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Newbie needs help on amp choice

Hillcapper

Hillcapper

Sep 6, 2020
69
86
North Carolina
#1
Little bit of background that may help. I’ve played guitar for many years but acoustic only and have no amp experience. If amplification was needed it was handled through mic and PA or directly into PA depending on guitar.
Started playing bass about 18 months ago and love it! I don’t gig but play regularly at church through a PA with a great sound man on the board.
I currently use an older Peavy 20 watt practice amp at home which is fine. I do get together with some friends occasionally and jam and I’m typically on bass. The Peavy doesn’t really cut it though in that environment.

So what do I need in a combo amp as far as wattage in that setting? And what amp would be recommend staying between $300-$400?

I appreciate the help!
 
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#2
What instruments are you up against? Was a drummer involved? For a combo setup to get you heard with one guitarist, drummer, and singer: Fender Rumble 500 2x10" 500-watt Bass Combo Amp

I don't recommend anything new, go used. A 210 cabinet or a 410 cabinet with 300 watts to throw around is a good way to go. Check Craigslist and facebook marketplace for what you have nearby and let us know. Many of us would gladly steer you in the right direction on what to get.
 
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#4
Gearhead17 said:
What instruments are you up against? Was a drummer involved? For a combo setup to get you heard with one guitarist, drummer, and singer: Fender Rumble 500 2x10" 500-watt Bass Combo Amp

I don't recommend anything new, go used. A 210 cabinet or a 410 cabinet with 300 watts to throw around is a good way to go. Check Craigslist and facebook marketplace for what you have nearby and let us know. Many of us would gladly steer you in the right direction on what to get.
Click to expand...
Sometimes a drummer, depending on who I’m playing with. Always a rhythm guitar and lead, typically blues stuff.
 
#6
Most of what you need to be heard has to do with speaker efficiency. I once had a Markbass 60w amp (combo) that used an 8" speaker and it cut through at band practice! SWR was good like that too. Just do some research and I'm sure you can figure it out. I would also recommend thinking about size and weight.
 
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#7
Hillcapper said:
Little bit of background that may help. I’ve played guitar for many years but acoustic only and have no amp experience. If amplification was needed it was handled through mic and PA or directly into PA depending on guitar.
Started playing bass about 18 months ago and love it! I don’t gig but play regularly at church through a PA with a great sound man on the board.
I currently use an older Peavy 20 watt practice amp at home which is fine. I do get together with some friends occasionally and jam and I’m typically on bass. The Peavy doesn’t really cut it though in that environment.

So what do I need in a combo amp as far as wattage in that setting? And what amp would be recommend staying between $300-$400?

I appreciate the help!
Click to expand...

OK...not sure where you are at in NC, but perhaps on the west side by TN?

A specific, used combo that is currently on Reverb for local pickup, for $350, is a UK made Ashdown ABM500 EVO II C210.

If I needed a good combo for between $300 - $400 and could pick it up. I would go get this amp. It would be exceptional!!
 
#9
PhatBottomBass1 said:
OK...not sure where you are at in NC, but perhaps on the west side by TN?

A specific, used combo that is currently on Reverb for local pickup, for $350, is a UK made Ashdown ABM500 EVO II C210.

If I needed a good combo for between $300 - $400 and could pick it up. I would go get this amp. It would be exceptional!!
Click to expand...
I searched Reverb but couldn’t find that one, at least not in TN.
 
#11
I think a Rumble 500 is what you want. If you can stretch budget or buy used. Rumble 200 would be a good second choice as well.

Doesnt have to be Rumble, or a combo (though typically combos are cheaper. Again, look at used.) Anything in the 200-500w range, with a 15” or a 2x10”. I like Fender, Ampeg, Hartke and Peavey in that price range.

happy hunting !
 
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#12
Hillcapper said:
I’m north of Charlotte, let me look that one up.
Click to expand...
Here’s a few I might go look at:

(Looks like) 350w 15”
6998C245-8D75-4021-911F-F55445DD838D.png


150w 15”
B495EF07-2B3E-41B0-AA59-D50F4722F596.png
 
#15
I’ve found a 90’s Fender BXR 200 for $200 (haven’t tried to negotiate yet). I’ve read some threads on here about the BXR line and they seem to be solid (yes heavy) well built amps but with limited range. I’m a very traditional player (at least for now) that stays mostly in the low register. Thoughts on this for my needs? Amp is in good shape and the guy selling it is definitely knowledgeable about it. What’s a fair price?
Thanks!
 
#16
Hillcapper said:
I’ve found a 90’s Fender BXR 200 for $200 (haven’t tried to negotiate yet). I’ve read some threads on here about the BXR line and they seem to be solid (yes heavy) well built amps but with limited range. I’m a very traditional player (at least for now) that stays mostly in the low register. Thoughts on this for my needs? Amp is in good shape and the guy selling it is definitely knowledgeable about it. What’s a fair price?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

I wouldn't pay more than $200, but that's a fair price depending on condition. They're solid amps but IMO, but the graphic EQ can get confusing to newbies and I personally don't use chorus. It's definitely an amp "of its time".
 
#18
Hillcapper said:
Thanks for those options, gonna inquire on a couple of those.
Click to expand...

Word of advice about buying used from GC.

Have them send it to a LOCAL GC and go to pick it up.

Don't have it sent to your house.

That way if it arrives as a pile of kindling, or doesn't work properly, or the condition is not as described you don't have to deal with the hassle of a return.

Analogeezer
 
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