Looking for a really good amp( combo or cab and head). I'm, as some of you may know, really new to bass playing and currently have an Ibanez IBZ10B, which doesn't sound too good,it wasn't a big deal before because I had an A/E, but now that that's gone it's a good deal more important that I have a good sounding amp. I really have no idea what to look for in an amp, and I really wouldn't like to spend over $200. I'd be playing jazz, blues, funk, soul ,RnB, a little rock if that helps any with where I should be looking, local store carries Orange, and I think I've seen some Behringers or Hartkes in there too.
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good cheap amps for beginner
- Thread starter RxFunk
- Start date
You should go look for some Ampeg stuff 
I'd suggest either the Ampeg BA108 or BA110. I have both. The BA110 is a little louder and a little heavier duty, but for $100 (less if you find a sale), the BA108 is a heck of a good little practice amp and weighs a good bit less, too.
I'd suggest either the Ampeg BA108 or BA110. I have both. The BA110 is a little louder and a little heavier duty, but for $100 (less if you find a sale), the BA108 is a heck of a good little practice amp and weighs a good bit less, too.JimmyM said:You should go look for some Ampeg stuff
Do either have a headphone jack, I know ampeg is a good amp and that would really sell me on it? Also, one of my friends who plays bass is a big acoustic fan. Any fans ofacoustic amps here?
Ya, the BA108 and BA110 both have headphone and CD/MP3 input jacks.
I've played most of the 1st generation Acoustic stuff, and while I wasn't impressed with most of it, the B20 is a decent little practice amp. But the Ampeg stuff is better and sounds bigger IMHO. Other people might have a different reaction but that's how I felt. You can find both the BA amps and the Acoustic stuff at most Guitar Centers, so if you have one nearby, best thing to do is take a spin over there. Call first to make sure they have them in stock, though
If you're only playing in your room, you may want to dispense with the amp altogether. Get a nice dedicated preamp and run it into your stereo or (better yet) headphones.
This is the setup I use for the 8-10 hours per week I practice away from the band in my home studio (ie. bedroom).
Bass --> Sansamp --> mixer --> stereo --> phones or speakers
Many preamps are also processors and some of them have primitive mixers built into them so you can input the music you want to play along with and also have headphone outputs. $200 can get you some decent sound, especially if you look around for a used piece of gear.
This is the setup I use for the 8-10 hours per week I practice away from the band in my home studio (ie. bedroom).
Bass --> Sansamp --> mixer --> stereo --> phones or speakers
Many preamps are also processors and some of them have primitive mixers built into them so you can input the music you want to play along with and also have headphone outputs. $200 can get you some decent sound, especially if you look around for a used piece of gear.
Headphone and CD/MP3 input jacks will be an excellent feature in a practice amp.
Those Peavey MAX series bass combos are built tough.
Those Peavey MAX series bass combos are built tough.
I highly recommend the TC Electronics BG250 combo amp. It's a little more than what you want to spend, but WELL worth the money! IMO one of the best bang for your buck deals out there! I usually use high powered, loud rigs, and this little combo can keep up no problem. It's a very loud and articulate 250watts.
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$274.51 for one more day with coupon code HLDY15.
edit: You also get a free TC Electronics Corona Chorus pedal with the rebate offer going on. You could always sell it and it would bring you back down the the $200 or less area for an amp capable of practice and/or most gigs. Did I mention it's super lightweight also! Only 35lbs.
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$274.51 for one more day with coupon code HLDY15.
edit: You also get a free TC Electronics Corona Chorus pedal with the rebate offer going on. You could always sell it and it would bring you back down the the $200 or less area for an amp capable of practice and/or most gigs. Did I mention it's super lightweight also! Only 35lbs.
JimmyM said:Ya, the BA108 and BA110 both have headphone and CD/MP3 input jacks.
I've played most of the 1st generation Acoustic stuff, and while I wasn't impressed with most of it, the B20 is a decent little practice amp. But the Ampeg stuff is better and sounds bigger IMHO. Other people might have a different reaction but that's how I felt. You can find both the BA amps and the Acoustic stuff at most Guitar Centers, so if you have one nearby, best thing to do is take a spin over there. Call first to make sure they have them in stock, though
I'll certainly check those out, see if I can find one to play through at GC or somewhere.
Actually I'd go look at used guitar center gear. It's usually in pretty good shape. They're selling a nice Ashdown 100 watt 1x15 combo amp for 149 at the avondale GC or this Hartke 1x15
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