What is the difference between a good and a bad amp. I am buying a brandless amp due to my extremely low budget, and so i want to know what would be different (eg from a peavey or ibanez amplifier.) Is it a very big difference? If so? How so? Thanks!
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Importance of a good amp?
- Thread starter LuckySeven77
- Start date
Roy Vogt
Supporting Member
- Sep 20, 2000
- 4,433
- 537
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- Endorsing Artist: Kiesel Basses, Ampeg Amplification, Hotone Ampero II effects
Like a lot of things, you do get what you pay for. It does depend on what you need. If you're just practicing for a little bit a really small amp (say, a Nemesis N10 or Kustom KB10) will work fine. If you wish to play in a band situation, you'll need more.
A good entry bass amp would be the Behringer-there's a kick-back BXL3000 or BXL450 that will work in most beginning playing situations. As you progress, you can upgrade your gear.
As a reality check, most entry-level amps seem to be coming from China these days, so in general the quality control will be Pacific Rim level. Your entry level no name amp may be about the same.
A good entry bass amp would be the Behringer-there's a kick-back BXL3000 or BXL450 that will work in most beginning playing situations. As you progress, you can upgrade your gear.
As a reality check, most entry-level amps seem to be coming from China these days, so in general the quality control will be Pacific Rim level. Your entry level no name amp may be about the same.
Most of the tone of your amp comes from the PREAMP section and the Speaker Cab. The power amp section should amplify... If noname amp has a good preamp in it, and if you hang a good set of speakers with a well designed cab on it you should be fine. It is for you to decide if that cab is up to speed or not.
BOB
BOB
IME the only differences in that range of amp are the "bells and whistles" such as CD/mp3 input, headphone out, and tone-shaping circuitry.
If you're looking to buy in the 15W range, I'd endorse a plan to spend the least you can. Generally an amp is where you want to splurge, but in this case keep it cheap cuz there's not a big payoff in the quality of sound.
I dunno Singapore, but in the US there's basically no resale value in the 15W range, cuz they come free in the typical starter packs that surface every Christmas.
nothing wrong with saving a few bucks as long as it serves the purpose, and makes you happy; however, at least try to stay with something reputable......
any amount of money paid for junk is too much money spent......
always consider how long something will be used, what gigs/practices it will cover, etc, etc......even smaller purchases eat into the funds, especially if you have to keep upgrading to keep up with demand
in some cases, it just makes sense to buy good, capable stuff to start with.......
it makes sense to think about quality and quantity
.........
good luck
any amount of money paid for junk is too much money spent......
always consider how long something will be used, what gigs/practices it will cover, etc, etc......even smaller purchases eat into the funds, especially if you have to keep upgrading to keep up with demand
in some cases, it just makes sense to buy good, capable stuff to start with.......
it makes sense to think about quality and quantity
.........
good luck
I have to agree.
I bought a used Peavey 126 for that purpose. At the GC counter I asked if I should plug it in to see if it works, the guy said, plug it in to listen to sound quality, if it doesn't work we'll take it back....
I laughed at the thought that a 12 watt amp with a 6 1/2" inch speaker might possibly have "tone"
Buy something CHEAP that lets your hear yourself, and then save your money until you can get at least a 100+ watt 12" loaded cab or 2x10", etc... Under that range, it's really jsut different shades of bad...
You never did specify what your goals for this amp are. Are you planning on playing for other people? Do you want to sound decent? Are you expecting an amp that offers the least bit of inspiring sound?
You likely won't get that from anything less than something like a Peavey. I know I wouldn't.
For a tight budget, power is the single-most important tone-shaping feature you can buy. Buy as much true wattage as your dollars will allow. Properly used power is what allows you to add your own dynamics to the band's sound. 200-300 watts is the minimum you should shoot for. ADVISORY: This does not mean play the amp as loud as it will go.
What's the difference between a good and a bad car? Either a brand new Mercedes or a 10 year old Kia will get you from point a to point b. The Merc may do it with more style.
In general you can't go wrong with an old Peavey. They offer lots of bang for the buck, particularly the "TKO" combos.
In general you can't go wrong with an old Peavey. They offer lots of bang for the buck, particularly the "TKO" combos.
I agree that in the OPs situation, buying used is the way to go. When I was strapped for cash a good few years back, I bought an old Gibson Lab Series amp with the matching 115 cab. It was way out of date and pretty basic but IT WAS FUNCTIONAL and SOUNDED FINE TO ME. A little later I got back into the gigging scene and made some good money with that amp. Heck, I even gigged with it at Ronnie Scott's!
