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Good amps for a beginner?
- Thread starter Feataler
- Start date
Get something with a headphone output so that you practice late at night or without disturbing others.
The best use of money somewhat depends on what you have available in terms of headphones and computer/stereo setup, too. For example, I have a small practice amp which I bought for very cheap (old Roland 30W amp from the 80s, $30 off craigslist) which sounds pretty decent, but I play through the computer almost 90% of the time while practicing because I already owned a nice set of monitors+subwoofer for the computer and a USB interface for a regular guitar. My nice headphones or computer speakers are much better than any amp in a low price range. I can also play along with a song using the parametric EQ function in iTunes to kill the bass output of anything in a playlist, which means I stay engaged and playing for longer.
Anyhow, I'd look for something used unless you already have a good stereo/PC interface where you're going to be doing your practicing, and then I'd strongly recommend buying a USB audio interface instead of a "throwaway" amp that you'll later ditch.
The best use of money somewhat depends on what you have available in terms of headphones and computer/stereo setup, too. For example, I have a small practice amp which I bought for very cheap (old Roland 30W amp from the 80s, $30 off craigslist) which sounds pretty decent, but I play through the computer almost 90% of the time while practicing because I already owned a nice set of monitors+subwoofer for the computer and a USB interface for a regular guitar. My nice headphones or computer speakers are much better than any amp in a low price range. I can also play along with a song using the parametric EQ function in iTunes to kill the bass output of anything in a playlist, which means I stay engaged and playing for longer.
Anyhow, I'd look for something used unless you already have a good stereo/PC interface where you're going to be doing your practicing, and then I'd strongly recommend buying a USB audio interface instead of a "throwaway" amp that you'll later ditch.
Peavey Max series: They have built in distortion, have great features, and are priced right.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/peavey-max-112-ii-1x12-200w-bass-combo-amp
The upcoming Ampeg BA V2 (Version 2) series will have built in distortion. They will be available in Summer.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/ampeg-ba110v2-1x10-bass-combo-amplifier
Probably the BEST sounding amp in the price range is the current (V1) series Ampeg BA 112. You'd have to use a distortion pedal or other pedal for effects, but the amp does have a built in limiter that when pushed does a great tube like crunch. It's my number one favorite combo right now, fantastic tone.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/ampeg-ba112-50w-single-12-bass-combo
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/peavey-max-112-ii-1x12-200w-bass-combo-amp
The upcoming Ampeg BA V2 (Version 2) series will have built in distortion. They will be available in Summer.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/ampeg-ba110v2-1x10-bass-combo-amplifier
Probably the BEST sounding amp in the price range is the current (V1) series Ampeg BA 112. You'd have to use a distortion pedal or other pedal for effects, but the amp does have a built in limiter that when pushed does a great tube like crunch. It's my number one favorite combo right now, fantastic tone.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/ampeg-ba112-50w-single-12-bass-combo
