Combo vs Cab

[ThunderLizard]

Spal-
I'd recommend a head and a cab for band rehearsal and gigs. You don't need to spend anywhere near $3000 to be heard, althought there are probably plenty of music stores that would argue otherwise.
I'd recommend a small combo for at home practicing. Check craiglist and local used markets... or something small from MF. $200 is PLENTY for this.
If you have a rehearsal spot, you can leave the cab/head there and not lug it to every band practice.
Don't forget to spend some of your $$ on lessons or instructional books or DVD's to help you improve.

 

[Tom Howland]

I started out playing combo's.
Some are great. (B-15, Walkabout, Matchless Thunderman)
Also, record great.

Once I went Head, and cab.
I much prefer it, to a combo, for live playing.

 

[bassist4dalord]

My advice is to get a good 2x10 combo with an extension cab out, such as a Fender TB-600, SWR Redhead, or Markbass CMD102P, and save the rest for college! I see that you are 16. I am 17 and wishing I'd saved more for college. But hey, that's just my $.02. Best of luck dude!

 

[lawsonman]

Gain structure has nothing to do with how loud an amp can get. 3 on the master with the gain at noon might very well be as loud as it gets.

You've never gigged with a Mesa Mpulse 600 with 212's have you?