You could usually get the best bang for your buck by keeping an eye on ebay, and if you stay with the majors (fender,marshall,etc...) you'll at least get good quality and be able to make your money back if you ever get rid of it. And you might even like it. Just try to get in an auction that looks really low, I just saw a greco get passed over with no bids for 375. That's a jap copy of a bassman i think, but it was old and probably sounded like pearls, but sometimes you can get a good deal, just bid what you're willing to spend versus the value and what you thinks a good deal, and you might luck out. But be careful. You can also look in the papers as you can find deals in there too. I just suggest staying away from the major retail store, unless you want a warranty, in that case even just go to a mom and pop store cuz those big chain music stores suck balls, horrible service, unknowledgable staff, outrageous prices, not worth it, I'd like to see them boycotted, I think I'll start a thread on that. but good luck and if you get something with a proven name, you won't regret it. (old laney tube amps are great and cheap)