[Oh!Gravity]

-Price Range - What can you afford? Probably between $200 and $300.

-Necessity - Why do you need it? Will you be playing out with it? If so, what sorts of places are you looking to play? Are you planning to mic the amp? Will you have to rely on just your amp's volume from time to time? (I play here, here, and sometimes here.) I would be playing with friends and at small venues.

-Frequency - How often are you going to be playing out? Is this something that's going to be used alot, or just once a month? Most likely twice or three times a month.

-Musical Style - Artists/bands/guitarists are more helpful to list than gneres, it's best to avoid listing genres. (I want to have a sound like this artist.) My band has decided that the best idea is to sound like Hawk Nelson. So, pop-punk.

-Current Setup - What amp and guitar do you currently have? What sort of effects do you use? What is it about your setup that feels deficient? In other words, why do you want a new amp? (My amp is too __ for my needs.) I have an OLP MM2 bass, and currently use the PA system at a friends house. No effects, except sometimes maybe a phaser. I can't really play at home right now, and we can't take the PA system to other places.

-Experience - How long have you been playing guitar? Have you tried out amps already? Which/How many? What did you like/dislike about amps that you've already tried out? Not long at all. I've tried out an Ampeg 220 watt (out of my price range) and a 60 watt Fender Bassman.

-Personal Research - What amps are you interested in? Are you interested in getting a combo setup, or getting a head and cabinet separate? Tube? Solid State? Fender Bassmans, low end Ampegs, anything in my price range that fits all the criteria listed above.

-Shopping - Where do you plan on buying from? Do you want to purchase this new, or are you willing to be a little more patient and pick up a used model? Probably Guitar Center, and I'd go for a used amp if it would be cheaper.

-Timeline - How soon do you need a new amp? Do you already have the money for it, or is this something you're saving towards? I have some money right now, and I could work without a new amp for a little while.

[nbfan]

Try and save up a little money and go for an Ampeg BA115T. It's a lower end amp, but it's got a 12AX7 preamp. It's certainly no SVT, but it's a nice amp.

[Brent]

Be careful with the BA115....there's 3 different models of the BA115, and not all of them have a tube preamp.

It's at the top end of your price range, but the Ashdown Electric Blue 12 is 180 watts and a single 12 in a combo. I've never heard a *bad* Ashdown, so it would be a sure bet. There's also the less expensive 5:15 combo that's 100 watts to a single 15. Both are available at Musician's Friend and, thus, should be available at Guitar Center if even by special order.

[telecasting]

+1 for Ashdown. Unless the person has decided to try and trash it, you would be hard pressed to find an Ashdown that isn't good for you. Look secondhand.

[mt_spiffy]

I like SWR bass amps. I assume you're looking for a combo. Get something with a 15 and a horn and at least 100 watts, unless it is a really good quality amp (Eden, etc). Cheaper amps are less efficient so in those cases 50 watts and a 12 probably isnt enough. My opinion only.

[nbfan]

My church owns an SWR head, and it's okay. I wouldn't say it's amazing.

Brent, I know about the several versions of the BA115, because as you can see I said BA115T.

[Brent]

Originally Posted by nbfan

My church owns an SWR head, and it's okay. I wouldn't say it's amazing.

Brent, I know about the several versions of the BA115, because as you can see I said BA115T.

I'm sure *you* know, but someone who asks what type of bass amp they should look for might not make a point to look for the T and just think "Hey, that's the one that CGR person mentioned..."

[snizzle]

I got a Fender Bassman 60 for $100. I love it.
-shane

[Oh!Gravity]

Thanks a lot. I like that Ashdown. Seems like really good value for the money.

[mt_spiffy]

I'm not familiar with the Ashdowns but they look really nice.