What's a good relatively cheap amp?

[kmanley_29649]

I'm soon to be looking for an amp that I can use primarily for DB, but also run my bass guitar through. I'm hoping to spend as little as possible, preferably under $1,000 (much less if possible). I currently have a Peavey TKO 15", and it is great for the BG, and I get a decent double tone out of it, as it has a great 7-band EQ, but I am doing much more double playing these days. Also, I want someting smaller, like a 10" or the new 2x8" I recently heard about (don't remeber the manufacturer).

What do you guys think would be good for me? Thanks in advance.

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by kmanley_29649

I'm soon to be looking for an amp that I can use primarily for DB, but also run my bass guitar through. I'm hoping to spend as little as possible, preferably under $1,000 (much less if possible). I currently have a Peavey TKO 15", and it is great for the BG, and I get a decent double tone out of it, as it has a great 7-band EQ, but I am doing much more double playing these days. Also, I want someting smaller, like a 10" or the new 2x8" I recently heard about (don't remeber the manufacturer).

What do you guys think would be good for me? Thanks in advance.

It's probably easier to look at used stuff rather than new. With all do respect, Peavey amps really aren't that great, at lest for Double Bass. I've been forced to run through them in rehearsals and really wasn't very pleased with their sound. So if you're happy with the Peavy you're gonna love the new stuff. I'd look for a used Gallien Krueger Microbass or if you're really lucky a old 400 RB. They work great for Double Bass and Electric as well.

Ric

[robgrow]

I'd also recommend a used GK MB150S combo amp. Works well for double bass and bass guitar. Look for a series III (current) version if possible. I've seen these amps go for as little as $300 in decent condition.

[Bass Catcher]

I would also recommend the GK MB150 combo amps.

[bolo]

The Traynor combo amps also get mentioned a bit in this forum.

I don't know if you could do it for $1,000, but maybe that would get you a new Micro 300 and a Wizzy 10. Not sure of current pricing.

What are your gigs like? How loud do you need to go?

[kmanley_29649]

Currently I'm not playing in a band, so it will be mostly for home recording and practice, though I am looking to get a few friends together to play whenever we can find the time at a local acoustic bar. I don't need it to be too loud, as the largest venue I can see myself playing only seats a couple hundred.

[Freddels]

The EA Micro 300 and Wizzy 10 would work great. You can get those for under $1k.

[fingers]

I'm a big fan of the GK 150MBS. Not very loud though. I use mine all the time but, at least without and extension cab, it is probably not loud enough for a couple hundred person venue.

[jayarroz]

the microbass is good and a complete package, you can get a case for it to..........but.......go with Acoustic Image Clarus heads they run around 300 used, and a EA wizzy ten with a backpack is about 475. Thats the best combo I see around town. The GK is a twelve and it has a good low sound but not much midrange stuff, the wizzy ten will give you more options for your sound and it gets louder. Plus the seperate Clarus head will drive even a 4x10 at moderate levels if you have to! I actually use to play with a GK 12 on the bottom and a wizzy 10 on top, good combination, but then I learned to eq better and sold the GK. Hope this helps! Oh and Phil Jones stuff sounds great just bulky and hard to get around, 800 dollar range. I like them because they fire some speakers up at you so you don't have to guess what it sounds like out in the crowd....!

[bolo]

If you're still looking and thinking, the reports I've read on the Genz-Benz shuttles seem very positive. Here's one, more if you search.

[Johnny Atomic]

Originally Posted by bolo

If you're still looking and thinking, the reports I've read on the Genz-Benz shuttles seem very positive. Here's one, more if you search.

i've got the shuttle 3.0 10t combo, and love it for DB!

[joel kelsey]

Markbass mini cmd 121p. Great for double bass. Sounds pretty good for electric. It is loud enough for 90% of my electric gigs. Under 1000 bucks too.

[moles]

I just picked up a used Eden Nemesis combo - the old silverface with the 2x8. 120 watts with an extension cab (90 without I think).
I got it for MUCH less than 1000. Sounds great.

[VicDamone]

Two weeks ago I borrowed a Mesa Walkabout and an M-line cabinet. I was extremely impressed by the combination. I'm sure this amp could be paired with many proven small cabinets with good results. It's small in size but a little heavier than a switching amplifier.

Vic