Help a bass amp n00b (BOOM! NAD on page 4)

[ChetMagongalo]

Genz Benz is a brand I like too. I put their amps over most of their modern counterparts. If you're looking for something newer I think Genz Benz and Aguilar are decent. Be sure to try some cabs out too, as they make a big difference.

[daseb]

Aguilar stuff is amazing but hell pricey isn't it? Or is that just over here?

[ChetMagongalo]

they are decently price used over here, but definitely not cheap if you're going beyond the tone hammer series

[JonnyAngle]

Nice, thanks! What about guitar? Have you tried playing one through it?

Yes I have and it's not that great. I bought an epi valve junior head and 112 used for like $150 that I use for guitar. I have been know to use the valve jr with bass cabs as well.

[UglyCasanova]

Thank, you guys. But you all seem to be blowing my budget (like crazy).

I don't mind buying used from the States/Europe either, as long as they don't mind shipping way out here.

[Strange Tales]

I don't know if you've already posted it, but what exactly is your budget? Would make recommending a lot easier.

[UglyCasanova]

I'm hoping to not spend more than $6-700 including shipping if I'm ordering from outside of Norway, as I'd have to add 25% in taxes once it crosses the boarder. Most stuff is around 25% more expensive to buy in stores here anyways, so if you find something new for around $6-700 in the US, that would work too I guess.

[Strange Tales]

I guess it all really depends on how quickly you need the goods. I can't say 100% for sure what to do since you're in Norway at all. I'd say go to a music store and just try stuff out, and then if you no immediate need for an amp, just sit and wait for deals to come by.

I will say in live settings I 100% prefer a head/cab separate. For some reason combo amps could never get loud enough in live situations for me.

[UglyCasanova]

I can borrow a medium sized combo for a while, so I guess I can wait for something I could use live as well without worrying about not being loud enough.

[grindonomicon]

How much more are used prices in Norway / Europe? $600-700 would get you any used Genz Benz you want here. Hell, you could get an Orange Bass Terror, Sunn 1200S rackmount, or even some of the cheaper Mesa Boogies. My top four bass amp lusts, tho the 1200S isn't a combo, there are Bass Terror combos and Mesa bass combos.

[UglyCasanova]

I would guess around 25% more as well. I'll be heading downtown tomorrow with my VI to try some newer stuff in stores. Hopefully it will give me a better idea of what I like/dislike. I'll be sure to report back and hopefuly you guys will be able to steer me in the right direction.

[KaosCill8r]

I like older stuff, like older acoustic, SWR (pre fender), traynor are brands I tend to like.

I also greatly prefer 12in or 15in speakers.

Sorry for the derail, but when did Fender buy SWR?
I have a SWR 100w LA15 combo amp I got about 12 years ago. Not a bad amp in my opinion. Great for recording, jamming and just a great bedroom practice amp. I don't think it would keep up in a loud gigging environment, but if it was paired up with a higher wattage head and 410 cab you would have a great bass rig.

[grindonomicon]

Should be able to find a 200+ watt Genz combo for that. They have probably best-in-class Eminence or Faital made speakers, more power than most combos, scale up with another cab well. Mine plus a 2x10 keeps up / balance well with a 700 watt amp + 2x15. I usually use a BEAD bass and a MtKing Megalith with it, so it handles heavy fuzz.

Ashdown would probably be easier to find? They make some higher powered combos with good speakers. The failing of most combos is shit speakers.

Can you find a vintage Sunn Beta Bass combo or Acoustic combo for that price? +25% would put them about there. Traynor for tubes would be about that.

Fender owns Genz Benz now too, IIRC.

[Lebowsky]

Genz Benz has always been hard to find in Europe, and especially more now that they stopped production...

Did you discard GK all the way? For sure, amp + separate cab(s) will kill your budget... But maybe a 210/212 combo could do it (I don't know the prices). The MB series use the 800RB, which is always a good thing. Also depends what and how loud you play.. I cannot play my 210 alone, it won't handle my drummer You could always get a combo and then add a second same cab later.

You should look at what is available in your price range and ask for suggestions based on your local availability

[popvulture]

I love 400RBs. I also had an Aguilar AG500 that I really loved but sold... it wasn't cheap, but could be worth investigating on the used market.

Also not sure if you're wanting massive, crushing kind of bass power (a lot of people do, and yes, it's fun), but I've always been a fan of a vintage V4 if you're open to a less brutal option. They can be hunted down for pretty reasonable prices if you dig for a while.