Our bass player is being overpowered by the rest of the band. So she's in the market for a new amp. The question is: what should she get? I get mixed opinions: some say 100 watt is more than enough while others recommend 200 watts...
So what is enough for rehearsals with a full band - i.e. drummer and 2 guitarists - and small gigs (at small clubs)?
Hi
If the bassplayer is using a Tube amp, 100W might be OK to compete with drums and electric guitar
amps. Comment, it is normally the drummer that sets the sound level of a band.
If the bass player is going for a modern small Class D amp head/combo, 200-300 W would be minimum.
There are lots of compact/light 200-300 W(1x12" or 1x15") Class D combos on the market now.
I found a second hand TC electronic BG250-115 original (15.8 kg / 34.8 pounds) for a good price (< 200 USD), but there several others similar combos available, Fender Rumble 200 is just one of them..
/Kalle
Tanglewood TW28STE (Shadow P7 EQ) acoustic
Yamaha RGX 320FZ electric guitar/Egnater Tweaker 15 amp.
Yamaha RBX 270 bass/Laney DB 150 amp.
http://www.soundclick.com/kalleinsweden
Before you buy another amp , look on the back of her present amp . If there is an external speaker outlet you may be able to get an extension cabinet that can nearly double the power output of the existing amp . If there isn't one there then you will need to upgrade the amp . Speakers tend to be cheaper than amps . 200 watts should be enough for anything short of a metal band .
If I claim to be a wise man , it surely means that I don't know .
I don't know why, but some lower wattage amps can be louder than amps with more power. These are loud
https://musicsquare.co.uk/153832_Ampeg-BA110-V2-bassguitar-amp.html
http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Warwick-BC40-40W-Bass-Combo-Amp/FKL
I agree with what's been said so far.
There's a few factors to consider. Mainly, how much more volume do you want? and Is she happy with her current tone?
there's extended cabs. I personally upgraded my cones and got low impedance cones. They sound killer and i get way more volume. Also you can take a thin piece of wood and enclose the back of the cab. (turns the cab into a speaker kind of).
Just more food for thought. :)
~Yours Troubadorly,
http://www.sergiopaulomusic.com
If you are going to be outdoors or have no PA support then you can't have enough power.
If you are going to be inside with some house PA to back you up you don't need all that much. I've been playing metal with two guitarists plus drums for years and the only two heads I've used are a 200 watt Hartke and a 220 watt Crate, using only one 8 ohm cabinet to boot. Never had a problem.
100 watts is pretty enough for small gigs or rehearsals.
something like Peavey max - https://www.awkwardsound.com/peavey-max-series-max-110-bass-combo-amplifier-review/
Choosing the right bass amp depends on factors like rehearsal space size, gig venues, playing style, and budget. For smaller rehearsal spaces, a 200-watt amp provides enough power to keep up with the band, while 100 watts may struggle. Similarly, for small gigs, a 100-watt amp could work for quieter venues, but a 200-watt option ensures better performance in typical club settings. Additionally, considering factors like playing style, tonal preferences, and budget helps narrow down options. Popular choices include Fender Rumble, Ampeg Rocket Bass, and Orange Crush Bass for practice and smaller gigs, while Fender Rumble, Ampeg Portaflex, Markbass CMD, and Hartke LH500 are suitable for rehearsals and most small to medium gigs. Encouraging your bassist to test different models in person at a music store ensures they find the best fit for their needs.
