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$350 Budget- Should I Buy It?

G

gotmule?

Apr 24, 2008
223
2
#1
I have a very tight budget right now and need to buy an amp soon because my band has some gigs over the summer. I'm not sure which amp I should buy. I'm looking at the Gallien-Krueger Backline 110, 112, and "Brat Pack", the Ampeg BA115, and the Peavey MAX 115. I currently have a Peavey MAX 126 so that is why I am looking at the Peavey, but I really like the sound of Gallien-Krueger and Ampeg, but leaning more towards Gallien-Krueger. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Here's a link for the "Brat Pack":Invalid Link Removed
 
#3
How loud do you need to get on stage? If you spend more money on a quality head, you can rely more on PAs for amplifaction, and your head will be sending a good signal. The backline heads seem to get good reviews. As far as the speakers go, I'd be careful. Maybe an Avatar 112 or 210 would fit the bill.

Ideally, you would want to spend just enough money so that your gear doesn't crap out on you or produce inadequate results, and it seems you might be flirting with that threshold.

Definitely look around for used stuff. You can find some good deals on craigslist.
 
#4
My personal opinion, I would strongly advise against the Brat Pack ... I had one prior to it being the catchy name ... bought from MF and sent it back ... the cab was all boom, very little definition or projection ... the head could have been interesting to try with a decent little 210 or 112 (Avatar?), but even with that be aware that the GK250 head is only 8 ohm capable, and only has one speaker jack to assure it ... unless they changed it, this is not something that you could ever really expand on, and its resale market would be very poor when its time for you to move on ... I know this is a very attractive package with the covers, cables and all, and the price seems right, but in practice its just too limiting and only marginal sounding at best ... try to find something used to tide you over, for example, the BA115's are all over the place used sometimes for half the price of new ... or pick up used Avatar B210 or SB112 and a used Peavey, GK 400/BL600, etc head for couple hundred or less and you will be much farther ahead ... JHMO ... good luck
 
#5
Definately go used. Going new, your price range is very limiting. You are either looking at some fairly solid combo amps that will sound good, but not give much room for expansion, or you are looking at head/cab setups that are either underpowered (like a bratpack) or of questionable quality (a'la berhinger) either way, it's a tough choice.

There are almost always good deals here or on craigslist, and sometimes even in your local store. A good suggestion would be to try and get a good quality used head with significant watts. Then get a used cab: either a smaller one (1x15 or 2x10) of good quality, or a large cab of questionable quality that you can sell later to upgrade without losing much resale value.
 
#7
+1 solid advice

tjh said:
My personal opinion, I would strongly advise against the Brat Pack ... I had one prior to it being the catchy name ... bought from MF and sent it back ... the cab was all boom, very little definition or projection ... the head could have been interesting to try with a decent little 210 or 112 (Avatar?), but even with that be aware that the GK250 head is only 8 ohm capable, and only has one speaker jack to assure it ... unless they changed it, this is not something that you could ever really expand on, and its resale market would be very poor when its time for you to move on ... I know this is a very attractive package with the covers, cables and all, and the price seems right, but in practice its just too limiting and only marginal sounding at best ... try to find something used to tide you over, for example, the BA115's are all over the place used sometimes for half the price of new ... or pick up used Avatar B210 or SB112 and a used Peavey, GK 400/BL600, etc head for couple hundred or less and you will be much farther ahead ... JHMO ... good luck
Click to expand...
 
#15
gotmule? said:
I found a Backine 115 combo for $76.00+$65.00 shipping. Should I try to get that?

Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/GK-Gallien-Krue...ryZ64397QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Click to expand...

thats just the current bid ... still has 3 days to go on it ... my past experience with the GK BL series would make me very hesitant to buy anything involving a speaker/cab without trying it first ... BL600 head at a very good price is about all I would chance ... JMHO

Edit to ask: where are you located?? is there something like a Music Go Round in your area??
 
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#16
tjh said:
thats just the current bid ... still has 3 days to go on it ... my past experience with the GK BL series would make me very hesitant to buy anything involving a speaker/cab without trying it first ... BL600 head at a very good price is about all I would chance ... JMHO

Edit to ask: where are you located?? is there something like a Music Go Round in your area??
Click to expand...

That's what I was afraid of with the Backlines. I live by a GC. When I went in there, I tried out the Ampeg BA115 and The GK and I liked both of their sounds, but especially liked the boost feature of the GKs. I also live by a Sam Ash, but haven't been there in a while.
 
#17
gotmule? said:
That's what I was afraid of with the Backlines. I live by a GC. When I went in there, I tried out the Ampeg BA115 and The GK and I liked both of their sounds, but especially liked the boost feature of the GKs. I also live by a Sam Ash, but haven't been there in a while.
Click to expand...

But, do you live around anywhere that they sell a lot of USED gear?? also check your local craigslist ...
 
#18
i don't wanna burst your bubble or anything....but the backline 110 has to be one of the crappiest heads ever. i had so many problems with it. since i was a young beginner bassist i thought....hmm maybe i should just start with this. well with practically any cab it just couldn't hack it. it had so many intermittent problems with cutting in and out so i took it to a amp tech and he said that the craftmanship and overall quality of the amp was utter crap. if i were you....i'd steer away from that one head. as for the others i havn't tried them except for the ampeg ba115. it has a decent tone yet it lacks power. anyways, the one main thing i would recommend is that you should just definitely buy used. good luck.
 

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