Cheap, loud, used. What should I be looking for?

[CnB77]

I need to get a loud bass amp that will keep up with a drummer in practice and live. Currently I only have an Acoustic B20, but until recently I was borrowing a GK combo amp that had just enough power.

We play anything from rock to funk to metal, if that gives an indication of the necessary volume. Capability to get the sound nice and dirty is a plus.

I've heard that old Peavey heads are good, but I'm honestly not sure what to look at. I intend to look at local stores and the NYC guitar centers (I live in the Bronx) and try as many out as possible, but it'd be nice to have an idea of known reliable amps. I have also heard nice things about old Traynor solid state amps as well, but I don't know if they're common in this area.
Also, is it worth buying a cheap cabinet and maybe upgrading the driver/s in the future or should I save for a nicer cab? I don't really have the luxury of waiting a long time though, so I really have to stay as cheap as possible.

Head or combo probably doesn't matter much to me. The goal is to have the loudest possible good sounding amp at the lowest possible cost. I apologize if this is too much of a "silly noob" question.

 

[rpsands]

What's your budget?

There are some cabinets that are worth buying used and upgrading woofers; usually it's 2x12s, 1x15s or 2x15s.

 

[Scott549]

You can get a used GK Backline 600 for under $200. With a 15" cabinet you can be loud enough for any drummer, I would think.

 

[CnB77]

Probably about 200-250 for just a head, then a bit more on top for a cab. Less than that, which is achievable on some of those old Peaveys would be nice, but perhaps not realistic.

You can get a used GK Backline 600 for under $200. With a 15" cabinet you can be loud enough for any drummer, I would think.

Alright, I'll take a look at those.

 

[Emm9T]

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...nd-B115-250W-1x15-Bass-Cab-Package?sku=483494
Suitable for now, yes? The head is 4 ohms, the cab 8. Later you can get the B410 cab @ 8 ohms for only 300 bucks! This is all new though, but you might be able to find them used for even less.

 

[rpsands]

If you're looking that cheap I'd suggest you get an old Peavey Mark VI or something along those lines, and an old Peavey cab and stick a Kappalite 3015 in there.

 

[JimiLL]

Peavey all the way.

The Hartke LH series is a good choice, lots of sound for little cash

 

[poorbassist15]

Cheap, Loud, and used?

That's really easy, Peavey.

 

[ErnieD]

Cheap, loud, used. What should I be looking for?

ANSWER: My Ex-Wife from the 1980's!!!

Para bump, bump. <-That was a drum roll sound.

Sorry couldn't resist. Dang cold weather creeping in keeping me home with a cheap bottle of Texas Merlot and SNL over my shoulder made me do it. Happy New Year Y'all!

Back to serious thread replies now...and Yepper Peavey will do her.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[CostaBass]

Jumping on the Peavey Band wagon. Yes they are good.

Solid as a rock, probably more solid than a rock. Peavey has a reputation for heavy solid parts and woods.

But don't pass up Acoustic Control Corp!
You can find 15in Combo's for about that price, and if your lucky a half stack.

The Newer Kustom's are decent, and you can get them for really cheap, they have EQ, Built in Effects, and good punch. I used one for a long time at massive 500 seat church. I didn't even have to DI the thing.

Try musicgoround.com they have a lot of amps to choose from.

 

[Korladis]

Peavey.

 

[ezstep]

Peavey Firebass or Max700 or Max450. Those are newer than the older "Mark" series. Very dependable. Very loud.

The Firebass and the Max series are actually the same internally, with just external changes. Get the 700 wt one if you can. VERY loud.

 

[gillento]

Peavey all the way.

The Hartke LH series is a good choice, lots of sound for little cash

+1 on the Hartke LH-500 (or 1000)!

 

[Pollinator95]

If the GK combo was OK, consider that.

 

[rok51]

Cheap, Loud, and used?

That's really easy, Peavey.

I couldn't agree more...and they are very hard to kill...

Kim

 

[CnB77]

Thanks for all the advice guys!
I guess there's a good number of paths to choose, which is great:

A) Go GK again; some videos of the Backline 600 made it look pretty good
B) Peavey, the definition of loud and cheap; only concern is how it sounds with some overdrive, but I'll find out
C) Acoustic; should I look for new ones or are the circa 1970s ones still in my range? I've heard there's differences between the new and old ones

And I'll also try whatever is at the store. Maybe I'll be lucky and run into a Mono Block

It can be hard finding sound clips of the Peavey amps, so if anybody has some links that'd be great!

 

[AdamR]

I like the Peavey Mark series of heads, Ive owned a Mark III, and wouldnt mind picking up a Mark VI, The Tour series is pretty good as well and you should have no problem finding a Peavey cab. I was just offered an 1810 cab for $150

Also, check out some SWR gear, I picked up a SM500 and workingman410 cab for $350

 

[Jay Corwin]

GK, ashdown, hartke

 

[Slevage]

There's a 2-15 Peavey on CT C list.

 

[lomo]

Peavey 15" combo. Easy to find on eBay for cheap. Weigh a tone but are loud and reliable.