Looking for cheap head..

[CaseyVancouver]

+1 for craigslist.

I see crazy good deals all the time, I search 'bass' and see what's up.
Picked up an orange for $80, 800rms head for $200 and mesa 410 for $200... wow.

 

[blubass]

Set up a craigslist search based on your financial requirements. I must say though, it's usually bottom of the barrel on CL in terms of inexpensive.

I tend to search for amps that I know are quality pieces that can get the job done; they just so happen to be inexpensive... such as a Hartke HA3500, Ampeg B-series, GK Backline... etc. Those are usually not scraping the cracks of the barrel, but they have routinely been some of the cheapest amps I've seen on CL.

 

[Ed Byrnes]

I found a used Ampeg Micro VR on GC for $140. For practice it has a 3.5mm headphone jack (no adapter needed) and a 3.5mm aux in for a cell phone or whatever you use for music. You can use it without speakers. I don't know how it will sound with your cab, but it sounds great with the 210av cabs I use with it.

 

[BlueShox]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Peavey Nitro Bass head. $110, plus $20 shipping, plus whatever tax will amount to. This thing will slay for you.

 

[BassmanPaul]

I'm thinking under $150

You should be able to get head for that much almost anywhere!

 

[jaymelewis]

I'd say any shoebox with a speaker in it will suffice for a practice amp. No need to break the bank until you need to be heard

 

[groovaholic]

Ok, it's a done deal. Money is sent. GK BL 600 it is. I want to sincerely thank every single person who had suggestions on this thread. I have been "out of the game" for a good 15 years and all of your feedback was very much appreciated. I'm thankful to have the great resource that this forum is!

Money well-spent!
The GK will have a fast and clear clean sound, and the distortion channel will give enough variety to keep you motivated for practicing.

It took me several buy/sell misstarts before I understood GK amps correctly.

Do yourself a favor and spend some time learning how the Gain, Boost, and Master controls relate to each other.
There are several ways to get to the same volume level, and they all have a different tonality, attack and feel.

 

[Bass Man Dan]

Money well-spent!
The GK will have a fast and clear clean sound, and the distortion channel will give enough variety to keep you motivated for practicing.

It took me several buy/sell misstarts before I understood GK amps correctly.

Do yourself a favor and spend some time learning how the Gain, Boost, and Master controls relate to each other.
There are several ways to get to the same volume level, and they all have a different tonality, attack and feel.

I will do that, your advice is much appreciated!

 

[GreyBeard]

I am leaning away from this, but the reviews I have found on musicians friend and Amazon are generally pretty good for this one. The GK Backline 600 has quite a few negatives on overheating issues...Maybe placed in a rack with top vents covered?

Brand new, 2 year warranty and you can return it if you don't like it.

 

[Bill Whitehurst]

These day you can score a vintage G-K 400RB for 1-200 bux!
Why not get an older quality rig, instead of new, cheap 'stuff'?
Lots of PVs out there looking for a home.
Some of us love them, some hate them, but you can't hardly kill them.

 

[higain617]

Crate BX-220. Decent sound and dirt cheap

 

[A-Step-Towards]

In the last 4 years I’ve bought 2 GK400RB for $100 and $110. Those are bargains, I resold one for $200 which seems to be the average used rate which is A bargain. If you don’t have A large used market locally then you may have to pay around $225-250 to get one shipped but those minimal extra dollars over your budget is gonna be way worth it over some behringer. I’ve also gotten 2 GK 800RBs for $150 each the past 3-4 years and my friend also got one for $150. That said where I am lots of stuff pops up on Craigslist

 

[Pilgrim]

The cheapest heads I know of are the old Peavey monstrosities from the 70’s and 80’s. I never liked the sound much, but they were sturdy and reliable.

Agreed. An old Peavey is something you can easily use...but then you need a cab. If you want a decent practice combo amp, get a used Fender Rumble, 25 watts or more. Light, portable, decent sounding.

 

[Strung_Low]

yup, look on craigslist. tons of older heavier fully functional heads on there for super cheap. just pick something and go try it out

 

[JKB1957]

There's a really inappropriate response somewhere for this topic.

 

[Bass Man Dan]

There's a really inappropriate response somewhere for this topic.

Oh, there are several within the topic and we have been warned and I have apologized. I am not going to act like I did not know what I was doing when I posted it up. Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. But we've had our fun with it and nobody needs a penalty point.

 

[BassmanPaul]

There's a really inappropriate response somewhere for this topic.

I think I already posted it!

 

[Pilgrim]

I am not going to act like I did not know what I was doing when I posted it up. Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

Hey! I resemble that remark!!