I voted TCE BG250 - I was in kind of a similar situation a few months ago
I checked out tons of combos including Fender Rumble, Traynor SB 115, GK MB 115, and a few others
The GK expandability was very intriguing, but the sound just didn't do it for me at all - plus there were some mixed reviews in this forum about these amps when pushed
The TCE and the Traynor surprised me - but bang for the buck it was TCE all the way
However, I know you're saying you won't be gigging - but you're 16 and a lot can happen in 2 years when jamming with friends. If you were 30+ then different story. So my reco is to not rule out that there may be gigs in your future and to buy something that can handle it.
If you like the sound of the GK - go for it as it has the expansion option.
If not, check out the Ampeg Portaflex line. You can make your own combo with a PF500/115 and add another cabinet later if you need to. Lots of power and great sound.
It's definitely at the high end of your price range - but I would buy once/buy right so you don't waste your $500 on something that won't take you to the next step. Because that will likely happen
I checked out tons of combos including Fender Rumble, Traynor SB 115, GK MB 115, and a few others
The GK expandability was very intriguing, but the sound just didn't do it for me at all - plus there were some mixed reviews in this forum about these amps when pushed
The TCE and the Traynor surprised me - but bang for the buck it was TCE all the way
However, I know you're saying you won't be gigging - but you're 16 and a lot can happen in 2 years when jamming with friends. If you were 30+ then different story. So my reco is to not rule out that there may be gigs in your future and to buy something that can handle it.
If you like the sound of the GK - go for it as it has the expansion option.
If not, check out the Ampeg Portaflex line. You can make your own combo with a PF500/115 and add another cabinet later if you need to. Lots of power and great sound.
It's definitely at the high end of your price range - but I would buy once/buy right so you don't waste your $500 on something that won't take you to the next step. Because that will likely happen
