Beginner question

Figure out how many watts - and speaker surface area + cab size - that you'll think you need--then at least double it.

A loud amp can always be turned down and still sound good.

A quiet amp can't be turned up without settling for a different outcome...

 

It all depends on the music. If you're doing light music like jazz standards or low volume popular music gigs, it's fine. If you're doing medium volume pop/rock music, it might top it out but it would probably work for most gigs. If you're doing louder gigs, it would probably struggle.

 

Hi Dave. Like Jimmy said, it really depends on the kind of music you guys are playing more so than the size of the venue. Really big venues will have big PAs that will take care of you; small clubs will have small PAs that will only do vocals and (maybe) kick.

Honestly, I'd get at least 200 watts. Remember that if you're using a single cabinet, an 8 ohm will be less loud than a 4 ohm one no matter which amp you use. You want to be able to hear yourself well with a full band and your amp turned up no more than halfway. There are exceptions to this but its a good rule of thumb.

Good luck.

 

+1 about the club size being proportional to the PA size... big clubs are fine(PA supports everything)... real little ones would be fine (so small that pushing anything but vocals would overpower the room)... it's the in between ones you have to worry about.

I say it COULD work for you but you need your amp off the ground and a relatively quiet band. I would shoot for 200watts minimum as well. even though my main player the last year has been a 100watt 1x15 combo.. but I didn't play anywhere too loud

 

Get this:

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...200-200W-1x15-w-Tweeter-Bass-Combo?sku=482902

Good tone, good price, and plenty of juice.
I have one and really like it.
Lots of love here on TB, as well.


S

 

I'd say, no, don't buy a combo amp. Bass is tricky, and needs alot more power than anything else. Look for something like a 300 watt head, and a spkr cab no less than 2 12's, or 4 10's. That way, you know you're good.

 

I gotta agree with this.

For volume dispersion that will cover a lot of venues, get a 4x10" cab.
Cheap or expensive, light or heavy... there is choice enough.
And combine it with an amphead... cheap or expensive, light or heavy....




Although there might also be some 15" combos that can get the job done, in worst case getting two the same 15" combos.
That comes down to taste.

A 4x10 is always the safest bet.

 

I personally would not go with anything under 300 watts (if you're going solid state, tube is another story). It *may* work for small clubs, but you'll almost certainly need to upgrade at some point. I'm partial to 4x10 cabs myself, but a 2x12 or 1x15 would do you just fine.

 

He's a DRUMMER! GET 'IM!!!

 

Personally, I WOULD NOT count on any club/venue providing PA support.

It all depends on where you live.

In my area, no clubs have any PA. Bands have to provide not only their own PA, but also lights.

Now.............as far as power goes:

General rule of thumb is to use 3 or 4X the total guitar power.

I would go for minimum 300-400 watts in the head, and start with either a 2X12 or 4X10 cab.

 

Also depends on the sensitivity of the cabs.