New Bass Amp, help me decide!

Zack_Blanc · #1 09-04-2011, 08:37 AM

OK, so, I don't know much about amps. I recently bought a Yamaha TRB 1006J, and I don't think my current amp does it any justice. So, let's say I have a 800$ budget. Should I buy a cabinet and head combo? Idk, you tell me!

geddyfan · #2 09-04-2011, 08:40 AM

Used walkabout scout gets my vote

slap5string · #3 09-04-2011, 08:45 AM

GK 700rbII - $599 new - used SBX410 - $250-300. A little bit more $ but will serve you well! I played this combo for many years and loved it!

RickenBoogie · #4 09-04-2011, 10:48 AM

Take your bass to anywhere they sell amps, plug in to everything, buy what sounds best to you.

Zack_Blanc · #5 09-06-2011, 12:35 AM

Umm, anyone else? I want to have a general idea before I start searching for stores that actually *have* those amps.

greencow · #6 09-06-2011, 12:43 AM

I'd agree with ricken boogie. Go to yur local stores and play some amps. Find something that you like and then ask for information on reliability/known issues/etc here for the specific amps you like.

alecduncan · #7 09-06-2011, 06:13 AM

I'd go with Ricken Boogie's idea, but I would add to NOT buy new with that money. Try out the amps at the store and when you decide on a perfect "sound", start hunting on craigslist or the Talkbass classifieds.

Some popular heads to try out:

Hartke LH3500
Gallien Krueger 700RBII
SWR 350x (or any in the x line, these have great value imo)
Ashdown MAG300
Trace Elliot AH250/500

And mix and match what cabinets you like! You should be able to find a very nice head and cabinet for that money. For example, I purchased my GK 1001RB-II and 410RBH for $700... in my mind, a great deal.

dalkowski · #8 09-06-2011, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecduncan

I'd go with Ricken Boogie's idea, but I would add to NOT buy new with that money. Try out the amps at the store and when you decide on a perfect "sound", start hunting on craigslist or the Talkbass classifieds.

+1. These days $800 can get you a lot of quality on the used market. Bask in the thrill of the hunt!

srayb · #9 09-06-2011, 06:26 AM

I agree to really keep a lookout for used gear. A lot of music stores will allow you rent anything that is used... if you find something you think you might like, rent it for a month, put it through it's paces... see if it's the sound you want. If it is, you should be able to apply the rental to the purchase price... and if it isn't what you like, you're only out a small amount of cash and can keep looking.

I agree that there are a lot of good used GK heads around, I've had my 400RB (bought used) for over 15 years, and still love it.

tdub0199 · #10 09-06-2011, 06:27 AM

You can a used GK 700RB II for around $300.00 and that leaves you with $500.00 for a cab..... don't skimp on the cab....

alecduncan · #11 09-06-2011, 06:32 AM

Also, just to add, the GK 800RB sounds fantastic and has a classic tone; if you feel that it's loud enough and like the sound, I'd reccomend it over any GK head short of the 700/1001 (although it stills sees use in certain situations

)

cchorney · #12 09-06-2011, 07:18 AM

I would second the recommendation of trying out a bunch of stuff, even stuff that you might think wouldn't sound good - keep an open mind regarding tone until you've heard it yourself, and bring your own bass to the store to try it.

Regarding used vs new, yeah I hate to say it but shop the stores to get a sense of what you want, then buy something used. So much more bang for the buck buying used.

Regarding combo vs components, it depends. Combos are easier but components allow more growth. But either way, a 15 inch speaker (or a 2x10) and a head pushing 200 watts minimum should allow you to be heard over the most aggressive drummer. Getting heard over a guitar player who thinks "louder is better" is another story. :-/ In this department, more speaker area and more watts is usually better, but will cost you more, take up more space in your car on the way to gigs, and weigh more as you carry them up and down stairs.

Summary - trust your ears for what sounds good, shop with your bass in hand, get the most you can for your money by buying used after you've shopped around, and have some patience in buying. Hastiness leads to bad buying decisions!

NGJBeaner · #13 09-06-2011, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Take your bass to anywhere they sell amps, plug in to everything, buy what sounds best to you.

+1

Zack_Blanc · #14 09-06-2011, 09:47 AM

Thanks guys! I'll try to follow your advice! The hard part is finding a store with good quality amps in Greece. I'll probably have to go to Athens to do my search. Thanks for your aid in my quest! :P

steve_rolfeca · #15 09-06-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zack_Blanc

Thanks guys! I'll try to follow your advice! The hard part is finding a store with good quality amps in Greece. I'll probably have to go to Athens to do my search. Thanks for your aid in my quest! :P

Make the best of your time in Athens. Think about your needs and resources (power, sizes issues regarding storage and transport, features like onboard DI, etc.), and use that information to help you narrow down suitable brands and models. Google manufacturer websites to determine which stores need to be on your list.

Your memory can play tricks on you when you're shopping. Take notes as you check stuff out, so that you can refer back to them afterward.

jeff7bass · #16 09-06-2011, 11:06 AM

I’m gassing for a 4 ohm Avatar TB153 + a TC Electronics 450 head. Cost around grand but well worth it.
The cab will handle most of the full 450 watts plus you have 3 memory channels for saving different sounds. GREAT feature.
Another, less expensive option would be pairing up the TB153 with the Ampeg PF-500 head or the Carvin BX500 head.
The common element is the cab of course, soon to be discontinued (in NEO form) so GRAB ONE NOW.