new bass player - amp question

  • Thread starter Thread starter ^broken^
  • Start date Start date
B

^broken^

New member
Hi, i just got a band started (finally), and i ended up playing bass because we couldn't find a bass player (i play guitar)...we're planning on being mainly a live band, so i'm looking for an amp now for playing small gigs, etc...I dont really know anything about bass amps, so I was wondering if anyone has suggestions for a relatively cheap (~$600) amp that would work well for smaller gigs and stuff...We play mainly hard rock if that makes a difference...Thanks!

--travis
 
Hartke bass amps

I've got a Hartke B-90 bass amp, its a 15" @ 90watts. I think I paid close to $400 for it from zzounds.com. Though you may want to go with something a little louder, so check the next one up in the series (maybe its B-120 or something, i'm not sure.) These amps have a "shape" dial which is just great! I use mine with a SansAmp Bass DI to make it sound more like a tube amp but its a great sound either way. And its loud, my B-90 would probably work in a small club...
 
check out the SWR's working man's series,is a wonderful sound,compact(a little heavy)also,check out trace elliot's new lines of combos.$600 is a great budget to get a versatile amp you could realistically spend that amount and get an amp that is somewhat portable,great tone,and much power so that if you play a large place,or need to get LOUD,you can hook up an ext. cab.but also,all these new combo amps have that "kickback" feature,that concept that fender brought us w/ those little metal stands on the sides of twin amps.these new kickback bass amps say it's optimum to add as a monitoring speaker,but,i'll bet if you tilt that baby back ,you cut really cut through,when you are needed volume and frequency.also,if you like the old vintage tube sound,ampeg makes some killer amps,combos and heads w/ cabs.good shopping!!
 
I have a hartke kickback amp with the 15" aluminum speaker. That thing is loud. If you get a combo make sure it's a 15" speaker with lots of power, or a ported 2x10 combo. Trace makes a really cool 2x10 combo with ports, not sure how much, maybe a little more since gibson bought out trace. But it's a smoking amp!
 
Used

Another Bass player is Born. That's just how I started out, too many guitar players and no Bass. At first I didn't like the thing but after about 6 mouths it started feeling kinda good. That was 28 years ago and I'm still playing. Gona get a 5 string this weekend should be fun. Anyways till the thing grows out of your arm try renting some equpment. Why get in over your head till you know it's really for you. Then their's USED GEAR. After you get the hang of things then take the big plungs. You will have to go to the music stores and try things out, sooner or later you will find the right combo. Good luck and have a lot of fun. If you watch Bass players that have been playing for awaile you'll see that their having a real good time doing their thing. It gets under your skin. Good luck and have FUN. Later, Donny!!!
 
Hey Wally,

I've got the Trace 2x10, but it was close to $1000. Great amp in it, but I needed to add a separate 1x15 cab to fill it out a bit.

I may take a beating over this, but for bang/$, you can't beat the Peavey's w/ Scorpion 15's. You should be able to get a used TKO for about $300, and they're loud and punchy. I still have one, and use it for alot of gigs with smaller stages where my full rig is too obtrusive.
Jeff
 
Jvasey is right about the peavy equipment. You can pick it up pretty cheap and they put out some good base equipment. I
used to use my peavy kb300 keyboard amp for bass sometimes and that kicked butt pretty good and you can get those for around 2-300. You gotta get the good speakers though not their stock speakers they wont last to long.
 
Combo 300

The guys are right about the Peavey equpment that's all I have right now. I use a Combo 300 that has an amp bult in with the stock 15" it's on wheels and is easy to move around. I also don't use the amp in the Combo I use it as a back up amp, "ya never know". I have a Session head that I use to play gigs and also have another 1+15" cab that I use for the bigger places. Put that all together and it'll shake most places I play. My Bass is also a Peavey it's a 4 string "Fury", it's light and it gets the job done. All total I might have $800.00 invested. Would like to get a 4+10" cab when I get some extra $$$. Later, Donny!!!
 
jvasey
Here comes the beating! HA HA! Seriously, I'd hate to admit this but if it's just live, so recording, peavey MIGHT be an option. But there are others I personaly would choose. Be careful if you buy it used cause people I know, buy a crummy peavey and unload cause it's in terrible shape even after normal use and such. Beware, speakers could be messed up. Saw one cone that had ripped and the guy who owned it did a terrible job fixing it himself. tons of hot glue everywhere. just my 2 cents
 
Tire Patch!!

Just a quick note to all. If you need to fix a broken cone or other parts of a speaker use the gule from a tire repair kit. It works real good and I never had one brake. That's my two cents. Donny!!!
 
I have owned quite a bit of peavy equipment in my 35yrs of
playing and I never had one go down on me yet. True they are not the best but what you pay for is what you get. You arent paying for the name, just a good solid amp. I have never bought one new and have never had a problem except for
blowing the horns in my kb300 which cost around 20 bucks to fix. You can also buy parts direct from peavy and not to many amplifier companies will sell direct.
 
Peavey

Dragonworks is right. The only thing I've bought new was my 1+15" cab. and I wish I would have got the 4+10". For what I play the 4+10" cab. would sound better than the two 15"er's I have. Don't get me wrong the two 15"er's will blow you off the stage but a 4+10" and a 15" together give you a more melow sound. Even my axe was used $100.00 and it's one of the best I've ever played light and very quick action. Although I am having a little problem but I think it's the strings. Haven't changed them in 4 years. HA,HA!! later, Donny!!!
 
donald "duck" dunn,i think he hasn't changed his strings in about 30 years.isn't that how you get that "killer"tone?flatwounds over a decade worn?
 
Strings

Your right mojovoodoo, I never change strings just buy a new axe when things start sounding like shit. Just ordered a new one today. It will be my first 5 string so I didn't go all out, it should be fun. That's the name of the game FUN!!! When it stops being FUN then it turns into a job, yak. Now I can't have that. Later, Donny!!!
 
Hey guys, thanks for the replies...as soon as I get some more money i'll look into the amps you suggested ($600 is how much i want to spend, not what i actually have :) Does anyone know of a good auction/classified place other than ebay or yahoo? Thanks.

PS...I've had my bass for recording for over a year, and i'm sure you'll be glad to hear that I haven't changed the strings once :)
 
AMP

Hay broken,a quick note. Peavey has a small amp with one 15" in it that sells for around $500.00 U.S. it will blow the roof of most places I play, and my group plays some big clubs. That's the new price.. Later, Donny!!!
P.S. not sure of the model, your music store should have the info...
 
Dingleberry I agree but this boy is on a budget and SVTs dont come cheap.
 
ugh...

Do not buy an amp with an aluminum speaker, they're cool, but if it blows, where the f#ck are you gonna get a new one on short notice? I don't think its a good choice for live applications.

I would go with either a Yorkville (canadian brand, i dunno if they are sold in the states) or a peavey. peavey's are rock solid which is a definate plus.

Go for something with at least 200 watts, my bass player has a 100 watt yorkville, sounds nice, but it can't compete with my 130 watt peavey 2X12 guitar amp.

happy shoppin!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top