Newbie advice please

[Wfrance3]

was amazing and I'm still pumped from it 3 days later.

And it never gets old/goes away.... Congrats!!!

Here's the thing on amps. You're going to 3-5 pages of varied opinions from a thread like this one.

I don't know the brands they have in Australia, so can pass on some advice that would be helpful here in the US and hope it translates to something accessible to you.

If Fender rumble series is accessible to you it should do you just fine. Get as much amp as you can afford. as for tone, smaller speakers are going to be punchier and move less air, and larger speakers are going to be woofier and move more air. My personal criteria is Fender is more budget-friendly, but quite serviceable. Not sure what your speaker size preference would be, but this is an example of a Fender that would probably work for you.
Fender Rumble 200 1x15" 200-Watt Bass Combo

The next leg up might be to look into a GK product. They make a 12" combo that's pretty good. They run about $420 USD new, and would be less used. I know this ad does you no good, but this is the one I'm thinking of...
Gallien-Krueger MB112-II 1x12" 200-Watt Bass Combo
This series comes with a matching powered extension cab, which wold probably do you forever if it came to upgrading your setup. Most likely the extension cab would never be needed.

Hope this helps. In my opinion, used is the way to go. Just try before you buy and make sure everything seems good.

Hope this helps!!

 

[guitarflinger]

Another option to consider

Carvin MB210 250 Watt Micro Bass Amp Combo 2 X 10 Inch NEW | eBay

We use Carvin for our main PA - well built, relatively inexpensive and great quality

 

[chris_b]

hahaha dude, I get where you're coming from but seriously, right now I can not EVER see myself gigging.

Imagine the rush of playing in a band, on a stage, in front of an audience!!

If you were still buzzing 3 days after a jam in the garage. . . . . you're brain will explode during the encore!

 

[Downunderwonder]

So much truth in the old joke about Johnny the 8th grade bassist.

Johnny goes to his first bass lesson. When he gets home he tells Mom ''today I learned quarter beats on the 1''.

Next week he gets home ''today I learned eighth beats on the 4''

The following week he doesn't come home until after midnight. ''Johnny, where the hell have you been?''

''Today I learned the turnaround on the V and we had a gig''.

 

[BAG]

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.

You won't find any of those in Aussie pawn shops unless you're really lucky.

OP, I know you've already made your decision, and I hope when you try it out it works well. However, I just want to jump on the bandwagon: Peavey Nitro. I think at $300 Australian, that's a very good price for both the amp and the cab. In the US, just the amp runs $150-$200, so that's $190-$250 AUD.

I think all the people suggesting Fender don't realize you're in Australia. Sometimes the Kool-aide makes it difficult to see.

OP, the Max110 wouldn't keep up with a drummer at all. As mentioned in my previous post, I had a Max115 as my first amp and it could keep up with most drummers but is most likely out of your budget. What part of Australia are you in?

I did a quick look at Ebay and Gumtree (Aussie site maybe a bit like Craigslist) yesterday and the Peavey Nitro and cab is possibly the best bang-for-the-bucks that I can see.

Just did another search and found Invalid Link Removed in Victoria. I don't know much about these but they would probably do the job. a 15" plus two 8" and horn and includes a free trolly to move it!

Also Invalid Link Removedin Victoria.

 

[shadven]

Peavey Nitro. The 15" and 400 watts will keep up.

You may surprise yourself and gig sooner than you think.

 

[Skeza]

I'm overwhelmed at the great response here and helpful info guys - thanks again. I can't respond to all of you but here's a few replies that I can manage....

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,

Thanks man but I'm pretty sure the ones you mentioned above my budget. I'm pretty sure these are closer to $500 here.

Just be careful when buying used especially private seller. It may sound great at first but once warmed up it may begin to over heat or crackle. Make sure not to have a meeting place other then where the seller lives. That way if there are any issues later, you can contact them.

Brilliant advice - the trouble I have is the seller lives about 3 hours away from me so I need to "invest" quite a bit of time/money/fuel just to get there - but I think it's worth it. He has already offered to have the amp brought to me for an audition which I was appreciative of but never thought of what you've suggested here. Good to know where they live!!

Welcome to the low end.

That Squier was a great decision, the Peavey stack which is recommended by most seems to be your way to go.

I got a Squier Fretless VM P myself some two weeks ago, after a 35 year hiatus. And believe me: you will be giggin' in no time. It's just too much fun to not simply do it. I've been to the record studios at 19; never dreamt of that while I was 17 or so ;-)

Cheers,
Wolfgang

Thanks Wolfgang - I do love my bass but it's always nice to hear confirmation of choice by others who know.

OP, I know you've already made your decision, and I hope when you try it out it works well. However, I just want to jump on the bandwagon: Peavey Nitro. I think at $300 Australian, that's a very good price for both the amp and the cab. In the US, just the amp runs $150-$200, so that's $190-$250 AUD.

I think all the people suggesting Fender don't realize you're in Australia. Sometimes the Kool-aide makes it difficult to see.

Cheers mate - yeah clearly a big difference in "bang for buck" over in the US compared to here.

You won't find any of those in Aussie pawn shops unless you're really lucky.


OP, the Max110 wouldn't keep up with a drummer at all. As mentioned in my previous post, I had a Max115 as my first amp and it could keep up with most drummers but is most likely out of your budget. What part of Australia are you in?

I did a quick look at Ebay and Gumtree (Aussie site maybe a bit like Craigslist) yesterday and the Peavey Nitro and cab is possibly the best bang-for-the-bucks that I can see.

Just did another search and found Invalid Link Removed in Victoria. I don't know much about these but they would probably do the job. a 15" plus two 8" and horn and includes a free trolly to move it!

Also Invalid Link Removedin Victoria.

Legend - thanks for your help mate. I'm in Melbourne Victoria!!

Just had a look at that Carvin - wow, impressive looking combo for a fair price! Gives me another option to look at and one that's much closer for me to drive to than the Peavey! I hadn't looked at ScumTree yet as it

.... BTW I didn't start playing bass until I was 46. I am now 48 and playing in two bands one of which plays paying gigs regularly. Do not limit yourself, and Welcome to talk bass.

Haha! That's awesome mate! but I'm betting you were already playing another instrument before you took up Bass? I'm starting cold... very inspirational though mate. You started Bass at the same age I am now... so you're saying in another 1-2 years I could be up on stage, girls throwing their panties at me, crying and passing out at my feet?? I'm in!

Peavey Nitro. The 15" and 400 watts will keep up.

You may surprise yourself and gig sooner than you think.

I just love the optimism here! It's starting to rub off on me!

 

[BadExample]

If you have a dealer near you, Carvin may be a go. If not, I'm afraid the shipping is going to hurt, [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Skeza]

If you have a dealer near you, Carvin may be a go. If not, I'm afraid the shipping is going to hurt, [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Thanks BE - the Carvin BAG listed is a 2nd hand one located about 40 mins drive from my place so shipping won't be an issue unless I buy new... which I don't have the budget for.

Just did some quick research on Carvin and it's fair to say there ain't a lotta love out there for them!!

 

[BadExample]

Just did some quick research on Carvin and it's fair to say there ain't a lotta love out there for them!!

To that, I say:

Never Mind the Bollocks, here's...



Sorry I didn't notice you were looking at used Carvin. Nothing wrong used. I did notice one of the listings @BAG posted lists a trolly for it TWICE! Hmmmmm, maybe a bit heavy Those look to me like the so called Red Eye series from some time ago. Those seem to get pretty mixed reviews here on TB. Speaking of TB, WELCOME TO TB If you are interested in those, there's a lot of older Carvin bass info at [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Good luck with your search and welcome to bassdom!!!

 

[rtslinger]

I'm overwhelmed at the great response here and helpful info guys - thanks again. I can't respond to all of you but here's a few replies that I can manage....



Thanks man but I'm pretty sure the ones you mentioned above my budget. I'm pretty sure these are closer to $500 here.

Brilliant advice - the trouble I have is the seller lives about 3 hours away from me so I need to "invest" quite a bit of time/money/fuel just to get there - but I think it's worth it. He has already offered to have the amp brought to me for an audition which I was appreciative of but never thought of what you've suggested here. Good to know where they live!!



Thanks Wolfgang - I do love my bass but it's always nice to hear confirmation of choice by others who know.



Cheers mate - yeah clearly a big difference in "bang for buck" over in the US compared to here.



Legend - thanks for your help mate. I'm in Melbourne Victoria!!

Just had a look at that Carvin - wow, impressive looking combo for a fair price! Gives me another option to look at and one that's much closer for me to drive to than the Peavey! I hadn't looked at ScumTree yet as it



Haha! That's awesome mate! but I'm betting you were already playing another instrument before you took up Bass? I'm starting cold... very inspirational though mate. You started Bass at the same age I am now... so you're saying in another 1-2 years I could be up on stage, girls throwing their panties at me, crying and passing out at my feet?? I'm in!




I just love the optimism here! It's starting to rub off on me!

 

[rtslinger]

I not only a suggester of the Max 112 and Rumble series I am owner

 

[Big Hoss]

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

Given the options you are showing, and while I am a big fan of combos, the 2 little combos you show I just don't know if they will keep up with a drummer. The Peavey Max might, only way to tell is to try it. So given the choices you listed, if it were me I would go with the Peavey Nitrobass head and 115 cabinet.

Again, if you can score one on the used market in your budget, a Fender Rumble V3 500 combo, or an Ampeg BA210 V2 is really the way I would prefer to go. Less hassle, great sound, MUCH lighter weight.

Of course you could use that Peavey cab as a bomb shelter if the need arises...

 

[Skeza]

Again, if you can score one on the used market in your budget, a Fender Rumble V3 500 combo, or an Ampeg BA210 V2 is really the way I would prefer to go. Less hassle, great sound, MUCH lighter weight.

This would also be my preference but I'd have to at least double my budget even for a used one... brand new they retail here for about $1k so second hand would be somewhere around $600-$800 if I'm lucky. Bomb shelter is the best and most affordable option for me right now until I come into some money

 

[BAG]

brand new the BA210 retails here for about $1k so second hand would be somewhere around $600-$800 if I'm lucky

You'd be lucky to find one second hand at any price. As you'll start finding out, here in Oz decent second hand amps are thin on the ground and what is available appears to hold their value very well. There's plenty of Behringer, Ashton and other cheap brands for sale second hand but decent gear.....not so much.

 

[Skeza]

ok guys and gals.. going to throw a couple more in the mix for views/opinions if you'll be so kind...

Both are combo's so try to keep an open mind when comparing to the peavey nitro stack mentioned in the op.

All three are nice and close to home (compared to the nitro which is a 3 hour drive). I like the TE out of the 3 best but the Fender also looks like a decent amp. Thanks in advance.

Trace Elliot GP7SM 130 Combo Bass Amplifier - $350
15" speaker. Power output of 130 watts RMS / 260 watts Peak

This Fender BXR 300C - 300W for $200....
Looks a bit rough around the edges but on-line reviews about this amp are very good....

Laney RB7 Bass Amp - $250

 

[tfer]

Still the Peavey.

 

[basscooker]

Nitro half stack. The trace will sound better if it's in great shape, but I still suggest the nitro. More flexibility, and it's an old pv... Bulletproof and loud.

 

[BAG]

The Laney with 300w RMS and two 10" speakers could be pretty good. The kickback cabinet is very handy. I've never tried any of their bass amps but have a powered monitor wedge and it's been going well for around 15 years. If you can manage to play through the TE and the Laney pick the one that sounds best to you.

 

[Paul LF]

If it were up to me, I'd still go with the Peavey, since it has more flexibility being a head, to where you can add, or get different cabs down the road, if you want. Plus, those things are tanks. I will say that I use to have one of those Fender combos, exactly like that one, which I foolishly got rid of my Peavey Databass combo for, and wound up totally regretting it down the road. It did have a good tone to it, but it just couldn't keep up like the Peavey did. I had to trade it in to get a stack, but I wished I never got rid of the Peavey in the first place. Ultimately, it's up to you to what you want, and what sounds best to you, though. You have to be the one happy with it.