out list."
I recently went with a new G.K. MB2-500 head into two Avatar 210 Neo cabs.
The G.K. MB2-500 head is 500 watts at 4 ohms, 375 watts at 8 ohms, 580 watts total power.
Weighs in at 3.8 lbs.!
$499.00 at G.C.
Avatar bass cabinets are probably the better inexpensive cabs on the market at this time.
My 40 lbs. each Avatar 210 Neo cabs were $319.00 plus shipping each.
www.avatarspeakers.com

[bassplayer502]

Thanks for the input! I will add Ashdown, Mesa and GK to the list.