Newbie needs a new Amp

[netgeist]

Folks,

I am looking for upgrade my amp because the 15 watt Fender that came with my Squier starter pack can't handle the deep growl of my new Schecter bass (it gets very distorted). Unfortunately, even after reading much about them, I don't know a lot about amps.

I've seen some good combo amps but if I ever get to the point where I'm gigging, I am not sure that will be enough. So my question is this: since I already have a Zoom B2 effects pedal, will that function well enough as a preamp that I should just buy a cab? Or is combo amp the way to go for now?

Thanks,

- netgeist

[mulchor]

If you're planning on growing your system in the future, a head and cab gives more flexibility for the future.

Combos have the edge when it comes to being tidy. My teenage son's using a Line6 Lowdown combo 75W which sounds great but doesn't overly annoy his clutter-conscious mom.

Without knowing a budget and intended use, the question is rather unconstrained.

[theworldismad]

I believe the distortion is due to the fact that your Schecter is an active bass (fine choice with the Schecter, by the way). So the amp you will want to buy should have an input for active and passive basses.

And no, preamps do not plug directly into cabs. Amplifier heads are what you pair with cabs. Your preamp, however, can be plugged directly into a venue's sound system. For a while that's all I did and it worked fine for me.

Hope I helped!

[becker4567]

Depends on your budget. Combo amps are great for practice, light jamming and are easy to transport, but for small gigs, or serious jamming, 100watts is the minimum you should consider (more if you can afford it). There are some really nice mini stacks (Ampeg, Acoustic) that are relatively inexpensive (the Acoustic is only $300) and are easy to schlep around. Remember, pure volume isn't so cool if your going to have the neighbors banging on your door, and the Zoom will work quite well with just about anything you get, but it isn't a pre-amp and will not power a cab.

[Thunder Pulse]

Originally Posted by netgeist

So my question is this: since I already have a Zoom B2 effects pedal, will that function well enough as a preamp that I should just buy a cab?

You can do that, but you'll still need a power amp.

[FritoBandito]

Whats your budget?

[bassjam99]

I'm a newbie too, and I picked up two amps recently. A SWR Workingmans 15 Combo and it's a house rocker! I then saw a SWR LA 10, a nice little cube that is simply fantastic for house practice. I picked them both up from locals on Craigs Lists for $200 and $100 respectively and they are worth every penny! Here's to learning the best instrument on the planet!!

Cheers!!