Newb ?s - scratching my head

[Gadgetech]

I know this stuff is covered extensively but b/c I am just learning to play bass I don't have my own experience to rely on which makes getting the full grasp of what folks are talking about in these threads lost on me.

I purchased a Peavey Tour TNT 115 and it sounds fine but I don't have anything to judge against. It seems as though the Peavey gets little mention as compared with some of the other products.

I got the Peavey used at GC for about $380 but I'm thinking I should consider other options (combo amps or otherwise).

Any thoughts would be appreciated either to the good or a suggestion of something else to look at. I'm still w/i the period I could exchange the combo amp and if I did, I wouldn't want to spend more than an additional $400 - so $800 total.

[Joe Louvar]

Just keep learning to play better and keep using the gear you have until you know you really need better equipment - and by that time you'll have a better idea of what equipment you might want/need. Until then have fun, enjoy, and keep practicing.

[B-string]

You paid 380 for a used TNT 115? With the additional cash you can do a lot.G-K combos or separates, Ampeg separates, MarkBass maybe even GenzBenz. Take your bass with you and try some equipment. G-K 700RB II, MB2-500 with Neo 410 or 212 cabs. Ampeg PF350 or PF500 with Ampeg or other cabs. With a top of 1180. you have a good range of choices.

Edit: Or what Joe said is a very good option.

[Gadgetech]

Originally Posted by B-string

You paid 380 for a used TNT 115? With the additional cash you can do a lot.G-K combos or separates, Ampeg separates, MarkBass maybe even GenzBenz. Take your bass with you and try some equipment. G-K 700RB II, MB2-500 with Neo 410 or 212 cabs. Ampeg PF350 or PF500 with Ampeg or other cabs. With a top of 1180. you have a good range of choices.

3 things:
1. Top of $800 ($380 if I return Peavey plus an add'l $420.)
2. Is $380 too much for a used Peavey TNT 115? I bought it at GC so maybe I did.
3. I've been thinking about the portaflex 500 w/ the PF-115HE

[Gadgetech]

Originally Posted by Joe Louvar

Just keep learning to play better and keep using the gear you have until you know you really need better equipment - and by that time you'll have a better idea of what equipment you might want/need. Until then have fun, enjoy, and keep practicing.

Not totally against this either, just want to be on the right path.

[B-string]

Originally Posted by Gadgetech

3 things:
1. Top of $800 ($380 if I return Peavey plus an add'l $420.)
2. Is $380 too much for a used Peavey TNT 115? I bought it at GC so maybe I did.
3. I've been thinking about the portaflex 500 w/ the PF-115HE

1) Thanks for the clarification
2) Most go for much less.
3) That would offer more tone choices if you are ready for it.

[Gadgetech]

Originally Posted by B-string

2) Most go for much less.

Disappointing...this will drive me more than anything to return it. Glad I asked.

[Joe Louvar]

+1, to what B-string said too.

[Gadgetech]

Originally Posted by B-string

2) Most go for much less.

Just to clarify, I have the Peavey Tour TNT 115 in case there is a difference:
Link to amp

[CL400Peavey]

I love PV gear, it has always been good to me. That being said you paid way too much for that combo. For that price, used, you should have gotten a PV half stack. I wouldn't steer you away from the brand, but GC.

[B-string]

Originally Posted by Gadgetech

Just to clarify, I have the Peavey Tour TNT 115 in case there is a difference:
Link to amp

That actually does make a large difference:
Peavey Tour TKO 115 1 x 15 Bass Combo Amp +*-* Bass Amp Combos*-* Bass Guitar Amps*-* Bass Guitars*-* GuitarTrader.com

You say TNT115 and we think of the combos we can get from a pawn shop for $150.

[Gadgetech]

Originally Posted by CL400Peavey

I love PV gear, it has always been good to me. That being said you paid way too much for that combo. For that price, used, you should have gotten a PV half stack. I wouldn't steer you away from the brand, but GC.

Well, not really sure what my options are locally other than GC so there is some homework on my part. There is a music shop that I refuse to buy from due to their lack of customer service and then another shop that doesn't seem to have much in terms of bass amps.

[Cree]

You did not pay too much for the combo. Everyone is confusing it with the old TNT amps.

I played for over 20 years through a Peavey Combo 300 that I thought sounded just fine. I was going to replace it with the amp that you bought. I went with the GK MB210 instead, because they got the lightweight combos on the market faster than Peavey.

As far as tone, you will have to take your bass to the store and try as many different amps as you can find. You will be limited by what they have in stock.

In the very end, if you want to spend more money, spend it. GC will be happy to accommodate you.

I think you will be okay and well-served by the Peavey, but the Ampeg you are contemplating seems to be a good option too.

[will33]

Looking at the manual for your amp, I really don't think you paid too much for it. Maybe didn't get a steal of a deal but it's worth $380. It's a 300 watt 115 combo with decent eq and features and the ability to stack another cab with it to end up with a 450 watt, 215 big rig if you need it in the future for bigger gigs. If you like the overall sound/tone/power of it, I'd be inclined to hang on to it and follow Joe's advise of keeping on learning, practicing, etc. Also get together and play with some friends of similair skill level on other instruments. You really get good at playing bass by playing with a group. That's enough amp to handle garage jams and smaller bar gigs, parties, etc. Can use your extra cash for an extension cab when you get that far.

Read up on eq and play with the eq on your amp to see how it all affects the sound. If you still find yourself moving all kinds of knobs and still not really liking the sound, it of course wouldn't hurt at all to go plug into some other amps and see what you think.