Hey guys. I'm new to bass and this forum. I'm looking for a suitable amp but have no knowledge when it comes to bass amps.
My requirements would be for practice - small gig on a budget of around £300 with no more than £400 as once I find my feet I will be looking to upgrade and invest more.
I have no clue about 8ohm and 4ohm and whatnot or ported and horned. So as much detail on anything you believe I will need to know would also be helpful. Even if its just pointing me in the right direction.
As far as the sound I am looking for I am a massive Justin Chancellor (Tool) fan. However I believe its important to find your own sound so I'm only looking for something that will deliver in this ballpark and not a complete replication.
I have an Ibanez ATK 300 bass, Ibanez PD7- phathead distortion, Boss ME-50 and Boss ME-50b multi effects unit as well as an old Morley Wha pedal. Advice on how to use these to get a similar sound would also be appreciated.
If you're serious at all about small gigs, I think its important to get an amp with a DI (XLR) out so you can go direct to a soundboard. I still use my first cheaper amp (Fender Bassman 250) all the time and the reason is that it has a DI. For smaller gigs its perfect. Also its nice if it has a headphone jack and you want to practice when everyone is asleep.
Gallien Krueger is a respected name and they make a MB115 Ultralight combo for about $400 US that I'd take a look at.
That GK MB115 is only a 200 watt amp and will have a hard time pushing another speaker cabinet if you decide to expand. But, if you opt to sell it to finance a bigger, better rig, then the MB115 is an ideal choice for practice and small shows.
If you want to buy for the future now, search used heads and separate cabinets. Get a head with at least 400 watts into 4 ohms minimum. Then get a single 8 ohm 1x15, 2x12, or 4x10...that way you can add another 8 ohm cabinet later, if needed.
There's a 'sticky' at the top of the Amps forum that has gobs of information and linked threads for new players.
As for how to get Justin's tone out of an ATK and a small combo amp? That's for someone else to figure out.
Cheers all helpful. Appreciate it. Are there any brands I should avoid regarding used amps?
Just to make it clear I'm not aiming exactly for Justins tone just along those lines. He's using Galien Kruegers. The top f the line RB series. I think 2001.
First off (and not to be a jerk) you just can't get certain tones at the price range you're talking about. So maybe set your standards a little lower in that department... lets get you heard in the mix . I'm not sure of the difference in price on your side of the pond but I'm a big fan of 2x10 cabs for small gigs/practice.
I'd check out the Fender Rumble 350 and the GK MB210.
I agree that a DI is great to have but soundmen hate using amp DI's. It's also provided at most clubs here in the states.
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JB
'65 PBass, Bill Nash Jazz
Ashdown
Official Fender Precision Bass Club #599
. I'm not sure of the difference in price on your side of the pond but I'm a big fan of 2x10 cabs for small gigs/practice.
