Recommend Good Bass Amp for Beginner

Ironmanshak · #1 05-30-2011, 07:45 AM

I'm looking to buy my first bass & bass amp. Price is not really an issue. I don't want to buy a "cheap" one and regret not having bought something better the first time. I'd rather "buy once, cry once".

One requirement I have is a headphone jack on the amp so I can practice at home without bothering the family.

Right now I'm looking at Fender Rumble 350 350W 2x10 Bass Combo Amp right now. Would that be a good enough amp to keep me happy for a long time to come? No plans to join a band/gig. My house is concrete so when no one is home I want to crank it up and be able to sound good.

Other info - the bass I'm thinking about buying is a Fender Deluxe P Bass Special 4-String Bass. It has Jazz neck, P Bass body, Noiseless Pickups (J bridge pickup, P center pickup) and active electronics. I want a bass amp that will match the guitar's potential.

Finally, I live in the the US Virgin Islands so going to my local guitar store is not an option.

Thanks in advance.
Mark

MNAirHead · #2 05-30-2011, 07:46 AM

headphones.. a Rolls Pm351 is a pro class mixer/monitor/practice amp/di... under $100... eventually when you start gigging you'll be needing at least of one of the above.

bluesdogblues · #3 05-30-2011, 07:49 AM

Hmm how about Ampeg Micro + its 210?

streetknight · #4 05-30-2011, 07:55 AM

I'm a beginner also, just started a couple weeks ago actually. As far as amps go, I looked at a bunch of stuff. From looking on paper I was gonna go with a GK MB115, looked like it wood be powerful enough to play with other people, had a head phone jack etc.

I'm in your same boat as going to try stuff out, just isn't an option for me right now. I ended up going with an Acoustic B20 amp. 20 watt 1x12 speaker, headphone jack, line in for mp3 player. I LOVE it and they're $150 new (got mine on sale for $95) It gets a lot louder than I thought it would. I probably couldn't gig with it, but I'm not going to be doing that anytime soon anyway.

Good luck

Ironmanshak · #5 06-01-2011, 05:03 AM

Any more recommendations?

Based on streetknight's post above, I'm also looking at Acoustic B100, it's half the price of the Fender Rumble 350.

woody357 · #6 06-01-2011, 10:39 AM

Look at the GK stuff, very good at a nice price.

**JxBass** · #7 06-01-2011, 10:48 AM

If you're looking for at home only I think something with a 12" would suffice; for example, an Acoustic B20 as previously mentioned or an Ampeg BA112.

woody357 · #8 06-01-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JxBass

If you're looking for at home only I think something with a 12" would suffice; for example, an Acoustic B20 as previously mentioned or an Ampeg BA112.

I think the OP was on the right track, a 2x10 combo will give him something for home use, as well as let him gig when he is ready. what you suggest is good for home use, but will cost hime when he is ready to step out.

JimmyM · #9 06-01-2011, 11:04 AM

beginner? then i'd have to recommend an svt-vr and 810e.

nah, just kidding. i agree with woody, although i'd also add a 115 combo to the possibility list.

Alex1984 · #10 06-01-2011, 11:07 AM

Micro-VR is a good recommendation. I liked the WalkAbout, but that's quite a bit more $ than the GK.

BuffaloBass · #11 06-01-2011, 11:08 AM

2 X10 combos are nice, although I've never played the Fender. The SWR and MarkBass were very good, but I chose the Mesa WA Scout instead. Better yet to my ears ( SVT Jazz bass old skool thing) , but also more $$$. One 12" speaker , or even one 10" would be more than adequate for your needs.

woody357 · #12 06-01-2011, 11:29 AM

All of these suggestions are good, but lets not forget where the OP is located.

**JxBass** · #13 06-01-2011, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody357

I think the OP was on the right track, a 2x10 combo will give him something for home use, as well as let him gig when he is ready. what you suggest is good for home use, but will cost hime when he is ready to step out.

Understood and agree, my recommendation was based solely on his plan not to join a band or gig. Besides, who sticks with one rig anyway

**Staccato** · #14 06-01-2011, 11:45 AM

Bass: Fender Deluxe P Bass Special 4-String Bass is a worthwhile choice. You might also consider some of the passive basses. Have you read posts, or specs about the wide variety of P/J basses? These have more tonal options since there's two pickups. I've got P and J basses, but none that offer the P/J option. These are a very popular choice, for a reason! And, not everyone can readily afford two basses...

Amp: Acoustic B20, or B100. You're better off with a better quality practice amp at this point. Since your budget seems okay, try to buy equipment that you will be satisfied with for a couple of years. Then, you can focus more on practice, and less on trading up.

fhm555 · #15 06-01-2011, 12:23 PM

I've got an old SWR Workingman's 10 I've had forever because it sounds good at practice volume and can hold it's own as a small room gigging/practice amp. I've used it quite a bit in a smallish room with 2 deluxe reverb amps and a full drum kit and it works just fine. SWR discontinued the workingman's combos and replaced them with the LA series so take a look at them before you make up your mind. Kinda spendy compared to the fender or acoustic, but IMO a much better bang for the buck, and hands down better resale value down the road if you decide to off it.

I recently picked up an SWR Workingpro 12, and in that same smallish room with the same lineup I can shut them all down if I want, and it still sounds great at practice volume.

Both have a headphone jack so that's covered as well.

On the P deluxe, I borrowed one for a couple of nights of playing a few months back and they are nice. Great tone adjustment range with the active electronics and p/j pup config, a nice slim J neck, choice of r/w or maple fret board, fully grooved bridge saddles, several good looking body and pg color combo choices, and out the door for around $700...lots to like about that bass.