Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm looking for a decent inexpensive bass amp for a beginner. It would be strictly for home use.

What do you consider inexpensive and do you plan to play with others at home or just solo?

I guess I would consider anything under $750 as inexpensive. I would be playing solo for the time being.

That's good to know. $750 opens up a lot more useful possibilities that say, $150-200, which, honestly doesn't get one much IMHO. Are you open to secondhand or do you want to buy only a new amp?

Combo amp or are you open to amp/cabs?

Would you prefer something lightweight for an easy move around the house?

Blond or redhead?

I'd suggest that you look into the Gallien Kruger MB series combos. Affordable, very lightweight, nice tone and made in the USA.
You can go one as for as small as the MB110 100 watt combo with one 10" speaker for a $299.00 street price. That one would be a very good practice at home amp.

If you think you might eventually jam in a band situation, you can still stay within your budget. I'd suggest either the MB215-II combo with 200 watts with a 15" speaker for a $499.00 street price at 35 lbs. or the MB210-II combo with 350 watts with two 10" speakers for a $699.00 street price and only 33 lbs.

I just saw this sale item.This is not an endorsement, just a FYI.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifie ... mini-stack

What's the consensus on this head/cabinet:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifie ... s-amp-head
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifie ... er-cabinet

wmthor wrote:What's the consensus on this head/cabinet:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifie ... s-amp-head
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifie ... er-cabinet

That is a totally pro rig!

Based on personal experience, I would avoid Hartke. Blew 3 speakers in a 2x10 cabinet. Check out Avatar cabinets, especially the ones covered in Line X. I use the TB153 cabinet with a Markbass LM Tube head.

wmthor wrote:What's the consensus on this head/cabinet:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifie ... s-amp-head
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifie ... er-cabinet

The Hartke's sound may be more suited to metal , what kind of music do you plan to play through the amp? The Markbass amp would be an excellent choice for your intended home use, and it should get loud enough for a good bit of gigging too, depending on the efficiency of the mated cabinet.

TC Electronic BG250 has gotten some good press on this board.
I think they are in the $350 range.

blueflamerick wrote:Based on personal experience, I would avoid Hartke.

Especially since now being made in China, as well as the Markbass Blackline series.

Has anyone actaully used a Bassman for Bass.

Grey wrote:Has anyone actaully used a Bassman for Bass.

They're actually brilliant bass amps if you're after a warm vintage tone (or a bit of break-up). You're not going to get the clarity/transparency of modern bass amps, but that's not a big issue in my book. I've been able to use a friend's silverface bassman on occasion and its smooth tone is killer. They're pretty heavy beasts though, and hence maybe not the most practical of amps, particularly for the OP.

I second Joey's recommendation of the GK MB line of amps.

antipodean wrote:I second Joey's recommendation of the GK MB line of amps.

If Richard's budget didn't cap at $750 USD, I would have suggested Markbass gear that's made in Italy. To me the GK MB series is a no-brainer choice for quality on a budget.

I was at a GC one day A/B-ing the TC Electronic BG250 to GK MB amps and Markbass amps. The sound and output of the TC Electronic BG250 (made in China) paled in comparison to the GK MB-210 II and Markbass Mini CMD 121P combo amps that I had tried.