Is th old Laney HCM120B any good?

[StringGirl]

Hi folks,
This is my very first post inTB, but I have been reading your advice for a couple of years now...
I have been playing guitar since 2003 and bass since 2012.
So far i had used a Peavey Max 126 amp (tiny 10w amp, sold it for 25 bucks)

I want to buy an Ampeg ba112 or similar, but so far I have only found the ba110 at a good price (new).

So I started to check out used amps on my area, and a Laney HCM120B appeared, the thing is this amp is not being produced for some years, and i cannot find any specs, audio samples or anything. (They want around 150 usd for it) (it has a sort of graphic eq and a build in compressor)

Also a Crate BT100 appeared... i have no idea of how it sounds...

Has any of you any thoughts on these 2 amps.
After practicing for years on that tiny Peavey amp that produced no sound under 120 Hertz, I just want something that will sound good on those low frequencies
(I have played live, thru DI)

 

[beans-on-toast]

Welcome!

If at all possible, I would hold out for the amp that you want. Ampeg currently has a promotion on offer, there is a mail in rebate on the BA series, $50 on the BA112. There are advantages to having a new amp with a warranty.

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On the other hand, you can do well with a used amp. I've seen only one Laney HCM120B and it was pretty noisy. Not sure if it had an issue or they are all like that.

If at all possible, try whatever used amp out with an attention to detail. It helps to have someone else play while you go through all the settings and listen. This allows you to ensure that everything is working and helps you identify and issues. Then find a good setting and sit with the amp and play.

With any small amp, it helps to raise the speaker closer to ear level so that you can monitor better. This also allows you to turn it down when practising.

 

[Martin Beer]

I used to rehearse at a place that had that model of Laney, and didn't like it at all. It was really boxy sounding, lacking in lows and highs. For affordable used 1x15 combos, some of the Peavey and Ashdown models are much more useable.

 

[StringGirl]

Went yesterday to some shops to try some amps.
One thing is sure: I cant go smaller than 15 inches, anything smaller feels like playing thru a guitar amp (imo).
I just haven't decided which 15" combo I will pick. (I tried some 10 in, and the fender Rumble 200 which has a 15". ) The difference was huge.

The Laney was just something I saw, but you are right guys, I think I prefer something brand new and with warranty, than something that may have been even (badly) repaired. (They are selling it for a reason).

Thanks guys.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Let us know how it goes.

My favorite small amp is my Ampeg B-15N. Unfortunately, they are priced through the roof these days.

 

[JJR58]

Let us know how it goes.

My favorite small amp is my Ampeg B-15N. Unfortunately, they are priced through the roof these days.

View attachment 1080773

You had to go and tease the new member?

 

[StringGirl]

I believe you, just the plugin is 149 bucks buckshttp://www.uaudio.com/uad-plugins/ampeg-b15n.html

Let us know how it goes.

My favorite small amp is my Ampeg B-15N. Unfortunately, they are priced through the roof these days.

View attachment 1080773

 

[beans-on-toast]

Mine was a basket case when I got it. The nice thing about old tube amps is that they can be rebuilt from the ground up.