Aesthetically pleasing practice amp?

[jetbike]

Okay, I know this might seem a little superficial, but there is method in this particular form of madness.

I have a large 1973 Aussie-made tube amp (Holden Wasp), gently spoon-feeding rich sounds into an US-made Ampeg 410HE. It sounds huge (it is huge) and frankly, although I love its rugged charm, pretty it ain't.

All my bass gear lives in my shed/office (safe and sound), but this is less than convenient if I want to just pick up the bass for 10mins. (Although its awesome if I want to disappear for the evening to the bottom of the garden).

I want a vintage looking, compact, good sounding, pretty practice combo. I also don't want to spend a fortune. This will allow me to keep this in the front room and will also help me to indulge in impromptu practice sessions.

Help me Talk Bass, you're my only hope.

 

[darius8]

I want a vintage looking, compact, good sounding, pretty practice combo. I also don't want to spend a fortune. This will allow me to keep this in the front room and will also help me to indulge in impromptu practice sessions.

Help me Talk Bass, you're my only hope.

Vintage and cheap? This little guy was just discontinued but they're still out there being sold until all are gone.

Behringer Thunderbird BX108 1x8" Bass Combo Amp: Shop Amplifiers & Effects & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

 

[Morten_B]

Not a combo, but the Little Bastard sounds like exactly what you're looking for Ashdown Engineering | Bass Amplification

Actually I asked myself more or less the same question as you're asking and yesterday I bought a Little Bastard (still waiting for it to arrive from the UK)....

 

[BassJo]

Fender Bassman TV combos. Not cheap, but look fantastic!

 

[darius8]

This isn't bad lookin either. The Behringer has aux. stereo rca inputs while the Ampegs got the cd/mp3 input.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[darius8]

Well, since Orange was mentioned already, this is the cheapest Orange combo, vintage lookin and cheap.
Orange Amplifiers Crush PiX CR25BX 25W 1x8 Bass Combo Amp: Shop Amplifiers & Effects & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

 

[lowfreq33]

Ampeg BA112 looks kind of nice. Definitely not useful for anything more than a practice amp.

 

[anderbass]

I've seen nice-used Ampeg B50R combos's selling in the $150-$200 range over here in the states. They're discontinued now but If you can find a used one in OZ, give it a try.

 

[christw]

For low volume practice, this would probably be pretty cool. It'd fart out real fast as you turn up though, especially being open back. Linked through the photo. It's a new Fender Pawn Shop series Excelsior 115 15w tube amp.

 

[slobake]

If you can find a used Fender Sidekick, one of the made in Japan in the 80's. They are pretty small, you get the classic Fender vibe and it is amazing how warm and rich they sound and practice volumes. You can find them pretty cheap around here.

 

[slobake]

This one was going for $99, but I've seen them for less.

 

[wagdog]

I'll second the Behringer Thunderbird. I've had one for years and it's taken all kinds of abuse and just keeps on ticking. It's my drag around practice amp and my son used it for keys monitoring too. Doesn't sound bad either and it's cheap.

 

[JimWasHere]

If you buy the behringer one, on your way home stop at the local hardware store and buy the biggest railroad spike you can find...

 

[AstroSonic]

"I want a vintage looking, compact, good sounding, pretty practice combo. I also don't want to spend a fortune. This will allow me to keep this in the front room and will also help me to indulge in impromptu practice sessions."

Vintage looking,
Compact,
Good Sounding,
'Pretty'
costing less than a fortune...

Ampeg B100R.

Plenty available used, though not sure in Oz.

Also, an Ampeg Micro VR with matching 210 cab. Not a combo, but it's so small and light that won't likely matter.

Bob

 

[musicman666]

Ampeg Micro SVT with the SVT 2x10 cab.....classic looks and classic sound!

 

[darius8]

If you buy the behringer one, on your way home stop at the local hardware store and buy the biggest railroad spike you can find...

You'll need it to tie it down becuz it rocks!!

"I want a vintage looking, compact, good sounding, pretty practice combo. I also don't want to spend a fortune. This will allow me to keep this in the front room and will also help me to indulge in impromptu practice sessions."

Vintage looking,
Compact,
Good Sounding,
'Pretty'
costing less than a fortune...

Ampeg B100R.

Plenty available used, though not sure in Oz.

Also, an Ampeg Micro VR with matching 210 cab. Not a combo, but it's so small and light that won't likely matter.

Bob

The B100R is $350(USD) used, in NZ it would be $600(USD) used.
Pretty expensive for a practice amp.

 

[project_c]

Fender Bassman TV combos. Not cheap, but look fantastic!

+1. I love my Bassman TV 15.

 

[Rob Martinez]

Yeah, my Fender Bassman TV Ten looks pretty amazing! Sounds great too!

 

[JxBass]

Used Ampeg BA-112.

 

[mpdd]

pignose hog 20 or 30, sounds good by itself, sounds great with a tube emulator or tube overdrive pedals