How much wattage should my amp be ?

[Metalmaster6254]

Im going to start a band soon and we are probably going to gig so whats a good amount of wattage to be gigging with ? And also what amp would you reccomend for me on a budget of $400-500 ? Thanks

 

[Metalmaster6254]

My bad i didnt realize i was under the bass section lol

 

[omgitzrick]

You need about tree fiddy.

Alternatively, six hunnit fiddy should do it.

 

[Mvilmany]

$400-$500, get the best thing you can used.

 

[Sid Fang]

Im going to start a band soon and we are probably going to gig so whats a good amount of wattage to be gigging with ? And also what amp would you reccomend for me on a budget of $400-500 ? Thanks

This question comes up a lot, but there's a question that you ought to answer first: What kind of speaker configuration are you going to be using? If you need to go for a compact rig with just a single 15" or a pair of 10's, you'll need relatively more power to get the same level of sound, compared to a 2x12, a 4x10, or larger. 300W through an 8x10 is huge. 300W through a single 15, not so much - though it would still be enough for most bar gigs.

 

[Stumbo]

More speakers mean more volume. Do you have speakers already?

 

[RickenBoogie]

Agreed, wattage is good, more is always better, but volume is all about spkrs. Sort that out first. Think in terms of 2x12's or 4x10's as a minimum.

 

[M0ses]

I gig with only a Ampeg BA115.

It's all about what venue you're playing. It wouldn't be enough without a PA. If you are playing through a good enough PA, you don't need an amp at all.

 

[BurningSkies]

1. Used always gets you the most for your money.
2. Speakers are a BIG part of things. Power is only about 30% of the equation.
3. Band/music genre play a big part in deciding what's best for volume needs.
4. People on TB will usually suggest whatever they own/play, rather than what YOU should own/play.

That all said, and with the caveat that I haven't played or tried either of these, I'd be considering waiting a few months and trying one of these two for 'power':
http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2014/0...ax-and-minimega-compact-bass-amplifier-heads/

I believe the end street price for the Mega will be 400 and the max will be 300...that's a lot of juice for a little cash.

 

[gregmon79]

Buy used! You should be fine with anything from 300 to 500 watts. Depending on the manufacturer. Check out Gallien Krueger (GK), they have really great gear and it wont kill your bank. Especially used. I would shop around for a 410, 212 or even a 412 depending. As for the amp, I would stick with a solid state (SS) first, it is more inexpensive and less maintenance. Be sure to do your best to shop used. You will get a lotta bang for your buck on the used market.

Also make sure you do your homework on matching cabs and amps with power rating and ohms as well if you havent already. That is a rather large piece of the puzzle when putting a rig together. Its a relatively simple concept that can really muck up the works if not paid attention to.

 

[shawshank72]

+1 on more speakers. 200 watts into a single 15 is nice but 200 watts into a 2x12, 4x10, 2x15 is better.

 

[2behead]

I would try to scoop up a used ampeg 4-10 off of craigs list for $400. Then get one of the old peavy mark heads for $100. They sound ok, lots of power, built like a tank. The you can upgrade to a better head later if you wanted. Put most of that cash towards a decent used cab. You will be happy latter on down the road. As far as power to gig? If say for loud rock 200 SS watts 100 tube watts. This is for a loud, nasty bass. More of you want all of that volume but a nice clean bass

 

[edpal]

+ on more speakers. And look for a head(or combo) with a line-out. SUre you can us a di box but if you or the soundperson at the dumps you may start out at don't have one at lest you have a line-out to run into their PA. Maybe. And get a cord that will plug into the DI but terminates with an XLR at other end, it's the most common entry jack/point to a PA system.YMMV

 

[nashvillebill]

The standard answer for "how much power do I need" is 1.21 jiggawatts.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

At least 5 watts. Anything beyond that is a matter of personal preference.

 

[Bassamatic]

Speaker efficiency is far far far more important than your amp power. Double amp power (+3dB) does NOT make you twice as loud - but only about +1 dB - you can hardly hear the difference. However, +3 dB speaker efficiency DOES make you twice as loud, because it is measured acoustically. Speakers are usually measured at 1 Watt input so you can compare them. So when you see a speaker efficiency rating of 99 dB you know it has twice the output of one with 96 dB. That is a huge difference.

The same with drivers - a 4 x 10 cab will be much louder than a 2 x 10 cab with the same amp.

I think that you can find a good, reliable amp around 300-350W and then choose your speakers carefully. They should also be able to handle twice your amp power so they can handle peaks without damage.

 

[4-string]

Buying used is usually a good idea, unless you get something that is plagued by error. Then warranty is key.

 

[StuartV]

That all said, and with the caveat that I haven't played or tried either of these, I'd be considering waiting a few months and trying one of these two for 'power':
http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2014/0...ax-and-minimega-compact-bass-amplifier-heads/

I believe the end street price for the Mega will be 400 and the max will be 300...that's a lot of juice for a little cash.

Street is $399 and $499. Mega == Want!