I want to upgrade from my Kickback 12

[greekorican]

I'm in the market for a new amp. I play mostly at home, so I'm not looking for too huge of an upgrade in volume. I have to be quiet at home, so I don't piss off the family, my sister in particular. I'd like something that will sound good at quiet volumes, as well as loud. I don't gig or anything yet, but I play with friends in someones basement. Its got plenty of volume for a basement jam, I keep it at around 5, once in a while I push it to 7 because one guitarist will not turn down (I've told him to). I think I need a new amp because of GAS, but I'd like to gig eventually. How much power should I need for small gigs (open mic, battle of the bands, small clubs)?

The sounds a bit bright to me. The low E is pretty weak, in my opinion. For some of the stuff I play it sounds good, but I find it hard to tweak different sounds out of it. To me it only sounds good left completely flat, or with a little bass. I want something versatile, or atleast versatile enough to get the sounds I want. Some stuff I like to play: Bootsy Collins/P-Funk, Motown, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin. What do you recommend?

I'm not sure how much what I'm looking at costs, so I don't know how much I want to spend. I definitely don't have the money for it yet, but I don't think its to early to look around. As soon as I land a job, I'm gonna save up for it.

Oh, and I have a MIM Jazz Bass with Quarter Pounders.

 

[allexcosta]

There's probably another reason why your low E is weak (Bad string or poor setup).
This combo is not bad at all and for your situation (broke, playing in the basement) is just about right. Put it close to your ears when you start gigging and use some PA help. For now, get some new, good strings and wait.