help choosing an amp.

The-Priest · #1 01-22-2011, 07:51 PM

Hey guys I am in need of a tiny widdle amp to take to lessons (yes I do still take lessons...always fun to learn new stuff!) or just to lug around when I'm o n the go etc. I have a very nice,very large, very heavy cabinet, head etc. so my main setup is all good but I'm looking for a small cheap practice amp essentially....any suggestions? just FYI I play an epiphone thunderbird.

these are 3 I have been eyeing any comments on them?
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ku=481448#used

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....mbo?sku=481091

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....Amp?sku=423495

I'm trying to stay under $200 since this won't be a serious playing amp by any means

Plstrns · #2 01-22-2011, 08:07 PM

Out of those, I pick the Peavey. I like the aux inputs with the headphone out, and easier to repair if needed.

**Matthew_84** · #3 01-22-2011, 08:12 PM

For the same dough and features (aux in, head phones, bass, mid, treb), you can get the Fender Rumble 15w. I'd go with that, may sound a little better, imo.

ilovenofrets · #4 01-22-2011, 08:13 PM

Do yourself a favor. Spend the few extra dollars on the Peavey Max 110. Small and portable enough for lessons, just enough weight to know it's a bass amp, and it happens to sound REALLY good. A friend of mine has one, and it just sounds so good. No matter the size or needs of your amp, good sound/tone will always be a little more inspiring.

Acousticdude · #5 01-22-2011, 08:17 PM

I tried out a Fender Rumble and it sounded pretty good for the price. Had better lows than some of the other practice amps I tried. The one I tried out was the 15w. I'm seriously thinking of getting one after I buy my new stage rig.

root fifth · #6 01-22-2011, 08:18 PM

Local music store put gave me 3 replacement rumble 15s till they finally bought it back and upgraded me up to a peavey max 112.Rumble didnt sound bad just didnt last! All of that happen in 6 months.I love my peavey they gave me the option to get the rumble 30 but i was done with the rumble series amps.Anyway i think you get alot more amp for the money with peavey!IMO

pyrohaz · #7 01-22-2011, 08:37 PM

I've played the Peavey, I like the growly sound that it can give at times (Warwick Rockbass Streamer). It just didn't give me as much low end as I would have liked, its got that "vintage" midsy tone IMO (obviously, you can't be expecting lots of low end from a practise amp!) I don't know why but im kinda drawn towards the vox, it looks very portable and the 2x5 speakers make me think it would sound really mid like. Found a quick youtube vid for ya

Vox:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoITJvErmQA

A fender rumble does sound a pretty tasty deal though

tjh · #8 01-22-2011, 09:28 PM

FWIW, I seriously wouldn't get anything smaller than a 10" speaker ... I like the Peavey Minx, 35 watts 110, very clean sound which easily cuts through when playing with CD's, etc ... and a Bassman 25, which is 25 watts 110, with a HUGE sound for its size ... some nice features, like a little mute, (non balanced) line out, kick back style, etc ... both can be found on occassion uder $100 on the bay and probably built quite a bit better than anything you would pick up current ... two different amps, but both perfect for practice and very small/acoustic jam type amps ... both discontinued, but are around ...

Plstrns · #9 01-22-2011, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyrohaz

I've played the Peavey, I like the growly sound that it can give at times (Warwick Rockbass Streamer). It just didn't give me as much low end as I would have liked, its got that "vintage" midsy tone IMO (obviously, you can't be expecting lots of low end from a practise amp!) I don't know why but im kinda drawn towards the vox, it looks very portable and the 2x5 speakers make me think it would sound really mid like. Found a quick youtube vid for ya

Vox:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoITJvErmQA

A fender rumble does sound a pretty tasty deal though

I hate to ask, but for the sake of asking, If the Peavey's "got that vintage midsy tone", what draws you to the Vox? Since you're thinking "it would sound really mid like?"

The Vox certainly has a vintage look, and may sound terrific.

NO mini combo will have the bass response of something bigger, unless that something bigger is crap.

Exploiter8 · #10 01-22-2011, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovenofrets

Do yourself a favor. Spend the few extra dollars on the Peavey Max 110. Small and portable enough for lessons, just enough weight to know it's a bass amp, and it happens to sound REALLY good. A friend of mine has one, and it just sounds so good. No matter the size or needs of your amp, good sound/tone will always be a little more inspiring.

+1

The-Priest · #11 01-23-2011, 10:26 AM

so its between the vox and the peavey....so which of these 2?:
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....mbo?sku=481448

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....Amp?sku=423495

Has anyone played either?

RickenBoogie · #12 01-23-2011, 12:15 PM

The little Vox Pathfinder is a cool little amp, and certainly one of the smallest, lightest bass combo's you'll find, but the Peavey would be the better choice I think. (and I own the Vox, too).

Zoa · #13 01-23-2011, 02:02 PM

I have the Peavey Max 126 (which I believe is the cheaper model of that series). It sounds pretty good, and has a surprising amount of volume. Easily portable, and very durable. You couldn't really ask anything more of a 15-watt practice amp.