OK, I've got to make a decision on this quick, and can't think of a better place to get a bunch of bass players' input.
I need a combo amp for a new band I'm playing with. It's a local party band company that does all sorts of weddings, events, etc. A combo amp is what I'm looking for, mostly for portability and with enough power to be heard onstage by a drummer, three vocalists, guitar, keys and 2 or 3 horns. This is a pretty professional group, and they always run the bass direct through the PA. So, a 400 watt halfstack isn't necessary. The other bass players in this outfit use Hartke Kickbacks and the like, so I know 120 to 200 watts will be fine.
I've been looking around, playing through a bunch of amps, and have narrowed it down to these three in my budget range that I like. Quick feedback would be great because I need to make this decision soon.
1.) SWR Basic Black - $350 used. I know someone selling this and it's in great shape. A few of the knobs scratch a bit when cranked all the way to the right. Otherwise the tone is good, the tweeter sounds good. Super light and portable, a huge plus, plus the ability to add an extension cab to up the wattage from 120 to 160. It is my understanding that these are not made any more, and searching these forums, it seems to be the type of amp one would want to scoop up if they find one in decent shape. I would have to transport this amp a lot, and am concerned about the tubes reacting to travel, cold, etc.
2.) GK Backline 210 - $450 new. I'm torn on the 1x15 vs. 2x10 issue. For me, there are plusses and minuses with both. This was among the best sounding/cheapest 2x10s I've played through. Quite a bit heavier than the
3.)Ampeg BA 115 $450 new - I like the "tone selector" option on this amp, and it's relatively light, though a bit more cumbersome than the Basic Black. The Ampeg name obviously carries a lot of weight, but I've heard some say that these "lower end" Ampegs aren't anything to write home about when it comes to durability.
So, like anyone, I'm looking for the right combination of value, portability, durability and tone. Any and all comments would be appreciated. I'm sort of leaning towards the Basic Black, so I need to move on this soon. Thanks!
I need a combo amp for a new band I'm playing with. It's a local party band company that does all sorts of weddings, events, etc. A combo amp is what I'm looking for, mostly for portability and with enough power to be heard onstage by a drummer, three vocalists, guitar, keys and 2 or 3 horns. This is a pretty professional group, and they always run the bass direct through the PA. So, a 400 watt halfstack isn't necessary. The other bass players in this outfit use Hartke Kickbacks and the like, so I know 120 to 200 watts will be fine.
I've been looking around, playing through a bunch of amps, and have narrowed it down to these three in my budget range that I like. Quick feedback would be great because I need to make this decision soon.
1.) SWR Basic Black - $350 used. I know someone selling this and it's in great shape. A few of the knobs scratch a bit when cranked all the way to the right. Otherwise the tone is good, the tweeter sounds good. Super light and portable, a huge plus, plus the ability to add an extension cab to up the wattage from 120 to 160. It is my understanding that these are not made any more, and searching these forums, it seems to be the type of amp one would want to scoop up if they find one in decent shape. I would have to transport this amp a lot, and am concerned about the tubes reacting to travel, cold, etc.
2.) GK Backline 210 - $450 new. I'm torn on the 1x15 vs. 2x10 issue. For me, there are plusses and minuses with both. This was among the best sounding/cheapest 2x10s I've played through. Quite a bit heavier than the
3.)Ampeg BA 115 $450 new - I like the "tone selector" option on this amp, and it's relatively light, though a bit more cumbersome than the Basic Black. The Ampeg name obviously carries a lot of weight, but I've heard some say that these "lower end" Ampegs aren't anything to write home about when it comes to durability.
So, like anyone, I'm looking for the right combination of value, portability, durability and tone. Any and all comments would be appreciated. I'm sort of leaning towards the Basic Black, so I need to move on this soon. Thanks!
