I need guidance choosing an AMP (Searched around)

[Krowser]

Hi TB

I need an amp, or two amps actually. I've been lurking the forums for a few weeks and I've search and read 5-6 threads on the subject but I still have some trouble making a choice.

I am officially lost. There are too many choices and too many technical facts.

So here's the deal. My practice amp finally crapped out after 8 years of loyal service (Not bad for 40$). So I need a new practice amp, something around 200$ max. I read on tube VS solid state and Tube seems to be what I'm looking for but in a practice amp I think I'll drop that idea if it affects the price too much.

I'm also due for a main amp, although it's not a priority, and this is where my problem begins. There are so many variables and stats that I don't know where to make heads and tails. I'm pretty sure I should skip over a combo amp however, and get seperate peices. So at least I'm narrowing it down.

Now, here's my question. I like to play in a dropped tuning and I love using my 5 string bass. I read on wiki that the frequency of a low B is about 30 hz but my current main amp can only go as low as 50 hz.
How does that affect the sound? Let's say I grab an amp that can produce some 30 hz sounds will the notes be clearer? Should I look for that in an amp or is there another attribute that can help me in this matter?

There's also the question of Watts. I have a crate 220, which says can produce 220 Watts (Peak) but I've read posts by people saying they can jam easily with other on an amp that produces something around 100 Watts. So, since it says peak power I'm guessing that it's not the ''cruising'' wattage. How many watts do I need?

As far as the sound I'm looking for, probably what everyone else wants: Rich, creamy, warm, lovely, orgasmic, etc.... Obviously I'm not interested in reproducing Ja Rule's voice wich my bass.

Thanks for the help!

EDIT:

Is there a ''Comprehensive newbie guide to ''Must know'' things with bass amps''?

Current Gear: Antoniotsai 5 String, BOSS ME70, Crate 220.

 

[waleross]

spelling Ok I'll be the first to post, more will follow. First the practice amp, I bought a Fender Rumble-60 2 years ago and it was great before I traded it in. You can get a decent new small bass practice amp for under $400.00. I like the Rumble line of products but look around there are others. As far as a "main" amp goes, you mean seperate head + cab; I have Ampeg and Fender units . If I were you, I would go to one of the mega stores (samash,GC etc. ) and see what they have on sale and in the used dept. I like a 500watt head with a matching 410 cab to start. This is my opinion but if you are really going to play with a band then you want to be armed and have enough head room to turn up. Hartke units seem to be set at great prices and have good reports. Check them out, do your research and ask around you should get stuff that will last you for a while without going broke. Have and good luck

 

[degroove]

Practice amp wise, your best bet would be to get a GK MB amp. You would have to save a bit of money. I am not sure how low the Frequency is for those amps, but my $330 GK MB 112 is plenty loud at 200 watts and is light at 26 lbgs and takes up little space. I do not down tune or play a 5 string. I did gig with it this summer with PA support though with a classic rock cover band with two loud guitarists.It does have a DI out. The GK is more clear toned and does not have a tube preamp, but you could add a pedal in the future.

I also would recommend an amp like Hartke and a 410. I would stay away from Behringer.

 

[Gearhead17]

Must-Know:

Commercial bass cabs do not put out much sound below 100hz. Extra low end out of bass rig for a 5 string bass is not necessary for good tone. It's going to take a bunch of wattage to get the lowest parts of low end to come out - in the end it is not worth it IMHO. For some, it will sound better to your ears to have more low end. Keep in mind that your bass rig is a MONITOR for practice and stage use. Let the PA system to do the low end and everything else. All bass cabs have a limit on the low end below 100hz they can reproduce and the limit comes up fast. If you want more low end, either get a new cab or add an identical cab to your existing rig.

Combos are great if you can find one loud enough for band and stage use. This is a tough balancing act though. The GK MB series though is the exception. It's useful for both instances.

With your limited budget, it might be a better move to just look for something used. A 210 and a 300 watt head could do it for you.

Watts are for tone, but you need a certain amount to get anywhere in the bass world. 300w is a good place to start. The biggest determining factor for volume is the speaker and how many you have. Put 300 watts into a loud speaker(s) and you are good to go. Put 300 watts into a garbage speaker(s) and you WILL NOT BE LOUD ENOUGH. The more watts you have, the cleaner the tone, and the more low end you can get out of it. Still, it all comes down to the speaker you have.

Start playing some other gear and see what you like. I would not go by tone descriptions by others. I have heard too many times of people saying "I want more punch" or "this amp is so creamy sounding". In the instance, the person requiring more punch is scooping the midrange heavily and even removed a good portion of the low midrange - punch is referring to the midrange frequencies of 250-750hz. So I am lost on that one. One guy says "my amp is so creamy" - while the guy next to him will say, "what a muddy sounding amp". Everyone prefers something different tone wise and our ears are all different. Last example, some will say one amp is "too bright". When in reality, their bass has a strong treble response and the amp they are using has the high end set at a higher level than most amps. Not necessarily boosted, just more "present". Many forget that bass knobs can be used to decrease strong frequencies....

Good luck man and relax about the details. It will make little difference when everything is working in your favor....

 

[Dave W]

Forget the tube amp for a practice amp. You have very limited options and none of them are cheap. Ampeg B15 would be the only thing I could think of to recommend, and they go for about $1K used.

You just need something that puts out sound, and hopefully sounds good while doing it! I'd go to the store and try out as many amps as you can and see what you like best in your budget.

You might as well try out some of the bigger amps too since you're in the market for one of those as well. I would recommend getting something with at least 300 watts, more if possible.