Advice needed

[tgriley62]

I am new to playing bass & currently have a Fender rumble 15watt amp. I am looking to get either the Acoustic AB50 or the Marshall MB30. I know the Marshall has more features but the Acoustic has 20 more watts power for the same price. Any help & advice would be great or suggestions on maybe a different amp I have not considered.

Thanks

 

[WardEarth]

If your tight on cash, go used and try to go bigger. Unless there are other factors, such as living in a small town (maybe you have to deliver).
If you have to save some more $, I think its worth it to wait. Buying another practice amp seems like it would be a waste.

 

[RickenBoogie]

+1 neither of the 2 amps you listed will be a huge step up from what you already have. Telling us what you want to do with this new amp would help, ie: if you're gigging, or jamming with a band, you'll want both more power, (300-500 watts), AND much more speaker, (4x10, 2x12, etc) Otherwise, if you just want better tone and still only need a ractice" combo, consider amps with at least 100 watts, and a 15" spkr.

 

[scottbass]

Both the amps you listed sell new for $200. Is that your price limit?

Assuming you're in the USA, you can buy a Carvin MB15 for $359 + shipping. It puts 200 watts into its single 15" speaker. If you add another 8 ohm cabinet, it will put out a total of 250 watts. That MIGHT be adequate for playing in a band that isn't too loud - i.e., reasonable drummer and no Marshall stacks. Anything less than that will be just another practice amp that is inadequate for gigging.

For sure you should shop for used gear. You might be able to find a used 300 or 350 watt 1x15 or 2x10 combo amp for $200 to $300.

 

[My name is Mudd]

The Acoustic is designed for acoustic basses (AB50), and may not be the best choice for your needs.

 

[lomo]

+1 neither of the 2 amps you listed will be a huge step up from what you already have. Telling us what you want to do with this new amp would help, ie: if you're gigging, or jamming with a band, you'll want both more power, (300-500 watts), AND much more speaker, (4x10, 2x12, etc) Otherwise, if you just want better tone and still only need a ractice" combo, consider amps with at least 100 watts, and a 15" spkr.

This. Save up for a true upgrade.

 

[tgriley62]

Thanks for the advice. I have some issues with the Fender rumble I have, it was bough used from a pawn shop so no returns, I cannot turn up anything but the volume & bass. The other two controlls make high pitched noise. I also forgot to ask: What are some good headphones in the less than $100 range for practice

Thanks again for all the help

 

[Pilgrim]

I recommend at least 200W in your next buy - you can always turn DOWN, and 200W will cover more than people admit.

The Sony MDR-V6 headphones are among my favorites - they are a closed-ear design and run about $70.