Time to Upgrade My Amp

[Grazy51]

Hey everyone. I have played the bass for a year now and I recently traded my Squire Jazz Standard for a used American Musicman SUB (I had to pay a lot of the difference, haha).

Now that I am started to use basses that are higher quality, I think it is time to get a new amp. Currently I have an Ampeg Combo BA-108 25 watt. I like it's growl and volume isn't an issue but I want to have more control over the EQ and have access to gain, overdrive, etc.

I am not in a band, and I only play because I love the instrument, but I want to get the best sound I can out of my basses. I don't know whether I should get a new amp, some sort of preamp or what have you. I've seen people with effects pedals but I don't know if they would work with my amp. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Thanks a bunch and if I didn't provide enough info just ask, I'd be glad to elaborate.

 

[paganjack]

If you're not in a band, and you like your amp's basic tone, maybe just invest in some pedals or a multi-effects board. You'll get all those extra controls without having to spend as much to get there.

 

[Grazy51]

I thought that might be a good idea. But I really wouldn't even know where to start or what companies to look at or anything. Also, my amp doesn't have an xlr input/output so does that limit me?

 

[cableguy]

Do you plan on being in a band some day? What type of music do you like to play. What you have now is a good practice amp. If you like it's tone maybe look at something a little bigger that Ampeg makes. At least 1-15 is what I need to play in a band. More if they're louder so look for something you can expand if needed. Good luck.

 

[Grazy51]

Do you plan on being in a band some day? What type of music do you like to play. What you have now is a good practice amp. If you like it's tone maybe look at something a little bigger that Ampeg makes. At least 1-15 is what I need to play in a band. More if they're louder so look for something you can expand if needed. Good luck.

Being in a band isn't out of the question, but for now it isn't a priority. I guess the best way to describe the music I play is that I got into bass because of people like Entwistle and Geddy Lee; less traditional bass and more melodic licks. But in terms of genre, I like to play a little of everything. Appreciate the token of luck! Thank You!