Warning: Heavy Reading Ahead Hi guys, I'm looking to get an amp for practice/small gig (loud enough to play with a drummer). So here's my (rather tricky) situation. I have 2 options. 1. a pre-owned Fender FrontMan 212R for $300~ 2. a brand new Fender Bronco 40 for $440 Now, the thing is, the FrontMan is not a bass amp, but is probably a better choice (possibly louder). My cousin is willing to give me the FrontMan for free, but he lives in Sydney and I live in Brisbane. Shipping it to my place will be very costly, seeing as it weighs a tonne. I can get a local guitar shop to order in a new Bronco 40 for 440 (remember this is Australian dollars where everything is taxed hugely). So, can someone tell me a few things; 1. Which amp is better for my style? I like having effects (like envelope filter and I'd prefer not to buy a pedal), and I'm going to play with another guitarist and a drummer. 2. Will an amp designed for a guitar be loud enough/work with a bass?
You're not going to want to push a guitar amp to gig or loud practice levels. The speakers probably would not be able to handle it. Of those two choices that leaves the Bronco. I'd start looking at used stuff, there is bound to be something good out there within your budget.
40 watts isn't enough for playing with a drummer. You really need at least 100 watts and a 1x15" speaker or 2x10" cab. Don't bother with the guitar amp, you'll blow the speakers quickly at loud volume.
Honestly m8, not to be a jerk, but neither one of those is a good choice. I am CERTAIN that you can find better in OZ for that price range. What is the absolute MAXIMUM you'd be willing to spend?
I had a Bronco 40. It was ok for playing at home, alone. It had fun amp/effects modeling features but it did not like my pedals. I would try to find better.
I don't think either of those are a good choice for playing bass in a band either... And unless you're playing trad jazz in a coffee shop, you'll need more than 100 watts. IME, 200-250 watts is bare minimum as a starter for adequate headroom (depending on the amp, band and typical venue of course).
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