Bass amp questions

Owen

I'm switching from playing lead for the last 15 years, to bass. Decided I'm tired of being the person in the band who has to learn all the chords, all the solos, program up the effects and cart a load of gear around with me, so I'm going to go with a nice bass, and a combo and enjoy the groovy side of gigs.

I'm a complete nerd when it comes to guitar amps and effects, but a noob when it comes to the bass side of things. Is 100 watts enough in a bass amp for gigs? My guitar rack/cab amp setup is 200, but I've never cranked it beyond 80 I'd say and even at that, it's loud. I'd most likely be using the amp for backline, and DI'ing into a desk, but I'd still appreciate any advice you guys might have.

Also, any amp recommendations - looking for something really small, and really light - like the Gallien Kreuger rigs - if I have to spend that money on something I will, but something around 400 would be preferrable.

eoin5

PaintDoctor wrote: »

I'm switching from playing lead for the last 15 years, to bass. Decided I'm tired of being the person in the band who has to learn all the chords, all the solos, program up the effects and cart a load of gear around with me, so I'm going to go with a nice bass, and a combo and enjoy the groovy side of gigs.

I'm a complete nerd when it comes to guitar amps and effects, but a noob when it comes to the bass side of things. Is 100 watts enough in a bass amp for gigs? My guitar rack/cab amp setup is 200, but I've never cranked it beyond 80 I'd say and even at that, it's loud. I'd most likely be using the amp for backline, and DI'ing into a desk, but I'd still appreciate any advice you guys might have.

Also, any amp recommendations - looking for something really small, and really light - like the Gallien Kreuger rigs - if I have to spend that money on something I will, but something around 400 would be preferrable.

I've a roland cube 100 bass and its grand for gigs, keep up with the drums no bother. Its not going to give you thundering lows but its clear and has a good sound.

Owen

Sweet, there's a briefcase amp on Thomann which looks perfect for me, no space at all taken up on stage, 100 watts, DI out, and very light weight - was just worried about the power was all.

Malice

I bought some Markbass gear recently and love it. The head + cabinet combination might be a bit out of your price range if your budget is €400 but they do combo amps as well e.g. this one.

Owen

My budget was 400, but the Phil Jones Briefcase amp is looking like the one for the moment. It doesn't need to be uber loud, as in nearly every gig I do, I'd be going into the PA anyway, and the reviews of this say it's acceptable for that situation, but not on its own.

reniwren

I'm all for Phil Jones stuff but the briefcase is more suited to acoustic/busking stuff IMO and might not cut the mustard for you

Owen

To be fair, I just came to the same conclusion. Kinda gutted too, it's perfect for what I want otherwise. Reviews say yeah, it's brilliant for rehearsals, small gigs, but anything loud with a drummer forget it.

Having said that, part of me says get it anyway, Thomann'll take anything back within 30 days.

Looks like I'll be shelling out for something small, light, and powerful.

ham_n_mustard

theres an ashdown mag combo on adverts for well less than your budget
http://www.adverts.ie/322794/guitar-and-bass/ashdown-mag-300/
300 watts should be well enough for you, plus its not going to be the biggest amp in the world. i have some english made ashdown stuff and have never had a problem with it. not so sure about the MAG range but i havent heard anything bad about them so far.
389 new on thomann here

i dont have anything to do with the sale, by the way.

Owen

How fussy am I! I just don't like Ashdowns aesthetically, they look like something I could make myself.

Malice

PaintDoctor wrote: »

How fussy am I! I just don't like Ashdowns aesthetically, they look like something I could make myself.

I've never really given much consideration to how my amp looks. I mean it's just going to be a block isn't it?

Owen

I'm a fussy fecker. Same reason why I won't buy anything Marshall, hate the look of their amps too - took me forever to buy a power amp for my rack setup I was happy with. I should get out more.

ham_n_mustard

PaintDoctor wrote: »

I'm a fussy fecker. Same reason why I won't buy anything Marshall, hate the look of their amps too - took me forever to buy a power amp for my rack setup I was happy with. I should get out more.

there's no helping some people :rolleyes:
ok then, you could try this Kustom combo:
http://www.thomann.de/ie/kustom_de200_210.htm

or these warwick head and cab:
http://www.thomann.de/ie/warwick_profet_33.htm
and http://www.thomann.de/ie/warwick_wca_4104_pro.htm
cab is 4 ohms so you can utilise the full 300 watts of the head.

Rigsby

PaintDoctor wrote: »

I'm a fussy fecker.

In that case, perhaps you would be better off visiting some music shops and trying out different amps.

Owen

ham_n_mustard wrote: »

there's no helping some people :rolleyes:
ok then, you could try this Kustom combo:
http://www.thomann.de/ie/kustom_de200_210.htm

or these warwick head and cab:
http://www.thomann.de/ie/warwick_profet_33.htm
and http://www.thomann.de/ie/warwick_wca_4104_pro.htm
cab is 4 ohms so you can utilise the full 300 watts of the head.

Both are actually nice, but the weight puts me off.

Rigsby wrote: »

In that case, perhaps you would be better off visiting some music shops and trying out different amps.

I wish I could. There's nothing in Cork, and I'm not really willing to drive to Dublin/Carlow/Galway to try out amps in shops where I'm not going to buy anyway.

Think I'll end up going for a Gallien Krueger - it's an awful lot more than I wanted to spend, and will live on the credit card for a while, but it's small, looks modern, seems to be getting rave reviews, and takes up no space on stage either.

http://www.thomann.de/ie/gallien_krueger_mb150s.htm

Next up - Guitar hunting ... doh! Really appreciate everyone's input, thanks guys!

Owen

Boy did I speak too quickly, the Ibanez Promethean 5110 is the one I'lll end up going for. Same price as the Gallien, but 250 Watts, and still 12 Kilos, and has a tweeter. You can remove the amp from the cabinet too and bring it on the road with just 4 thumb screws.