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Gospel Instruments => Bass Guitar => Topic started by: steel247 on March 29, 2011, 04:10:38 PM

Title: Looking for a good amp on a budget
Post by: steel247 on March 29, 2011, 04:10:38 PM

Could you guys suggest a good amp for around $300 that I could use to play at church, our church is small max. capacity of around 125-130 people.

I have been looking at this amp priced at $292.99
Behringer BXL3000 300-Watt 2-Channel Bass Workstation

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-BXL3000-300-Watt-2-Channel-Workstation/dp/B000NGVQSQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2I0K104IJ4HY&colid=2FCIPHMDHSKJ9 (http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-BXL3000-300-Watt-2-Channel-Workstation/dp/B000NGVQSQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2I0K104IJ4HY&colid=2FCIPHMDHSKJ9)

Thanks in advance

Title: Re: Looking for a good amp on a budget
Post by: dhagler on April 01, 2011, 10:47:59 PM

In that price range, try the Gallien Krueger MB112 (200 watts) or the Fender Bassman 100 (100 watts). More than enough power and a better quality amp than the Behringer.

Title: Re: Looking for a good amp on a budget
Post by: lowlife350 on April 02, 2011, 09:54:50 AM

I am not sure if the Bassman will have enough power.  That will all depend on your particular situation.

I do agree with dhagler though.  Both the GK and the Fender would be better options (at least for me) than the BXL3000 - even if you are slightly underpowered.

If you have a good local store with a good honest return policy, going used may not be a bad idea either.  Especially if you have the opportunity to crank it a few Sundays before the return policy expires.  If successful, you will get hundreds more in quality for your money.

Title: Re: Looking for a good amp on a budget
Post by: SavnBass on April 03, 2011, 05:51:18 PM

I would say consider stretching that budget by $100.. You would get more options... and better ones.  Take it from a guy who bought an amp 10 years ago... because it was "what I could afford at the time" instead of say... going without lunch for a few weeks or putting it off for a few weeks or trying to grab some OT for a few weeks or any combination of the 3..  I have an amp that I use as a practice amp now.. but knowing what I know now I would have made a different choice back then.  That's what is so good about today.. you can get online and talk to other musicians.. and they can share their knowledge with you inway that just weren't possible without being totally in the loop 20 years ago.

I'd say that for between $300-$400 you would have much better choices.. Like:

Ampeg Ba-115 (http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ampeg-BA115-Bass-Combo?sku=481777)

GK MB 115 (http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gallien-Krueger-MB115-1x15-200W-Ultralight-Bass-Combo-Amp?sku=581052)

Carvbin MB 115 (http://www.carvinguitars.com/bassamps/microbass.php)

Fender Rumble 150 (http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Rumble-150-150W-1x15-Bass-Combo-Amp?sku=584202)

Acoustic B200 (http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Acoustic-B200-200W-1x15-Bass-Combo?sku=482902)

I'd say go with at least 150W and Fender, GK, Ampeg are all decent brands... Behringer has a reputation as having amsp that look good... on paper and in person... and that even sound good.. but just don't hold up... If going higher is not an option then I'd go with the GK before I went for the Bassman 100...  Not that the BM is a bad amp... but bang for the buxk is the order of the day.. and I have learned the hard way sometimes it is better to drop a few more $$ upfront... and save the hassles later. Better to have the juice and not need it than to need it and not have it. A room full of 100-200 singing shouting bodies can suck up the bottom end real quick.

Title: Re: Looking for a good amp on a budget
Post by: steel247 on April 04, 2011, 11:28:00 AM

Thanks guys for the input, I'll take all that you have suggested into consideration when making my purchase.

Title: Re: Looking for a good amp on a budget
Post by: superjaay on April 05, 2011, 06:39:29 AM

I highly reccommend the Acoustic B200 combo. Although rated at 200 watts it will shake the foundation, and is very reliable. I bought mine from MF for $349 and it compares to amps costing much more. For extra security I bought the 4yr warranty for an extra $50. The sound is very clean without a lot of hiss or background noise.  It weighs around 80lbs, so if you're okay with that, then it is a great amp. Oh yeah buy a set of casters it will make life much easier.

Title: Re: Looking for a good amp on a budget
Post by: lowlife350 on April 05, 2011, 08:18:01 AM

I second superjaay's recommendation and also what SavnBass said regarding if you are able to strech your budget an extra $100.

Acoustics are great, I personally can be a clutz though and never consider cabs with soft grills.