Thoughts on a first amp/combo...?

[BrandonS]

OK, so I've purchased my first bass (SR4H in Lava Pearl!). Obviously I chose not to skimp on that!

Now it is time for a first amp. I'm leaning toward a combo unit for ease of use, compact space issues, etc.

I've read a few threads and have noted that Markbass is at the top (of quality and price!), Ampeg is seemingly well respected, Eden is too, and a few like the GK line.

Right now I'm using a borrowed Fender (forget the model) which does just fine when I need it to.

So... what do you recommend and why? I'd love to know the why behind the recommendations!

Thanks,

Brandon
p.s. price range? Depending on what I sell to make this purchase it could be $500 to $750...?

 

[Psycho Ward]

I suggest the head and cabinet approach.

This way you have options like a small cabinet for rehearsals and practice. But you can take larger cabinets for bigger venues.

A MarkBass LMII sounds great with my Bergantino HT112 and can render you sterile with an Ampeg 810E.

 

[Ole Man Blues]

I've used a SWR Workingman 15 160 watt combo amp the past 4 years for Church work and it worked just fine. It's a great starter amp.....

but the music that we currently play have led me to purchase a larger powered Amp Head and 2 2x10 (For portability) Bass Cabs which I love dearly. I should have made this purchase 4 years ago. Coupled with my Bongo it really fills the building and creates a growling modern Bass tone. The cabs tones are tight and punchy with plenty of warmth. I use flatwound strings on my Bass which gives me plenty of low end thump when needed.

I'm not sure what you plan to do with the Bass you have "to gig or not to gig that is the question", but if plan to just play at around the house any combo amp will work.

Have fun on your hunt, hope this helps...........

OMB

 

[RitchieDarling]

OK, so I've purchased my first bass (SR4H in Lava Pearl!). Obviously I chose not to skimp on that!

Now it is time for a first amp. I'm leaning toward a combo unit for ease of use, compact space issues, etc.

I've read a few threads and have noted that Markbass is at the top (of quality and price!), Ampeg is seemingly well respected, Eden is too, and a few like the GK line.

Right now I'm using a borrowed Fender (forget the model) which does just fine when I need it to.

So... what do you recommend and why? I'd love to know the why behind the recommendations!

Thanks,

Brandon
p.s. price range? Depending on what I sell to make this purchase it could be $500 to $750...?

Brandon,

Give me a shout and I'll have you come over and plug into my Markbass....

It's the best sounding amp I have ever owned!

Hands down!

The top portion is the CMD102P combo..... It weighs about 44 pounds!

The bottom is the Traveler 151P and it weighs about 35 pounds.

The entire thing fits into the back seat of my Nissan SE-R!

NICE!!

MARKBASS

 

[oli@bass]

Listen to Ritchie.
He was right the first time.
He could be right a second time...

Though I am not a fan of combos in general, I'd recommend this combo because it actually is a combination of a good cab and a good head, and it you can easily extend it with other cabinets to get even more punch.

 

[BrandonS]

Thanks, everyone! Ritchie, sounds like a deal, I'd love to plug into the MB setup you have... of course it will only serve to amplify my basic skills

Might be a tad out of my price range to start, but it might also be well worth attaining.
Thanks!

 

[oli@bass]

One thing about the price of amps.... good amps are expensive. Some way more expensive than good basses. BUT! Good amps will also make your bass sound as good as possible, AND make your playing nuances very clearly audible to you, which in turn will make you a better player because you learn to control the instrument better.

 

[BrandonS]

Oli, please do not confuse me with facts and common sense!

 

[jlepre]

I suggest the head and cabinet approach.

This way you have options like a small cabinet for rehearsals and practice. But you can take larger cabinets for bigger venues.

I have the Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 $579
Ampeg SVT410HLF $699

Sounds like GOD!