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09-07-2010, 07:44 PM
| | | | High quality practice amp?
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Hello, I could use a good practice amp. A small combo with say an 8" or 10" speaker. Small and light. Does not have to compete with drums - a bedroom amp. The only requirement would be an auxilary input for cd etc. The problem is everything I see in this format seems to be the typical prosumer grade stuff. I'd like some examples of professional quality amps if they exist. Thanks in advance |
09-07-2010, 07:53 PM
| | | | Ampeg makes quality practise combo amps, however, thats the only company I researched combos for. There are probably way better deals, but I dont know of them. Personally, I decided I didnt want a combo, and I got myself a used svt-3 pro and matching 410 cab for less than a combo brand new.
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09-07-2010, 08:00 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Long Island, NY | | | roland cube RX is pretty feature packed, you might like that. i've been wanting one lately. |
09-07-2010, 08:01 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ontario | | | I've had a couple inexpensive (cheap) practice amps that sounded like inexpensive (cheap) amps. But have been using an Ampeg BA112 for over a year now and quite like it. I use it to practice at home and it's easy to cart to band practice.
It puts out 50w so it's more than loud enough for our basement band practices. It has a nice Ampeg sound for a little guy - it's not as ballsy as my SVT-3/410, but it's only a fraction of the size.
It has a line in and headphones jack so you don't disturb the rest of the household or neighbors.
I see that they are $280 at Musician's Friend, but I got mine for less than that new.
[from Musician's Friend]
Delivers 50W of power to a single 12" speaker. It offers simple 3-band tone controls, plus a "style selector" with 5 basic tone options. Other features include master control, a balanced 1/4" TRS line out, headphone jacks, and RCA inputs for connecting a CD or tape player. As a handy stage feature, the cabinet tilts back |
09-07-2010, 08:10 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Connecticut, USA | | For practice, I now do headphones only if the kids are sleeping- If the house is empty, I will plug into my regular rig.
If you check out small mixers and a good set of 'phones, you can spend about the same amount as a practice amp, but enjoy your sound more. I like my Soundcraft notepad mixer: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Notepad102/
Good pre's, and many ways to route the ins and outs. I run the sound out of my mac (idrum, BIAB, etc.) and mix it with the bass.
Rodger |
09-07-2010, 08:45 PM
| | Registered User
Mesa Australia | | Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Canberra ACT | | | AER Bass 1
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09-07-2010, 08:51 PM
|  | Livin' it up at the Hotel California | | Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sacramento California | | I like the new Acoustic 260 mini stack. 100 watts RMS into a 4-ohm cab that has a single 10" speaker. The head has the aux input for a CD player or Ipod, and it has a headphone out jack. TB'ers have had very positive things to say about that mini rig.
If that is too "mainstream" for you, and if you happen to be looking for a unique, high quality, "all tube" practice amp, check out Old School Amps. Here is their link: http://oldschoolamps.com/BassAmps.aspx
Nice stuff!!
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09-07-2010, 08:56 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Leicester, UK | | | Ashdown have always been good, I currently have a Ashdown 'Perfect 10 mini stack;' 120W going into two 10inch (i think) blueline style speakers. However this model isn't produced anymore, but you might be able to pickup a good one second hand. Used it for about 3 hours a day for 3 years and there's been no faults whatsoever. Quality is excellent, styling is superb and a good range of sounds to boot.
Line in and headphone out too! Oh and the classic VU meter, just to tell you when you're rocking too hard!
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Last edited by Jones_Stuff : 09-07-2010 at 09:07 PM.
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09-07-2010, 08:58 PM
| | | | I have a Gallien- Krueger Backline 110. It's portable, has great tone and at 70 watts, plenty loud enough for practicing. It also has a headphone jack, line out, and input jack. |
09-07-2010, 09:48 PM
|  | Registered User | | | | | Not cheap, but...
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09-07-2010, 09:55 PM
|  | Less Ebay, more Mel Bay | | Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ | | | I am a huge fan of the backline GK combos. The 110 can be had for almost nothing and is borderline giggable depending on drummer. My 112 can do a rock tone over almost any drummer.
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09-07-2010, 09:59 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: YTZ | | Quote:
Originally Posted by morganmcd  AER Bass 1 | excellent choice
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09-07-2010, 10:00 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sacramento area | | | GenzBenz Shuttle 3.0 10T. Good for lots more than practice too. |
09-07-2010, 10:10 PM
|  | Supporting Member | | | | Quote:
Originally Posted by wengr Hello, I could use a good practice amp. A small combo with say an 8" or 10" speaker. Small and light. Does not have to compete with drums - a bedroom amp. The only requirement would be an auxilary input for cd etc. The problem is everything I see in this format seems to be the typical prosumer grade stuff. I'd like some examples of professional quality amps if they exist. Thanks in advance | Check out the Acoustic B20. Gets great reviews, Inexpensive - $125 or so. Lots of value for the money. Has a single 12". http://www.music123.com/productDetai...oductId=481622.
Want to go high end? Try the markbass http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....Amp?sku=481792. Less than 30 lbs.
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09-07-2010, 10:12 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NYC | | | MB micro mark . . . I have a minimark I use for home practice, rehearsal and small gigs. sounds amazing and has a high build quality! |
09-08-2010, 06:46 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Laredo Texas | | | AI Ten2
Definitely not cheap and to call it a practice amp does it a disservice but I want to hear rich, clear tone when I practice. It's extremely versatile and light. I take it with me where ever I go. 
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09-08-2010, 06:57 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia | | In terms only of sound, I've come to appreciate my Peavey microbass quite a bit. It has a decent, smooth sound. You should have heard it hooked up to my NV610! 20 Watts of pure power 
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Originally Posted by JimmyM acdc with victor wooten playing bass would suck, but so would bela fleck and the flecktones with cliff williams on bass. | |
09-08-2010, 07:01 AM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Philadelphia | | | Roland Cube 30. It's a bit pricey for a 30 watt combo, but the Cubes are louder than their power ratings suggest, and they sound great. It also has the features you want. I have the Cube 100 for bass and Cube 60 for guitar, and they're reliable, "workhorse" type amps.
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09-08-2010, 07:18 AM
| | | | Hey thanks for all the ideas:
Rodger, I have been doing just what you describe, but with a mackie 1202 and good headphones. It works but I find it often hard to hear the prerecorded bass parts. Lack of definition or something when combined with my bass.
Aer and Acoustic Image, both look great, and I've always been impressed with AER acoustic guitar amps. But both seem far more than I need for an amp that will never play out.
Phil Jones cub - this is very interesting. I did not consider PJ, probably do to hearing a suitcase and not caring for it. I should try to audition a cub | | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | | | | 
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