First amp
 

I got a Yamaha bass maybe 3 weeks ago. I got a source of income again, but I'd really like to keep spending to a minimum, seeing as how I've got school to be saving up for this summer. I'm thinking around 30-40 watts would be more than enough. My friend's amp is like 15 or so and it was audible, a bit quiet, but worked, along with my buddy's kit. I'd like to have the option of being able to play with him.

I looked at some of the highest rated amps on Musician's Friend and skimmed some harmony-central reviews and am looking at these:

Behringer: [url]http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-Ultrabass-BXL450-45W-1x10-Bass-Combo?sku=481100[/url]

Crate (I don't like their cheaper guitar amps, but this had good reviews): [url]http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Crate-BT50-Bass-Combo-Amp?sku=487805[/url]

Ibanez:
[url]http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-SW35-35-Watt-Bass-Amp?sku=480136[/url]

SWR:
[url]http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/SWR-LA10-Bass-Combo-Amplifier?sku=482036[/url]

I'll be playing mostly classic rock, straight up rock, with maybe some funk, blues, and reggae throw in from time to time. I'm probably going to be looking used, which is why I asked here, less chance to play em.

I really like the Roland Bass Cube. It's got some pretty decent built-in effects, as well as some amp models and a really good tone. They might be a little bit pricey for the bigger one, but the 30-watt might be well within your range.

[url]http://cgi.ebay.com/Roland-Cube-100-Bass-Amp-Repack-LQQK_W0QQitemZ280104854528QQihZ018QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem[/url]

I didn't know they made those for bass. I almost got one for guitar, ended up going with a vox I liked just as much, but was cheaper. I think I'll have to pass this up too, unless they're much cheaper used. MF said 300 for a new one
thanks, though. Good to know they exist, quality amps

Is this a good buy, right here?

[url]http://cgi.ebay.com/Ibanez-SW35-Bass-amp_W0QQitemZ180107318704QQihZ008QQcategoryZ38080QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem[/url]

what would be a good top price for it

$100, I would guess. I don't see anything wrong with it, but you don't know how it's going to sound. If you're okay with that, then go for it, you probably won't regret it.

Yeah, I'd prefer knowing how it sounds, but this is cheap and bass is my secondary instrument. Plus my bass amp hasn't developed enough for me to care that much, I'd guess. Thanks

Ok, I didnt win seeing as how I was sleeping when it ended. Open to more suggestions now

[url]http://cgi.ebay.com/Gallien-Krueger-200MB-Bass-Combo-Amplifier-GK-112-Amp_W0QQitemZ170102965562QQihZ007QQcategoryZ121159QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem[/url]

Gk makes great amps. I have never played this one but the price is great.

[QUOTE]I am selling this unit AS IS. The amp section of this combo works well as do all the built-in features it comes with. Pots could use some cleaning and the speaker is non-functional in current state and is included in the sale unless buyer specifies that they don’t want it. Comes with a Power cable.[/QUOTE]

: \

thanks for lookin, though

DO NOT buy the crate. I have it. It's not so great. It just sounds poopy.

That beringer isn't bad, my friend has it and it sounds alright.

I havent heard that particular SWR model, but SWR is a solid brand.

I'd also advice against the Gallien-Krueger. GK makes great amps...but im not a fan of the cabs. I've worked with 3 backline cabs (410, 115 and 115combo) and all of the speakers have had problems and ended up making a distorted mess, especially the two 15 amps i played.

Roland is solid, i'd check into that.

Thanks, especially on the crate. I never liked their guitar practice amps and was wondering why they'd have such good reviews on that.

b/c people like me see that its cheap and 50 watts (which is super loud for a first year bassist) and don't realize that there's more to an amp than volume.

I never truely realized how bad the crate sounded until i got my next rig (that GK backline) and felt no urge to review the crate.

Same story happened with the backline when I upgraded to Eden. The tone doesnt compare

Nemesis (Eden) has the best sounding cheap practice amps as far as I'm concerned.

Avoid the Ibanez and Crate.

Ok, thanks. I looked at the nemesis as well, I dont know why I didn't put that up. Now all I gotta do is wait for em on the bay or craigslist

How cheap is nemisis? I thought they were a little bit pricier than a begginer amp?

[url]http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nemesis-N8-40W-1x8-Bass-Combo-Amp?sku=488215[/url]
130 new

dang, take the nemisis then.

Eh, I'd try to go a little bigger than an 8in speaker, maybe a 10 or so. You just want to be sure to have the power to go a little bit louder if necessary.

Ok, I kinda let the thread die cuz I realized I didn't even have that much money. I have some more now. I think it's mostly going to be between the behringer and the nemesis. Haven't made it to guitar center since I didnt think I had the money. Any more suggestions?

out of the ones you mentioned....Ibanez

Play the Crate beforehand. I don't care what anyone says, but I've played some REALLY GOOD Crates before.

And SWR is probably the best bang-for-the-buck option (the LA series).

btw what Yammy did you get?

It's a blue RBX 170, got it for $155 tax included.

I think I'ma make a guitar center run pretty soon here, got some early graduation money :) I don't really know how much I wanna spend (if I wanna spend more) seeing as how I'll be leaving for school come September (I was planning on getting a little headphone amp like one of the Pandoras for school). I haven't really played that much bass, or guitar for that matter, lately, pretty much been tryin to squeeze in as much hang out time with kids as I can afore graduation.

thanks for the suggestions

Did you play the Nemesis yet?

It has a huge tone for a little 8 inch speaker.

I wish i had done this, i have a crate BT100 and its all good EXEPT the Distortion doesnt work when i play through it cuts out every 1 maybe 2 seconds for about 5 seconds at a time, although apart from i like it but thats just me isnt it

So I went to GC today. The bass amp section was disappointing. I tried the behringer (the version with the graphic eq, but I imagine it cant be that far off), a crate, fender rumble 15 and 100, and a peavey (i think it was a transtube bass amp). The behringer was pretty solid sounding, nothing outstanding, but not bad anywhere. The rumble 15 and the crate sounded really harsh and sterile too. Definitely out. The rumble 100 was much better (and probably way outta my price), the sound was still a tiney bit harsh, but some EQ fixed it decent, slaps and pops sounded real clean and nice. The Peavey was also really good, probably the best out of them, really woulda liked a master volume, but with my budget you cant get everything.

any other info anyone wants to throw out? I think I'ma try another store before work tomorrow.

I know you just said the Crate is out, but I have one I am letting a friend borrow. I can sell it to you for pretty cheap probably. I love the tone I got out of it to be honest. Also that it has a tuner, distortion and octave effect built in is nice.

Jared, sell me your fretless.

<_<

[QUOTE=Jody LeCompte;14728097]Jared, sell me your fretless.

<_<[/QUOTE]

Which one? Cort or Custom?

d'you know what model crate it is? I meant more that one, but yeah, I'll look into it if you know. Where in CA you at?