used SWR Workingman's 15 or new GK MB115?

[mav0612]

Hello all,

I am new to the forum and relatively new to playing bass. I have a budget of around $400 to purchase an amp to go with my Ibanez RD500 bass (recently purchased used). The amp is mostly going to be used at home, but will be played with piano, sax, and occasionally drums (predominantly for blues/jazz/folk). The two amps I'm currently considering are a used SWR Workingman's 15 (7 yrs old, but supposedly in very good condition, $350 on Craigslist, might be able to bargain lower) or a new GK MB115 ($440 + tax in Canada).

Is there an obvious choice here?

I don't know of a store nearby that has one of the GK amps in stock right now, so unfortunately I haven't been able to try one out yet.

Thanks in advance,
MvR

[lowfreq33]

$350 is a little high for the SWR. They were good amps, Sounded good but a little underpowered IMO. I had an SWR workingman head that I used for years, it was very reliable but I always felt I was pushing it to it's limit. 7 years old, I wouldn't give more than $275 for that combo. The GK, on the other hand, is new, gets great marks for tone and power, and comes with a warranty.

[colcifer]

I don't know about the GK, but you'd be well off with the SWR. I have a similar one and it's my baby.

One thing about SWRs though is that they aren't too loud. It'll do what you need it to but if your band mates are loud you'll be eating up headroom quick.

[srj]

I would go for a new GK MB115 , its lighter than the SWR , has more power and would come with a warranty.

The MB115 is 35lbs , the SWR is 61lbs ,,the MB115 is 200 watt, the SWR is 160 watts.

[mav0612]

Thanks for the advice!

[Jim Carr]

I had a SWR WM15 (vintage 2000). It was not enough, even for a modestly powered blues band. Furthermore, adding a goliath III Jr. 2x10 just DID NOT HELP.

Find a used SWR professional series 350 for $300 US and a good used 210 or 1x15 for $200.