Ampeg BA-115T

This amp has sufficient features in this price range. Since it has a tube pre, some compression is going to occur naturally, so the lack of any compressor or limiter is fine. It would have been nice if it had an effects loop, but not a show stopper for my porpoises and dolphins. An especially nice feature for this amp is the inclusion of separate 0db and -15db inputs, so if you're using an active bass you can plug into the -15db input and crank up the gain a bit for some additional tube warmth. The "style" knob has a useful range of EQ curves, and I found each one applicable for a certain style. My favorites are the flat and #4 curve, but I found the other three settings to be useful as well.

I have two basses: a MTD Grendel 5 string and a Peavey Cirrus 5 string fretless, both with active electronics. I cover styles ranging from modern classical to jazz to rock in my music, and this is suitable for all. The amp is very quiet at all settings. The amp is quite versatile and should be able to meet the needs of any style.

I haven't had this amp long enough to make a rating in this category. I do, however, have several other St Louis Music products, and they have proven to be reliable. Tom Kruszka, their parts & service manager, was very helpful when I had an issue with my Alvarez 12-string, so I'm going to give a big thumbs up for them in this department based upon that experience.

I have dealt with Tom Kruszka, the parts & service manager at St Louis Music. He was very professional and helpful in handling of an issue with another product. I had to send my Alvarez 12 string in for a problem and he was very communicative, and the service was performed in a reasonable period of time.

I have been playing for over 30 years, and I also play acoustic and electric guitars, both 6 and 12 string and keyboards. I would replace it if it were stolen. I also tried a few other amps. The Ampeg was the best of the bunch IMO.