I need some advice for a practice amp upgrade

[BassPlayer900]

I've been doing a lot more research on amps and now I finally realize what I need and what I don't need.

And right now, all I need is a good practice amp.

My Silvertone BAXs amp is 10 watts. I'd like something that sounds really good but is something that isn't going to be too expensive (IDK how much I am willing to spend right now, but I know I don't want to go over $120. Also, I may not get an upgrade for a few months, or a year, or maybe even longer than that).

Right now I've been looking at Ampegs, because I love their tone and the small practice amps seem to have just enough of it.

Should I upgrade to an Ampeg BA108? It would definitely be affordable for me, I like the sound, and it has good reviews. It's only got about 15 more watts than what I've got now. Is that a good upgrade? I don't play in a band or anything, so all I really need is a good sounding amp to practice with.

[B-string]

Sounds like an upgrade to me!

[jallenbass]

If I were in your position that would be my choice.

[winegamd]

There are quite a few good, inexpensive, overlooked practice amps that can be had for cheap on craigslist and even sometimes at Guitar Center. The Gallien-Krueger Backline series usually go for pretty cheap. I have seen both the 1x10 and 1x12 under $100, and both will handle a low B. The SWR workingman series are usually a good deal, and can be found for not much more than the GK stuff. They are usually $80-150 for the 1x10 and 1x12 with the 1x15 getting up to around the $200 mark. The 1x15 can usually handle an extension cab, though. The SWR LA series can usually be had for less than the GK, but have less power. Acoustic combo's also go for cheap with the 1x10 and 1x12 close to or sometimes cheaper than the GK. All of these would be reliable, and sound great.

[JimmyM]

The BA108 isn't a particularly loud amp, but it is a definite upgrade over the Silvertone. I have one and I use it on a lot of my quieter gigs:

[mrpackerguy]

A Peavey TNT also makes a good practice combo amp.

[BassPlayer900]

Thanks everyone!

[oniman7]

I hear keyboard amps make good cheap amps for bassists?

[Downunderwonder]

Originally Posted by oniman7

I hear keyboard amps make good cheap amps for bassists?

True.

How about a Sansamp BDDI pedal for fun tone upgrade? You can plug that into the PA when you get to gigging.

[droskobass]

In Canada, a used Yorkville Bassmaster 50 can be had very cheaply(100-150$) and their 10" speaker packs a punch!

My Bass student also has a very impressive little Fender Rumble 15 practice amp. very stout sound indeed. I've seen them used for 70-99$

[BassPlayer900]

Originally Posted by Downunderwonder

True.

How about a Sansamp BDDI pedal for fun tone upgrade? You can plug that into the PA when you get to gigging.

I've been thinking about those SansAmps recently. They sound really good. I just wonder if they would not sound very good through my little amp. But it also seems like a money saver, because if I had one and I started gigging, I wouldn't need to buy amps. But first I need to find out if I like the sound of a bass ran through the PA without amps.

[zon6c-f]

I own Guitar Center's Acoustic B200 combo, which may be more than you want for now. However, the Acoustic B100 would have more than enough power as well as an aux audio input and headphone jacks, so you can practice with your radio, CD, while you play along. It is also more affordable. There are many threads on TB regading Acoustic and other combos.

Thankfully there are many choices available today and at more affordable price points. Ultimately, you need to make the choice that best suits your needs, budget and most importantly what you hear, regardless of specs or opinions.

Good luck and enjoy.

[BassPlayer900]

Update: So today I got a SansAmp BDDI. I love how amazing it sounds... But I need to get a more powerful amp to handle the tones this thing has to offer. I think I'll look for something with at least 100 watts. I can't afford any amps now but I will try to buy one in the future. I'll either get a Fender Rumble, Ampeg, or maybe a GK.

[LarryO]

honestly if all you can spend is $120, I'd keep the amp you have and look into ways of plugging straight into computer so you can practice with music from pc either through computer speakers or good headphones.