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Ampeg BA-110 v.2 or Ampeg BA 115HP, Need Help Choosing

MountainDew

MountainDew

Mar 11, 2021
105
151
Houston, TX
#1
Hey guys. Just picked up my first bass a '09 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz bass last weekend and now i need to pick up an amp. Planning to learn bass, dont have any experience.
Looking at local listings theres the usual Peavy amps that are going for $100-$150, afew Rumble15 amps. But from what ive read i think Ampeg is what id like to try as my first amp. I have both of these available to me in my area.
BA-110 v.2 guy is asking $145, im possible id try to pick it up at $130
BA115HP guy is asking $175. Id like to try for $150.
I know one is a 10" and the other is 15". So they have their own sounds due to size.
If it was you which would you guys pick?
Also any advice on things i should look out for specifically for each model when checking them out would help. As i dont really know what to check for when buying used gear. Besides buzzing/cutting out.
Thanks in advance


BA-110

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BA115hp
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#2
The 15. I've used that amp and it was what got me back to Ampeg, where I have stayed since. I've never had a lot of luck with single 1x10 cabs in any type of situation that requires volume.

As far as testing, just run each knob and button through their full range of motion (watching for volume) and make sure it works and doesn't crackle. Turn it up and listen for rattles or anything that doesn't sound right, like a speaker farting out with the volume relatively low. Jiggle the input cable gently to make sure it has a solid connection. And don't ever set your bass down like in the top pick! To me, that is a sign that the owner does not take care of his gear...lol.
 
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#3
I do not currently own Ampeg gear, but have in the past. That said, I have a lot of hours on a friend's 115 combo and it would be my first choice over the 110. It's a great little rig and will be much more gig capable than the 110 IME.

I think G On Bass gave you some good test drive advice. For the small difference in cost here, there 115 is the clear winner if it's in good shape. Obviously trust your ears, but I'd be shocked if the difference isn't immediately obvious.
 
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#4
Yeah, i was leaning towards the BA15 to get that low end. Just wanted to make sure there wasnt a huge difference in quality over the 2 models.

Also, thanks for the advice when testing it.
Hopefully all goes well with the BA15 and i dont have to go test out the BA110.
Both guys are only 10-15 mins from me too. So thats pretty nice
 
#5
MountainDew said:
Yeah, i was leaning towards the BA15 to get that low end. Just wanted to make sure there wasnt a huge difference in quality over the 2 models.

Also, thanks for the advice when testing it.
Hopefully all goes well with the BA15 and i dont have to go test out the BA110.
Both guys are only 10-15 mins from me too. So thats pretty nice
Click to expand...
I think the 115 has some additional features/controls that you'll also like in terms of being bale to get a broader range of voicing options. While it does not have the Scrambler circuit, you can get that exact effect in an Ampeg pedal and you'll have a bigger/more capable combo to play it through in a band situation.

I think a lot of folks like that little 110 for things like a monitor in a pit orchestra type situation or for small more acoustic music groups. Both offer something to like, but for the bigger band utility and voicing options I really like the 115. If you're a clean player (and I am) or would prefer effect pedals over built-in effects, the 115 is once again the hands down choice IMO.

Good luck!
 
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#7
MountainDew said:
Hey guys. Just picked up my first bass a '09 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz bass last weekend and now i need to pick up an amp. Planning to learn bass, dont have any experience.
Looking at local listings theres the usual Peavy amps that are going for $100-$150, afew Rumble15 amps. But from what ive read i think Ampeg is what id like to try as my first amp. I have both of these available to me in my area.
BA-110 v.2 guy is asking $145, im possible id try to pick it up at $130
BA115HP guy is asking $175. Id like to try for $150.
I know one is a 10" and the other is 15". So they have their own sounds due to size.
If it was you which would you guys pick?
Also any advice on things i should look out for specifically for each model when checking them out would help. As i dont really know what to check for when buying used gear. Besides buzzing/cutting out.
Thanks in advance


BA-110

View attachment 4205041


BA115hp
View attachment 4205042

View attachment 4205043
Click to expand...
As you're a new Player and not likely to be playing with others anytime soon, I'm going to be the dark horse here and recommend the BA110v2. It's much more controllable in the home, takes up less space, can be placed in monitor position for low level listening and close proximity and it sounds great for it's stated purpose. Yes, I own one. It's just a great choice for a practice amp in the home. Larger units like 15" models can be throttled back but I feel that they don't speak well in the home as that was not their intended purpose. I've never owned larger, more powerful units that sounded good in the home. In fact I think they sound lousy as they can't "open up" yet sound great in a club or other commercial environment.
Get the BA110v2 and you'll always have a great home unit. Then, if you really grow as a player and want to play out, get a proper amp for that purpose. This is of course my humble opinion.
Best of luck to you!
 
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#8
SJan3 said:
As you're a new Player and not likely to be playing with others anytime soon, I'm going to be the dark horse here and recommend the BA110v2. It's much more controllable in the home, takes up less space, can be placed in monitor position for low level listening and close proximity and it sounds great for it's stated purpose. Yes, I own one. It's just a great choice for a practice amp in the home. Larger units like 15" models can be throttled back but I feel that they don't speak well in the home as that was not their intended purpose. I've never owned larger, more powerful units that sounded good in the home. In fact I think they sound lousy as they can't "open up" yet sound great in a club or other commercial environment.
Get the BA110v2 and you'll always have a great home unit. Then, if you really grow as a player and want to play out, get a proper amp for that purpose. This is of course my humble opinion.
Best of luck to you!
Click to expand...
I think this is great advice and a very fair counterpoint to consider to what I posted. Optimizing for your most frequent use case is a smart idea.
 
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#10
Another vote for the 15 here. You may be starting out, but if you get in to it you’ll want to start playing with others. The 10 is a nice amp, but is really designed for home practice. The 15 will give you the power you need to do keep up with a loud drummer, if you end up playing in a band. The price difference is small, so you may as well spend a little more for the reassurance. The only drawback will be the weight. Im 49 and have a bad back. When I was younger I had something like that and remember how heavy it was. Now my gear is lightweight. But if you’re young and strong, it shouldn’t be a problem.
 
#12
If you only have 1 amp you're going to need the 115. The 110 would never keep up with a drummer and the 115 will also sound clearer at low volumes. Used solid state amps usually work or they don't.
 
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#14
So the guy with the BA115 has not gotten back to me in acouple of days. Im assuming it has been sold.
Looking like ill be picking up the BA110 tomorrow. Lowest guy would go is $135, so its a pretty good deal.
Hoping BA115 gets back to me before i leave work tomorrow.
 

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