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Great Bass Combo Amplifiers Under $600
It seems as though bass players have to pay more for nearly everything. From strings to effects and more, bass gear tends to be pricier than their guitar counterparts of comparable quality. But that's not always the case, not if you know where to look. With that in mind, we decided to make a list of a few of our favorite bass combo amps that run for less than $600. While the combos below might be lacking in price, they definitely don't skimp on tone.
Don’t let its small size fool you -- the Gallien-Krueger MB115-II bass combo packs plenty of wall-rattling potential in that little package. Sporting 200W of power, this fully featured amp comes weighing in at a mere 35 lbs., making it the perfect bass combo for players looking for a portable solution to their sound that doesn’t sacrifice on power or tone. And just in case you ever do need to kick things up, the MB115-II can easily be attached to the Gallien-Krueger MB112MBX (or any other MBP powered extension cab) for even more punch. You can craft your signature sound through the MB115-II’s 4-band active EQ controls and the included Contour On/Off toggle. It also features an XLR Direct Out, AUX in, and headphone output, making it a very versatile bass combo perfect for the stage, home practice session or the studio. If you’re looking for a portable-friendly bass combo amp that packs plenty of power and versatility without breaking the bank, the Gallien-Krueger MB115-II is a perfect choice.
If the two goals Fender set out to achieve with the Rumble series was portability and power, they definitely succeeded with the Rumble 500. Featuring 500 watts of power, useful extras, a great range of tonal possibilities and a sound that remains clear and articulate even when pushed -- all in an amp that weighs only 36.5 lbs. It’s also a great looking amp, with a sleek, classic look, metal front panel, black textured vinyl covering with a silver grille cloth and a red LED pilot light jewel. More importantly, the Rumble 500 sounds great and packs plenty of power thanks to the pair of 10" Eminence speakers. And just in case that’s not enough, you can always connect this bad boy to an external speaker for even more power. Best of all, you get a combo bass amp worthy of the Fender legacy all for less than 600 bucks.
While the two amplifiers above show that you can snag a great bass combo for less than $600, what I said you can still get a pretty good one for $300? Sure, it’s not going to get you through a Madison Square Garden show or break down any windows but it packs plenty power for those coffee shop gigs or garage jam sessions. Introducing the BA-112 V2, a bass combo that has the heart, soul, and sound of an Ampeg amplifier, even if it doesn't come with all of the high-quality components and features of the company’s premier amps and heads. Yup, for under $300, you get a solid, capable combo bass amplifier that is easy to use, features a versatile amount of tones and performs admirably even when cranked near its max volume. Add in the nice extras such as MP3 input, headphone output, a slanted edge design and a limited but admittedly fun built-in overdrive section, and you have a nice little workhorse bass amp. If you're in the market for an at home jamming bass amplifier, something for band practice or a portable friendly combo for small gigs, do yourself and your wallet a favor and give the Ampeg BA-112 a serious look. And just in case you don’t mind dropping another $200 for more power, make sure to check out the Ampeg BA-210 V2.
If I had to describe the Hartke Kickback 12 in just a few words, it would be deceptively powerful. Despite its small size, this bass combo packs a good amount of punch. And more importantly, it does so while maintaining a tight, high-quality tone, making it a perfect combo for both everyday use and the occasional practice session. Like the Ampeg BA-112 and a few other bass combos, the Hartke Kickback 12 is built with a slanted edge design, allowing it to be used upright or tilted at an angle, the way you would use stage reference monitors. But what sets this bass combo asides from others is Hartke's signature Hydrive speakers which feature a hybrid paper and steel cone construction. This gives Hartke's bass amps a very recognizable sound that many players admittedly either love or hate. Personally, I don't see what the big deal is with the divisive reputation. The attack is a bit more in your face but it still has plenty of warmth, far from sounding metallic or brittle as some have pegged against the line. That aside, it is a fantastic bass combo worth every penny!
Gallien-Krueger MB115-II
Don’t let its small size fool you -- the Gallien-Krueger MB115-II bass combo packs plenty of wall-rattling potential in that little package. Sporting 200W of power, this fully featured amp comes weighing in at a mere 35 lbs., making it the perfect bass combo for players looking for a portable solution to their sound that doesn’t sacrifice on power or tone. And just in case you ever do need to kick things up, the MB115-II can easily be attached to the Gallien-Krueger MB112MBX (or any other MBP powered extension cab) for even more punch. You can craft your signature sound through the MB115-II’s 4-band active EQ controls and the included Contour On/Off toggle. It also features an XLR Direct Out, AUX in, and headphone output, making it a very versatile bass combo perfect for the stage, home practice session or the studio. If you’re looking for a portable-friendly bass combo amp that packs plenty of power and versatility without breaking the bank, the Gallien-Krueger MB115-II is a perfect choice.
Fender Rumble 500
If the two goals Fender set out to achieve with the Rumble series was portability and power, they definitely succeeded with the Rumble 500. Featuring 500 watts of power, useful extras, a great range of tonal possibilities and a sound that remains clear and articulate even when pushed -- all in an amp that weighs only 36.5 lbs. It’s also a great looking amp, with a sleek, classic look, metal front panel, black textured vinyl covering with a silver grille cloth and a red LED pilot light jewel. More importantly, the Rumble 500 sounds great and packs plenty of power thanks to the pair of 10" Eminence speakers. And just in case that’s not enough, you can always connect this bad boy to an external speaker for even more power. Best of all, you get a combo bass amp worthy of the Fender legacy all for less than 600 bucks.
Ampeg BA-112 V2
While the two amplifiers above show that you can snag a great bass combo for less than $600, what I said you can still get a pretty good one for $300? Sure, it’s not going to get you through a Madison Square Garden show or break down any windows but it packs plenty power for those coffee shop gigs or garage jam sessions. Introducing the BA-112 V2, a bass combo that has the heart, soul, and sound of an Ampeg amplifier, even if it doesn't come with all of the high-quality components and features of the company’s premier amps and heads. Yup, for under $300, you get a solid, capable combo bass amplifier that is easy to use, features a versatile amount of tones and performs admirably even when cranked near its max volume. Add in the nice extras such as MP3 input, headphone output, a slanted edge design and a limited but admittedly fun built-in overdrive section, and you have a nice little workhorse bass amp. If you're in the market for an at home jamming bass amplifier, something for band practice or a portable friendly combo for small gigs, do yourself and your wallet a favor and give the Ampeg BA-112 a serious look. And just in case you don’t mind dropping another $200 for more power, make sure to check out the Ampeg BA-210 V2.
Hartke Kickback 12
If I had to describe the Hartke Kickback 12 in just a few words, it would be deceptively powerful. Despite its small size, this bass combo packs a good amount of punch. And more importantly, it does so while maintaining a tight, high-quality tone, making it a perfect combo for both everyday use and the occasional practice session. Like the Ampeg BA-112 and a few other bass combos, the Hartke Kickback 12 is built with a slanted edge design, allowing it to be used upright or tilted at an angle, the way you would use stage reference monitors. But what sets this bass combo asides from others is Hartke's signature Hydrive speakers which feature a hybrid paper and steel cone construction. This gives Hartke's bass amps a very recognizable sound that many players admittedly either love or hate. Personally, I don't see what the big deal is with the divisive reputation. The attack is a bit more in your face but it still has plenty of warmth, far from sounding metallic or brittle as some have pegged against the line. That aside, it is a fantastic bass combo worth every penny!