• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

College Amp

gooseontheloose

gooseontheloose

Oct 20, 2013
121
599
Washington
#1
Hey guys,

I am going to be moving into a dorm in September and have been looking locally for a combo that is small enough to fit, loud enough for the occasional gig, and won't break the bank. There's a bloke nearby who is selling a Peavey max bass 115 for $200. The amp is 50 lbs, under 2' square, and 300 watts.

Any thoughts?

Thanks much.
 
#3
Are you LEAVING home? If you're still going to be in town, why bother? Pick up a super cheap guitar combo with a 6 1/2" speaker and aux in/ headphone out. Leave the current big-rig at the folks house and pick up as needed.

If you are getting out of town, The MB200 comes in a combo, too. Bang for the buck in Rumble combos, and for a bit more cash, the Ampeg BA's get lots of love. If gigs weren't on the table, I'd suggest a pair of active studio monitors and a pedal-pre. The monitors can double as your mp-3 dock/computer speakers. AND if you buy decent ones, you can play from your phone/ipod/computer at the same time as you play along with bass... they have headphones out, too. Drawbacks being they aren't made with handles (or any other design intention of portability), usually don't have any tone controls (maybe a bass boost button) and they won't have jam session power. If gigging is only a remote possibility, I think this is a good option to consider. Somebody you meet there will likely know someone to lend you an amp if a gig or jam does come up that requires more power; and you can always use the monitors for their intended purpose at home/in the dorm once you get an amp.
 
#4
Yes, Cruiser, I should have said "other than a rumble;" they are cheap and get the job done, but I have never been able to get a tone that I liked out of them. As far as the mb200 and a cab, or mb200 combo, I have been unable to find any good 112's or 115's and no GK combos. The going rate for a used mb200 seems to be around $250 -- is it worth the extra cash and waiting for a cab?
 
#5
I am not a fan of GK cabs/speakers, but I do like
the amps. If you buy the head new you will get a warranty and used Bag Ends are usually inexpensive as are SWRs now.

Don't know your situation but if you went with the head and cab you could seperate the 2; just in case someone wanted to "mess" with it.
 
#6
If you can find one, I think the highest powered Roland Cubes would be perfect for college -- provided, of course, you'll have PA support if you really need the volume. The current is the 120XL at 120 watts, and the previous top Cube was the 100, which I have. They are fairly compact, and much louder than the sizes and power ratings would indicate. My Cube has been great at fairly loud rock band rehearsal, keeping up with loud drums and two guitars. With on-board effects, amp models, and even a tuner on the 120XL, they're extremely versatile. The 100 is probably fairly cheap on the used market.
 
#8
gooseontheloose said:
Hey guys,

I am going to be moving into a dorm in September and have been looking locally for a combo that is small enough to fit, loud enough for the occasional gig, and won't break the bank. There's a bloke nearby who is selling a Peavey max bass 115 for $200. The amp is 50 lbs, under 2' square, and 300 watts.

Any thoughts?

Thanks much.
Click to expand...
An adapter, a pair of headphones, and a mac with Garage Band on it.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back