Bass amp recommendations ???

[BigLex]

I picked up a used electric bass yesterday. I need a decent amp, one that is a good monitor while playing, but I also might use it for recording tho- I'mma mess with recording/sampling both straight from the guitar, but a lotta people say mic-ing the amp gives you a nice sound, so I'll probably be using it for recording from as well. I'd rather not spend too much over $100 (bass only cost me $50).

My brother has an amp that was given to him for an electric guitar.. it has gain, treble, and bass controllers.. I presume its probably a guitar amp- could I use that with the bass, or will it damage the amp?

Any recommendations for instructional videos or other ways to self-teach would also be helpful.

 

[Sonic Misfit]

You are going to be hard pressed to get a decent bass amp for $100. If you are using the bass primarily for recording, spend your money on a good DI box for bass and run straight into the board.

Your other options would be one of the practice amps and the speakers on most of those are pretty weak, but if you close mic them you might get a decent thump.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[saxman72]

Hey Lex,

Recording bass is a totally different animal than recording guitar. I'd say most bass parts are recorded direct and some have the speaker blended in. There are definitely some sounds that require miking the amp only. It just depends on what you want the sound to be.

Now you won't damage a guitar amp by plugging the bass in, but it won't sound good at all. For not a lot of money, you can look for a used Peavey or Crate BASS amp. Another cool option is the new LA series from SWR. Not expensive, and they don't sound half bad, especially for their size. See if you can find one of those used as well. I think they come in 4 sizes! 8,10,12,15. I was surprised how good the little 10 sounded. not a lot of volume though.

Good luck!

 

[musicsdarkangel]

If you're on a budget, then get a Peavey, and if not, then definitely get a Carvin.