Bass amp

[probo_squad_henry]

My band just got a new bassist. He is originally a guitar player, but wanted to play bass in the band. He doesn't have a bass amp, and for practicing at home, he is playing through his line 6 guitar practice amp. He wants to get a new amp for bass, but no one in the band really knows a lot about bass. We play thrash/traditional metal and he has a budget of about $400. He wants to buy new. Any suggestions?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Bass amp

The usual rule of thumb is four times the wattage the guitar amplifier(s). 50w guitar amp. Minimum 200w RMS bass amp. More is better. It leaves the bassist plenty of clean headroom, always having power in reserve.

Be careful about claimed wattages for bass amplifiers. The current model of the ever-popular Fender Rumble 200 only achieves that power when an extension cabinet is hooked up. On its own, all you get is 120w RMS.

tc electronic may be just within budget.

If your new bassist is willing to go pre-owned, Peavey is a popular source of bargain bass amplification.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Bass amp

more power is better. i use a 20w guitar amp but a 1000w bass amp

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: Bass amp

Chack out the Acoustic B450mklll. It has 450 watts as a stand alone amp, and when a cab is used with it, it goes up to 600. That's plenty. They're $500 new and can be found for way less used.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Bass amp

I agree with all the above. Get more power than seems necessary. I went with the 500W Rumble (which does require an extension cab for the full power, but was cheaper than the equivalent GK, Ampeg, etc)

Also, the class D power amps with Neodymium speakers are amazingly light!

 

[jeremy]

Re: Bass amp

class d is light but has its limitations. if it gets hot it shutsdown so not a good choice if you are running it near its limits. neo speakers are light and i like them for bass more than i like guitar

 

[ginormous]

Re: Bass amp

If your new bassist is willing to go pre-owned, Peavey is a popular source of bargain bass amplification.

Of course, you'll need one that hasn't been thrashed.

I prefer US-made Peaveys, since the offshore ones haven't been as consistent in their build quality for my liking.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Bass amp

I have a Hartke kickback 12" something. The half-alu speaker holds up better to high bass volumes than regular speakers and the electronic part seems flawless. Used it costs within that budget. You could also add an external speaker later.

In general I like that brand cluster around Hartke/Zoom/Samson. Lowish prices, good quality, and the right feature mix for me.

 

[Bass_Medic_05]

Re: Bass amp

I'm currently using a Fender 300w all tube head, with Eden cabinets