Suggestion for first amp

[shir0kami]

Hi Guys,

I've had my bass guitar for over a month now and I've just been practicing through an effects unit which is hooked up to my computer and I just used my stereo speakers when practicing.
The speakers are actually the ones you'd hook up to a home sound system.
However running the bass trhough an amp sounds really different.

Come Christmas(or prolly earlier ) I plan on purchasing an amp combo.
So I've been checking out a few models recently.
The ones in a price range I am comfortable with are;
Peavey Max 110
Hartke B300
Ibanez Soundwave SW35

Anyone with reviews for these?

I also tried out a Hartke A35 and I actually like how it can be made to stand tilted, but it costs around 40% more.
Do those CD inputs actually matter? like when practicing to a song? or maybe I could just have the music play through something else...

[waleross]

For the amps you are interested in go online to Guitar Center or maybe Music123.com. You can find reviews for most of the amps sold . I like the Fender Rumble amps most are under $350 and they sound great......good luck ...............

[perogato02]

Or have a look at the classifieds sections of the local papers ...
buying used can safe you some money (and try before you buy!! otherwise you can loose more money when you buy a faulty combo :s)

[precision punk]

Acoustic b200

It's a combo amp with 200 watts and a 15 inch speaker. I bought mine from my local Guitar Center brand new for $350. It is very loud with a 6 band EQ and mid notch knob for different tones. I love mine and will never part with it even if I were to upgrade. It can keep up with a medium to loud drummer pretty well from experience. Go give one a whirl!

[Zolbol]

Hartke hydrive 115c for the win dude - built in overdrive and great sounding amp

[Alex1984]

+1 to the Fender Rumble.

I'd say at least go for the 150 though. They don't have a lot of headroom but are fairly reasonable still, in my experience.

[mentalpatient]

GK MB115, 200w and super light. Excellent first amp that you will not want to sell later, money well spent, so easy to move that you'll be playing it more, that's what a first amp should be about.

[MyMusic]

I'm currently using an Ibanez SW35 and its great but I would also agree that you should check out used gear and use the difference to save for head and cab that you will soon be gassing for.

[superjaay]

Acoustic B200. All you'll ever need for practice or small to medium performance venues. $350

I also like the GK MB115, it is lightweight, but the one I ordered was DOA so I sent it back. They're great if you can get your hands on a good one. PS buy the warranty on any of them. Quality control is suspect on any of the lower priced combos.

[shir0kami]

Thanks for the replies.
Reason I mentioned those combos above is because they were the ones in budget.
So you guys suggest I wait a couple of months and save up some more to buy the more expensive ones than get the ones I mentioned above?
Also where I live I don't see any of those Acoustic or GK brands.

The ones that are common are.

Hartke, lot's of models From A series to B series, kickback and even the HyDrives.

A few Ibanez amps like the SWX35 and SWX65.

The Peavey Max 110 is the only one I saw.

A marshall amp that I forgot to take note of the model, was around 25 watts and cost 30% more than the Hartke B300.

Laney, tho I'm not familliar with this brand.

A variety of Orange amps and combos

Fender Rumble

and Line 6

Clarification question
How big of a role does wattage actually play in relation to the size of room or playing area?

Regarding second hand items, I have been told by freind to be wary since the products could be use or abused and might not be that much of a bargain, it would be complicated to get one and you run the risk of having something not in warranty.

[shir0kami]

Some updates looking around the websites of the local music stores.

I saw some GK Backline models... they cost twice as much here compared to the stores in the US, almost $420 for the Backline 110.

I also saw Washburn Bad Dog 30w 1x10 Roughly $150 and
Bad Dog 75w 1x15 roughly $200
Actually more affordable than the Hartke and Ibanez I was eyeing.
Any thoughts on these?

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by shir0kami

Clarification question
How big of a role does wattage actually play in relation to the size of room or playing area?

Regarding second hand items, I have been told by freind to be wary since the products could be use or abused and might not be that much of a bargain, it would be complicated to get one and you run the risk of having something not in warranty.

Bigger room = more Watts. Simple. Some of the stuff you're asking about are, what ---35 to 60 Watts?

If you have - Oh, say: less than 500 Watts, then you might as well go bear hunting with a stick.

I personally never leave home without 600 Watts or more and enough drivers to flap the cuffs of your pants. Outside air sucks power as does a large venue.

You might get away with a lot less if you play a small bar, a church confessional or a very quiet meeting of the Royal Post of The Flaming Iguanas - before the beer flows - but don't count on it.

What you need is 'amplifier head-room' when/if you need it and to also keep the amp out of the 80% bracket to help it last longer. But as big as you can and don't look back for years and years - even if you wind up DI'ing later on.

Plus you need the driver surface area to get the sound to flow past the first row of listeners.

About used gear ---- If you don't mind buying used toilet paper, well you might get one more wipe out of it - that's how I feel about buying used ANYTHING!

You have a very intelligent friend - buy him a 12-pack of something good.

Buy some used pieces and parts?

Maybe; but never a used amp or guitar.

[newbold]

Mesa Walkabout scout 12.

expensive but worth every penny.