BEDROOM BASS AMPS... talk to me

Pandafist · #1 07-03-2010, 10:33 AM

I've never owned a cab smaller than a 410, and I use an 810 whenever possible... but it's high time I find a bedroom amp for quiet practicing (I use effects, so spare me the lectures on practicing w/out an amp please

The only real specifications are that it needs to be smaller than a 115 combo. And it'd be kinda rad if it could run on batteries.

What models should I look into first?
Any clear cut leader of the pack?

The Roland options seem nice, but I've never tried one. How are they?
Or... should I just get a cheapo Peavey? It's not like I'll be using it to record, so it doesn't have to sound AMAZING or anything, but it would be nice if it sounded good, at least.

Any feedback is appreciated.

ehque · #2 07-03-2010, 10:42 AM

I use a Peavy Microbass for practice and monitoring needs (i run direct to PA).

I believe it's discontinued, but if you want a bedroom practice amp, I believe the smallest combo from Peavey will be loud enough for that.

Also, why batteries? If it stays in the bedroom there's not going to be much moving around.

Pandafist · #3 07-03-2010, 10:42 AM

FWIW - I'd prefer a good amp I have to plug in vs getting a ****** one just because it can run on batteries.

vespasian1 · #4 07-03-2010, 10:43 AM

Take a look at these, and if you really want small, check out the 10". These were just announced, and are due for release July 30.

http://www.carvinguitars.com/bassamps/microbass.php

I have a Carvin 515N. They build a fine amp (and a fine bass), and their bang-for-the-buck is hard, perhaps impossible, to match.
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hdracer · #5 07-03-2010, 10:51 AM

I have tried a lot of different small practice amps and found the Acoustic B20 to be my favorite. Real nice sound at lower volumes with any of my basses. It doesn't get real loud but that is what my big rig is for. For around $150.00 it can't be beat.

GreggBummer · #6 07-03-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdracer

I have tried a lot of different small practice amps and found the Acoustic B20 to be my favorite. Real nice sound at lower volumes with any of my basses. It doesn't get real loud but that is what my big rig is for. For around $150.00 it can't be beat.

This.

Acoustic B20 is a great amp. Worth consideration.

tony_clifton · #7 07-03-2010, 10:58 AM

Line 6 Studio 110 75 watt is good as well.

AJ Brown · #8 07-03-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tony_clifton

Line 6 Studio 110 75 watt is good as well.

+1 - I tried one in a GC and it sounded pretty darn good. Great price too.

Pandafist · #9 07-03-2010, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehque

Also, why batteries? If it stays in the bedroom there's not going to be much moving around.

I mean... why not?

I could take it anywhere. Street corners, festivals, parks, the beach, etc.
Not that I would. lol. But I could.

Pandafist · #10 07-03-2010, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdracer

I have tried a lot of different small practice amps and found the Acoustic B20 to be my favorite. Real nice sound at lower volumes with any of my basses. It doesn't get real loud but that is what my big rig is for. For around $150.00 it can't be beat.

It was high on my list, but now I'll def have to give one a test run.
They carry the new Acoustics at GC, yes?

Zirc · #11 07-03-2010, 08:21 PM

Another +1 for that Line 6 amp, but if you're talking bass in the bedroom, I would just invest in some really nice headphones. With bass, it seems like any practice amp is going to be too loud for the bedroom.

Or maybe I just live in NYC and my neighbors hear absolutely everything (and vice versa)

somegeezer · #12 07-03-2010, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehque

I use a Peavy Microbass for practice and monitoring needs (i run direct to PA).

I believe it's discontinued, but if you want a bedroom practice amp, I believe the smallest combo from Peavey will be loud enough for that.

Also, why batteries? If it stays in the bedroom there's not going to be much moving around.

Also, why smaller than a single 15? I think that's a reasonable size for a practise amp. You know what you could do though? Just use the amp you already have and play quieter.

Pandafist · #13 07-03-2010, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by somegeezer

Also, why smaller than a single 15? I think that's a reasonable size for a practise amp. You know what you could do though? Just use the amp you already have and play quieter.

Wow, you're really a lot of help.

Thanks guy! :thumbs up:

Pandafist · #14 07-03-2010, 08:33 PM

i've added the peavey, carvin and line 6 studio to my consideration list, btw.

ps - I love how some of you are recommending i play quieter or use headphones.

lol

I want a small amp! Who cares why?

Why do you feel the need to try and talk me out of it is what I want to know.

zon6c-f · #15 07-03-2010, 08:44 PM

My suggestion is to buy a Korg Pandora's Box [pbx4-b]. This is an older version, but I LOVE mine. Or try a newer version. It is a headphone amp, loaded with effects, drum machine, tuner, phrase trainer..on and on...Oh ..and battery operated if you choose...uses 4 tripple A's...Won't last long on batteries, though. I plug my Bass, Radio/ Cassette/ CD and headphones and I practice in total silence. I have taken it to the park or wherever outside and used batteries. I also plug it into my Acoustic B200, using it as a pre-amp and muti-effects box. I never get bored with it.
I also have a Line-6 "Black Butter bean", which is more powerful, but can't interface with my Radio. Cass/ CD player...but it can interface with a computer, then it is limitless..but no batteries, though..Wall-wart transformer for power. Generally, it is stronger than the Pandora, with more effects, amps, etc, but mo drum machine, phrase trainer. I prefer some sounds better, in the Pandora. I won't give either up in favor of the other, as they both have plusses and minuses, but the money is about the same as a small practice amp, only you'd still have to purchase dozens of effects boxes , etc. to come equal .
As for smaller combos..I use the Acoustic B200, which I love. I tried the AC B20 and B100, and both sounded poor in comparison. I use 4, 5 and 6 string basses and found the B20 and B100 weak and could not handle a low B-string to my liking and were lacking in over-all tone, but my 5&6 stringers have on-board pre-amps...even still.... I'd go Pandora or Line-6 pod and use Acoustic B200 to perform with. Just my 2 cents. PS.... If you try my suggestions...you'll need a better set of headphones, because little walk-man style phones cannot handle the bass in those units.. TRUST ME.... I use a $50 set of Sony phones...Sounds just as good to my ears as far more expensive sets. OK...Good luck and enjoy.

Graham Monette · #16 07-03-2010, 08:51 PM

I use a Traynor Bass mate 10/ TBM10. I disconnected the speaker it comes with and have it running through a decent bookshelf/home theatre speaker instead (one with dual 6" woofers). It sounds MUCH better, as good as a much bigger/better amp, along with a rich full bass tone now.
For $100 (plus the speaker I had laying around) Im quite happy with the results, otherwise as stated get the Acoustic B20.

The TBM10 can get quite loud for a wee little 10 watt amp. Definately loud enough to hear outside with a bit of window rattle. Quite happy with it. Ibanez also makes a very clean 10 watt amp, as does Peavey as well.
I'd avoid the Fender Rumble 15, very unimpressive in terms of sound quality and clarity. I found the controls useless since they do very little to alter its thick muddy sound.

Craig_S · #17 07-03-2010, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreggBummer

This.

Acoustic B20 is a great amp. Worth consideration.

Yeah. A buddy of mine has one. It sounds pretty good.

pasta4lnch · #18 07-03-2010, 09:05 PM

the crate taxi is battery powered - sounds like dookie for anything other than low practice levels. . .

I personally use a MB minimark - for practice and really small gigs . . .

jbassbob · #19 07-03-2010, 09:23 PM

My B50-r was in the shop so I got a little creative. I should have taken a picture. I used a typical powered computer sub-woofer, with a mini jack to 1/4" jack adapter, to the out of my SABDDi. I actually tried two different sub-woofers and was quite pleased by the tone and volume I was able to get.

hrgiger · #20 07-03-2010, 09:36 PM

don't sneer at Peavey just because they are affordable, you'd be surprised how many great albums by big bands were recorded using peavey combos for guitar, and they've got to be at least as picky as bassists (I mean a Peavey combo vs. a Marshall anything? C'mon...)

check out - or just get one if you can find one - a Peavey "Basic 60." A sort of general 50w bass/guitar amp that sounds great, lasts forever, will withstand a nuclear blast (or at least Danny Lilker playing through it) and is usually $100 or less nowadays...

pre/post gain w/ bright, low-mid-high-presence eq, effects loop, headphone jack. there you go.