HelP! On buying FIRST Practice amp for beginner. - What to recommend?

[nickirado]

Hello there! I'm really sorry for creating a new thread for a topic that must already have been solved but I'm new to this forum and I wasn't able to find any definite answer, specially for me...

Ok, this is my first/second post (I had no response), i will buy my first bass soon from rondomusic, and id like To be given suggestions for a first bass amp for me. The one that is easiest for me To buy is the SX ba1565 that rondo sells. Is it REALLY bad? Why? Please, argument why it is good/bad. i need To know whether i buy this dirrectly from rondo together with my new bass (an SX Ursa 2 MN pro 3RTS - is it good? I Believe it is. Can somebody tell what they know about it?) the other option is to take this fender rumble 15 (which is a bit troublesome for me To buy as i live in brazil). PLEASE ANSWER SOON. Im desperate.

I've searched a bit more and I also found an Accoustic B10, or even a Peavey 20W microbass. Can anybody suggest me any other or these ones for less than 100$?

Well, summarizing, all I ask is:

Is the SX bass amp really bad?
Is the bass I chose good?
What do you recommend anything sPecific for me as a beginner?

Again sorry for creating a whole new thread for this but there is only one bass model available at rondo and I desperately need an answer.





SX Ursa 2 MN PRO 3TS Left Handed at RondoMusic.com

[lomo]

The bass is fine as long as it is adjusted/ set up well. For practice by yourself the SX amp is fine, but the peavey Microbass 20 is probably a little better.

[smogg]

As stated above, that SX bass is fine but take it have it properly set up.
Amp: agree with above post. The Peavey would be the better choice but the Sx amp will work for personal use.

[nickirado]

Hmm is it just fine? I thought it was pretty good.. : / and what do you mean by "set up" new pickuPs and other parts or just equalized and etc? I didn't quite understand..
And one last thing, between the SX, fender, and the Acoustic b10, and the peavey, the best is the peavey? WHat about other brands? I don't expect to form a band soon, but I'd like to have an amp that would last at least until then, do you recommend others? (and are amps always this costly? I mean, almost the cost of the actual bass?)

And remember, I'm a beginner and this is my first bass though I already play guitar

Again, thank you so much xD

[rockstarbassist]

Man I've had my Peavey Microbass for going on 14 years now. It's still rock solid. For in-house practicing it's plenty fine and has headphone outs for silent operation.

[JimmyM]

The best $100 practice amp I've played is the Ampeg BA108. I actually gig it on my most low volume gigs.

[PWV]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

The best $100 practice amp I've played is the Ampeg BA108. I actually gig it on my most low volume gigs.

+1 Just got this amp for my son this Christmas. Its his first amp to go along with his first bass. <insert proud Dad emoticon here> The BA 108 has an audio-in jack (so he can play along with the iPod) which is a very cool feature as well.

[nickirado]

okay, it seems to me that the best option for an amp that i probably wont substitute ever is the Ampeg BA108 25-Watt, because it has more power (25W) over 10, 15 and 20 from other brands, is that right?? thanks

One more thing, for 30 dollars more it is DEFINITELY better than the SX bass? Cause then I will buy it from ebay or amazon..

[nickirado]

Okay, Ive made it easier:
Ive organized the best options until now (you can still suggest others) here:

- Amazon.com: Ampeg BA108 25-Watt 1x8 Bass Combo Amplifier: Musical Instruments

- PEAVEY MICRO BASS 20 WATTS AMPLIFIER | eBay

- Fender Rumble 15 Combo Bass Guitar Amp Amplifier | eBay

- Acoustic B10 10W 1X10 Bass Combo Amp | eBay


and of course the douchebag sx amp (which is still an option, please, just tell if it isnt worth its price [the others are only 30$ more])

SX BA1565 STCAD 15 Watt Bass Amplifier at RondoMusic.com


Please say which you think is best

In advance I say thank you for all of you for the advice xD

[nickirado]

Please people just answer this for me !

[RickenBoogie]

Dude, it's not that big of a deal. Pick whichever sounds best and is within your budget. Any small practice combo made by a reputable brand is going to work out fine- it's just a matter of your own preferences. We can't make the choice for you, you have to do that.

[ebradfordrich]

I just picked up one of the Ampeg BA108s to keep in my office. Love it. It's worth every penny. But that's just me. You need to trust your own ears, really.

[Downunderwonder]

Originally Posted by nickirado

Hmm is it just fine? I thought it was pretty good.. : / and what do you mean by "set up" new pickuPs and other parts or just equalized and etc? (and are amps always this costly? I mean, almost the cost of the actual bass?)

And remember, I'm a beginner and this is my first bass though I already play guitar

Again, thank you so much xD

"Set up" means to adjust the neck truss rod and bridge heights for playability, same as a guitar.

Bass carries a LOT of energy, that's one of the reasons we're bass players, and the power comes from big amps and solidly built speakers, unlike tinny guitar gear, which you will learn to look down upon with derision. So bass is expensive to amplify, get used to it.

Instead of paying good money for a new practice amp I suggest you buy a real amp and a 2x10. As soon as you get good enough on bass you'll want to play with others and the practice amp will be next to useless.

If you can get your new band to play down to a 2x10 you'll be lucky, very lucky, assuming it's a rock band. However it can be done, and adding another 2x10 on top makes it into a gig rig.

[JHandley]

I'll throw one out there,
An Acoustic B20, 20 watts and a 12" Plenty for practice in my family room.
I got it used at GC for $69, it's in great shape and sounds very good.

[NOVAX]

Originally Posted by JHandley

I'll throw one out there,
An Acoustic B20, 20 watts and a 12" Plenty for practice in my family room.
I got it used at GC for $69, it's in great shape and sounds very good.

second this. pretty solid. decent tone and volume. $55 on cl. holding up so far. a lot of amp for $55.

[nickirado]

Ok, I'm going for the Ampeg ba108, for the brand's reputation, it's power and reviews, it seem to be really good for practicing, even if I form someday a band it will be useful for use at home and rehearsing (and as for a 2X10 for gigs, I would then buy one but tha little one will still be useful I guess); also for it's portability. well, anyways, it seems good and Im getting it used or not, I'll still search a bit

do you People approve it?

Oh and thanks for all clarification and advices and everything, I'm am now much more confident xD

[SurferJoe46]

Can't you just buy a full-sized gig-able amp and turn the volume down for practice?

My policy is to buy as much (or more) amp that you can afford even if you have to borrow the money.

You'll want it, need it really - a lot sooner than you'll believe right now.

[VisualShock]

Features I would recommend looking out for (in order of importance):
Headphone output
aux/cd/mp3 input
3 or more band EQ

After that, it's entirely up to you, but to have those features on an amp of any size made by any reputable manufacturer will give you a great practice amp that should put you well on your way to becoming a good bassist.

[jeff7bass]

I’d go with the Ampeg or the Peavey for cheap practice combo. Avoid the Rumble though, I blew two of them quickly. For a little extra coin, Line6 makes a cool one with built-in effects. The little Marshall pretty good also. Believe it or not, the Behringer BX300 was a little smoker but it was an older, more rugged model than what I’ve seen lately.