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An amp on a $100 budget

F

FaderMonkey

Feb 7, 2011
2
0
Orlando, FL
#1
I am a beginner bassist and just bought my first bass, an Ibanez SR305. Now I of course need an amp, but I have little budget left to work with...about $100.

I realize trying to get a bass amp for only $100 may sound ridiculous, but it's unfortunately all I have to work with. At this point all I need is something so I can practice in my apartment. I've seen a 15W/8" Fender Amp for $100 and others around the same size and price. Does anyone have any recommendations? Should I just go with a headphone amp for now?
 
#4
Used market will be your best shot. The Acoustic B20 runs $150 new but can be found for $100 used. Amazing amp. I've used one for small-volume acoustic gigs and coffee houses. I haven't tried the B10, but for $99 I'll bet it's the best bang for the buck. The Peavey Max series isn't bad either, but they don't have the depth of tone the Acoustic amps do.

Good luck!
 
#5
Rule #1: Buy used. You can get a used Fender Rumble like the one you describe or a used Peavey Microbass for around 70-80 bucks. There are even cheaper options like Crate. Whatever you do, get an amp with a headphone output -- essential since you live in an apartment.
 
#8
Check the musical instruments section of craigslist and you can find decent amps for half(or less) of what they cost new. Look up custumer reviews on any amps that seem interesting to look for common problems for that model and test out any piece of used gear before forking over any cash. NEVER buy a Crate amp, my first loud amp was a Crate and it crapped out on me twice in six months. Ampeg, Eden Nemesis, SWR and Gallien Kruger make some good small inexpensive amps. Good luck.
 
#13
bassmanrocke said:
Check this one out, and its in town. I have considered it myself, but that would make 4 amps.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I realize this is more than you are looking for, but you can always turn down in the apartment.
Click to expand...

I just tried the link and it's been removed. :(

No worries though...I decided to go with the B20 for now. Looking at prices online I thought it was a little too far out of my price range, but I stopped by a couple shops on my way home from work today and found it on sale at Guitar Center. I tried it and a few other amps and the B20 sounded good!

Thanks everyone for your help! Now it's time to learn how to play...
 
#16
I suggest you consider buying a pocket rockit for bass. It's something you might still use after you get a real bass amp down the road, in part funded by the money you saved by buying a pocket rockit for $40 instead of used bass amp for $100. And your neighbors will thank you.

Here's a link to one:

http://gearhounds.com/c-tech-pocket-rock-it-s1b-bass-guitar-headphone-amp.aspx

Better yet, get a used pocket rockit and save even more.
 
#17
Acoustic B20 or Fender Rumble 15. I've gigged with the B20! The Rumble gives you a pretty even bass tone at low volumes.

Used might be able to get you something bigger.

BTW Guitar Center sold me a B20 for $85 new in the box. I see the price has shot up to $140 or something, but I'd imagine you'd have some bargaining room.
 
#18
try not to get less than a 10" speaker if you can help it ... I like the Peavey Minx and Fender Bassman 25 ... ... both older and not made anymore and can be found in the $100 range shipped if you are patient on Ebay ...
 

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