Question Good Amps for SR HH

[Coinsmuggler]

Hi all, Im new to this forum and new to MusicMan Instruments too. I bought my first MusicMan StingRay HH about 2 weeks ago. I love the way this bass sounds when I plug it directly into Headphones but am less impressed with my Bass Amp.

I currently have a Peavey 15" Combo 300 with the Black Widow speaker. From what I read they are a great amp considering the price... I think I paid $150.00 10 years ago for it.

Sadly my funds are limited to about $400.00 for a new amp. Basically what is gonna do my SR justice in this price range. I mainly play funk/slap style but also play alot of blues and rock.

Thanks alot guys, looking forward to all of your expert responses!

 

[Russel]

Well, you're probably not gonna get a 'big' good amp for that price. I had an opportunity recently to try an acoustic combo (not sure of the model) and I thought it sounded pretty good. It'll have those crisp highs you're seeking, what with the horns and all. Not very loud though.

If you're just looking for something to practice, one of SWR's practice amps could be worth a try.

But here's the kicker; it's subjective. You'll have to try them to know if YOU like them.

 

[strummer]

I don't know, there are guys on this forum who swear by their old combos, and frankly I don't see a big sound quality change considering your budget. I vote that you save the money and learn to work with your new bass and old amp...

Oh, and I do hope you set the amp eq flat, if not: do it now and experience a whole new amp!

 

[ausf]

I love my Bassman Combo. I've never used it out so I don't know how it would handle it, but sounds dynamite in my 10 by 12 practice space. I have yet go above 3 on the volume, so I'd imagine it could be pushed a bit. Solid little amp that gets quite a few compliments.

I was thinking of trying the new Ampeg B-115s too.

 

[Coinsmuggler]

re:Question: Good Amps for SR HH

hmmm so guess I'll stick with my peavey till I can save up a grand or two.

BTW I did go and set the amps eq flat which did improve the sound quite a bit... Still a bit muddy tho, im thinking the bulk of the lack of definition is prolly caused by a noisy drum set right next to my amp, not to mention all the vents and furnace rattle i get in the basement.

Also I read online that putting some foam or cloth in the back of this amp can make a big difference..any one ever heard of that before?

thanks for your replies!

 

[Grand Wazoo]

If I were you, for that price range I would seriously look at the new Line 6 Lowdown 300W PRO its got more than you expect for the money and they have a very good review

http://www.line6.com/lowdownld300pro/

Line 6 LowDown LD300 PRO Bass Amp Combo

Sounds examples here: http://www.line6.com/lowdown/sounds.html

 

[Coinsmuggler]

I've never given line 6 much thought, i own a line 6 guitar port that is merely a marketing vehicle to get you to buy a subscription and pay hundreds for the amp models and effects they know you want. But from the the videos and sound clips I heard on their website for that amp I'm gonna have to hustle over to a GC and try one out!

 

[73jbass]

My first choice is Thunderfunk,but I saw where Carvin has a nice,lightweight 500 watt head for about 400.00 IIRC.Might be worth looking into. https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/single.php?product=BX500

 

[Bloodfist]

$400 + Time = MORE MONEY!!! Do yourself a favor, don't settle for a rig that is not going to do that bass any justice. Use your peavey for now, set that money aside, and start looking. My preference is Ampeg. I use the SVT3Pro though a SVT410HLF Cab, and it rumbles. Don't let us persuade you into something, get out and start visiting all the music stores around you and let your ears decide.

 

[strummer]

$400 + Time = MORE MONEY!!! Do yourself a favor, don't settle for a rig that is not going to do that bass any justice. Use your peavey for now, set that money aside, and start looking. My preference is Ampeg. I use the SVT3Pro though a SVT410HLF Cab, and it rumbles. Don't let us persuade you into something, get out and start visiting all the music stores around you and let your ears decide.

+1!

Well, except for the Ampeg praise, not exactly my kind of amp, but as Bloodfist says, work to get some more money and then hit the stores, trying out evrything you can lay your hands on

 

[Russel]

No matter how many times I give them another try, I've never liked Ampeg.

I try one every time I see one, by the way. "maybe this one will sound good...."

but that's besides the point. This is good advice here.

 

[Bloodfist]

Well, except for the Ampeg praise, not exactly my kind of amp

No matter how many times I give them another try, I've never liked Ampeg

Well we cant all be perfect lol


And that is exactly why I said don't let us persuade you. Different amps are better suited for different styles of music. I've never heard Strummer or Russel play, but I bet we all play different types of music, and use different types of amps. And I also bet that each one of us will swear by our rigs. The only thing we all have in common is that there's a Ball on the other end of that amp driving the bass home, and for that reason I can guarantee all of us have an awesome tone that will cut through night after night. Give it a little time, and you'll find your "signature" sound!!!

 

[Oldtoe]

You might try eBay for a used Peavey head (Nitrobass maybe?) and something like an Avatar 210 or 112 cabinet. Probably would be a pretty decent sound for not much dough.

 

[DanTheMan]

$400 + Time = MORE MONEY!!! Do yourself a favor, don't settle for a rig that is not going to do that bass any justice.

I've gotta agree.
Whenever I've upgraded slightly, I'm happy for 6 months or so then become unsatisfied again and end up selling it and buying something really good anyway.
The trouble is I lose money on the purchase and re-sale of equipment and so in the end, I end up spending more money than by simply buying something really good in the first place.
Kind of complicated but I hope that makes sense.

I'd advise to be patient (I know it's hard!) and save the money, wait, shop around and then in a year's time, or whatever it is, buy something you'll love and never regret.

 

[Coinsmuggler]

lol I hate patience!

My new musicman is the first pro instrument I've ever owned. For all of college and highschool never had cash for any good gear. Which is especially tough for a music major.

But you all are right. guess I'll focus on technique and not tone for the time being, which is always the way it should go.

Thanks for your sound advice guys!

 

[Rano Bass]

Another vote here for the line 6 combos, those are powerful enough to play live and send a good line out to the PA if needed.
If you don't need anything bigger, those combos should serve you well for another 10 years
IMO of course.

 

[Oldtoe]

I've gotta agree.
Whenever I've upgraded slightly, I'm happy for 6 months or so then become unsatisfied again and end up selling it and buying something really good anyway.
The trouble is I lose money on the purchase and re-sale of equipment and so in the end, I end up spending more money than by simply buying something really good in the first place.
Kind of complicated but I hope that makes sense.

I'd advise to be patient (I know it's hard!) and save the money, wait, shop around and then in a year's time, or whatever it is, buy something you'll love and never regret.

Or, like me, you can end up with a closet full of bass amps you don't use anymore.

 

[strummer]

Or, like me, you can end up with a closet full of bass amps you don't use anymore.

Where did the skeletons move?

 

[Oldtoe]

They're nourishing the azaleas.