What features do I want in a bass amp?

[smokindav]

I looked in the AMP FAQ and didn't see a n00b guide.

I'm such a noob I don't even know what I want my bass amp to do. I'm trying to figure out what features would be valuable.

What I'd like to do is:

1.) Practice in basement with headphones on
a.) Hear music from my iPod through the speaker or headphones at the same time that I can hear the bass in the speaker/headphones
2.) Play with friends in basement with drums, elec guitar and small pa system for voice, no mics on the instruments
3.) Play small gigs, parties.
4.) Line out to be able to record directly into computer (or something?)

Other cool stuff that I don't know enought to want?

And what are the main brands to look for? And how big do I need it - speaker size and wattage?

[lomo]

Budget? Does weight matter? Based on what you've said, I'd go with a modular combo like a Genz Benz Shuttle 12. Pretty loud on its' own and you can add another cab or use the head with a much larger cab. Has all the features you asked for and is easily portable.

[recreate.me]

Do you want a combo or a head + cabinet setup ?
(if combo would you like a speaker output incase you want a bigger cab later?)
What size and weight would you prefer?
What sound are you going for ?
Do you care if its Tube or Solid State?

I was gonna say, you can go with the new Orange Crush PiX series. They have 25, 50, and 100W combos that have all those things, plus a built in tuner. The 50watter has a speaker out, the 100w does not though.. weird.

[subject42]

What is your price range?

[Nagrom]

1. Headphone jack
1a. RCA or mini stereo 'ins'.
2. Reasonable friends
3. see '2' above
4. Headphone jack

You need to ask one more question, about lining out to a PA system.
The answer to that is a decent built-in D.I. (XLR 3-prong microphone style connector)
Also, At least one 'effects send' type 1/4" output with a matching effects return.

Then look at what sort of wattage and speakerage you can afford.

[smokindav]

I'll answer some questions:

-Budget - $300-ish

-Weight - doesn't matter

-I am using a Fender Jazz Bass - I want to sound funky, need an amp that works for that

-Do I want combo or head and cabinet? I have no idea.

-Do I want tube or solid state? Again, no clue.

-Line out to a PA is not a must have but would be nice.

[Psycho]

My advice would be to try some stuff out. Go to local shop that carries bass amps, and if they'll allow, try some out.

You need to know what you like before you can make a decision, in my opinion.

[faceinbass]

go to guitar center (et al.) and play on some amps!

[smokindav]

Originally Posted by Psycho

My advice would be to try some stuff out. Go to local shop that carries bass amps, and if they'll allow, try some out.

You need to know what you like before you can make a decision, in my opinion.

Originally Posted by faceinbass

go to guitar center (et al.) and play on some amps!

I plan to go play some amps, I just wanted to know where to start. I only have two local shops and neither sell Orange or Genz. To play those I have to drive to DES Moines which is about two hours.

Orange looks cool so I might make the drive to go play one.

[Big chicken]

Ampeg BA-115

[benjammin420]

the Ampeg Micro VR sounds like something you would like. I has a headphone out (great for recording), an mp3/line in, and it has plenty of power for practices and smaller gigs. the matching cab has 2x10s at 8 ohms, to get the full 200 watts of power (at 4 ohms) you might want 2 cabs

[lomo]

In your budget you need a combo. I recommend a used Fender Bassman 150 or Hartke kickback 12 or 15.

[AMp'D.2play]

+1 to the Ampeg BA-115. It's the one I thought of last night when I first read this thread.

• CD/MP3 line in
• Headphones out
• 100 watts is plenty loud for basement jams over a drum kit & guitar
• Line out for those gigs where you need it
• Used --> low-mid $200s
• 60-something pounds, which isn't so bad if you're not going to be constantly transporting it

I played through one on Saturday. I may use any extra post-Christmas $$ to get one & use as a back-up/quiet (headphones) practice amp since my other cab weighs 95 lbs.

[martyman5000]

Something you can sell when you want to go bigger...Roland makes nice combo's or even I've seen Ibanez now makes ones also. I liked my Ampeg combo...it was not very tough and it was very heavy so its not on my list of must haves.

[dalkowski]

Used Hartke A100

[smokindav]

Do you think a 50 watt amp would be loud enough? The 100+ watt amps look mostly out of my price range at close to $400 and over for some.

[dalkowski]

Originally Posted by smokindav

Do you think a 50 watt amp would be loud enough? The 100+ watt amps look mostly out of my price range at close to $400 and over for some.

Possibly, but consider going for 100 -- you may find yourself in a situation where you want the added juice sooner or later. You can always turn down.

[smokindav]

I found an Ampeg BA115 on craigslist for $150. Probably gonna get it.

[will33]

I think you're describing 2 different rigs there.

The "headphone practice/listen to ipod/get sound into computer rig" could be something that doesn't even have a speaker, or it could be a little 10-15 watt beginner practice amp with "modern" in's and out's for computers/ipods, etc.

The "small gigs and parties/play with friends in the basement" rig could be a 100-300 watt 210 or 115 combo that sounds decent live and has a DI for getting into the PA if you find yourself at a gig that the amp can't handle. You probably won't need the PA help for small gigs and parties but you never know........

[Burlington]

Used SWR combo, look on Craigslist.