Novice/Intermediate Budget Amp --Combo vs. Other

[Zsamot]

Hi Everyone,

I am in a bit of a pickle. I would like to upgrade my current amp, a Crate Bt50 too something with more volume, lots more.

I am unsure whether to get a combo (Fender Rumble 350) or get a separate head and cab (A lot of options for Heads, not so much for cabs.. Peavey's).

After doing some research, I have come to the conclusion that I should be looking for the most power (watts?) as possible.

My price range is 600 CAD... and I am in a three piece band (guitar and drum). We jam in a basement that admittedly doesn't have the best acoustics, but the amp I have now doesn't cut through. I would like it to retain a smooth Marcus Miller / Ben Kenney (incubus) sound which I have been able to get at low volumes with my Crate, that can cut through at higher volumes.

Any advice?

[4Mal]

Used... Something used. Troll the GFS here. I might consider a GK 400 or 700 and then some decent older cabinet. You might need to add another cabinet after you get out of the basement. Rigs featuring a ton of power are in vogue. Lots nd lots of gig's have been played on the old gk 400 though. For $600, you hve to accept that you are not gearing up for a Rush rour and so there will be some limitation.

I wouldn't ignore the local Craigslist ... Particularly for the cab. There are good sounding but old, large and heavy 2x15's available on a daily basis on our local list. Generally cheap as nobody want's to move them. Snag one and install it in the basement never to be moved again...

[iualum]

Originally Posted by 4Mal

Used... Something used. Troll the GFS here. I might consider a GK 400 or 700 and then some decent older cabinet. You might need to add another cabinet after you get out of the basement. Rigs featuring a ton of power are in vogue. Lots nd lots of gig's have been played on the old gk 400 though. For $600, you hve to accept that you are not gearing up for a Rush rour and so there will be some limitation.

I wouldn't ignore the local Craigslist ... Particularly for the cab. There are good sounding but old, large and heavy 2x15's available on a daily basis on our local list. Generally cheap as nobody want's to move them. Snag one and install it in the basement never to be moved again...

Yes, a 215 or (even though I'm not a fan) a 410. Then as powerful an amp as you can find with the remaining bread.

[RickenBoogie]

It's speakers you need for volume, and combo amps usually compromise there. Any good bass amp, 300+ watts will do, but get a biggish spkr cab to pump out volume.

[stepswork4me]

I'll recommend the combo I've got... TC Electronic BG250.Priced right, loud, light, and great tone..