Amp advice

[kmark]

I'm tired of playing my 'Ray through a wimpy Fender Frontman 15W amp that came with my old beginner Squier P-Bass.

So I'm thinking of making a trip to Guitar Center this weekend and possibly buying a new bass amp. I thought I might take my bass with me and test some out. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm not in a band - most of the playing I do at the moment is right here at home. I play mostly pop/punk and alt. rock. I've been considering Fender Rumble amps, probably either 100 or 60W. Anyone have good luck with these or other similar sized/powered amps? I want something that's only going to make my 'Ray sound even more awesome than it already does.

Thanks!

 

[Manfloozy]

I'm an Ampeg fan myself... but there are many out there that would disagree.

I've had great luck with the BA115 Combo, its a single 15" with 100watts of juice. They also makes a BA112 combo which is a 12" driver. Maybe more than you are looking to spend, but it will serve you well for practice and even small gigs. The one thing I do recommend however if you go that route is having someone open it up and disabling the tweeter.... it can put out some annoying pink/white noise.

I've also heard decent things about the GK stuff, but have never used it.

 

[Aussie Mark]

What's your budget?

 

[Mogee]

I just bought a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0, and it is freakin' sweet. They make combos as well. Very light and great tone. 600 watts

 

[Sterling_Bass]

If your budget is in the price range of the Rumble series, I'd get either get that amp or hold off and save up for a quality amp that you won't feel the need to replace in a year or two. Check out some MarkBass gear. To my ears, they sound terrific. I have been GASing for one of them for over two years.

 

[HeavyDuty]

Not knowing your budget, I'd suggest you check out a decent G-K combo and/or head. G-K and MusicMan tend to go well together IMO.

 

[five7]

Go try out everything at GC, decide what you like and then try to find it used on craigslist. You can save alot of money that way. If you go with the ampeg combo, make sure you get one with 200 watts. The 100 watt one doesn't have enough volume to jam with a drummer. Good tone though. I love my markbass f1. I picked it up on cl for $400. My behringer 1800 is also a great little amp, picked it up on cl for $180.

 

[lowendgrowl]

I got an Ampeg BA-115 combo in excellent shape I'll let go for $250.00 plus Shipping..... Excellent condition, and well cared for.

 

[EBMM7181]

Both Markbass and GK are good amps to use..... but my favorite is Ampeg

 

[Ed_]

if your budget is in the price range of the rumble series, i'd get either get that amp or hold off and save up for a quality amp that you won't feel the need to replace in a year or two. Check out some markbass gear. To my ears, they sound terrific. I have been gasing for one of them for over two years.

+1

 

[patobrujo]

You're not in a band but, do you want to join a band? think of this before you buy, maybe a small head (300 watts), and a cabinet do it for you at the moment, then if you join a band you could add another cabinet if you needed

Not knowing your budget, I'd suggest you check out a decent G-K combo and/or head. G-K and MusicMan tend to go well together IMO.

+1 on that, GK and Musicman are made for each other

 

[MudvilleStomper]

it's probably not necessary to bring your own bass to guitar center. i'm sure they've got a Stingray on the wall.

also, you might want to look into the Acoustic b100 or b200. they're pretty good entry level amps that can get pretty loud.

 

[Sterling_Bass]

Go try out everything at GC, decide what you like and then try to find it used on craigslist. You can save alot of money that way. If you go with the ampeg combo, make sure you get one with 200 watts. The 100 watt one doesn't have enough volume to jam with a drummer. Good tone though. I love my markbass f1. I picked it up on cl for $400. My behringer 1800 is also a great little amp, picked it up on cl for $180.

You scored on the F1. I'm jealous.

 

[PhillyBass]

I think that the best amp for the money these days is the MarkBass LittleMark II. I picked one of these amps along with the ultra-lightweight MarkBass 102P cabinet at GuitarCenter when they were having a 20% off sale. I couldn't be happier with the sound quality, weight and cost.

When I go to gigs, I can carry the amp in my backpack, the cabinet in one hand, the bass in the other; one trip is all i need.

Also, always bring your bass to try out amps as basses rarely sound exactly the same. I also bring a cable because the ones in GC tend to be crappy or aren't available.

 

[Steamthief]

More than a few people here may not like what I suggest, but check out the classifieds on talkbass.com for a quality used amp, you'll save a bunch of dough.

 

[kmark]

Thanks for all of the suggestions, everyone! Lots of options to consider...

 

[shakinbacon]

More than a few people here may not like what I suggest, but check out the classifieds on talkbass.com for a quality used amp, you'll save a bunch of dough.

I totally agree. I've had great luck buying, selling and trading with folks there. A used Shuttle 6.0 would be my recommendation since I currently have one that I love very much

 

[Estee]

I'm an Ampeg fan myself... but there are many out there that would disagree.

I've had great luck with the BA115 Combo, its a single 15" with 100watts of juice. They also makes a BA112 combo which is a 12" driver. Maybe more than you are looking to spend, but it will serve you well for practice and even small gigs. The one thing I do recommend however if you go that route is having someone open it up and disabling the tweeter.... it can put out some annoying pink/white noise.

I've also heard decent things about the GK stuff, but have never used it.

+1 on that...
For a nice, inexpensive practice amp, I've been pleased with the Peavey Max 158 for just under $100 at MusiciansFriend.com...the iPod input and headphone jacks make it a nice setup...also, there's a $30 rebate if you buy a Peavey Max 115, 112, or 110 by 7/31/09 at MF.com...FWIW...

My latest dream rig is the new SR5 SLO Special run through a Line6 LowDown LD300....