Should I buy an amp now or wait?

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Heres my story...guitar player for 20 years or so. dabbled in bass a couple years ago and the guitar took over again. Recently bit by the bass bug again. Have a great CIJ P bass. Determined to do it right this time, learn proper technique and do the instrument justice instead of being a guitar player who plays bass like he plays guitar. Have a pretty basic working knowledge of theory knowing my major scales, major and minor pentatonic scales, etc. Also learning to finally read music.

Right now I'm just practicing through a Yamaha THR10 10watt coffee table amp. Guitar Center is having their anniversary sale that ends tomorrow 8/2 and I can get $100 off a new Rumble 500 V3 with the he sale.

Should I take advantag of this sale and pick up an amp, or just suck it up and keep trucking away with the THR10 until I improve as a reward for my progress, until the next sale, etc.?

 

[abracadunphy]

Buy it, a better amp could be a motivation for you, and you can be part of a band

 

[beans-on-toast]

Very true, an amp can motivate you to play better. Whatever amp you use, try elevating it closer to ear level, 1 meter or so. When you want to reward yourself, you can buy a bass. There's no shortage of things to reward yourself with down the road.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

Get the new amp. Playing with an amp that can kick you will make you play more than just an amp that makes a sound.

 

[Turnaround]

Always wait. Something better is bound to come along.

 

[Wicked G]

I agree with the others that you should buy the Rumble 500 V3. Playing with a 10 watt practice amp is no fun. Now playing through an amp that not only you can hear but also feel is definitely major fun. Plus you will hear a noticeable difference in the low end.

As was suggested also you could always wait for something better to come along, but there is always something better coming along and with that kind of reasoning, you will never own anything. Just buy the Rumble and worry about something better later.

 

[RSBBass]

You can learn using that little practice amp but if you want to experience why most of us play bass you need a better amp. The Rumble series has a good reputation so if the price is right and you have the cash go for it.

 

[Fender_Bender]

Buy it, I don't think you'll regret it as long as you can afford it and have room for it.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

You can learn using that little practice amp but if you want to experience why most of us play bass you need a better amp. The Rumble series has a good reputation so if the price is right and you have the cash go for it.

Oh, I know a much larger amp sounds better obviously. My brother has a full SVT rig and it sounds incredible.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Buy it, I don't think you'll regret it as long as you can afford it and have room for it.

For sure can afford it. Zero credit card debt (only use them and pay for hem off each month just establish credit) and downsized to a smaller place in he last year but still have room for an amp.

 

[seamonkey]

I try not to be motivated to buy by a "sale" that is going to end.

Just note the price, and when you're ready to buy then go in and bargain for that price.

 

[Marhmol]

If your set on your decision then take the sale. If your patient and do lot of test driving you may make a later decision that makes you very very happy.

 

[CostanzaWallet]

In a case like this, just make sure you get something of decent quality that has known resale value. Keep the boxes and cards that come with it, and proof of original ownership (all plusses in the used market). If the amp works for you keep it forever, if not, trade up.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

I had another shop offer the amp new for $500 out the door, after tax.

 

[Bassquest]

Buying a big amp is going to commit you to more debt, especially if you're unsure and moved to a smaller place. I'd get the Rumble 25, 40 or 100 to start.

 

[Engle]

Did you really think we would say not to buy an amp?

 

[Charlzm]

I try not to be motivated to buy by a "sale" that is going to end.

Just note the price, and when you're ready to buy then go in and bargain for that price.

I think the days of bargaining at GC are over. YMMV

 

[BassLover668]

Buy the amp now!!

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Buying a big amp is going to commit you to more debt, especially if you're unsure and moved to a smaller place. I'd get the Rumble 25, 40 or 100 to start.

I will pay cash. $500 out the door seems like a good deal. Plus it would cost more in the long run to buy a smaller amp, sell it for a loss later to upgrade, etc. don't you think?

 

[BassmanPaul]

I don’t know about the Rumble 500 but I have played through a Rumble 350 2x10 at an open stage. I was really quite impressed with the unit and I’m not usually overly fond of Fender bass amps. I think that you could do far worse than picking one up.