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Bass Amps under $250

#22
Sephiroth 420 said:
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.
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Sure thing. Plenty easy enough. Fender Rumble 40 and up (take your pick) XLR out straight into your PA or recording console. Piece of cake. Sounds great just like a high end microphone on a high end rig. This rubs some the wrong way, but the truth of the matter is that it is flat out fabulous. Have a listen for yourself. It's easy.
 
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#23
I've actually had some good luck finding some decent gear for a decent price on Guitar Center's used page, just got to snag them quick though because sometimes they price stuff lower to get rid of it and it usually then does not last long.
 
#24
Wicked G said:
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.
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While I generally avoid buying anything on credit, sweetwater will give you a three month plan that might help get you into the $300 range. I think they charge a $20 fee or something, but no interest after that.

Linnin said:
Sure thing. Plenty easy enough. Fender Rumble 40 and up (take your pick) XLR out straight into your PA or recording console. Piece of cake. Sounds great just like a high end microphone on a high end rig. This rubs some the wrong way, but the truth of the matter is that it is flat out fabulous. Have a listen for yourself. It's easy.
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That's another good idea, and with the 40, once out of warranty he can upgrade the speaker if he wants to (the @AstroSonic upgrade):

Fender Rumble v3 40 - First Impressions
 
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#25
BadExample said:
While I generally avoid buying anything on credit, sweetwater will give you a three month plan that might help get you into the $300 range. I think they charge a $20 fee or something, but no interest after that.



That's another good idea, and with the 40, once out of warranty he can upgrade the speaker if he wants to (the @AstroSonic upgrade):

Fender Rumble v3 40 - First Impressions
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That review of the Rumble 40 almost sold it for me, but I still like the sound of the Orange. I'm going to audition both amps on Monday or Tuesday. In the meantime, I'll be looking for some used deals. Keep the conversation going.
 
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#26
Sephiroth 420 said:
That review of the Rumble 40 almost sold it for me, but I still like the sound of the Orange. I'm going to audition both amps on Monday or Tuesday. In the meantime, I'll be looking for some used deals. Keep the conversation going.
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Cash deals are cool because once you buy, you own it. But if you have the credit, you can't beat the Sweetwater Zero financing.
Fender Rumble 40 (1x10): $5/month
Fender Rumble 100 (1x12): $7/month
Fender Rumble 200 (1x15): $10/month
Fender Rumble 500 (2x10): $13/month

Orange Crush Bass 50 Watt (1x12): $9/month
Orange Crush Bass 100Watt (1x15): $16/month
Orange OB1 300 Watt (1x15): $38/month

Gallien-Krueger MB110 100 Watt (1x10): $7/month
Gallien-Krueger MB112-II 200 Watt (1x12): $9/month
Gallien-Krueger MB115-II 200 Watt(1x15): $10/month
Gallien-Krueger MB210-II 500 Watt (2x10): $14/month
Gallien-Krueger MB212-II 500 Watt (2x12): $18/month
Gallien-Krueger MB410-II 500 Watt (4x10): $20/month

And no pre-paymrnt penalty, so if you can in full anytime you want. I own the Rumble 500 and love the sound and the XLR Direct out. Drawback, no built in tuner. Same for GK MB212 500 Watt, great sound (2 12s + horns... nice!), Direct out, but no tuner. Both are super light. Truth be told the GKs have a better use of the power (see video) , I just happen to be a Fender guy on average, but with my Sandberg Bass, the the GK is a perfect fit for growl and thunder! Happy shopping :)


 
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#27
I use the Rumble 100 (V3) a lot, had it for 2 1/2 years. Never let me down. Really light, quite loud, great tone.

You mention that you are looking at the Rumble 40, and other similar wattages. But if you are gonna perform live, your gonna need more watts. A 50w guitar amp works live, but a 50w bass amp doesn't cut it. Even if you do get loud enough, chances are your gonna get a lot of clipping or crackle because the amp can't handle it. Your gonna need at least 100w, if not more depending on your band. I'm in a band with two guitar players and a drummer using the 100w and its fine.

I've played different size venues with the Rumble 100, really light, and it fits in most car boots nicely (that's a car's trunk in American), so quite travel friendly too.
 
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#28
With a fixed budget like that, you get WAY more bang for the buck buying used. If you live near a military installation or college, check with the local prawn shops, too. I picked up a Rumble 75 for about $130 at a prawn shop. I bought all my gigging gear, minus the rack case, with careful used shopping: my Ampeg SVT-3 Pro was under $300, my backup GK 800RB was $250, and I got each of my Hartke 410 XL's for under $200. My whole rig, including cables and rack case, was less than what an SVT-3 goes for new.
 
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#30
I'd stretch things just a bit and go with a Fender Rumble 100. Also don't be afraid to buy used. (Get over it.) You will get much more for less dough with used. Craigslist or used at a dealership is OK. Know what you are buying, test it, if you like it, then negotiate. Lastly, play and enjoy.
 
#31
Definitely bump up to $300, and consider used over new. Pass on that Ampeg BA110v2. I have one, and it's a prime example of what I call "race to the bottom" on price-point.

You can search my write ups here, but in short:

1- Speaker resonants as it's very cheap Chinese. It needs to be replace if you plan on using it at volume.

2- The chipamp (that's the power amp section that is basically integrated into a semiconductor chip) is mismatched to that bass amp. When you do replace the speaker, it will be the next issue you'll run into. It was designed and intended for car stereos and other such devices. Struggles too much for a bass amp at the rated wattage Ampeg lists.

You should search here on TB and with a regular search engine for those three models you listed. Look for posts or webpages where someone actually took the time to evaulate the amp.

Skimp through ones that are just "ra-ra-shish-kom-ba" chearleader type reviews, and the reviews from the industry magazine publishers as those are beholded to advertising revenue. Since we don't buy advertisements from them, they care less about us compared to those that do.
 
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#35
I still think unless you are looking for a gigging amp, you are best off searching used places. I recently found a 100 watt Crate bass amp with a 15" speaker for under $100, in good condition. You can also find Squier Affinities often for the same price. For under $200, you have a setup that will get you through acoustic gigs, as well as reasonable volume level rehearsals.
 
#36
I am going to jump on the buy used list. Plenty of old SWR Workingman's Combos out there for under $250, saw a few on Reverb and Music Go Round just now. I am sure others (eBay, GC Used) also have them. Yeah it is not new, but it will have higher output than anything on your list and sound better IMO.
 
#37
I just got back from auditioning some of these amps (Orange, Fender, other used amps recommended to me). I still liked the sound of the Fender and Orange best. I'm still torn between the two. Has anyone who owns/owned one had any problems with either amp that could be taken into account?
 
#38
Go for the fender if you can get a copy of the original proof of purchase. Their warranty is transferable. Check their site or call for details. A used purchase from an authorized outlet might also qualify, I dunno. Also verify the serial number against remaining warranty. If the seller won't cooperate with that, run away! Run away!
 
#40
74hc said:
Definitely bump up to $300, and consider used over new. Pass on that Ampeg BA110v2. I have one, and it's a prime example of what I call "race to the bottom" on price-point.

You can search my write ups here, but in short:

1- Speaker resonants as it's very cheap Chinese. It needs to be replace if you plan on using it at volume.

2- The chipamp (that's the power amp section that is basically integrated into a semiconductor chip) is mismatched to that bass amp. When you do replace the speaker, it will be the next issue you'll run into. It was designed and intended for car stereos and other such devices. Struggles too much for a bass amp at the rated wattage Ampeg lists.

You should search here on TB and with a regular search engine for those three models you listed. Look for posts or webpages where someone actually took the time to evaulate the amp.

Skimp through ones that are just "ra-ra-shish-kom-ba" chearleader type reviews, and the reviews from the industry magazine publishers as those are beholded to advertising revenue. Since we don't buy advertisements from them, they care less about us compared to those that do.
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Sorry you don't like your Ampeg ba110v2. I have one and I really enjoy it! Well worth the money.
 

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