I'm headed to college in a few months and I'm looking for a smaller bass amp than what I have. I currently run a 150 watt combo with a 15" speaker. Not only is that a heavy beast to load into a small car, it's also hella loud, considering I'm not doing any gigging. The university allows us to have instruments and stuff in our dorms. Can anyone recommend me a smaller amp (like less than 50 watts or so) that'd be suitable for use in my dorm room? I'm an alternative/punk/rock bassist and want a amp with good bottom end and an articulate tone. Built in FX not really important 'cause I'm ordering a few effect pedals soon. Also hopefully something in the sub-$250 range. Thanks!
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Amp recommendation for a college dorm.
- Thread starter BenWhoPlaysBass
- Start date
Get one with a decent power rating, a separate cab and a good headphone jack . Don't buy a gutless wonder for practice, learn how to use the volume control. Stash the cab in a closet and leave the head on the desk so you can easily practice.
I'm going to be one of those trolls who suggests something outside of your price range... 
The Great College Downsize is always a time of dilemma and compromise.
If I were you, I wouldn't cheap out on the amp, just to save money for pedals. A few more bucks gets you into the territory of GK, MarkBass, etc.
The Great College Downsize is always a time of dilemma and compromise.
If I were you, I wouldn't cheap out on the amp, just to save money for pedals. A few more bucks gets you into the territory of GK, MarkBass, etc.
I would think you're going to bother people at almost any volume. I would look for something with a headphone output so you can crank it when you feel the need
The hope is that you'll find some friends to jam with. Meanwhile, headphones seem like a good idea. Waiting until you get there might make sense too. Your options might open up if you are moving to a college town, since there may be people selling old gear, and you'll be able to see if the student venues provide backline.
Used Peavey Minx. I don't know if they have anything new in that kinda outfit. Also, the new Traynor 110 lightweight combo is a real winner in my book. I was really impressed by it. Usually they're really competitively priced if you can get them in your area.
- Jan 27, 2010
- 4,141
- 471
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Genz Benz Amplification
I have a Hartke A70 and it is a really nice amp for practice and quieter rehearsals. It has three very nice features : it is a tilt-back cabinet, it has a headphone jack, and it has a stereo CD/line level input for playing along with music. New they can be found for around 300 and used for much less. I got mine at GC for about 150. It has a 12-inch speaker and is not so good with a low B on a 5-string but it handles the low E on a 4-string just fine.
I can raise my price range if I need to for an amp. What about a head/cab setup? I've seen the Ampeg PF 350 for around $300. Would that be good to run through like a 1x10 or something?
Acoustic 260 mini rig. Small, lightweight (less than 35 pounds). Separate 100 watt head and 1x10 reflex cab (4 ohm). Surprisingly loud (when you want it) but great tone at all volumes. Very small footprint, so it won't take up much space in your dorm. $299 new. About $175 used. That's about as small as I would go. Personally, I have not found a better sounding small/practice amp in that price range.
You might want to also look at the Carvin micro 110 or the Ibanez Promethean 110. I have a GK MB which I like, but the reason I'd look at those 2, is that you can add an additional (8 0hm) speaker cab. If you end up wanting to jam or whatever, that would potentially be a VERY handy plus (and cheaper than getting a new/bigger combo)! They both have a decent amount of power for little amps as well.
For the love of your roommate and neighbors... get an amp with a headphone jack.
And remember... everyone has a weird roommate. If you don't, it's you.
And remember... everyone has a weird roommate. If you don't, it's you.
I sold an Ampeg BA112 to a college guy. He loves it still. My Genz is a small amp, but still too big if you will for my apartment, yet with some time and judicious use of the Vol controls (amp and bass), it works well.
How many people will be living in the dorm? My rule of thumb is that you'll need one watt for each person (with the appropriate speakers, of course). 400 people = 400 watts, 300 people = 300 watts, you get the idea.
Whether you're playing in a hall, or annoying a whole building, the rule applies.
Whether you're playing in a hall, or annoying a whole building, the rule applies.
Well the college I'm going to is centered around music, so a lot of other musicians are gonna be there anyway. I'll look into all the amps suggested here, plus I plan on going to a ton of music shops around Nashville in a week or so where I'll be living and seeing what they have.
Yeah, I guess you've got a good point. I may find a new amp anyway, though. I'm a bit tired of lugging my rumble around.
