Combo under 200$?

Are size/weight an issue? If not a used peavey combo is pretty cheap

 

Does she want to play with a full band, or is she just looking for something to play at home?

I have the B200, and it sounds fantastic, I've heard the tone is nice on the smaller combos as well.

 

Consider just getting her a preamp and a good set of headphones.

 

If she has a laptop with a sound card and a Decent Speaker attached - like the inexpensive Logitecs with a Subwoofer - you can go into the line in or mic in on the Laptop and play through it.

Works great - I use mine all the time when I am in the kitchen sitting at the table surfing and playing my Bass. Get a great tone too - actually cracks me up that is sounds so good - I paid $30 for the speakers and they are powered. Just need a cable with 1/8 mini plug at one end. I can even mute it with the laptop sound control.

Here is a link to the speakers - best sounding practice Amp for $28 bucks in my opinion and you can play your iPod through it too.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-970285-0403-X-240-Speakers-Black/dp/B000MDZWUS

Edit: wanted to add that of you have Audacity or Reaper - you can also record easily - and play along to any MP3's from iTunes, Zune or any other mp3 player. You can mix your level using the Windows audio contol or whatever third party sound card software that might be loaded on the LT.

 

Actually that Acoustic B20 is a very nice sounding practice amp, and is very loud for it's wattage.

I think it would be an excellent first bass amp, and it would be loud enough for jamming with other people at home.

I have the Acoustic AB50 and use it for practice all the time, it's only 50 watts but it is louder than many 100 watt amps I have played thru.

I was really surprised at the tone of the new Acoustic amps, and there's nothing in that price range that can touch the overall value and quality you get for the money.

 

+1 on old used Peavey combos. I picked one up a couple months ago for $150 and it works great for what you're talking about.

 

keep your eyes pealed for a nice used Ampeg B-50R combo. I've seen a couple selling for under $200 recently. They sound amazing, seem to last and last and you'll both find it will cop the Motown sound and vibe to a T.

If your interested, here's a few TalkBass threads about this model:
http://www.google.com/custom?domain...;S:http://www.talkbass.com;LP:1;FORID:1&hl=en

 

GC is blowing out the GK Backline 10" 12" and 15" combos. They are around $199.00 new andI'm sure you can find them used for less. They are very small, fairly light and compact. Great for a practice amp.

I'm not a big GK fan due to the tone but they are solid pieces of gear and have a good rep around here. I'm considering picking one up for a home practice amp.

 

Do a search on Toronto Craigslist...might find a used amp cheap...

 

+1 on the B20...the best living-room amp on the planet.

 

+1

go USED. you will get WAY more bang for your buck. ampeg b50r or b100r is exactly what you're looking for. great amps, i owned the b200r

 

Get a bass trainer
http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--TASMPBT1
No need for amp while just playing for yourself.

I'd skip buying used, it's only for people who know what they're doing or what to look for. Buy new and get a warranty. It's worth the peace of mind if something goes wrong.