After years of not playing bass, I recently picked up an American P Bass. This was an easy decision, but now I need an amp and the options are staggering. Simply put, I prefer "vintage" tones that are warm, full, and round. I'm not fond of the hi-fi sounds I have heard from many amps. Secondly, I really only need something loud enough for the house, but there is always the possibility of needing enough power to play within a controlled band environment. So, what is out there that is small enough for home, sounds good at home volumes, and has enough juice to play with a modest band while sounding more vintage than modern?
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Help me, please...
- Thread starter jmal
- Start date
I'm certainly not an amp expert, but I've recorded with an Ampeg BA-115 combo on numerous occassions. 100w, balanced out to go to a PA or mixer and a headphone jack along with EQ and style selection (which I kept flat 99% of the time). Not too heavy.
You might also want to look at the Carvin BR510 or BR515 combos. A 500W head with full EQ, tube preamp, headphone jack in the back, and a tilt back design; plenty of room for a future expansion speaker. Weighs less than 50 pounds so it's not a real back breaker.
Maybe someone else will have a better perspective on this.
Best of Luck though.
You might also want to look at the Carvin BR510 or BR515 combos. A 500W head with full EQ, tube preamp, headphone jack in the back, and a tilt back design; plenty of room for a future expansion speaker. Weighs less than 50 pounds so it's not a real back breaker.
Maybe someone else will have a better perspective on this.
Best of Luck though.
Get Something from Line 6 LowDown series. Amp modeling; eq just about any tone you could ever want from modern to oldschool. I use the R&B (ampeg b15) emulation a lot and the Clean (Eden Traveler). Effects, DI ...
it will have everything you need now and for when you start to gig. Make one purchase and save yourself the headache.
it really depends on your budget ... I have a Line6 LD300 ... I can honestly say this thing has cured me of looking for "my amp" the amp emulation is the key i think as i get to carry around several amps around in one package.
For the price... Line6 or Roland or any other emulating amp with a DI will get you a lot of mileage for just one purchase.
Yes they cost more... but you are getting several amps to choose from, effects, a DI for when you play live or record. Add up a couple amp heads, a DI, Effects all separate... and see what that is going to run you. I've saved money. Just sayin!
and I agree 200w or in the ball park will be enough for a band setting ... you can do less if you run across a drummer than control their volume.
it will have everything you need now and for when you start to gig. Make one purchase and save yourself the headache.
it really depends on your budget ... I have a Line6 LD300 ... I can honestly say this thing has cured me of looking for "my amp" the amp emulation is the key i think as i get to carry around several amps around in one package.
For the price... Line6 or Roland or any other emulating amp with a DI will get you a lot of mileage for just one purchase.
Yes they cost more... but you are getting several amps to choose from, effects, a DI for when you play live or record. Add up a couple amp heads, a DI, Effects all separate... and see what that is going to run you. I've saved money. Just sayin!
and I agree 200w or in the ball park will be enough for a band setting ... you can do less if you run across a drummer than control their volume.
Jmal, welcome to your first steps on a lifelong road called GAS. Enjoy.
That said, I've heard nothing but praise for the old Ampeg B100R's. Very old school tone.
That said, I've heard nothing but praise for the old Ampeg B100R's. Very old school tone.
It's pricey, but if you have the money, the Mesa Boogie Walkabout Scout 12 combo does vintage incredibly well.
It covers your at-home goals - it's a small lightweight combo that sounds great at home-level volumes. It can keep up with low- to medium-low volume bands (I would say it covers medium-volume bands, but I know some bands play at mind-bogglingly loud levels, so I'll be conservative and say medium-low). Plus the head comes out so you can pair it with bigger cabs if you ever need more volume.
I've had mine a year and have been really happy with it.
It covers your at-home goals - it's a small lightweight combo that sounds great at home-level volumes. It can keep up with low- to medium-low volume bands (I would say it covers medium-volume bands, but I know some bands play at mind-bogglingly loud levels, so I'll be conservative and say medium-low). Plus the head comes out so you can pair it with bigger cabs if you ever need more volume.
I've had mine a year and have been really happy with it.
Get something that appeals to your ears.
You are a musician and the skill your want to develop is creating different tones that enhance the emotion of the notes you are playing.
The modeling lets you think that this is available by turning a knob.
It's an entertaining past time. Yet playing unplugged will get you there faster.
You are a musician and the skill your want to develop is creating different tones that enhance the emotion of the notes you are playing.
The modeling lets you think that this is available by turning a knob.
It's an entertaining past time. Yet playing unplugged will get you there faster.
These are not my first steps. I've been fooling around with this stuff (guitar, bass, drums, etc.) since '86 and unfortunately music is my "affordable" hobby. However, I agree on the B100R. I have had two in the past. They are not quite powerful enough for practical band purposes, though. Also, Ampeg quit making them, so I would have to find one used. Because I now live in KS, this pretty much means over the internet. Same for those who say try everything. When I was on the east coast, that was easy and obvious, but not quite possible anymore. From what I have read around here, Ampeg's QC seems t be terrible these days. It's a shame because I have always liked Ampeg's sound.
If on a budget:
Something used
at least 100 watts with a 2x15, 4x10, etc
at least 300 watts with a 1x15 or 2x10
Peavey is always a great deal and very reliable
I would stay away from high end and expensive untill you really have a feel from playing out to know what works best for you, in a band environment; what sounds great at home can be not so good onstage.
Something used
at least 100 watts with a 2x15, 4x10, etc
at least 300 watts with a 1x15 or 2x10
Peavey is always a great deal and very reliable
I would stay away from high end and expensive untill you really have a feel from playing out to know what works best for you, in a band environment; what sounds great at home can be not so good onstage.
I hear what you are saying and it probably makes the most sense. At this point in my life I doubt I'll be playing out anytime soon. I just don't have time for a band at the moment. The more likely scenario would be jamming casually with friends from time to time. Most of my playing is just going to be around the house, but there is always the "What if?" As far as budget goes $1500 is the upper end, but $500 sounds a lot better to me.
Typical 100-200 watt 15" combo will hang fine jamming with friends at a party, in the garage, etc.
Those Ampeg BA115's mentioned sound pretty dang Ampeggy and would nail the sound you describe. Might come up a little short if you guys play an actual gig somewhere, but would still get the job done down at your local corner bar where 30-40 people makes it look really busy, as long as you're doing typical classic rock at volumes no louder than an unmic'd drum kit that isn't being bashed upon.. Blues/country, etc.
Your budget is too high, no need to spend that. $400-500 new, $200-300 used.
jmal,
With your question, you will get many replies. However many will quite naturally suggest an amp, cab or combo that they have and are currently gigging. There is nothing wrong with that since folks are suggesting something that they are familiar with and can offer real life opinions on them.
However, the first thing we have to consider when making suggestions are your budget. So $500-$1500. You should get a good rig within that range.
I have a couple of suggestion. I'm not going to recommend a specific rig, just some points to consider and/or guidelines. Keep in mind, personally I wouldn't look at a practice (or small bedroom/home only) amp. I suggest buying a rig that you can gig. You can use it at home, just set the gain and master accordingly. I am also a big fan of modular rigs. Think about it; you can get a good head, and a good efficient 1x12 cab and you have a good practice/small gigging rig. Add another 1x12 and you can handle much larger venues. They are also easy to load in/out.
Check out the post in this forum and get an idea of whats available. For instance, this thread is very informative. Johnk, as well as many other members, are very respected around here and he knows his stuff. His opinions are worth considering. In the above thread, he is comparing the Ampeg SVT 7 Pro and the Genz Benz Streamliner 900. Good info. He even has soundclips.
Check out:
Ampeg
Genz Benz
Hartke
GK
Peavey (Firebass 700 is one of my favorites)
Aguilar (maybe AG500)
Avatar
Thunderfunk (my current head)
Bergantino
I would highly suggest checking out the gear for sale here on TalkBass. I have purchased several pieces on here and have been very satisfied. You can save some major coin buying used.
I hope this helps and gives you something to think about.
Good Luck!
You can turn a big amp down to play at home but you can't turn a small one up to play in a bar.
What Will33 said, +1.
If you really feel like spending $1500 on an amp don't let me and Will stop you. There are brand new Streamliner 600 in the classifeds with new 3year warranty for $575, get a nice new full range 15 to go with. Buy your wife something nice with the rest.
What Will33 said, +1.
If you really feel like spending $1500 on an amp don't let me and Will stop you. There are brand new Streamliner 600 in the classifeds with new 3year warranty for $575, get a nice new full range 15 to go with. Buy your wife something nice with the rest.
Oh, the things I could come up with if somebody came to me with $1500 and all they needed was a "home practice/maybe jam with my friends" rig.
If you really want vintage warm, and the real deal, I would be looking at all tube amps first and foremost, SVT or the new Fender 100T come to mind. The Fender 100T is especially apppealing given that it has a 25/100 watt switch for home practise plus plenty of other modern options. If you like "tubey" and want to go lighter then based on my experience I would be looking at an SVT7pro, Mesa Walkabout or Markbass (in that order). Nothing wrong with a high budget, look to the future.
Ampeg pf350 or 500 & matching pf cab. Grab another identical cab if more volume's needed.
These do the warm vintage tone, without tubes or high price.
These do the warm vintage tone, without tubes or high price.
