126 or 158? need advice for son quickly please

[iamjethro]

My son wants to learn bass. I bought him a Peavey max 126 for bedroom practice. Guitar Center placed a tag on the Max 158 today for the same price. I am considering going back and get it for him and keeping the 126 for me to use in a quiet corner of the house. Is there enough VOLUME difference to do this? It would be better if he had enough volume to play with a couple of friends with guitars (no drums). If there is considerable difference I will go back, if little difference, I am not going to do it and save the cash. The trip is a little over an hour to the store.

 

[B-string]

The 158 is 20 watts instead of 10 watts with a larger speaker so yes, the difference would be noticeable. If either would be enough to play with more than one acoustic (un amplified) guitar is questionable, but the 158 would stand a better chance.

 

[Bass_Pounder]

Probably not enough of a difference to justify a 2 hour round trip.

Also probably not enough to play with anyone else that is amplified (might work with an acoustic guitar though).

 

[CrUiSeR]

For a few bucks more the ampeg ba110 or maybe even acoustic b30 would be better.
Ampeg is 40 watts w/10"
Acoustic is 30 watts w/12"

 

[Downunderwonder]

If I can play a gig with a saxophone with 15w 6'' practice amp I think acoustic guitar jams are fine. I did uncountable jam sessions with unamped guitars with it over the years. Either new Peavey is underperformed, or you fellas are hell greedy for bass in the mix, or perhaps too long since playing with acoustics? Weird.

 

[Omega Monkey]

If you can still return the 126, you should just do that and exchange it for the 158, as long as you don't mind the drive.

 

[iamjethro]

Purchased at 2 different stores.

I think I will just let it ride. doesn't sound like it is enough difference to worry about. I have an old 60 watt Crate he can take if he needs it much louder.
It is just much larger and heavier.

Thanks guys.