Used Bass Amp Heads/ New Micros

[stilljazzing]

I'm in the thoes of trying to make a decision about a bass amp head and would appreciate your wisdom. If you'll allow I'd like to ask a two part question:

1. I've been looking at Micro Bass Heads in the 250.00-500.00 range: Eden, GB, Ampeg, Markbass, Fender, GK, etc.
I checked out the excellent advice on this forum but but admit to be frozen somewhat with indecision. So any advice to tip me over the edge would be appreciated. I'll most likely buy online with a return policy.

My needs aren't that great. I play with acoustic guitarists in a roots/orginals type band and I fill in the bottom end. Decriptions of a warm, fat, rounded, bottom end such as I've read on this forum about amps appeal to me. I'm likely to dial in one tone and leave it there. Dependablity and simplicity are important to me. I plan on playing my passive 1972 P-Bass through a 12 inch speaker. We play in small venues for the most part (and when larger we've had PA support). My goal is really to support the band rather than try to cover a room, if that makes sense. Thus I don't feel I need a lot of wattage.


2. But I'm considering used as well. What should I be looking at in the 250.00 to 500.00 range? I may be willing to forgo micro weight, but don't want to lug around something too heavy. (getting old!)I'm not sure where to start. I've generally bought used gear as a guitarist (Fender), but I'm entering the bass world and have less certainly about how to proceed.

You are very kind to help push me off the fence. Thanks!

Stilljazzing

[chadds]

Buying used allows you to buy pro gear that's been lightly used. Some has never been on a gig and flipped like TBers do to try the next new thing in search of that elusive tone.

Buy good quality excellent condition used pro gear and you can sell it for what you paid for it if it's not your thing.

There are a lot of amps between the lead sleds and micros.

[Sav'nBass]

I'd say for your needs a used Shuttle 6.0, Fender Rumble 350, LMkII or LMkIII would be perfect paired with a 8 ohm 112 cab (you could shoot for getting another cab down the road if need be. The TB classifieds are always popping... Just take your time and be patient and what you want will appear eventually. I do recommend light though.. Can't beat it with a stick unless you need that big power thing going on.. and even then there are workarounds..
my 2 cents... GL..

[jnewmark]

Carvin BX 500, or MB LMII. Both under $500, both can give you that fat, round tone. I would give the nod to the Carvin, only because it has a more versatile EQ section, a compressor, and the ability to go to 2 ohms, if necessary. However, the LMII is a perennial favorite around here, and is very warm sounding head right out of the box.

[lowfreq33]

All the brands you mentioned are quality. If buying used I'd go with GB as they tend to give great customer service even for 2nd and 3rd owners.

[Low Class]

I've owned quite a few micros myself and have found that they in general don't sound as good as the heavier amps. Some good reasonably weight amps to consider are the SWR SM400, Eden WT400, and the EA iAmp 350. All are less than 20 lbs, can be found for less than $300, and are pro level gear.

[stilljazzing]

Folks,

Thanks all for the input. I'm leaning toward the MarkBass II. GC seems to be out of them on clearance, however. I tried to pull the trigger! I may ponder this some more. All the amps you've mention have good reputations. I'm sure I can't go wrong with any. Thanks again!

stilljazzing

[RC52]

I did my first gig last night with my recently acquired ampeg pf500. Got it thru a TB trade. If you're looking for warm, fat sounding old school sound, and the ability to get clean, modern tone, in a lightweight package, get this amp! AWESOME! If you don't need the power check out the pf350. But you will not get several nice features that come with the 500. With 15% off GC holiday coupon, you can get the 500 brand new well within your budget. Worth a look !

[stilljazzing]

Thanks RC52! And all.

[bassgod0dmw]

Originally Posted by stilljazzing

Folks,

Thanks all for the input. I'm leaning toward the MarkBass II. GC seems to be out of them on clearance, however. I tried to pull the trigger! I may ponder this some more. All the amps you've mention have good reputations. I'm sure I can't go wrong with any. Thanks again!

stilljazzing

The Little Mark II has been discontinued in favor of the Little Mark III.

IIRC, the DI on the III has been improved, but otherwise it's the same amp. Can someone else confirm that?

The LMII/III are great amps! If you're not in a hurry, you can try to find a LMII in the classifieds here. They typically go for a pretty low price.

[rodl2005]

I think you're right re the LMII/LMIII-also has a mute switch iirc.
To the OP, a GB Shuttle 6.0 is a great option,as is the Ampeg pf500/350

[Blue]

Originally Posted by stilljazzing

... I've been looking at Micro Bass Heads in the 250.00-500.00 range ... What should I be looking at in the 250.00 to 500.00 range? I may be willing to forgo micro weight, but don't want to lug around something too heavy.

Maybe the wrong place to post .. but I have an EA Wizzy Cabinet (which many say sounds like an old flip-top) factory paired (airhead style) with an EA 200 (which many say is transparent sounding, but with a very flexible and useful EQ).

Here's one that sold here-in - they were asking $675 (I do not know what they actually got). You can have mine for $375 + actual shipping. Weight of the combo is perhaps 40 pounds.

EA Wizzy Combo -near mint -great midweight combo

See also: http://www.eaamps.com/manuals/iAMP200.pdf

[GBassNorth]

I was looking for something similar for an acoustic band where I'd be playing an acoustic/electric bass and didn't want to over power the band, just hang low in the background. The ampeg pf500 and markbass stuff was all good but I wanted to spend well under $500 for the total rig and couldn't find either of those used.
Finally ended up with and Ashdown EVO300 MagIII 2x10 combo and have been very pleased with it. Very very warm tone and the 2x10 speakers fill the room without being boomy like 15s and 12s can sometime be. It has great eq control and sharp looks as well. Paid $300 for it used in mint condition and have used it on several gigs and numerous hours of practice with an acoustic 5 string bass guitar as well as a Kala bass uke and some short scale electric solidbody basses (Jag, Bronco, Mustang). I'm lovin it so far.

[stilljazzing]

Oh my goodness, I just pulled the trigger on an Ampeg PF350 (stratch and dent from AMS for $219.00--I am cheap!). I'm having GAS anxiety because I just bought the least expensive possibility. I trust is will work out!

Your helpful comments and these vids help me decide to give it a try:

Ampeg PF-350 PortaFlex amp - YouTube

Ampeg Portaflex Series PF-350 - Features - YouTube

I'd be very happy with the sounds in those videos. Actually I'd be happy to play like those guys. The other possiblities--MarkBass, GB,etc all sound good too!

As I said I'm playing with acoustic guitarists (big equipment scares them) and maybe in a jazz context now and then. I don't need a lot of volume, but dependablity is important. (My standard is a 1965 Fender Twin I played countless gig with for 25 years as a guitarist. I think I only changed the tubes once!)

But now I'm loving bass.

Thanks Blue for the offer. Thanks everyone!

Great forum here!

[Deepwoods]

The PF-350 should get the job done for you nicely. Don't be afraid to EQ radically. I find that I need to twist the knobs farther past middle to get my sound. It should look nice on top of a 12" cab also. Good luck with the new amp!

[Bassquest]

I played my GK MB200 and Eden EX1124 (4 ohm) last night with PA support and walked out with it after the gig while everyone else had to wait till Monday to collect their gear (too many beers!).

[RC52]

Allright, stilljazzing! Great find--- you will love the pf350!!!

[MyMusic]

Another to consider is the Carvin BX250. $318 shipped. Carvin.com :: BX250

[fourfinger]

My "new" choice would be this:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MB500/

Used, anything on TB classifieds that you like after you research it.