300 watt bass amp?

[Metalmaster6254]

Anyone know the best 300 watt amp out there? I'll be playing mostly metal like metallica pantera a7x but also lighter stuff like red hot chili peppers and it has to be solid state mostly because im on a budget and tube amps are more expensive than ss amps

 

[dukeisdog]

What's your budget? I'd suggest a Mesa Walkabout but they're about $600 used if I recall.

 

[Metalmaster6254]

Oh my bad my budget would probably be no higher than about $500

 

[madjazzbass]

You could check the TB Classifieds for a Gallien Kruger 800RB, Great Bass head, I used to own one years ago, you could prob. get one for around ? ..$350.00 I'm guessing, Good Luck. Oh, BTW, That amp is a 400 watt head.

 

[Alexander]

I've seen Mesa Walkabouts for around 500 used - best 300w SS/Hybrid out there IMO

 

[basscooker]

used peavey combo 300's hover around 250, and used matching 115 cabs go for around 100. that's about 350 bucks for 300 watts into 215", leaving 150 bucks to spare.

that's a kinda big, somewhat heavy rig, but loud and oodles of eq (iirc, 7 band, sweepable mids, and pull-deep/bright)

the 800rb mentioned is a workhorse, and right up your alley for metal tones (a good reference is "appetite for destruction" for this amp's signature tone), but it's a head, and you'd still need to get a pair of 8 ohm or one good 4 ohm cab.

 

[MuthaFunk]

There's also Eden WT300's that pop up every now and then in the $350 range as well as SWR SM400S' for even less. Put a $100 used VT Bass pedal into either of these and your set.

From your description I'd say look for an Ampeg PF350 or PF500 new with a warranty. Tube like sound much like the recordings you've come to know and love in the metal world, high power output, affordable price.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Car in Bx-500. I think it sells now for $349 new. 500w - do a search here for reviews. I love mine.

 

[JCM800]

I've been pleased with some of the GK rb's and various Trace Elliot's I've used

Sound good and easy on the back as well

 

[thunder_dan]

Ampeg SVT 200T. All solid state. 350 watts @ 4 Ohms, 200 watts @ 8 Ohms. $250-$300 range. Plug a Sansamp preamp into your signal and that's all she wrote.

 

[73jbass]

Hartke LH 500 or 1000.

 

[Downunderwonder]

$500 for amp and cab or just amp?

Either way, the best amp is no good if you can't find a used one locally or with reasonable shipping.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Carvin - sorry.

 

[bluesdogblues]

Not exactly 300 Watt but how about TC Electronic RH450.. Some sell it for bit under $500, seems like a good amp

 

[CenTexThumper]

Hartke HA3000. It's no longer in production, I believe. But a used unit can be had reasonably enough. It's a strong, reliable amp. I've had one for about 8 years and never had a hiccup. It's my backup unit these days.

 

[Worldeeeter]

What's your budget? I'd suggest a Mesa Walkabout but they're about $600 used if I recall.

+1 big time. You can score a used WA head for $500-ish, or a used combo for $800-$900.

 

[Worldeeeter]

Well, this turned into a "what's your favorite amp?" thread rather quickly.

 

[Primakurtz]

Get yourself a used GK 700 or 1001, a solid cabinet, and kick some ax.

 

[fnordlyone]

Why not buy a used QSC power amp (or Crown or Peavey) for around $150-200? They are bullet proof. It will be much more powerful than 300 watts, but that's good. Look for one that has two channels that go down to 2 ohms. Use the rest to buy a pre amp. For stand alone single channel bass heads (that go 2 ohms), go used with a Peavey Firebass 700. I personally could have got a Firebass 700 for $150, but ended up with a QSC 1450 RMX for $160. Nice heavy heads and cabs go really cheap these days. Local deals are paramount, as the shipping costs are prohibited. Buyers market.

happy gassing,
fnord!

 

[Dave W]

$500 for amp and cab or just amp?

+1