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Good amps for a beginner?

Feataler

Feataler

Apr 9, 2014
16
1
#1
I already bought my first bass, an Ibanez ATK, and I'm looking for a good amp to start out with. Anything around 100-150€ (that's probably around 150-200$) to play at home. I found the Marshall MB15 which seems to be good, but I was told I could find better at the same price.

I'm particularly interested in amps that come with special effects/distortions. Those are really cool. But I haven't seen any below 300€.

Any suggestions?
 
#5
Thanks for the suggestions, I just found the Line6 Lowdown LD15 too. Any opinions on it?

EDIT: just figured out those are actually a lot more expensive than I thought...
 
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#6
all the brands named here are passable tiny amps...the idea being that you're getting started...eventually you'll want to upgrade if you stay with the bass...I'm with the rest here... don't worry about effects yet...just bringing your chops (ability) up to grade should be your focus for now...good luck...
 
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#9
I'm not against amps with effects, as sometimes certain effects inspire me to play differently. For example, my current bass amp (Rumble 150 - around $350, which has been replaced by newer models) has a goofy Overdrive Distortion. While the effect is not great by any means, it does serve its purpose when playing certain songs. Eventually, that means I'll have to invest in better effects when I upgrade, but at least I have the effect for the time being. I certainly wouldn't buy an amp just based on the effects though, especially if it makes the price unnecessarily skyrocket.

Any amp will do at any price if you're just playing by yourself. Just keep in mind about how much an amp upgrade will cost if and when you're playing with other people. As you get better on bass, you'll develop a sense of what you prefer in tone so it'll be slightly easier to figure out what you need or want in terms of amplifiers. For me, I prefer versatility in tone, so my next purchase will reflect that.

I started bass playing through my old guitar amp, which I don't recommend by the way - good chance of damaging the speakers, but I was just stoked to hear my bass amplified. That's all that mattered to me when I was beginning.
 
#10
I agree that effects can be worried about later. Generally speaking, the effects found built in to smaller practice amps aren't that great to begin with. Fender rumble amps are good starters, as are the peaveys. Traynor/Yorkville amps, if available, have a good sound, and are an incredible value. Good luck!
 
#12
Fender's Bronco 40 is a lot of fun with a ton of great DSP amp sims and effects along with Fender Fuse software. With USB straight into your computer it's the bees' knees for digital recording. They're $250 here in America.

For something a bit less expensive that's brand spanking new, the Fender Rumble 40 is most definitely the cat's pajamas at $180. Fabulous Fender Tone with Class D ICE Power. They've just hit Europe, and the first shipments have just arrived here also.

I don't know what kind of pricing in Euros Fenders go for in your country, but I'd recommend saving up a bit more if you need to.
 
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#14
Brand isn't that important. I would look for a decent used Peavey, G&K or Ampeg. Get something simple to use. Since you are referring to the amount you want to spend in Euros there may be other brands like Laney and Ashdown on your side of the pond. Just find something with the basics and use it to learn how to play. As your skills improve your tone taste will change.
 
#17
Feataler said:
I already bought my first bass, an Ibanez ATK, and I'm looking for a good amp to start out with. Anything around 100-150€ (that's probably around 150-200$) to play at home. I found the Marshall MB15 which seems to be good, but I was told I could find better at the same price.

I'm particularly interested in amps that come with special effects/distortions. Those are really cool. But I haven't seen any below 300€.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

I also recommend buying effects later separate from the amp, and if you're looking for a new amp checkout the Ampeg BA110 or if you can pony up a little more money checkout the GK MB110.
 
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#18
My first amp was an Ampeg BA-115 from back in the 90's. My current practice amp is a Laney RB5, which seems out of production right now, but it's a fairly solid amp, especially if you can find one used, which is a big point here. With your budget, look for something used. You'll get something that's overall better than if you'd buy it new.
 
#19
I'm going to go against the grain here and say get FX if you want — If you stay inspired & have fun, you're more likely to continue playing.
I had to pick up a portable battery-powered amp for a mobile gig, the Roland Micro Cube Bass RX. It has some FX, amp simulations and a rhythm/drum machine which all makes for a great practice amp. No, it's not got the best sound, no you can't program the drum machine, no the FX aren't the best. Yes, for the money, it's a great cheap practice amp next to my bed and keeps me engaged and having fun while I work on timing with the drum rhythms and general practice with the different amp simulators ( I rarely practice with the FX, but once in a while they can be fun ). When you're ready to gig, then invest in a good amp/speaker that will meet your needs.
 

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