FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Used Bass Amps

Question:
Is there any reason why my son shouldn't get a used bass amp as opposed to a new one? I'm just looking to save him some $$.

Answer:
there is no reason why he should not get a used amp. The only thing to watch is the condition/age/model of the amp. And of course he needs to have some idea of what kind of amp to get. I would be a little bit careful of tube amps which with considerable age and use may need a re-tubing or service that can be expensive. I would generally avoid things that look ratty and well worn. But musicians tend to often think they want something and then hate it, take a big loss to get something else. Those are what you want to look for. I've got some incredible deals like that. With a bass amp you want to be sure you have enough power, especially when playing with drums and loud guitars. The two amps you suggest are really more in line with an unplugged group and drums with brushes and (amplified) acoustic guitar in a coffeehouse etc. It's not clear what kind of music he's into. If it's some kind of metal you better start thinking 1000 watts! A more general kind of basic amp would be along the lines of the Bassman 250/115. (what I use unless I use the 1000 watt rig) And depending on the kind of music he's interested in power can go up from there. You should be aware that this refers to solid state amps. While tube amps are not needed for bass with regard to tone as much as with guitar, tubes can be pushed much harder without sounding bad so a 100 watt tube bass amp will be quite loud enough compared to say the 250 watt unit above. But tubes take more maintanence so you'd need to judge how technically inclined your 15 year old is. You may find more used bargains buying a head plus a cab. The head is just the electronics and controls in a box and the cab is a cabinet containing only speakers. Our local used instrument shop has a lot of almost new things like this that can be had very reasonable. Any 15 year old should wet his pants over a rig like that but it will be heavier to drag around. Presumably your kid has lots of energy! You may need some guidance to pick out separate units that are matched in Ohms and power to each other. Hopefully the salesman can help you (but that's not a sure thing!) If you have some specific gear in mind you might get more advice in the group alt.guitar.bass. Just tell them the gear and the kind of music he wants to play and the kind of bass he plays. etc.