Decent small practice amp?

JetToughlove · #1 03-01-2013, 10:20 AM

Bought my nipper a SS Jaguar on the advices of the good people of TalkBass and it's a great little bass - thanks.

Need a little practice amp for his bedroom that does the Jaguar justice without removing plaster from the ceiling.

I will buy whatever the consensus is so over to you...

Thanks

Emprov · #2 03-01-2013, 10:25 AM

How much are you looking to spend?

JetToughlove · #3 03-01-2013, 10:30 AM

less than £100?

JetToughlove · #4 03-01-2013, 10:32 AM

I've got a Peavey TKO115 the floor below so this is just for him to play with...

capncal · #5 03-01-2013, 10:33 AM

i've got a Fender Bassman 25 i bought used for $40, American. it might be the best sounding amp i've played through period. i've used it on gigs as my stage monitor when i go DI.

Art Araya · #6 03-01-2013, 10:39 AM

If you want it to sound good I'd go for an Ampeg BA112. It's only 50 watts but still sounds good. I wouldn't go lower wattage - to me those kind of practice amps sound weak, puny, and like a bass played thru a guitar amp. I've owned two of those - a Peavey and a Gorilla. They're just horrible and uninspiring to play thru.

Used they go for about $150

JetToughlove · #7 03-01-2013, 10:43 AM

Hmmm...this side of the pond the Bassman 25 best price is $225 and the Ba112 $300...keep going guys!

Thanks for quick responses so far.

Art Araya · #8 03-01-2013, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JetToughlove

Hmmm...this side of the pond the Bassman 25 best price is $225 and the Ba112 $300...keep going guys!

Thanks for quick responses so far.

I'm talking used price. New, the BA112 goes for the price you mention.

powerslave12r · #9 03-01-2013, 10:47 AM

I recently acquired an Acoustic B15 and I'm more than happy with it. Hardly know what I'm talking about though, so here's a bucket of salt.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ampli...bass-combo-amp

Video reviews:

- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COfjZozFTeI

- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf3QQqcZfcw

Art Araya · #10 03-01-2013, 10:48 AM

How about a VOX amplug for bass. Very affordable, sounds great, requires headphones so you'll never hear it (i use $40 headphones), can accept MP3 player input so your child can jam along with their favorite music...

I'm liking this solution!

I use one myself as a travel solution - when in a hotel room or someone's home and need to practice.

klokker · #11 03-01-2013, 10:59 AM

Maybe take him down to a music store or two and let him pick one out himself. Give him a price range and let him figure it out.

If he's just starting out, I wouldn't spend all that much. Something that's easy to carry and has a headphone jack. IF he's serious and sticks with it, then spend real money and get something a little more serious and then he'll have a little cheap amp that will come in handy.

Most of the time, I practice with a 10 watt guitar amp I got for free, even though I have a couple of gigging amps.

The company that has the best reputation for the inexpensive stuff is probably Peavey, but Fender and Acoustic are OK too. The smaller Ampeg stuff is alright too I guess.

I don't think you can mess this one up too bad. I'd let him decide though.