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best amps within $250-$300

D

Dugachug

Oct 9, 2012
38
1
#1
Getting my first bass amp and i don't want it to be too crappy so i am hoping you guys could recommend me some brands or specific models, i did a little searching and liked the Behringer BXL1800 180 watts, and the Peavey MAX 112 II 200 watts. I hear that Behringer amps sound like crap though so i'm not sure about that. It has to have enough wattage to be able to play with a band and perhaps some small gigs. Thanks guys! :hyper:
 
#6
Check Craigslist. A used G-K 400RB-II or III would do pretty well, if you could find a cabinet to go with it. Save your change and get the best you can now. I've blown up amps that were too small trying to keep up with a drummer.
 
#7
The new Peavey MAX 12 should be enough to jam with. I rehearse with a 250w head on and Avatar SB112 all the time. If you ever need more, buy another one and run a splitter between them for a 400w, 212 stack. That or buy a powered speaker.
 
#8
Well, first off - if you're not opposed to going used, that will open up a whole bunch of options for you in terms of bang for your buck, and I'm sure others will be along to tell you that as well as make some recommendations.

If you want to go the new route, I recommend checking your local Guitar Center to see if they have any of their Acoustic B200s laying around. They just came out with the new Acoustic line (MK2), so you may be able to pick up one of the older ones for a lot less than a few months ago. If you're patient I'm pretty sure that they drop the price to almost half once or twice a year anyway (maybe around x-mas?). I picked mine up for $199 + tax (& optional 3 year complete warranty). Seriously dude, I played every amp there that was under $500, & this was the one. Go plug your bass into what they have available & try them out for yourself. They usually have a decent used section too.

Good luck in your search :bassist:
 
#9
catcauphonic said:
Well, first off - if you're not opposed to going used, that will open up a whole bunch of options for you in terms of bang for your buck, and I'm sure others will be along to tell you that as well as make some recommendations.

If you want to go the new route, I recommend checking your local Guitar Center to see if they have any of their Acoustic B200s laying around. They just came out with the new Acoustic line (MK2), so you may be able to pick up one of the older ones for a lot less than a few months ago. If you're patient I'm pretty sure that they drop the price to almost half once or twice a year anyway (maybe around x-mas?). I picked mine up for $199 + tax (& optional 3 year complete warranty). Seriously dude, I played every amp there that was under $500, & this was the one. Go plug your bass into what they have available & try them out for yourself. They usually have a decent used section too.

Good luck in your search :bassist:
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That's a good choice too.
 
#12
Hi there, need to know a couple things. How loud will you be playing? What style bass do you like? slap? finger? old school, jazz, indie, etc.

Some people will really run down the Behringer BX1800 but I used it for a while and while it didn't have a lot of character, it certainly did put out some bottom end.

I don't know where you live but if you go to Musicians Friend online you can find combos and have them listed by under price. I selected under $300. Two that stood out were the Ampeg BA112 and Acoustic B100. Ampeg is more universally accepted and a solid performer, while Acoustic offers a lot of bang for the buck.

If you get a chance, go by your local GC and try out a few after figuring out which models by price range.

Then, go over to the used section and see if you can find any used Ampegs or Peavey amps. If you find either used, they are probably going to continue to be workhorses. Of course have the sales guy plug you in and give it a good crank.

Good luck, buying a new amp is always exciting! :-)
 
#13
Save longer. Spend $600-700. Get a used head and a cabinet—not the cheap GC stuff, rather good quality older gear off CL or TB. You will be able to sell it for what you paid if you need to. Cheap combos from GC or where ever will lose 60% of their value overnight, and you will get locked into the weak sounding no one wants 'em for good reason combo trap. Ack!
 
#14
Jim Carr said:
Save longer. Spend $600-700. Get a used head and a cabinet—not the cheap GC stuff, rather good quality older gear off CL or TB. You will be able to sell it for what you paid if you need to. Cheap combos from GC or where ever will lose 60% of their value overnight, and you will get locked into the weak sounding no one wants 'em for good reason combo trap. Ack!
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nice looking bass in your avatar :cool:
 
#15
alaskaleftybass said:
nice looking bass in your avatar :cool:
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[slight derail]

Thank you!

That is my beloved Sadowsky NYC P/J 4-string. Light chambered alder body, hum-canceling pickups, VTC, Brazilian rosewood (really) finger board, dark transparent cherry on maple quilt...I could go on! :hyper: :bassist: :D

[/end derail]
 
#16
Jim Carr said:
Save longer. Spend $600-700. Get a used head and a cabinet—not the cheap GC stuff, rather good quality older gear off CL or TB. You will be able to sell it for what you paid if you need to. Cheap combos from GC or where ever will lose 60% of their value overnight, and you will get locked into the weak sounding no one wants 'em for good reason combo trap. Ack!
Click to expand...

Word. Craigslist. Theres allways a bunch of ampeg stuff. Do you research… dont get ripped off. And test it. Find good gear. The resale will hold and they tend to be worth repairing and easier to find service centers for.

Btw I had a behringer power amp and had a channel fry. They have proprietary electronic circuits apparently. Couldn't find a repair center willing to go through the hassle of getting parts within 100 miles of Houston. It was cheaper to buy a new power amp than mail it and have it repaired. Just my experience. I'll never buy behringer again.
 
#20
Jim Carr said:
Save longer. Spend $600-700. Get a used head and a cabinet—not the cheap GC stuff, rather good quality older gear off CL or TB. You will be able to sell it for what you paid if you need to. Cheap combos from GC or where ever will lose 60% of their value overnight, and you will get locked into the weak sounding no one wants 'em for good reason combo trap. Ack!
Click to expand...

If you can go that high then go for it. But why stop there? save up for another year or more so you can get something big & tubey :rolleyes: Otherwise if you want something now in your budget I still encourage you to go to GC with your bass, & plug into everything in and slightly above your price range.

I stopped in to mine today to look around, & they HAVE the B200 for $199 again (Though it's not listed on their website.) I stand by it for that price - whether it loses 60% of it's value or not, you're barely paying over 50% of the regular price to begin with, so it's not really a loss is it?

And my GC had an Ampeg 115, & a 400watt Peavy something in the used department both for a little over $300. The problem with buying used off of Craigslist is you have no recourse if there is something wrong with it. So unless you're really savvy about knowing what to look for, you could end up with something that needs some kind of repair. I would encourage you to buy used from GC or another guitar store that guarantees things to be defect free.

This post and above are all just suggestions & opinions (and you know what they're like!) Let YOUR ears decide which is right for you :cool:
 

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