Nice little practice combo on the cheap?

[MirageBass]

I'm sick and tired of having to practice through my $50, 6-year-old crate guitar amp. I'm looking for something more... Worthwhile, but right now, my funds are barely borderline.

There's a guy at my school selling a Crate BT15 15 Watt Bass Combo for $75, but I'm not sure if I should spring for it. I was told to search for a Peavey Microbass on eBay. That search, though, turned up one dealer with zero feedback (so that's out), another dingy-looking amp from goodwill, and one from a guy with $45 shipping. Plus, they're all different models, so I dunno which one would even be worth the risk.

What would you suggest? Any better deals, or is the Crate good enough to justify $75?

 

[ModestCargo]

Yuck, man. Save your money and get something decent.

First of all never buy a bass amp under 30 watts or so.

Second of all I had a "Micro Bass", horrible little amp. Not as bad as the Crate though.

Just save your money for now.

Edit: That Crate probably went for $75 *new*, by the way.

Invalid Link Removed
I'd say this is the cheapest good amp I've found on Musician's Friend. You could find something like that used for 100-125 bucks.

 

[jumbosilverette]

The Crate is fine but you can do better, certainly at that price. How about the Acoustic B20. I bought one and it sounds dandy, big 12" speaker, 20 watts. Certainly more than enough for practice and jamming with an acoustic guitarist.
Link Removed

 

[Twiggeh]

Agreed with the above poster. Just stick it out with what you have while you save up for something decent (~150-200 USD range at least unless you can find a killer deal on something used). If you upgrade from crap to crap, you're still stuck with crap (durr)

 

[JimmyM]

Look for used. I just saw an SWR Workingman's 10 on Ebay that sold for something like $120. That would blow away any other amp you've mentioned so far.

 

[steamthief]

Back away from the Crate! I have one of those 15 watt jobs and it's a rattly, no-low-end piece of...crate.

I just ordered a Nemesis N8 from Perfect Bass, a sponsor here on TB. 40 watts, about $120 shipped brand new with their TB discount. The Acoustic also sounded pretty good to my ears, but I did a similar thread and the feedback was overwhelmingly Nemesis.

Whatever you do, don't get the Crate.

 

[sineas]

The acoustic b20 sounds reallllly nice and would get my recommendations for a good practice amp (not heavy too)...

I would be returning my b20 to get the ab50 tho but none the less if you have to get the b20... you won't go wrong