replacing my BA115?

Execut1ve · #1 07-01-2010, 07:11 PM

I am currently using a BA115 combo for my onstage sound in a Sunday morning church band. How much would I have to shell out for a preamp/power amp or head to improve on that?

IMPORTANT NOTES: I don't need more volume, the overall volume of the BA115 is fine

the cheaper the better! I don't mind used either

Thanks!

Slapstyle · #2 07-01-2010, 07:24 PM

If not by volume, improve how? Tone? I've never heard an ampeg that sounded bad, with the exception of my 600 watt combo with a 15" speaker. It had weird overtones from the heat sink vibrating and fried after 30 days of light use. (things went down hill when they moved production to China) Needless to say, I returned it... wound up with a GK. I'm using a Gallien Kreuger MB 500 (http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ead?sku=423659) with a 4x10 cab and it sounds great, has killer GK tone and more than enough volume for any venue small enough that I wouldn't use the PA for support in. I'd like to upgrade to the version that has a tube preamp, but cant justify replacing the first one, since it sounds so good, and performs like a champ... and only weighs 4 pounds. (http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ead?sku=581055) Further, if the 220 watts of Ampeg power is enough for you, you might be interested in the new, super tiny GK from this line: http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ead?sku=423658

bwest9 · #3 07-01-2010, 07:25 PM

Sorry, when I first read the subject line of this thread I thought it said "Replacing my balls?". I read it a bit too quickly I guess.

spaz21387 · #4 07-01-2010, 07:31 PM

The ba115 is one ampeg that does sound bad. Mine hissed really bad. but if you want to go cheap look into hartike. they make some solid stuff and they sound similar to ampegs but dont have the huge price tag ampegs do. just watch guitar centers used cabs and heads. i saw a hartike ha3500 come up for 150$, unfortunately i didnt need a new head at the time. and i got an ampeg usa 1x15 en cab for 150$

Execut1ve · #5 07-01-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwest9

Sorry, when I first read the subject line of this thread I thought it said "Replacing my balls?". I read it a bit too quickly I guess.

lolz. mine does hiss a bit, I have to admit, incidentally, the BA115 is only 100 watts, not 220

JMBassist · #6 07-02-2010, 05:15 AM

Replace a BA115?

I only use amps from Ampeg, I had a few from other like Fender, Carlsbro, Marshal, Trace Elliot, etc. through my music life and, honestly, Ampeg is the "one" for me.
I have two sets, one SVT classic with one 4x10" + 1x15" cabs which I use for big spaces and when I need to have more power.
On a normal situation i always use my BA115 and don't need more power and the tone is exactly what I need.

marantz10 · #7 07-02-2010, 10:02 AM

I've owned my BA115 for about two years now and I love it. In terms of tone, I couldn't be happier. If you needed something louder, I'd understand and recommend a proper setup of head/cab but if a BA115 suits you for loudness already, then I'd highly recommend staying with it. If you use a DI pedal like I do, that can improve just about everything also IMO. My Sansamp BDDI's bass/treble knobs are heavy duty controls for tone and on top of that, you can crank out a little bit more power that way since it is a preamp.

My problem at this point is I want to start being available for big gigs but I think I'll have to move up to a setup like JMBassist has. +1 to him BTW for having the exact equipment I'd prefer to use.

**JayAmel** · #8 07-02-2010, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Execut1ve

I am currently using a BA115 combo for my onstage sound in a Sunday morning church band. How much would I have to shell out for a preamp/power amp or head to improve on that?

IMPORTANT NOTES: I don't need more volume, the overall volume of the BA115 is fine

the cheaper the better! I don't mind used either

Thanks!

I'd personally suggest you stick with the BA115, since IMO they are the best bang for the buck in that category.

If you want to improve your tone better, I'd suggest you look at the Tech 21 VT Bass. They work pretty well together.

Floridabwoy · #9 07-02-2010, 10:10 AM

See above...

I use my VTBASS -> BA115 for more "pissed off svt" sound.

Keep the BA115, it is a nice lil combo.

Execut1ve · #10 07-02-2010, 10:21 AM

I wouldn't be getting rid of the BA115... it would probably come home for use as a practice rig.

billiam5billion · #11 07-02-2010, 11:31 AM

I've got a 115T, and I know for a fact there's no reason to get rid of yours.

Adam Bomb · #12 07-02-2010, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwest9

Sorry, when I first read the subject line of this thread I thought it said "Replacing my balls?". I read it a bit too quickly I guess.

It's an awesome thread when you read the whole thing that way.

--Bomb

Adam Bomb · #13 07-02-2010, 11:48 AM

p.s. OP, I suggest you hang onto your BA115. I can't imagine life without mine. You can always buy additional gear to supplement your rig for the times you feel you need it.

--Bomb

Dan55 · #14 07-02-2010, 12:01 PM

You can stay w/ Ampeg and up the quality/tone by finding a used B-100R.

http://www.ampeg.com/products/diamon...00r/index.html

Dan

RickenBoogie · #15 07-02-2010, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Bomb

It's an awesome thread when you read the whole thing that way.

--Bomb

yup.

tjh · #16 07-02-2010, 05:49 PM

I might not be reading the OP clearly ... you say you are using this for your 'on stage sound' ?? would that mean you are using this as a stage monitor, and then running into the house system for the FOH or are you using the Ampeg for everything? and what exactly is it that you are trying to accomplish by going to a head/power amp set-up? sorry for not understanding ... I am old