best amps within $250-$300

[Jason Hall]

Very happy bg250 owner here. Keeps up with my drummer and guitarist just fine at practice, I usually have to turn down and I'm hovering around 3 or 4. Cranked it sounds much bigger than it actually is. Lightest amp I've ever owned too. Toneprints are ok. I like the chorus, the compressors a little much for me but some people like it.

I bought mine off a seller on ebay who had the "best offer" option. I offered them a lower price and they took it. Was so happy. I've also heard if you message musiciansfriend and some other stores directly you can sometimes haggle a better deal. ymmv, I saved a bundle though. My amp gas is pretty much gone now.

 

[jumbodbassman]

USED!!!!!!!!!

 

[jeff7bass]

Musicians Friend has the Peavey Max for 299 with free shipping right now. I'm thinking that will do you just fine for the near future. And spring for the $19 2 year warranty extension. Money well spent. Good luck!

Just make sure you don’t get the OLD version of the Peavey MAX 115! Only 60W!

 

[jeff7bass]

I guess I'm just not into combo amps. Especially ones withOUT any room for expansion (extension cab)

Now I understand that combos can be limiting but under many situations, a solid 200-300w combo into a good 15” speaker will cover most. When you get into trouble is gigs where they mic everything except for the bass. This happened to me a couple of weeks ago and I needed most of my 600 watts and two quality 12” cabs.
It’s rare though. To me, this new 300w Peavey MAX 115 looks like a winner and the price is DYNOMITE! It’s more than enough for jamming, parties, small gigs and bigger gigs with good PA’s. A powered extension can be driven by the headphone out too, if needed, or just buy another combo and run them stereo. Running two of these combos in stereo would kill, IMO.

 

[Munjibunga]

If you're good with 200 watts, you won't do much better than the GK MB200 at $259. It's six notches above the Behringer. I use mine at practices and even small gigs. Rules.

 

[jlepre]

HA!
A powered extension cab would cost MORE that the combo.

I guess it has it's place for the money, but it still seems a little light for me.

 

[lomo]

GB Shuttle 3.0.....now 295 new w/ warranty on eBay. IMHO it's the best deal on a new head under 300.

 

[DethByDoom]

yes, but good tone will inspire you on days when you really don't feel like picking up your instrument, we all have those days

No one's saying you have to get a full on early 70s SVT 810 (not that I wouldn't mind one myself if I had the room )

If you can up the budget a bit you'll be able to get your hands on something very satisfying in the long run.

And if you don't like it you can always get your money back.

Word. It's easier to save 200 bucks more than another 500 down the road to get something that just sounds better and is a little more powerful.

 

[bolophonic]

GB Shuttle 3.0.....now 295 new w/ warranty on eBay. IMHO it's the best deal on a new head under 300.

Does it come with a free cab?