Double Bass What can I get for around $500?

[Steve Killingsworth]

I am preparing to take the plunge into amplification. I have settled on the Bass Max pickup but am uncertain with regards to an amp. I am in the process of selling my acoustic bass guitar and little peavy microbass amp which I expect to net somewhere in the neighborhood of $5-600. Whatever this sale brings will comprise my new amp budget.

What are some recommendations in this price range? I have read dozens of threads and researched numerous sites on the web but need some personal input.

 

[Marc Piane]

I use the SWR Workingman's 10 and like it. I think it goes for less than $500.

 

[songdog]

At 39 lbs. it will handle most medium size rooms with an acoustic bass. I have a Christopher with a carved top and an Underwood and it is enough to tame a metal drummer. I got mine from Musicians Friend as a bleem for @ 700. Later Gator

 

[Rumzini]

I have a Hartke 4000 for $300....plenty of tone shaping and EQ..400 watts at 4 ohms...I pushed my Avatar 410 and 212 plenty loud and clean.

 

[Francois Blais]

I use the SWR Workingman's 10 and like it. I think it goes for less than $500.

The WM12 is even better I think.
Better bottom end and a little more power.
I leave one at the guitarist's house for rehearsals, while keeping my EA rig at home and for gigs.

 

[mchildree]

Used AI Contras can be found in the upper end of that price range, and IMO they do upright a little more naturally than the SWR WM12 I had. The only caveat to that is that if you intend for this amp to double as an electric bass amp also, go with the WM12.

 

[Steve Killingsworth]

I like what I have heard about the Contras (except for the $900+ part). I would definitely consider one if I could find a used one at an affordable price.