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Newbie advice please

Jun 21, 2017
40
96
I've been learning bass for about 8 months now and am loving it.

Last weekend a mate came over with his acoustic drum kit and we had a little jam session in my garage with my 16yo son on electric guitar - At the tender age of 46 this was my first ever experience playing in a "band" hahaha... was amazing and I'm still pumped from it 3 days later. We played a bit of everything, some RHCP, Nick Cave, ACDC, Dinosaur Jr, Beatles, Curtis Mayfield, WAR and The Meters etc. Lots of fun for about 4 hours.

Trouble is I have a rubbish little amp that was nowhere near up to the task so I've started the hunt for a practice amp that will double as a garage jam amp. No plans to ever gig.

My guitar is a brand spanking Squire Vintage Modified PJ like the one below - made in Indonesia job but I really like it. It's beautifully finished and has a nice feel and tone (when played through a half decent amp)

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Now I know the golden rule is to try before you buy as it's my ear that will ultimately decide what's right for me, but given my VERY novice standard I dare say my ear isn't anywhere near developed enough to help me make an informed decision......hence my question here.

My budget is tight - about $300-$400AUD and space is limited. Portability is preferable so I've been looking at things like:

1. Ampeg BA-110 40w at around $350 brand new seems to fit the bill - The 110 would be a great practice amp however I'm not sure it will cope with the drummer who gets a bit excited. The Ampeg 112 would be better suited but at $550 plus it's well out of my budget range. Love the look and versatility of this amp but no idea how it sounds as I haven't had a chance to get out an audition any yet.
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2. A 2nd hand Peavey Nitro Bass head with Matching 15 inch Cabinet that is within my budget. Seems like a pretty good deal. It's well worn and showing its age with plenty of "character" from years of gigging but according to the seller plays very well - Made in the USA. Can get this for $300 - seems a bargain??

16939546_10154564115817893_7168028726386965658_n.jpg


3. There is also a 2nd hand Peavey Max 110 for under $200 - even better for the budget and from all accounts is a decent little combo - at 100W I would think it would serve it's purpose for me.
19030752_772750562898350_8865236290599259424_n.jpg


Would love some general advice about value for money, versatility and suitability with the amps that I've listed here. I live in Australia btw.

Thanks in advance
 
Get the peavey nitro bass and cab. The others are just sideways steps. The nitro looks like it has great features. The DDT protection works really well on my old peavey PA head. It means you can crank it without clipping. The amp is also rated to 2 ohms which is crazy. The cabinet is at best 4 ohms. If it's 8 you will get nowhere near the rates power of the amp but it will still be loud enough for most things. The DI means you can run it into a PA and adjusting the master on your amp for stage volume won't affect it. The mid shift is great to have.
You may have to clean the voice coil on the speaker. You can read all about that.
Have fun!
P.s. With that 2 ohm amp and DDT you could power two SVT 810 cabinets.....