Noob to Amps needs some help

mothmonty · #1 08-03-2011, 08:39 AM

I've been running a SWR Electric Blue 150 watt 4 ohm head (just fried) on a SWR Big Ben 18" Speaker. (bought used about 13 years ago as my first and only 'big' amp/cab system) And I'm not sure which way to go. I play hard in a hard rock/metal band with two very loud guitarist (1 fender 212 frontman, 1 laney 120 half stack 4x10) but actually a sensible drummer (go figure). So volume is an issue.
The guy I had look at the amp wasn't sure what happened or what's wrong and I fear how much it will cost to fix. I was debating on just getting a new AMP head, and using the Big Ben. I've looked up the specs on the Big Ben (since SWR didn't put any on the actual speaker) and the newer version has a 400 watts handling, custom SWR speaker 18" speaker @ 8 ohms.

Without a great deal of money to spend, because the darn thing frizzled out right after buying a new bass. The few Amp Heads I've been looking into are:
Ampeg PF 350
Ampeg Micro head 200
Fender Rumble 150 & 350 (not good reviews)
I've read a few things in regards to the Micro head and it's accompanying SVT210, and wonder if it will create the volume I need. Everything is loud on the showroom floor.

I was hoping to get some advice from the veterans on how to get a good sound, that's loud that won't break the bank. Sorry for the long post

gt96g · #2 08-03-2011, 08:44 AM

If your looking for something inexpensive take a look at the new acoustic bass amplifiers. They are not much to look at but they have come out with more powerful models as of late and have solid tone, and this one should keep you up in the mix. Also for that particular backline I would recommend no less than a 400w amp.

Acoustic B450 450W 2x10 Bass Combo Amp and more Bass Amplifiers at GuitarCenter.com.

gt96g · #3 08-03-2011, 08:46 AM

also if $599 is too much for you try searching for a used one

poorbassist15 · #4 08-03-2011, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt96g

If your looking for something inexpensive take a look at the new acoustic bass amplifiers. They are not much to look at but they have come out with more powerful models as of late and have solid tone, and this one should keep you up in the mix. Also for that particular backline I would recommend no less than a 400w amp.

Acoustic B450 450W 2x10 Bass Combo Amp and more Bass Amplifiers at GuitarCenter.com.

+1

Every time I have gotten to use one of these amps, I have always been impressed. A lot of new Acoustic stuff is really good, maybe not a pro sounding rig, but it'll get good tone for reasonable $.