What to accept for used prices?

[J.Nuno]

I've been told here to definitely go for the used market for my first rig. For bars small stages I was also told to go for a aprox. 300W head.

The thing is, as I began searching I got more results than I thought I'd get and I have trouble with the prices. I'm having a hard time identifying what could be a good head and cab for my needs (because I don't know amps...) and sometimes I just close the window because of the price I see.

How much am I supposed to spend on a rig like this?

"you won't get a good enough rig for under x (€, Europe)"

[Mr. Foxen]

Much more idea of what you want to sound like and sort of gigs you play are needed. Plus availability of stuff in Portugal. Do you have a link to s/h music gear classified site local to you?

[J.Nuno]

Hey Foxen,

The music I play more is prog rock, hard rock and blues. It's hard for me to tell you what I "want to sound like" because I'm still stuck in the 15W combo phase so I'm now beginning to experiment. I never gigged before, but soon I should start playing in bars with the band we're forming now.

You can check this buy/sell/trade site http://www.olx.pt/lazer-cat-26 to get an idea. (search terms amplificador=amp, coluna=cab, baixo=bass)

[BassKitty101]

I assume Ashdown might be easier to get your hands on over there?
The Mag series is pretty decent for smaller stuff.

I'm not sure about the availability of other stuff for you but other cheap amps i have though are great are the Ampeg PF 500 or PF 350 and especially the Galien Kruger MB200. The MB 200 may seem like it's not loud but that is the loudest 200 watts I have ever heard in my life.

[Downunderwonder]

Plenty of tasty Trace Elliot amps there.

[Downunderwonder]

Prices are worse than NZ, dang. Maybe you guys haggle more than we do.

[J.Nuno]

Originally Posted by Downunderwonder

Prices are worse than NZ, dang. Maybe you guys haggle more than we do.

I sure do. Rarely does the item come for the initial price

The one thing I notice is that there are a lot more cabs than amps. A lot of combos too.

This is going to be hard for me... Maybe I'm over thinking it and being my first rig maybe I should just find the cheapest rig that we can classify as acceptable :S

[Mr. Foxen]

Depends if you want to be turning over gear loads to find your sound. A good transparent rig that has reasonable tone control (transparent cab, head with fair few knobs) is pretty beneficial though, depends if you want to learn to use eq or not. Its a useful skill because when you understand it, it will help if your band ends up running their own sound or if you self produce records. Problem is until you get the hang of using eq, the scope to shape the sound gives a lot of wrong possibilities (too much bass boost and mid cut generally).

[J.Nuno]

To be honest Foxen, I have no idea... I can see myself playing with the EQ. It sounds like more control and versatility, but will I need it? Can I handle it right now? I never touched an amp before
All I know is that can't even rehearse with the band with my crappy 15W combo!