Looking for a practice amp, I need suggestions

[r2d2]

Hi all, I'm new to this forum and new to bass world. I've been playing guitars for many years and today got my very first bass. Very happy with it. Its a Yamaha RBX170 and traded locally...

So, I want to learn and practice bass. Not giging at all, just home practice so basically need a small practice amp.

I've been looking online for Acoustics and was at local music store this noon and looked at fenders and Hartkes. Both around 30W and 10" speaker. I would like a 12" speaker.

My budget is around $200 usd.

So please help me with some suggestions for my first bass amp.

Greetings

[sad_katz]

You can try looking for a used Ampeg BA-112. Little guy can produce sweet, sweet punchy tone for bedroom practice

Another amp would be a used GK MB-112. Light and loud, with reasonably versatile tone.

[RickenBoogie]

+1 Ampeg BA112 is the perfect little practice amp, 50 watts, 12" spkr, and nice tone.

[BASSKADET]

I have a Crate DSP25. Has some built in effects.

[Arlekiin]

I just ordered the Ampeg BA112 and Im hoping it will do wonders to my home practice.

At rehearsal space I have a full stack but dragging it home each time or vice versa wouldn't be an option. Long story short my research also took me to Ampeg BA112 for home practice +1

[tabdog]

If you look around you should be able to find
an Acoustic B100, 100 watt amp with a 15 inch
speaker.

I got mine recently for $149.99 plus tax at GC.

Really, most little amps with 10 inch speakers
just don't cut it for me.

In a smaller room, a B20 may be OK. It has 1
12 inch speaker and can be had for under $150.

I got mine on sale at GC for $99.99 plus tax.

Acoustics are old school amps. Simple and
strait forward. Effective, but simple.

I like um,

Tabdog

[tjh]

Peavey Basic 112 if you need a 12" .. certainly a very underrated 50-60 watts and very useable in small gig situations as well .. I paid $100 for mine, cash and carry ... sealed cab with 12" Sheffield ...

... however, for bedroom practice, where I am sitting with the amp right next to me on milk type crate with CD player on top of it, I prefer a 10" speaker ... and I use a Peavey Minx ... I have two, one from Music Go Round for $75+ tax, and one from Ebay for $100 to my door ... I have had small Ampeg and Fender amps (both capable of a lower bottom end than the Peavey), but I prefer the Peaveys for the mid range clarity, perfect for playing along with CD's, and Youtube videos at low level without all the lower freq rumbling around, so you can clearly hear yourself in the mix, and still sound like a bass ... JMHO, good luck in your search

[tabdog]

Originally Posted by tjh

Peavey Basic 112 if you need a 12" .. certainly a very underrated 50-60 watts and very useable in small gig situations as well .. I paid $100 for mine, cash and carry ... sealed cab with 12" Sheffield ...

... however, for bedroom practice, where I am sitting with the amp right next to me on milk type crate with CD player on top of it, I prefer a 10" speaker ... and I use a Peavey Minx ... I have two, one from Music Go Round for $75+ tax, and one from Ebay for $100 to my door ... I have had small Ampeg and Fender amps (both capable of a lower bottom end than the Peavey), but I prefer the Peaveys for the mid range clarity, perfect for playing along with CD's, and Youtube videos at low level without all the lower freq rumbling around, so you can clearly hear yourself in the mix, and still sound like a bass ... JMHO, good luck in your search

I like those Peavey Basic 112s also. I have used a Basic 40
for 26 years. I have a JBL 12 inch speaker in it and it is an
amazing amp to be rated at 40 watts. It will hold it's own
in a jam in a small place.

I could never bring myself to buy a small amp with 10 inch
speaker. I guess because I have heard and played through
so many that were totally inadequate for bass.

I got the B20 for my bedroom because it has mp3 and HF.
I like the sound of the B100, "lower freq rumbling around"
and all. I like the softness of it, especially with flats.

You'll have to excuse me,,, I'm old,

Tabdog

[squashedOpossum]

I highly recommend the Acoustic B20. Unmatched tone. It's the perfect coffee house amp and I've even used it in some electric gigs with a drummer using an electric kit. Perfect choice for a great practice amp.

[JxBass]

Another vote for the Ampeg BA-112, great combo for home use. Acoustic B20 good as second choice.

[r2d2]

Thanks all, I'll look for those options and keep you posted.

Greetings

[Holliwood]

kk.

I've only started bass in the last year after bein a drummer for over 20.
I had NO idea about bass gear or my "tone" when I walked into the music shop and talked with a buddy of mine.

He threw some brand/model names at me. I looked at him with ????? in my eyes and then he said,
"you really have no clue what your sound is at this point so take this Zoom1 home and fool with it for a couple of weeks and you'll know what kind of sound you like. It has just about everything you need in it. Even modelling."

Off I go with this thing and sure enuf, after a few weeks I had a pretty good idea of what sounded like what and what I liked.

Long story short, I STILL used that lil Z1 with headphones for most of my practice. Great lil rig for under $100.

just my 2 cents.

[sad_katz]

Originally Posted by Holliwood

kk.

I've only started bass in the last year after bein a drummer for over 20.
I had NO idea about bass gear or my "tone" when I walked into the music shop and talked with a buddy of mine.

He threw some brand/model names at me. I looked at him with ????? in my eyes and then he said,
"you really have no clue what your sound is at this point so take this Zoom1 home and fool with it for a couple of weeks and you'll know what kind of sound you like. It has just about everything you need in it. Even modelling."

Off I go with this thing and sure enuf, after a few weeks I had a pretty good idea of what sounded like what and what I liked.

Long story short, I STILL used that lil Z1 with headphones for most of my practice. Great lil rig for under $100.

just my 2 cents.

+1 on fooling around till you get your preferred tone. Your buddy has a good point.

Personally don't like modelers since they "don't sound like the real thing" (cheaper ones. The expensive ones do come close)
and after constantly playing thru headphones for a year, I prefer having speakers even if it's a small 10" or 12".
2+ hours a day, everyday on headphones gets real tiring real quick
IMO, YMMV

Please do visit a couple of music shops and play thru many many rigs/combos and see which tone you like.

Oooh and almost forgot:
Roland Cube 60-XL / used 100 / used 120-XL

They're small 60watts/10" speakers or 100/120 watts 12" speakers that are loaded with amp simulations (ampeg, fender bassman, etc) and effects (chorus, loop, etc). Perfect for fooling around!

[MuthaFunk]

If your on a budget, I'd highly recommend the Peavey Minx as well. What a great sounding little bass amp. I used one for years that I bought second hand for bedroom practice and also around many a camp fire with a battery pack. I later sold it for as much as I had paid after 5 years of use. I have mostly high end gear and I have to say that Minx has an awesome tone and decent power. The price in the used market would most certainly put a smile on your face. I only sold it because I bought a SWR Baby Baby blue 110 combo to replace it and I still at times long for the warm Minx tone. Really!!

The only downside to it is compared to more modern amps it doesn't have a MP3 player input as many manufacturers now offer this feature. If that's not a requirement for you as I always used my stereo anyway, you'll be very happy with the value and sound of a Peavey Minx. The headphone out on it is very well executed as well.

[r2d2]

Well, I made my choice and got yesterday an Ampeg BA110. Its 35W and 10" speaker but certainly more than enough for me.
I tried it at music store at mid volume level 5 or 6 and it seemed fair for that amp size but then played it at home at no more than volume level 2 or 3 and all stuff in my room started to vibrate.
Sound is very nice and price looked right to me. Very happy with my first Bass amp!

Greetings