Upgrading Rig Need Advise

[gavnel]

My birthday is in a week and I can finaly update my rig. I am running my Ibanez SR905 through a Rogue 120 watt combo amp and I need advise to what I should move into. I do not have a huge budget, about $200-300. What should I look for? I want something loud that can handle distortion well. I want something that could do small to medium size gigs.

[philter25]

Save that 200-300 until next year when you will have 400-600.

I cant think of anything in that range which could handle medium sized gigs. You could look at the used market for a used combo..... but IMO 200 watts is a minimum for medium sized gigs, and even that is on the low end and pushing it. MB115's are 399.

[bwv1013]

i'll second the previous post. there's not much out there for under 5 bills that i would consider gig worthy. i have an ampeg ba115 that works great for small gigs but it's only 100 watts and you may outgrow that as well. i would say go for something with 400+ watts.

[bassic_camel]

The only answer at that price point is well-used gear that everyone hates that is in the hands of someone who doesn't need it. I personally would look for higher powered Peavey combos, or maybe a nasty-looking Fender Rumble 250, like I got at that price point. The trade-off is that it's ugly but loud, which depending on your gig could be a benefit rather than a hindrance.

As always, play before you pay.

[hoshbrown41]

Originally Posted by bassic_camel

The only answer at that price point is well-used gear that everyone hates that is in the hands of someone who doesn't need it. I personally would look for higher powered Peavey combos, or maybe a nasty-looking Fender Rumble 250, like I got at that price point. The trade-off is that it's ugly but loud, which depending on your gig could be a benefit rather than a hindrance.

As always, play before you pay.

FWIW I hate Fender and Peavey amps.
But yeah: you're best bet is to either save it for later, buy used, and make sure you play it before you buy it.

[Vic Winters]

I pulled off a gigging rig for $400 thanks to eBay and Craigslist. GK BL600 and a Peavey 2x15. It can be done, as long as you're willing to go used.

[bassic_camel]

Originally Posted by hoshbrown41

FWIW I hate Fender and Peavey amps.
But yeah: you're best bet is to either save it for later, buy used, and make sure you play it before you buy it.

LOL, well, as always, YMMV.

[BillyIVbass]

What are you looking to upgrade from the Rouge? The power or the tone?

Your budget could get: Acoustic brand combo, Ampeg BA112 or BA115 (used) Fender Rumble stuff is OK. Used Peavey is powerful and reliable.

I'm currently enamored with my Hartke setup; an HA2500 head will cost around $250 or an LH500 runs $349. I'm sure you could hunt for a $100 1x15 cab.

I suggest buying a new head (usually has a warranty and doesn't have a questionable history) and a used cab (blown speakers are much cheaper to replace than a broken amp head)