Bass Amps under $250

[Sephiroth 420]

I've been playing guitar for 3 years, and am now feeling like giving the bass a try. I have already decided to use the Squier '70s Jazz Bass. I am now looking for an amp, preferably under $250 new. I'm mainly looking at the Ampeg BA110V2, Fender Rumble 40, and Orange Crush CR25BXT. I really like the sound of an Orange head going into an Ampeg cab, but that seems near impossible to emulate in my price range so I've pretty much given up on that idea. Which amp of those 3 should I put my hard-earned cash towards? Is there another amp that sounds better or sounds like an Orange/Ampeg head and cab that stays in my price range ($250 new)?

 

[Sephiroth 420]

BUMP

 

[wave rider]

Craigslist? Used can often give more bang for the buck. Or sound for the £. Boogie for the Loonie. Depends on your locale.

 

[Linnin]

Don't overlook the Hartke HD 50. Audition them all and pick the one you like best. The Fender Rumble 40 would be my pick.

 

[Sephiroth 420]

I'm mainly looking for new gear in my price range, but maybe I'll get lucky. I don't really have any reputable used dealers in my area, and I prefer to be able to see, feel, and play the gear before I buy.

 

[Sephiroth 420]

Don't overlook the Hartke HD 50. Audition them all and pick the one you like best. The Fender Rumble 40 would be my pick.

I'll look into the Hartke. I've heard good things, but I haven't really looked into them.

 

[BadExample]

If you can bump that up to $300 with free shipping, you have a lot of options that stretch well past practice amp Bass Guitar Combo Amps | Sweetwater

Of course, as was mentioned, you'll get the most bang for your buck used, especially if local, so you can see and hear it while not paying for shipping. I'd be very reluctant to buy a combo sight unseen. But that's just me

 

[Al Kraft]

If you can bump that up to $300 with free shipping, you have a lot of options that stretch well past practice amp Bass Guitar Combo Amps | Sweetwater

Of course, as was mentioned, you'll get the most bang for your buck used, especially if local, so you can see and hear it while not paying for shipping. I'd be very reluctant to buy a combo sight unseen. But that's just me

...especially good advice on the bump to $300 if you plan to buy new (my preference as well except when I know the seller personally) because then you can get something that would support jamming with friends.

 

[Sephiroth 420]

Ok then, I guess I'll save up a bit more cash and get a $300-ish amp. There are $300 versions of the Ampeg, Orange, and Fender. Should I still look into those?

 

[BadExample]

Absolutely. If you can, get to a music store and play some.

 

[Al Kraft]

Ok then, I guess I'll save up a bit more cash and get a $300-ish amp. There are $300 versions of the Ampeg, Orange, and Fender. Should I still look into those?

...and look for sales and coupon deals which should be coming up as we rapidly approach another holiday shopping season. I'd put GK and Traynor (if available in your area) on the list of potential candidates worth exploring as well.

 

[Wicked G]

Completely agree on bumping up the price to $300 and up. I know sometimes we here on Talkbass immediately recommend spending more when we don't even know what your financial situation is. So with that being said if you can find an amp or combo for that price that is preferably around 100 watts on up, regardless of what brand, that will give you a better tone, feel and headroom as opposed to a 40 watt or so practice amp. Best of luck to you.

 

[Wicked G]

...and look for sales and coupon deals which should be coming up as we rapidly approach another holiday shopping season. I'd put GK and Traynor (if available in your area) on the list of potential candidates worth exploring as well.

You know, Al Kraft is 100% correct. If you can wait a bit, the Christmas season is almost here and you can find 20 to 25% coupons coming out in December.

 

[Al Kraft]

You know, Al Kraft is 100% correct. If you can wait a bit, the Christmas season is almost here and you can find 20 to 25% coupons coming out in December.

...sometimes even sooner, anymore it seems like Christmas shopping season starts at some places right after the last 4th of July firework is set off.

 

[Wicked G]

...sometimes even sooner, anymore it seems like Christmas shopping season starts at some places right after the last 4th of July firework is set off.

Very true.

 

[Two-Spirit]

Try eBay, search buy now and used. I got a used ba 115v2 for $270. It came in sealed packaging.its wonderful.

 

[buldog5151bass]

What are your goals? Do you want to play with a band? How loud? Frankly if that is where you are going, look for a used Carvin BX-250 or similar GK or Fender Rumble head (the 500 is better, but more $$$). Pick up a 210, 1x12 or 1x15 cab, and get a second matching cab when you get serious

 

[Wicked G]

Two-Spirit's recommendation is also very good for the price.
Ampeg BA-115 Bass Combo NEW IN BOX 663961042993 | eBay

 

[Sephiroth 420]

What are your goals? Do you want to play with a band? How loud? Frankly if that is where you are going, look for a used Carvin BX-250 or similar GK or Fender Rumble head (the 500 is better, but more $$$). Pick up a 210, 1x12 or 1x15 cab, and get a second matching cab when you get serious

I've been in a band on and off playing lead guitar. I'm thinking about joining a local jazz band once I start to get a feel for the instrument. Is there something that is in my price range (new) that I can Mic up to be loud enough? I'm mainly looking for a combo because of simplicity and portability.

 

[Sephiroth 420]

I like the Orange Crush 50's warm, round tone but the Fender Rumble 100 is probably louder based on wattage, and the Ampeg BA112V2 or BA115V2 has the scrambler circuit and 'moniter wedge'. Choices...