Behringer BDI21 or Fender Bassman 25?

[littlebadboy]

Hello everyone! The last missing piece for my humble band room is a bass amp. I'm not a bass player so I am not picky. If they cost the same, which would you choose? A Behringer BDI21 and just plug it into my PA together with the mic, electronic drums, and keyboards? Or a dedicated bass amp such as the Fender Bassman 25? I found some around and they cost almost the same. Yes, I am on a limited budget.

I was thinking that the Behringer BDI21 would be flexible because if I find a nice power amp really cheap at a garage sale or somewhere, I could plug the Behringer DI into it and use one of my PA speakers as its cab. I only use one of the two for my PA because they are too loud for my little room. On the other hand, I like the Fender Bassman 25 because I don't have to worry about headroom on the PA and it is dedicated to the bass guitar.

What say you?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Linnin]

I'd go with the Fender Bassman 25 provided it is in excellent to very good condition.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

I'm leaning towards the Behringer. Here's what it can do:

• Analog modeling bass preamp/stompbox with DI recording output
• This BEHRINGER product has been designed to compete head to head with leading products on the market
• Authentic V-TONE modeling technology capable of dialing up big vintage tube tones, funky slap sounds, crunchy distortions and all in between
• Provides a truckload of great amps in a single stomp box - from traditional bass amps to modern overdriven amp tones that would typically require a multitude of effects units
• Authentic tube emulation circuitry can be mixed with the direct bass signal via blend control
• Presence control for definition and upper harmonics plus ultra-musical 2-band EQ specifically tuned for bass guitars
• Output available on 1/4' TS or balanced, gold-plated XLR connectors

• Runs on 9 V battery or the BEHRINGER PSU-SB DC power supply (not included)
• Provides a truckload of great amps in a single stomp box—from traditional bass amps to modern overdriven amp tones
• Gold-plated XLR connectors

If you plan on using the PA then the Behringer will be much more versatile. The Fender is a one trick pony. Also, have you looked into the Ampeg BA108v2's?

 

[ebozzz]

In my opinion and if you like the Fender, if you can find a Bassman 25 for around $30.00 that's in good condition I would go for that option. You probably will not have a chance to often to do that as they are no longer in production. Great sounding little amp. I own one myself. The BDI21 is still available so you can always pick up one of those later....

 

[littlebadboy]

Thanks for your advice! Decisions decisions. ..