Poll: Bass Combo Amp for Brother for Christmas

67vwbug · #1 11-29-2011, 07:06 AM

Greetings, guys!

I am not a bass player, but my brother is. I am going to surprise him this year by reconditioning his old Lotus bass and purchasing him a combo amp for home use. I'm trying to keep the amp purchase to around $100. I've been perusing the forum this weekend and a couple of amps seem to be suggested often in that price range: Ampeg BA-108, Acoustic B10 and Acoustic B20. I am open to other suggestions as well, but would like to purchase before the Guitar Center 15% off coupon expires tomorrow. Thought a poll could be the best way to help me decide which one to go with for him.

Thanks in advance!

blackba · #2 11-29-2011, 07:16 AM

I think the best way is to head to GC and have the bass area sales person demo the amps, preferably with your brothers bass and then you can pick the one you think he will like best.

bassplayer9512 · #3 11-29-2011, 07:44 AM

the acoustics are nice but i have played a few of the Orange Crush bass amps and they sound pretty darn good for an 8" speaker. just my 2 cents.

Crater · #4 11-29-2011, 07:48 AM

I have an Acoustic B20 and I really like it. I think it has the best tone of these little practice amps because the b20 has a 12" speaker instead of the more typical 10" or 8" speaker.

jeff7bass · #5 11-29-2011, 07:53 AM

Here’s a page of 100 dollar bass combo amps at MF.com. GC carries most of them. Ask them about a replacement warranty, usually cheap and well worth an extra few bucks.
I personally like the Peavey and the Ampeg.

bass combo amps Results | Musician's Friend

shackled · #6 11-29-2011, 07:56 AM

Another vote for Peavey.
Their little combos are well built and sound pretty good.

JP Morin · #7 11-29-2011, 08:05 AM

No votes for the Ampeg ??? lol

Personnally I've tried the Roland cube and the line6 combo practice amps... These are nice options too...

I have an old peavey which is nice at low volume... but when I push it a little it doesn't sound that good, it tend to become like cardboard disgusting midrangey sound...
I haven't tried the newer models with the drive kind knob on them and I'm curious about them... Peavey is generally nice quality for the price you pay them and good starter bass amp IMO...

Vintage Guy · #8 11-29-2011, 08:17 AM

Bought a Carvin BR515N and love it! Scratch and Dent Sale item for $499.00 shipped to me.

danomite64 · #9 11-29-2011, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67vwbug

I'm trying to keep the amp purchase to around $100.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vintage Guy

Bought a Carvin BR515N and love it! Scratch and Dent Sale item for $499.00 shipped to me.

RyanJD · #10 11-29-2011, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vintage Guy

Bought a Carvin BR515N and love it! Scratch and Dent Sale item for $499.00 shipped to me.

Did you even read the original post? Haha.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67vwbug

I'm trying to keep the amp purchase to around $100.

I voted Ampeg because I have tested one of those and they are pretty nice.
I don't have experience with the other options though I have used the Acoustic B200H, which was also pretty nice.

jeff7bass · #11 11-29-2011, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danomite64

I found a Basson 810 cab with an Aguilar DB750 head built into it for 3 grand!! He should get that!!

96tbird · #12 11-29-2011, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

Here's a page of 100 dollar bass combo amps at MF.com. GC carries most of them. Ask them about a replacement warranty, usually cheap and well worth an extra few bucks.
I personally like the Peavey and the Ampeg.

bass combo amps Results | Musician's Friend

I looked at this page and if you go to page 2 the Acoustic B100 100w with a 15" in on sale for $149! I bet that would be killer! A little more than budget, but wow. Problem is, you may want to keep it for yourself.

So I voted other. The B20 would be good tho'.

Flabass · #13 11-29-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

Here’s a page of 100 dollar bass combo amps at MF.com. GC carries most of them. Ask them about a replacement warranty, usually cheap and well worth an extra few bucks.
I personally like the Peavey and the Ampeg.

bass combo amps Results | Musician's Friend

+1
Bought a Peavey Minx 35 watt at a pawn shop. Sounds great, solid as a tank.

GaryLC · #14 11-29-2011, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96tbird

I looked at this page and if you go to page 2 the Acoustic B100 100w with a 15" in on sale for $149! I bet that would be killer! A little more than budget, but wow. Problem is, you may want to keep it for yourself.

So I voted other. The B20 would be good tho'.

I just saw that, unbelievable! The B100 is the same price as the B20! I recently picked up a B100 for small gigs, and it's awesome for that price.

dtownbass · #15 11-29-2011, 01:59 PM

Fender Rumble, great quality at a low price.

randysmojo · #16 11-29-2011, 02:05 PM

For that price range I would look over the acoustic B10 and the Fender Rumble 25. The B20 is a little more, but might be worth it too if you can afford it.

96tbird · #17 11-29-2011, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randysmojo

For that price range I would look over the acoustic B10 and the Fender Rumble 25. The B20 is a little more, but might be worth it too if you can afford it.

Well, the b20 is on the poll, so I it's in the running. As I stated before the b100 100w 15" is on sale for $149. More for the same cash.

randysmojo · #18 11-29-2011, 02:38 PM

The B100 is just a little more and a bunch more amp. I would have to go with 96tbird.

skruch · #19 11-29-2011, 06:16 PM

I bought a mint used SWR LA-8 amp at GC for $99. 30 watts, 8" speaker and sounded wonderful

DrDAV14 · #20 11-29-2011, 07:30 PM

Mesa Walkabout or a GK MB212, depending on the gig.