Good practice/light gig amp?

olds_cool63 · #1 10-19-2010, 03:11 PM

Hey, y'all.

I'm sure this has been asked a million times before, but I'm new to the bass (been playing guitar since '72).

I just got a bass a couple of weeks ago, nothing special. It's one of those Silvertone Starter kits. The bass is actually pretty good. The amp is just a little 20 watter.

Well, I've been playing bass lines on the guitar forever, but with an actual bass, I need a better practice amp that can also serve light gigging duty.

Nothing too fancy or super loud, or even tons of features. Oh, I play funk and rock.

My goal is an all round practice/light gig/able to record with amp.

So, what can ya suggest?

Thanks for all those who answer!

Ya dig?

Nuff said.

olds_cool63

I bass, therefore I am!

Bass_Thumper · #2 10-19-2010, 03:31 PM

I recently bought an Acoustic 260 mini-stack for this very purpose. It's served me very well and has a very nice tone IMHO. I believe that you can get them for around $300 and it's a 100 watt amp into a 10 inch speaker. I especially like the oversized cab that it comes in because it gets that 10 in speaker up off the floor so you can hear it better.

AMp'D.2play · #3 10-19-2010, 03:39 PM

What's your budget?

Also, Stumbo usually posts links to several threads which address your Q. If you search for his posts, you'll find one in the past week (day?). Peruse through the Amp FAQs as well.

Lots of choices ... begin by letting your budget weed some out.

P.S. I started on an Acoustic B20. Good for home practice. I know its limits, though.

waleross · #4 10-19-2010, 03:46 PM

+1 for the Acoustic and also the Fender Rumble Series......

jeff7bass · #5 10-19-2010, 03:54 PM

I just bought one of these!

http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...p?product=MB10

If that's too much, I'd look at the Peavey Max, Line6, or Acoustic combos.

Go to musiciansfriend.com and sort BASS COMBO AMPS by price, ascending. From there as you page forward the amps get more expensive.

I cannot recommend the Rumbles, blew up two of them in a very short time just practicing quietly. Probably a batch defect, doubt if they're still defective.

bass-flyer · #6 10-19-2010, 03:58 PM

And I just got one of these:

http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...p?product=MB15

olds_cool63 · #7 10-19-2010, 05:02 PM

Cool suggestions! I like what I see. Yeah, I'll do a search for those threads, man.

Guess I forgot the important stuff: price!

Well, I guess $200 - $300 is my range for now. Hey, if I can go cheaper I'd be happy (bought a lot of gear lately, so trying to keep the cost down).

I figure it's gonna see practice duty for quite a while before I gig lightly with it (maybe a year or so).

So, keep 'em coming!

Thanks!

Nuff said.

olds_cool63

I bass, therefore I am!

jeff7bass · #8 10-20-2010, 08:15 PM

Just got my Carvin MB10.... YOWSA!!! Awesome amp.

IntrepidCellist · #9 10-20-2010, 08:22 PM

Another great little amp is the Line 6 LD Studio 110. 75 watts, 1x10" speaker, 20something pounds; loud enough to do small coffeehouse gigs and has some great punch and surprisingly good and varied sounds for home practice or low volume rehearsals. It won't keep up with a hard-hitting rock drummer without EQing out almost all the low end, but it's a great little practice tool that I use all the time and I've gigged with it surprisingly often with PA support.

The DI/recorded out is amazing too. My old band recorded our entire album using the XLR out of mine on a middy, grindy SVT tone with a P-bass. Sounds just right and slots perfectly into the mix.

olds_cool63 · #10 10-21-2010, 08:42 PM

Cool!

I may have to check out some amps this weekend.

Anyone else have any others I can check out? Trying to build a really nice list for comparisons.

OK...anyone like Behringer bass amps? 45 - 90 watt model?

I have one of their 30 watt guitar amps and it's actually pretty good.

Thanks, all.

I can DIG it!

Nuff said.

olds_cool63

I bass, therefore I am!