Fender or Ampeg?

[Truktek2]

Trying to narrow down my choice to either the Fender Bassman 250 or the Ampeg BA300. Can anyone give me their opinions on these two amps? Thank You

 

[RickenBoogie]

You'd need to make that choice based on how they both sound. Only your ears can make that call. Fwiw, the Fender offers more features.

 

[shoot-r]

I agree with RickenB., only your ears can decide.
If it was my choice between the two you listed....I'd go with the Fender.
My suggestion is to play as many amps as you can before making a decision. I'd also check the T.B. classifieds for used equipment. You maybe able to pick-up a better head, ( G.K., MarkBass, ect.), and cab, (Avatar, Peavey, ect.), used for less than what a new combo will cost.

 

[Truktek2]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. I know that tone is subjective. I was also interested in the experience people had with the quality of the amps in regard to buzzes rattles, knobs, braeking etc. I have looked at stacks, but am trying to find a compromise between portability and power.

 

[shoot-r]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. I know that tone is subjective. I was also interested in the experience people had with the quality of the amps in regard to buzzes rattles, knobs, braeking etc. I have looked at stacks, but am trying to find a compromise between portability and power.

Truk,
Depending on your budget....
For a compromise between portability, light weight, and power it'd be "hard" to beat the MarkBass combos.
Their small, very light, powerfully-huge sounding, but those qualitys come at a price!
For a lower cost, reasonable weight, yet powerful sounding combo I'd suggest checking out G.K.'s 700 or 1001 model combos.
There's a local top-40 rock bassist that uses a Fender 250, 2-10" combo for his on stage near-field monitor. I've done some set-in's with his group using his Fender amp and I thought it sounded VERY good. It doesn't have the room filling projection and volume of say a good 15" loaded cab, (I don't know of any 2-10 combo or cab that does), but it does have good tone and a fast response.

 

[steamthief]

I had a Fender 250/115 and it was a well-built, great sounding combo. My buddy recently got the Ampeg BA300 with 210 drivers and it sounded a little farty with any eq boost in the lows.

 

[bluewine]

It depends on your sound preference and how and where your going to be using the gear.

I like a deep tube thick tone with just the right amount of presence so I don't sound muddy. I tries all the major brands and GK gear was my best choice.

 

[lowend219]

I've had issues with my bassman250 2x10. in the 3 years i've had it all the wheels have fallen off, the speakers have been blown (while playing with the controls at about 3 o'clock) and recently the horn has been giving me issues as well. I may have gotten a lemon, but thought I'd off my .02 from my own personal experience.

i'm currently searching for a new amp. saving up for a used LMII from a fellow TBer?

 

[O-evetS]

I just used a brand new BA 300/210 at a gig 3 weeks ago. I had to turn the gain and the volume all the way up to get it at an acceptable level. Sounded OK though.

 

[Truktek2]

Truk,
Depending on your budget....
For a compromise between portability, light weight, and power it'd be "hard" to beat the MarkBass combos.
Their small, very light, powerfully-huge sounding, but those qualitys come at a price!
For a lower cost, reasonable weight, yet powerful sounding combo I'd suggest checking out G.K.'s 700 or 1001 model combos.
There's a local top-40 rock bassist that uses a Fender 250, 2-10" combo for his on stage near-field monitor. I've done some set-in's with his group using his Fender amp and I thought it sounded VERY good. It doesn't have the room filling projection and volume of say a good 15" loaded cab, (I don't know of any 2-10 combo or cab that does), but it does have good tone and a fast response.

I've heard great things about the Markbass but haven't gotten to play through one. Maybe you're right and I should just hold off until I can. Just seems the more research I do, the more I confuse myself!

 

[klokker]

I looked at both combos and ended up with a Fender 250/115.

Agree with the post that said the Ampeg combo was a little "farty". I thought the Fender was a much richer sound. Sounds good through a microphone and also has DI. Somewhat harsh horn, and looses some of its sweetness when really cranked.

Having said that, ask your dealer for possible recall notices. My Bassman 250 needed every knob replaced, as well as the on/off switch. It was all done for free, but they must have had some bad days in Indonesia.