Entry/mid amp recommedation?

[journeymansix]

I'm just starting playing bass and I have a small practice amp, but I'd like to get an amp that's got enough oomph for band practice and small gigs. I just checked out a used Ampeg B-100R (1x15") and I wasn't wild about the tone, which leaves me wondering what I should try next. The seller mentioned that the B-100R has a characteristic Ampeg mid-rangy tone -- is it the 1x15 or is it just characteristic of Ampegs? I guess I wanted something maybe more hi-fi to bring out the near-standup-bass sound I get out of my Fender Jazz (US, active) when I'm using just the neck pickup (flatwound strings). You know, that "hoom" throaty sound.

As a reference point, I like the sound of the practice amp that my teacher has -- I think it's the SWR LA 10. I even like my little Kustom KBA16 (with 5") speaker. I imagine myself playing alt-country and indie music, and maybe jazz, as opposed to hard rock, metal, or punk. I don't slap or play lead bass.

So, could you recommend a combo amp in the US $300-500 range used? If not a specific model, do you think I should go for maybe 2x12 instead of 1x15?

Thanks!

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Does it have to be a combo? What about a head/cab setup. Means you can upgrade in bits at a later date if you want.

I'd look into Peavey.

 

[RickenBoogie]

If you like SWR's tone, why not look for a bigger SWR combo? They make , or have made several different ones ranging from very small and inexpensive, up to quite large and kinda steep. For instance, a used Workingman's, or Workingpro 15 would give you 160-200 clean watts, and a 15" spkr. The Redhead is a 2x10, with 350 watts. There are many others, and you should be able to find one in your range no problem. Good luck.

 

[Adam Bomb]

Hi:

I am in a similar stage of life with the instrument: pretty new, but starting to get out there. Just bought my first real rig.

IMHO, there is some chance that you might outgrow your next amp sooner than you think. Granted, budget rules all. But, having said that, my strategy has been to skip a step or two in my gear evolution and get the rig I am going to "need" a year or so from now, then just rock that baby for the indefinite future. IMO, if one upgrades in small increments, one will end up spending more $$$ than if they bit the bullet and got "real" gear and grew into it.

I say all that to say, consider a head/cab setup. I now have a SWR head that I will talk about to anyone who will listen and some who won't. And Avatar cabs are popular on this board for their sweet quality/price. Maybe, if you are comfortable buying used, you could get the nicest head you could find and a single cab, then later, when you find yourself in a louder band or bigger venues, you will only need to buy another cab and you won't have to start over. My $0.02.

Being in the market for gear is fun. Enjoy!

--Bomb

 

[main_sale]

?????

Well, it sounds like you like trebbly tone. To each his own. Perhaps you should look for a SS combo with 2x10's. They are out there, used, in your price range. Definately try before you buy to make sure you get the tone you are looking for.

 

[journeymansix]

Thanks, everyone! Good advice about the separate head/cab setup, letting me upgrade incrementally and also maybe hone the tone in a more customized way.

FWIW, it's not really a treble-y sound I'm after, just more hi-fi - I think it's some of the overtones I found missing in the Ampeg. So I'm thinking that 10s or 12s might help with that. It's also probably hard to get a full response curve out of one speaker. Bottom line is I oughta go to a store and try a few.

 

[madmarvin]

Thanks, everyone! Good advice about the separate head/cab setup, letting me upgrade incrementally and also maybe hone the tone in a more customized way.

FWIW, it's not really a treble-y sound I'm after, just more hi-fi - I think it's some of the overtones I found missing in the Ampeg. So I'm thinking that 10s or 12s might help with that. It's also probably hard to get a full response curve out of one speaker. Bottom line is I oughta go to a store and try a few.

Definitely give the GK stuff a try. Not too expensive, hi-fi sounding, great quality.

 

[progrockbass]

The SWR Redhead allows you to add cabinets as you need to but maintain the convenience of a combo. I use a Line 6 Lowdown 150 for practice and small gigs. It's a great little amp with modeling and effects and is loud enough to cut through an unmiked drum kit.. Line 6 is under 500 bucks whereas the Readhead is about 3x that...

 

[rpsands]

GK's Backline 2x10 combo is what you want.