Needing a little practice amp...

k5koy · #1 03-16-2010, 07:50 PM

I have a couple of huge high quality stacks, I have a very nice 500 w combo amp, and then I have a couple of little practice amps that kinda suck, a fender rumble 15, and my Pignose Hog 30. Im looking for a nice little 100w or so little combo amp that I can noodle around on, and carry from room to room with very little effort. I played on a Kustom KBA65 the other day that I liked real well. It had a good sound and some cool features, and a few really good effects. What else is out there that might be worth a darn?
Thanks,
Koy

Zombbg4 · #2 03-16-2010, 07:59 PM

I really like the GK Backline 110 I somehow acquired a few years ago. The line6 lowdown 110 also looks decent, super small too.

Lukejt · #3 03-16-2010, 09:07 PM

GK MB115, practice, and then some.....

BassEyeDoc · #4 03-16-2010, 09:46 PM

Lowdown Studio 110 by Line 6. Very easy to move around.

k5koy · #5 03-17-2010, 04:04 AM

Thanks! I like what I am seeing in the Line6 stuff. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. The 110 is pretty cool, but with a little more looking, that LD150 has alot more appeal. I like the 12" speaker, and the tilt back design. 150 w and the extra features arent bad either.. Anybody got one of these? How do you like it? I see a demo trip to GC in my immediate future!
Koy

santucci218 · #6 03-17-2010, 04:23 AM

We got one of those line 6 bass combos in at work. I tried it compared to a hartke and a peavey combo we had, and IMO, it was a total pile. It did NOTHING that i liked more than its competition. For the cash, i would look for a used SWR LA combo. They are small, loud, light, and straightforward. Now, i know you want 100 watts, but honestly, the LA is plenty loud. It could work for a small gig if you really wanted. Anyways, you are going to get a ton of suggestions, so take them with a grain of salt. And against that, i have this to say.

Line 6 has a great market. You are starting guitar and you want something cheap with effects. a delay pedal itself would be 99 dollars, so why not get an amp that has it and more? Thats when I sell the line 6 to people. But for their big thing to be modeling, they arent great at it! The roland cubes (another amazing bass amp you should check out. The guitar ones as well are sweet) are WAY better than the line 6 modeling amps. The Peavey Vypers are better sounding as well. Anyways! There are a ton of products out there, so check them out for yourself big guy. Hope you find something that works great for you!

k5koy · #7 03-17-2010, 06:07 AM

Thanks! Thats the kind of input I am looking for. Like I stated, I got the big amps, and some pretty sweet ones, but I never really looked at the practice amps. Its way too complicated to move the big stack around, and I do alot of the writing for the band, so when my muse shows up, I want to be able to act on it quickly, but with quality sound.
Keep those suggestions coming.
Koy

kraigo · #8 03-17-2010, 06:28 AM

My little Fender RAD Bass has been giving me a lot of pleasure for a couple of decades now. It's probably closer to a Rumble 25 or something. The 10" speaker and 25 watts make it a very usable amp. It sounds good and is capable of keeping up with a couple of acoustic guitars or a stereo. I've used it in acoustic rehearsals and on low volume gigs.

I'm glad I've got larger amps, but this one is small, has a nice tone and is loud enough for quieter situations.

KO

Jeff Scott · #9 03-17-2010, 07:14 AM

Markbass Minimark, or if you want something smaller, the Micromark.

Rob Martinez · #10 03-17-2010, 07:26 AM

To me 100 watts is pretty loud for a practice amp, but everything is relative!

Ampeg B100R is an amazing combo.

For lower wattage, but great tone, try an Ampeg B50R if you can find one, they are excellent.

bassmanrocke · #11 03-17-2010, 07:57 AM

I really like my Peavey Minx 110. It is only 35 watts, but peavey typically under-rates its wattage. It has a single 10 inch and sounds great. Far more bottom than most amps its size, and small enough that it is fairly easy to shlep around. I have used it at several open mike nights and it worked great. Typically they can be found at pawn shops for around $75.

Bluesbob · #12 03-17-2010, 07:58 AM

If you're handy, this makes a great living room/practice amp, and it's from a fellow TB'er.

FS: Kalamazoo Bass 30 - 1966 All Tube Combo

Andy Walhor · #13 03-17-2010, 08:02 AM

Phil Jones has a few options.

http://www.philjonespuresound.com/

main_sale · #14 03-17-2010, 08:43 AM

I went through a ton of "practice" bass amps that sounded like crap! I finally settled on two that I really, really like. My favorite is my Ampeg B-100R. It sounds very close to my '67 B-15-N. the other is my SWR Workingman's 10. It has 80 watts and is lighter and easier to move, while still sounding very, very good. Both are readily available used as both are now out of production.

EricF · #15 03-17-2010, 10:31 AM

Another +1 on the B100R - lovely sounding little animal. However, it might be a bit bigger than you're looking for.

LAPetrarca · #16 03-17-2010, 10:32 AM

I just recently upgraded my practice amp and went with a used GK Backline 112. 100 watts in a fairly small cab so it makes for a good practice amp and I can do small gigs with it as well.

k5koy · #17 03-17-2010, 10:56 AM

Im diggin this! I now have a pretty good list of them to try out. Just from looking at the suggestions so far, Im kinda leaning toward the cube. But, I havent tried any of them yet. Really need to sell my big Eden rig....Cant buy till I sell something...
Koy

DJS · #18 03-17-2010, 11:17 AM

I completely researched to death and played the entry level combo/practice amp circuit a few weeks ago and settled on the GK MB210. While it will be more than just a practice amp for me, I'm sure MB112 would be perfect for your needs if you have a full size rig. Other noteworthy 10-12" entrants: Hartke, Behringer (get it from Wal Mart for $250!), and SWR. The Workingman's 10 would be a great find. I never found a good, working example, though.

Gintaras · #19 03-17-2010, 11:27 AM

I believe that I saw a Workingman 10 in the classifieds last nite. Ihad one and it was my favorite practice amp.

**RedsFan75** · #20 03-17-2010, 11:36 AM

I have a Roland Cube 100w, it's a VERY capable amp. I have been considering selling it, but for no other reason than I'm "Think" I need more wattage. (plus the wife says I'm never satisfied with gear - always looking! lol)

The modeling on it is great, and it has a good setting for just straight, non colored tone. The built in effects are pretty good too.