I need my first amp!

[Shally]

Hi! This is my first post here and I'm looking for my first amp. I'm going to buy a an SX Ursa for my first bass as it is a good option for my low budget. I'm looking for an amp that is no more than $280 dollars. I'm considering either the Ampeg BA112 or Hartke A70. Is the Hartke worth the extra money, or should I save money and get the Acoustic B30. I'm not going to get a band together a gig for awhile so is the B30 the best option for home practice because thats what I'll mostly do? I want to play Rush, Yes, and Black Sabbath Songs. Thanks so much guys!

PS: Of how much benefit is the fact that the Hartke and the Ampeg tilt back?

 

[Babaghanoush]

Hi! This is my first post here and I'm looking for my first amp. I'm going to buy a an SX Ursa for my first bass as it is a good option for my low budget. I'm looking for an amp that is no more than $280 dollars. I'm considering either the Ampeg BA112 or Hartke A70. Is the Hartke worth the extra money, or should I save money and get the Acoustic B30. I'm not going to get a band together a gig for awhile so is the B30 the best option for home practice because thats what I'll mostly do? I want to play Rush, Yes, and Black Sabbath Songs. Thanks so much guys!

PS: Of how much benefit is the fact that the Hartke and the Ampeg tilt back?

Since you are just playing by yourself (for now) and money is an issue, consider going as cheap and small as possible. You'll get another amp when it's necessary and the money you save now could get you there faster. Heck practicing with headphones or plugging into a computer is not out of the question when just starting out.

 

[wcoffey81]

have you given any thought to one of peavey's new max series2 amps?

 

[edencab]

check out the Fender Bronco...10" speaker 40 W pretty loud ..lots of different amp models so can find your brand.( I have the Bronco...sounds really good)
...or the Fender rumble 75..12" speaker 75 watts. plenty o' loud-ness
....both +/- $250
Orange has the CR50bxt 50w 12" speaker......same $$ range, awesome cool factor

 

[R&B]

TBer chuck norriss has a Fender Rumble 60 for a very low price right now in the TB Classifieds. No affiliation, just trying to help two brothers connect.

Buy used whatever you do! Then you can get out at or close to break-even when the time comes. Good luck.

 

[basscooker]

Hey! Welcome to the forum. I suggest you read, read, read.
Since you're just starting out, the above posts are spot-on. Just about anything that puts out ok sound will do for now. You will be getting something else later, but more importantly, you won't have spent much money if bass turns out to not be your thing. Definitely shop used, and don't get caught up with tone and brand yet. Buy cheap for your first, hell you could get by with a $30 craigslist guitar amp for a year or so, just don't expect to rattle the floor, and keep the bass knobs low.
Once again welcome to the world of bass, and the forum. The reading and lurking is important, but make sure you put in your time PLAYING and LEARNING too this place has a way of seriously usurping practice time!

 

[Major Softie]

For that kind of money, in the used market you can get something like a 250w 210 combo if you're patient enough. That totally outclasses what you're talking about now.

That's what I would do unless you really need the super easy portability of the ones you've mentioned.

 

[russpurdy]

I would say go small until you can get a decent rig with at least 300 watts for gigging. The Ampeg BA 108 I use for practice works great.

 

[tjh]

U S E D ... from a reliable seller ...

.. nothing in your profile indicating your location, but by all means, certainly consider used if at all possible ...

... $100 used basses are everywhere, and something like a $100+ Peavey amp and you have money in the bank ... these will be worth your expense the rest of their life ... and sound just as good if not better than what you are looking at .. or even look for your original options only U S E D ....JMHO

 

[B-string]

Since no one has addressed this yet, the tilt back comes in pretty handy but so does a 2X4 under the front of an amp that doesn't tilt back.

 

[RS66LB]

...just a little past your budget however might be a wise investment [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[George Mann]

The Hartke is worth the extra money if you like its tone. I personally prefer the Eden EC10 ($199). It has a warmer full-range driver and easy to use EQ.

It easily competes with more expensive designs.

 

[Wesley R]

Used my friend, used. I or rather my GF has $150 into a Genz Benz intro 50. It beats the Ampeg BA112 in every aspect. I have owned a BA112, and liked it, and it is not a bad amp by any means. yet there is little comparison.

 

[tjh]

Since no one has addressed this yet, the tilt back comes in pretty handy but so does a 2X4 under the front of an amp that doesn't tilt back.

... or, just put it on a little (open) crate/box/chair or something to get it up off the ground closer to you where you have better access to the controls as well .. off the ground will increase the clarity when you are playing along with CD's/computer/8-tracks ... the closer up to you it is you also wont need it as loud when momma/girlfriend/wife/aunt B is trying to sleep ...

.. you dont need earth shaking lows when woodshedding, you need clarity to better focus on what you are playing .. JMHO

 

[ulynch]

TBer chuck norriss has a Fender Rumble 60 for a very low price right now in the TB Classifieds.

+1

My Rumble 60 stands up to moderate volume band practice, and sounds darn good. I drive the front end of it pretty hard with a Hartke pedal pre. Headphone jack and aux input are handy for home jamming.

 

[Linnin]

I very much agree with other posters that recommended either the Fender Bronco 40 or the Fender Rumble 75. Both can be had for $250 brand new with a 5 year warranty, and are of excellent sonic quality. I love my Rumble 75 for practice and have a Rumble 350 for gigs. Rumbles Rock.