Newbie advice please

[Roy Royerson]

Id say go with the peavy, although admittedly I've never heard one. Of those three the peavey is the only one that can hold up if a drummer is playing with much energy. I'd recommend you focus on speaker size (as in total cone area of the drivers) and wattage. Those are the most simple ways to have a vague idea of the volume. It's complex, a 15" actually has more area than 2x10" but a 2x10" has more mid punch. And wattage sometimes is misleading so try to play through any amp you'll be buying. Anyway keep looking at used stuff on craigslist and pawnshops if you have the time. To me, it's better to have more watts and speaker area than you need if the cost is the same.

 

[Stumbo]

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)

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.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

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??

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.

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

Welcome to TB!

Glad you're enjoying Your bass journey.

Check out the link in my sig for some great TB info to help you out along the way.

Peavey Nitro all the way.

Put some casters on it and you'll be good. It can take an extension cab, like another 1x15 or 2x15 for a nice vertical stack. You also may want to update the cab insulation.

It has plenty power and lots of features.
When you turn it up, start with the tone controls set low . Make sure the speaker is not distorting at volume.

Good luck.

 

[MDBass]

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)

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.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

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??

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.

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

As nearly everyone else has already said, the Peavey is far and away your best option out of those three.

Enjoy!

 

[BAG]

Go for the most power you can get for the money. I managed to get a new Peavey Max 115 a couple of years ago for just $365 in Canberra. You might be able to get one for around your budget if you haggle hard enough with the right store. It's got 300w and can keep up with most drummers and has a very good warranty.

 

[Haans]

Another vote for the Peavey Nitro. I have the Ampeg 110 at home, and while it's a nice practice amp, I wouldn't dream of playing it in a band setting. Acoustic or quiet jazz, sure, but rocking out in the garage? No way. The 112 should work fine, but probably only until you're done warming up, and at twice the price of the Nitro there's no doubt.

A preamp pedal is nice to have - check out the Behringer BDI21 for a pedal that's a lot of bang for cheaps. It will make your Peavey sound close to an Ampeg if you want. Or add some dirt to your sound.

 

[Skeza]

Thanks guys. Really appreciate the advice. Some very helpful comments there and looks like a resounding, unanimous vote for the peavey nitro. Although a brand new Peavey max 115 for under $400 also sounds tempting.

Sounds like a no brainer. I wish I had a bucket o'money so that I could buy a nicer rig but I think I'll be happy with this for now.

Just need to audition it and make it happen now.

Thanks again.

 

[PauFerro]

I've owned the earlier Ampeg version of the one you describe above and it was great -- except for the wedge aspect on the old model. It fell over twice and needed repair twice. The second time I didn't even bother to fix it because it would fall over again. If you are careful and make sure you stand it upright you should be OK, and it sounds good -- dense yet punchy and clear.

But I would go with the Peavey Nitro head and cabinet. 15" is good for the bass tones, and even though you say you don't want to gig, you probably will, and this'll give you the power you need. Plus you can swap out heads and cabinets if one of the two aren't working. That would be my first choice. I played a combination like this with a Fender Mustang in a music store and the sound was amazingly awesome. Plus the nitro series gave you a ton of of power for the price.

 

[hrodbert696]

Id say go with the peavy, although admittedly I've never heard one. Of those three the peavey is the only one that can hold up if a drummer is playing with much energy. I'd recommend you focus on speaker size (as in total cone area of the drivers) and wattage. Those are the most simple ways to have a vague idea of the volume. It's complex, a 15" actually has more area than 2x10" but a 2x10" has more mid punch. And wattage sometimes is misleading so try to play through any amp you'll be buying. Anyway keep looking at used stuff on craigslist and pawnshops if you have the time. To me, it's better to have more watts and speaker area than you need if the cost is the same.

This. It's speaker surface area that actually moves air to make volume. Wattage is relevant but secondary. A 15" speaker has 353 square inches of area, a 10" has 157 (two 10s would thus be at 314, pretty close to a single 15). That's what makes the difference when you want to be heard over a drummer. Which means... as others have been saying, buy the Peavey half-stack.

 

[Roy Royerson]

This. It's speaker surface area that actually moves air to make volume. Wattage is relevant but secondary. A 15" speaker has 353 square inches of area, a 10" has 157 (two 10s would thus be at 314, pretty close to a single 15). That's what makes the difference when you want to be heard over a drummer.

With all due respect it's my understanding that tiny trolls, about one apple tall, make the speaker cabinet give off what I would call total loudness. If memory serves the amp is powered by pure pixie dust. But I will defer to your knowledge as I'm no expert.

 

[Cosmo Dalton]

Get as much wattage as you can afford. I play 800. Personally I think you need 300 to 500 depending on the drummer. Just an opinion.

This is correct.

 

[Dana R Gregory]

I use a Gallien Krueger MB115, 200 watt combo bass amp. It is just fine for playing in a garage with a drummer and guitar and is perfect for bedroom practice. With the gain at 1/2 an the volume at the 10 o'clock position, it will keep up with your drummer and guitarist, even when playing hard rock, metal and punk. It is small and light weight and definitely worth a look.

 

[GreyBeard]

Of what you have listed, the Nitro will more than do the job. Peavey stuff is solid.

 

[Stumbo]

Another thing you can do when jamming, set the whole rig on a stand to get it up to ear level. Like you got another speaker cab.

 

[Shishka Bob]

Buy used at a pawn shop. Any major brand will do ya. You will find Ampegs. Also, Acoustic started making combo amps again. Hartke has a nice little keyboard amp that I used for a while as a bass amp. You might stumble on something that you wouldn't be able to afford new. And, as Stumbo said, put a small rig up on crates or something. Big difference.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Another thing you can do when jamming, set the whole rig on a stand to get it up to ear level. Like you got another speaker cab.

up 'closer' to ear level. Actual ear level is way too high unless you are a midget.

 

[rtslinger]

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)

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.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

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??

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.

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

If you are going the combo route I suggest the Fender Rumble series, sound great and are in your budget. If you go for Peavey get the Max 112 200w,

 

[otp57]

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)

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.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

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??

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.

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

I would go with the Peavey Nitro Bass head with Matching 15 inch Cabinet.
Ton of amp for the money and you can gig with this.

 

[HolmeBass]

+1 on the used Nitro and cab.

A preamp pedal would be like an Aguilar ToneHammer (pedal, not amp based on the pedal), SansAmp BDDI, or the MXR bass preamp, or any of a number of other similar pedals. Just get the rig, jam, and see if you really need it.

 

[lug]

i don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet, but I'd go with the Nitro and cab!

 

[Aqualung60]

The Peavey Nitro is your best bet out of the three, the Ampeg would be seriously under powered for what you need and having owned a Peavey Max112 I can personally say that they sound like absolute s**t.