Looking! Nicest tone for practice amp

Gaetano Paul · #1 01-16-2011, 09:09 PM

Practice amp, small watts, combo amp, no stacks. 20-100watts max. This is really for my own practice, at home, in my condo. But really could use the inspiration of great tone, Not looking to spend grands, most maybe $700 tops, but would prefer $3-400 or even less, but I am going for superb toneage!

Advice?

What I am thinking now is wait on a Ampeg B50R, or the Orange crush combo. Also thinking about that Valve Junior thread we had a while back.

Thanks guys

PaulNYC · #2 01-16-2011, 09:24 PM

used line6 studio 110

ilovenofrets · #3 01-16-2011, 09:29 PM

Gallien Krueger Backline 110 or 112, Hartke Kickback 12

pasta4lnch · #4 01-16-2011, 09:33 PM

I use a MB minimark (w/ a SABDDI) for practice, rehearsal and small gigs and it sounds amazing (I have a VJ too

- use it to record) If I had disposable $$ I'd get the micro mark. . . talk about convenient!

Lowbrow · #5 01-16-2011, 09:36 PM

Acoustic B20 - inexpensive, sounds great, fits your specs, readily available.

superdick2112 · #6 01-16-2011, 09:57 PM

SWR Baby Blue Studio Reference Combo. Incredible little amp - tube pre w/SS amp, light weight, portable, enough juice for practice & small gigs (provided your drummer can play with some restraint), and lets the true character & voice of any bass be heard. You should be able to find a used one for under $700.

Joe Nerve · #7 01-16-2011, 10:18 PM

I bought a Roland Bass Microcube a few years back and I think it's one of the best investments I ever made. It has 8 different amp models, 3 band EQ, a really practical beat box built in (good for inspiration, or just practicing grooves), some really well thought out effects, and above all esle - can be run on batteries. Which means I can take it anywhere. And it lasts a good 10 hours on 6AA batteries. It's got some other goodies too, but you can check it out if interested.

Recently discovered it's also great for a preamp when I'm recording. Gives me a super tight punchy sound and a lot of room to play with it.

The ONLY thing that might be considered minus on this for me is the volume. It's great to hold up to a couple of acoustic guitars, perfect for practice in the house, but it's not something you'd want to take on a gig without micing it. Maybe a cafe, but if theres a drummer in the house, any kind of drummer, me thinks you can forget it.

Aside from that (and I didn't buy it for that), I think it's one of the best musical investments I ever made.

Pretty sure they can be had for well under $250 these days.

Chrisk-K · #8 01-17-2011, 12:34 AM

If you want a superb tone, get a GK Microbass combo or a GB Shuttle 3.0/8T.

If you want versatility, get a Roland Bass Cube.

Mark Olson · #9 01-17-2011, 03:06 AM

Honestly, I just picked up a little Orange Crush combo for jazz band rehearsals. Those things sound relatively very good! I'm not a solid state amp guy, but you know it's a decent sounding amp if it can make my SG Bass (which sounds horrible, but that's why I love it) sound good. You could even do small gigs with the 50 Watt 1x12" Orange Crush Pix combo, these things do get surprisingly loud. The price is right, they sound good, and are loaded with the right features. That'd be my recommendation.

lomo · #10 01-17-2011, 05:04 AM

GB Shuttle 3.0/8T

Gaetano Paul · #11 01-17-2011, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Olson

Honestly, I just picked up a little Orange Crush combo for jazz band rehearsals. Those things sound relatively very good! I'm not a solid state amp guy, but you know it's a decent sounding amp if it can make my SG Bass (which sounds horrible, but that's why I love it) sound good. You could even do small gigs with the 50 Watt 1x12" Orange Crush Pix combo, these things do get surprisingly loud. The price is right, they sound good, and are loaded with the right features. That'd be my recommendation.

Yeah these look intriguing. Are you familar with the Orange tube amps? I am not but was wondering how they compare. Also how do they sound at low (condo) volume?

Thanks for all the replies, some suggestions I was not ablew to find any for sale online, others seem like some I may have to sit back and wait for it to become available.

kosmicwizard · #12 01-17-2011, 07:38 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbcvfFj8smQ

rh2music · #13 01-17-2011, 07:46 AM

I second the Roland micro cube bass rx. it's a little expensive for a small amp about $230. But it's worth every penny, the 8 amp models, built in effects sound great, built in drum machine. Line out for headphones, hook it up to a power amp and power your bass stack. Line in for ipod/mp3. Battery powered amp, take it on the go and jam..

bearhart74 · #14 01-17-2011, 07:49 AM

theirs an EBS drome combo on ebay for 350. EBS kills!!!

iualum · #15 01-17-2011, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

I bought a Roland Bass Microcube a few years back and I think it's one of the best investments I ever made. It has 8 different amp models, 3 band EQ, a really practical beat box built in (good for inspiration, or just practicing grooves), some really well thought out effects, and above all esle - can be run on batteries. Which means I can take it anywhere. And it lasts a good 10 hours on 6AA batteries. It's got some other goodies too, but you can check it out if interested.

Recently discovered it's also great for a preamp when I'm recording. Gives me a super tight punchy sound and a lot of room to play with it.

The ONLY thing that might be considered minus on this for me is the volume. It's great to hold up to a couple of acoustic guitars, perfect for practice in the house, but it's not something you'd want to take on a gig without micing it. Maybe a cafe, but if theres a drummer in the house, any kind of drummer, me thinks you can forget it.

Aside from that (and I didn't buy it for that), I think it's one of the best musical investments I ever made.

Pretty sure they can be had for well under $250 these days.

...bass cube 100...volume problem solved...

emblymouse · #16 01-17-2011, 07:57 AM

Second the GK Micro combo.
I am not a GK guy, but after 20+ years this thing still impresses me. Headphone practice, rehearsal, small shows with my EUB, as part of a bi amp big rig, it is the single most useful piece of equipment I've ever owned and is built like a teeny tank. I am on my second, only because I was a fool and sold my first one.

pasta4lnch · #17 01-17-2011, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosmicwizard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbcvfFj8smQ

nice and compact

cool vid though ...

Gaetano Paul · #18 01-17-2011, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosmicwizard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbcvfFj8smQ

Uhm....... That thing kills!

If I am ever in the market for a head I know what I am going for

Turock · #19 01-17-2011, 08:23 AM

Best tone? Ampeg B100R.

Koog · #20 01-17-2011, 08:29 AM

Mark Bass Mini CMD 121P.

I use this amp for practice at home and for rehearsals with the band. Great tone, easily cuts the mix in rehearsals and only weighs 29 pounds.

Best practice and rehearsal amp I've owned in 47 years of playing, performing & recording.

Koog.