Amp suggestions

Hey KeithConn, there's lots of good stuff out there -- give us a price range.

 

My suggestion:

You won't really find a practical amp which is good for home practice, AND playing in a loud rock band (if that's what you want to do, you didn't say what music you like).
Get yourself a nice medium power combo (50-150 watts), which will be good for home use, and jamming in the garage. You may need a bigger rig later when you are ready to play gigs, but you will still need something to practice with. A little combo will always be useful to you.

Hope this helps.

 

It also helps to know what styles of music you play. If you're a more modern/fusion/jazz/Latin player, I would go for an SWR Workingman's 15

If you're into vintage/alternative/new music, I would look at an Ampeg B100 (or something close to that). It's also a 15" combo, but it has more of that phat vintage sound to it.

Carvin and Gallien Krueger also make 15" combos. Medium priced - medium quality.

The big thing is to plug in and listen. It's great to be loud, but make sure it has the features you're going to need.

 

i would agree with roger.

fender bassman-combos range from 25-400 watts, and can be found used within your price range (probably not the 400 watter though)

ampeg-makes great 50 and 100 watt combos with a single 12 or 15 inch speaker. the sound suprisingly big and full for their diminuitive size and power ratings. you could get one new in your price range.

peavey-makes all kinds of stuff. you could find a new or used one in your price range. they are usually quite loud, built like a tank. but because of this they are heavey. not fun to carry around.

SWR workingmans series are wonderful too, might be a bit too expensive for you, but you could try to find one used.

Carvin combos I have heard are decent, and a good deal given the power and the volume they have, but are not of the same overall quality as the previously mentioned brands. built well, loud, just not the best tone ive been told. you could get one new, with a warranty for 300 i think...

personally I dont think you can go wrong with any of these brands. Check em all out, defenitly look for used gear at a local dealer. $400 will get a lot as far as a used medium sized combo goes (i got a peavey TKO-65 used for $150 once!)

good hunting.

 

As a bass player you will learn that power is king. For playing gigs you need power for clean sound. I would suggest a minimum of 150 watts, there are many situations where you can easily get by with less but it sure is alot easier to turn down than to try turn up and fry a speaker or amp or both. If you want a combo get something with a 15" speaker (pending on what type of music you play) should do well anything less will die a slow painfull death. There are exceptions to every rule but these are general guidlines. Peavey makes some of the most durable stuff around actually they are built like russian tanks and last a long time but their sound has something left to be desired but thats just my opinion and their price is always right. Bang for the buck thay are a top contender. Carvin also makes good stuff IMO better sound than peavey pobably not as durable though and good prices also. Ampeg makes some nice combo's but they are more expensive. Just remember sound is very sujective and what I like you may hate and so on. Some may cry im crazy but I would go with at least 3-4 hundred watts and a 15 inch speaker and look for an amp that has jacks for an extension cabinet so if you need more you can add on another cab. Good luck

 

Here's a nice Ampeg from a fellow TB'er that should suit...

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=33324

100 watts, but they sound louder. Personally, I'm a fan of the 50 watter, but if I was in the market for an amp, I probably would jump at this... He's also got a V4-B for sale... nice head, but you'd need a cabinet to go with it.

Good luck,
-robert