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amp wattage question

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by BassNStrings, Jul 16, 2013.

  1. Jul 16, 2013 #1
    BassNStrings

    BassNStrings

    Jul 15, 2013
    Hello all,
    I have been searching the threads for info so I apologize if this has been already been answered.
    I am a new member and currently in the "practice with feeling" stage of bass playing. Currently using the Hal Leonard Bass Method Book1.
    My bass is a Jackson Professional 4-string and a 15watt Johnson amp, perfect for practicing at home.
    My question: when I decide to experiment with effects pedals and such, is there a minimum leval of wattage that one needs to be able to get the effects through the amp? I'm not looking to invest in amps fit for a stadium or concert hall, but would a 50 or 100w be a good jump?
    Thank you.
     
  2. Jul 16, 2013 #2
    davidjackson

    davidjackson

    Sep 10, 2011
    UK
    No, there is no minimum level of wattage to use effects.

    If you are looking to play with a band you will probably want to go up to 150w-200w with an appropriate speaker cabinet or in a combo amp.
     
  3. Jul 16, 2013 #3
    RickenBoogie

    RickenBoogie

    Jul 22, 2007
    Dallas, TX
    +1 you can use effects with your current 15 watt amp if you wish, no harm. But, if you ever play with drums and loud guitars, you'll want a lot more amp and big spkr cabs.
     
  4. Jul 16, 2013 #4
    father of fires

    father of fires Commercial User

    Nov 29, 2006
    BALTIMORE CITY
    Chief of Medicine at Damnation Audio
    I use effects with my wife's 15 watt guitar amp all of the time. I just have to be mindful how much low end I'm producing.
     
  5. Jul 17, 2013 #5
    BassNStrings

    BassNStrings

    Jul 15, 2013
    Thanks to everyone for the input so far. You see, I have a Chunk Systems OO Funk pedal that I bought a few months ago. (One of those spur of the moment-cash on hand-the demo videos look really cool decisions)
    Unfortunately I can't get a good sound. I have spent hours adjusting each knob on the device and on my 15w amp to no real success. Hence my wondering if the amp isn't powerful enough for any effect pedal. Also, whenever I swith the funk pedal on, my amp immediately picks up a local radio station. When I swith it off, the radio signal goes away. I am researching those threads as well. Oh well, no bass playing journey is complete without a few bumps on the road.
     
  6. Jul 17, 2013 #6
    RickenBoogie

    RickenBoogie

    Jul 22, 2007
    Dallas, TX
    Check your power supply. Also, an envelope filter effect is a tricky one for a novice. Input sensitivity is key, not so much the amp behind it.
     
  7. Jul 17, 2013 #7
    AuntieBeeb

    AuntieBeeb

    Dec 12, 2010
    London
    I grew up next door to a church, and the vicar used to deliver his services through a small PA system. If I plugged in to practice on Sunday mornings I realised I could hear his voice coming through my bass amp - that was just the pickups in the bass, no effects in the chain!

    (I was a bit disappointed to conclude that it didn't work both ways - I could have had a bit of fun if my Black Sabbath riffs were picked up by his PA!)