Newbie needs an amp! $200-$400 budget...

Zoodles95 · #1 01-09-2011, 01:24 PM

I can go new or used. There is a Fender Bassman 200 I can pick up used for $450. Not sure if that is overkill for my needs or not.

I have been lurking here enough to know that if there is no pics that it does't exist.

So, this is my first bass enroute in the post:

From everything I read the Squier Classic Vibe and Vintage Modifed are excellent basses for the money. Now I need an amp to complement it.

I will be taking lessons and playing alone. I would like to be good enough to gig one day but who knows when that will be. What is a decent enough amp to practice with and jam in a bassment with?

oldcatfish · #2 01-09-2011, 01:31 PM

If your budget is up to 400$, you have quite a few choices. GK, Acoustic, and Peavey all make nice combos in your price range...all of those can keep up with a drummer.

Zoodles95 · #3 01-09-2011, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldcatfish

If your budget is up to 400$, you have quite a few choices. GK, Acoustic, and Peavey all make nice combos in your price range...all of those can keep up with a drummer.

Thanks for the recommendtions.

Any particular models to look for and/or avoid? There is a Fender Bassman 200 available used nearby for $450 CDN. I am not sure if that is a decent deal or not. Ferom reviews I have read this model is capable of playing small clubs. I was not sure if this is overkill for my scenario or not. It is a bit above my budget but I would rather buy something decent that will last me several years rather than buy something I need to upgrade from in a year or two.

And I · #4 01-09-2011, 01:55 PM

The GK MB series combo amps are great for starters. inexpensive, lightweight, good sound, loud enough when you need them to be...

RickenBoogie · #5 01-09-2011, 02:25 PM

It would be advisable to go out and play with your new bass, through as many combo's as you can find locally, both new and used. This will give you a much better idea of how different brands of bass amps sound, and you can then make the choice with your ears as the guide. Have fun with it.

Emm9T · #6 01-09-2011, 02:29 PM

How about like a Fender Rumble 75? Pretty cheap, very portable. Not overkill for playing alone, and good enough to play with a drummer. When gig time rolls around, upgrade!

Also: Can tell you lurked pretty hard! Congrats on making an educated buying decision!

Zoodles95 · #7 01-09-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emm9T

How about like a Fender Rumble 75? Pretty cheap, very portable. Not overkill for playing alone, and good enough to play with a drummer. When gig time rolls around, upgrade!

Also: Can tell you lurked pretty hard! Congrats on making an educated buying decision!

Thanks! I think I have the perfect "starter" bass which is playable and adaptable and can meet my future needs.

The Rumble 75 seems like it would be a good fit as well. I like to buy used when I can because sales tax where I am is 13% and also I love to get value for my money.

There is a Peavey Basic 112 Bass amp nearby as well for $225 CDN but the reviews are kind of mixed on this one. It seems to have enough power to be able to keep up with a drummer which is probably all I need for the forseeable future. It is also less than 50 lbs which makes it a little more portable.

I just do not want to get something so small/basic that it will need to be replaced in a year or less. I do not see the point in that.

Hutzbordello · #8 01-09-2011, 03:00 PM

id say save up some money and buy a used GK MB 210, its a wonderful amp

Emm9T · #9 01-09-2011, 03:13 PM

For right now, I think the Peavey Basic 112 would be perfect, actually. It might be around $500 to get a basic gig ready rig, but that Peavey is a pretty great price and will probably get you through your first couple years of bass playing. Just out of curiosity: What's your age? i.e. High Schoolers aren't going to be playing at pubs and such as much, heh. For practice, garage-band, and school functions, the peavey is perfect.

desertsolace · #10 01-09-2011, 03:16 PM

used hartke 3500 on classifieds ($250ish)... used avatar cab $200ish on classifieds... probably your best bet... then you can upgrade modularly.

mophead · #11 01-09-2011, 03:26 PM

Starting to see Genz Shuttle 6's for your price range. The 3's even less. A Neopak would be a good choice also for starters. Pair it with a cab like a 210 and you're off and running.

Nice bass by the way. I am looking for a used model of that bass.

calmb4tehpwn · #12 01-09-2011, 04:45 PM

I would certainly suggest getting an avatar off of Craigslist.

You can find a decent cab for 150, example:
2 Avatar Bass Cabs For Sale (Local Sale to Virginia Only)

And a half decent amp head for 250:
FS: SWR Workingman's 300 head

Aside from the possibility of your not being in VA, this is just in your price range.

bherman · #13 01-09-2011, 04:47 PM

Zoodles - no question, go used. Not sure where you live but Craigslist or this forum (if you pay dues and are registered) are usually good bets, you'll get more for your $$. Just reading the classifieds in this forum will teach you alot about amps and prices.

meinl · #14 01-09-2011, 04:59 PM

well I was in the same boat as you like a year and half as you so I know what you mean.
I got an ampeg b200r. Which can get louder than drummers! its like 220 watts.
Recommendations:
-something around 200 watts is good because you can keep up with a loud drummer. So good for practice. Now keep in mind more watts doesn't always mean louder. like tubes jack how loud an amp is for the wattage atleast from my experience. More wattage ussually means louder though. Something else to keep in mind is I think something like 4 times the wattage equals about twice the volume. The whole wattage thing can't be worked out as a math equation then since there are different parts and speakers etc.
-don't get to big. Speakers from my experience sound better when they are working a little. Like an 8x10 cab doesn't good really at 2, but when its at like a 6 the tone is better. You don't need a huge amp.
-try to get one with a balanced out. This is really good, because its an out of your amp to go directly to the board sound guys will love you. No micing your cab means less chance of feedback. Also if there is a separate volume for the xlr out and the master volume that is really nice.
- don't get to small. the last 1/4 of the volume knob is just fuzz usually. Amps are like cars. If a car can go 120 that because its meant to be driven at about 60mph. Driving an amp as hard as you can is not good for it.

In my opinion a decent sized combo like 200 watts is the biggest you will ever need unless your playing a large outdoor gig with no PA backing. With a balanced out you can run it straight into the board. My amp can play a medium sized venue rather easily and can be louder than a drummer. You don't need an amp that can kill small animals ;-)
There are a probably a lot of people that like huge amps though ;-) so I don't want to push any buttons in that area.

I think a good amp would be the GK MB115. Its $400 has enough power to do some work. Has an xlr out. also this like 33lb's (my back wishes I had this amp)

I haven't played acoustic amps much. They are pretty inexpensive, but I am guessing the GK tone would be better.

As far as ampeg goes I don't think the new combo's are good and I wouldn't buy anything from them right now. They got reliability issues.... I wish their QC was better if you see an American made ampeg combo's they will be trustworthy companions.

I wouldn't trust behringer. There stuff usually does not last and is made very cheap from my experience. Better to spend a little more and get something that will last.

Peavey stuff sounds pretty good and is known to last. Especially there 80's stuff built like tanks! ;-)

I hope this helps! Have fun looking around and go play some amps and see what you like!
shalom,
Matt

Zoodles95 · #15 01-09-2011, 05:59 PM

Wow, some great recommendations. Thanks for the insight gang.

I am 40 and getting around to doing some of the things I have always wanted to. My wife has been very supportive of this so long as I keep a reasonable budget. I bought a reasonably priced bass so that I could get a decent amp and have money left over for some accesories and lessons.

Chowowbus · #16 01-09-2011, 06:28 PM

Your off to a great start! Good choice in bass.
+ 1 to GK! I am biased tho!
GK MBE 115 would fit your budget. Its super light and I know my 39 year old back likes it..
Good luck with all your efforts!

Emm9T · #17 01-09-2011, 07:10 PM

Well, Peavey is the bass synonym for heavy, so maybe it won't be so great to invest in them

The GK (Gallien Krueger) suggestions are spot on. Absolutely. If you can find a used one, it should probably take precedence. As far as new goes, you can score em at musiciansfriend.com for pretty reasonable prices. The MBE 115 is 400 America-bucks, idk how much that would be in Canadian.

I suggested the 75 watt amp for practicing and small time playing out, but this GK is pretty great quality. If you have any problems with paying maybe a bit more than you wanted to at first (Happens every time I buy a bass), rest assured it's money well spent.

Mete · #18 01-09-2011, 07:17 PM

You can get a Laney transistor amp. I still have one 30 watts bougt it new for 250 EUR few years ago.

Zoodles95 · #19 01-10-2011, 07:48 PM

How about a Fender 400 Pro? I found one in my area for not much more than the Bassman 200:

Over 80 lbs though! Seems to be more than enough power for anything I would ever need.

bassist4dalord · #20 01-10-2011, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by And I

The GK MB series combo amps are great for starters. inexpensive, lightweight, good sound, loud enough when you need them to be...

Yup. Gallien-Krueger is the way to go. I have the MB115; fantastic amp!

Great bass selection, too. You'll have an awesome beginner set up with that and the GK!!