Minimum Wattage

[gotmule?]

I'm in a band and our band is having a gig over the summer. The only problem is the guitarist has a 15 watt amp and I have a 10, so we need to upgrade. He is deciding between a 25 watt Fender and a 65 watt Crate. I need to know what the minimum watt amp I should get for the two situations. Thanks!

 

[JimmyM]

I'd be looking at around the 100w range.

 

[jtc_hunter]

A good rule of thumb, is take the total wattage of (all guitars+keyboard)x2= what you need
just my opinion

 

[whoatherechunk]

it all depends on where you're playing. coffee house, 100+ venue, small house parties, small jazz bar. be more specific and perhaps we can help you more.

 

[Munjibunga]

Start at 750 and go up.

 

[RickenBoogie]

Seriously, a 100 watt 1x15 combo would suit you well for a while. Especially if you can add an ext. spkr later on, that would be just about right.

 

[gotmule?]

We are probably going to be playing at small coffee houses, small outdoor parties and those types of things for at least the next year. By the way, I just talked to the guitarist in my band, and he is definitely getting the 25 watt amp.

 

[JimmyM]

Good for him. Fender > Crate no matter what the wattage.

Take a look at the Ampeg B100R if you're looking for a decently priced 100w amp. Justin Meldal-Johnsen says they're really good and sound a lot like a B-15. There's also a B200R if you want more wattage.

 

[gotmule?]

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Does this look like a good deal? And thanks everyone for the help.

 

[JimmyM]

That seems to be about the going rate. Someone sold one on here for $250 recently. It was in decent shape, not great. I think it's worth it to go check out, definitely.

 

[gotmule?]

Ok, cool. Thanks again for the help. If this deal doesn't work out, should I just buy a new BA115, because I'm limited to about $350.

 

[JimmyM]

Good question. I'm only going by what Justin said about the B100R and I have no experience with either. I just know if Justin says it sounds a lot like a B-15, it more than likely does since he's an expert.

 

[Crockettnj]

I'm in a band and our band is having a gig over the summer. The only problem is the guitarist has a 15 watt amp and I have a 10, so we need to upgrade. He is deciding between a 25 watt Fender and a 65 watt Crate. I need to know what the minimum watt amp I should get for the two situations. Thanks!

IMO get him multiple sources recommending a SMALL, LOW WATTAGE, expensive, "boutique" guitar amp.

That way he will be limited in volume and will be out of $ for upgrades, and therefore you wont need a 4x15 stack to be heard.

That being said, the type of gig really matters here. What matters more is the presence and correct use of a PA system.

for example, I did a gig a couple months ago with a 1x10 cab and a 400 watt amp. It was turned up to about "3", which is lower than rehearsal levels. I was DI into the board which was being run by an experienced guy. In ear monitors. The tone in the house, on stage, and in my head was really great. Great mix. Loud, small bar.

Recent gig. same amp, same setup, different but equivalent bar. This time we ran the board ourselves, so we were without the soundman and without teh PA subwoofer. I was retweeking my amp, had it running pretty hot, and was at the point of pushing my tough ole 10" speaker to the limit, and from what I could tell my House volume was lacking. I also found my stage volume lacking.

The PA is where its at, and whoever tells you otherwise is inexperienced or stupid (or has an agenda).

So, bottom line, it depends.