Are you using an ultra low output bass? These should start to give up around the "4" range.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Ampeg BA108 and BA110
- Thread starter panama
- Start date
Are you using an ultra low output bass? These should start to give up around the "4" range.
If you plug into the -15db input, it'll let you turn it up all the way without distorting, or just distorting a little bit. Me, I prefer it in the normal input.
OK, I'll say it for you...that's what she said.
OK, I'll say it for you...that's what she said.
That could be; all my basses are passive, the P-Bass has DiMarzio Blade pickups, not particularly low output; the JC I would consider fairly low output. Good point, but that's what I'm hearing, even at 10!
Yup - mine hums too, even without an instrument plugged in. I got in touch with Ampeg (who were really helpful) as I wasn't sure whether there was a problem or it was just 'acceptable' background noise. It came from the speaker and changing sockets/locations/power cord made no difference. As it was brand new I sent it back for a replacement. New replacement arrived and... exactly the same. I've decided to live with it - it's not really a problem and doesn't increase with volume - really only noticeable in a very quiet setting. Ho hummmm...
I also have an issue with the line out - it seems to amplify any noise produced by my recording interface (Scarlett 8i6). Stick a jack lead in it and grab the end and you can hear it's acting as an input. This strikes me as a bit odd but maybe that's just the way it is - anybody else experienced this?
Even with these niggles, I love the sound this thing makes and it's a keeper for me...
This thread convinced me that I should have one. My 108 arrived today and I think its great! Small, great sound, stereo inputs, just a fantastic little amp I can keep in the family room without pissing off the wife. Sure beats going down to the basement and plugging into a monster rig if I'm in the mood to hear something other than headphone output. For $100, you can't beat it.
Update: After playing around with this for several days, overall I'd give it 2 thumbs up and its an incredible value. In fact, they could easily get a higher price for it. I'd say the only downside is the quality of the iPod output if not using headphones. But hey, that's because there's only an 8" bass driver inside, so you really can't say its a downside. A feature I'd really like in an upgraded model would be to include a tweeter. Since its a practice amp and many players will be plugging iPods into it, a tweeter would really make a difference.
Update: After playing around with this for several days, overall I'd give it 2 thumbs up and its an incredible value. In fact, they could easily get a higher price for it. I'd say the only downside is the quality of the iPod output if not using headphones. But hey, that's because there's only an 8" bass driver inside, so you really can't say its a downside. A feature I'd really like in an upgraded model would be to include a tweeter. Since its a practice amp and many players will be plugging iPods into it, a tweeter would really make a difference.
Just purchased my Ampeg ba-108 today new from guitar Center for 79.00 shipped. Awesome deal and I'm looking forward to having a small practice amp at home and not lugging my big Mark bass stack.
Really, the BA 108 is all a bass player needs if low to moderate volume is at goal. It performs quite well in jazzy settings if guitar players and drummers don't indulge themselves into hyper mode.
Would be nice if Ampeg added the kickback feature found on the BA 112. I remember a thread where a TBer did that mod successfully.
Would be nice if Ampeg added the kickback feature found on the BA 112. I remember a thread where a TBer did that mod successfully.
I never take my gigging amp to practice anymore. My modded BA108 does the job just fine and I can carry my bass, BA108, bag of stuff and a music stand from the car to the rehearsal room in one trip. I'm set up, plugged in, tuned up and ready to go while everyone else is still unpacking effects boards, setting up drums or trying to work out which socket in the back of the keyboard is "the one the noise comes out of"!
I wish these had been around back in the 1980's when I was lugging multiple pieces of gear around.
On a side note: does anyone else find their music stand to be the most awkward piece of gear they own? They don't seem to fit neatly into any space, they're awkward to carry with other gear, once they're setup you're sort of trapped behind them and if you're not paying attention you'll knock it over or bang the neck of your bass on it or get your cord tangled in it. They're like an awkward, clumsy family member but indispensible when you need that sheet music or chart in front of you.
I try to learn all songs by heart, so I can avoid the music stand all together.
Well, I've tested the BA108 and BA110 amongst others, and I'm going for the........BA110!
Should be arriving this week!
Well, I've tested the BA108 and BA110 amongst others, and I'm going for the........BA110!
Should be arriving this week!
Music Stand side note: perhaps putting the stand to your side if possible.
It's out of view and out of the way...
It's out of view and out of the way...
I've got it!
The BA110 looks good and sounds great!
(Took it to our rehearsal tonight and got completely washed away by the overdrive-crazy guitarplayer, haha, never mind)
The BA110 looks good and sounds great!
(Took it to our rehearsal tonight and got completely washed away by the overdrive-crazy guitarplayer, haha, never mind)
seems like new 108 and 110s are no longer listed on the GC website. Have they been discontinued, or just massively sold out?
The BA series is being updated, and the new ones are due out in July. I don't know much about them, but I hear tell that they've added Ampeg Scrambler circuitry to them so they will get wicked overdrive sounds.
That's right, I've seen them on Sounds.com.
On one hand, the built in scrambler looks promising, however, the knobs look a bit el cheapo, though. Tiltback function for the BA108 and BA110 will be back.
Knowing all this, I still went for the regular BA110, because:
a) I dont need a scrambler;
b) the current version looks cooler (to me);
c) I couldnt wait another three months or so, haha!
On one hand, the built in scrambler looks promising, however, the knobs look a bit el cheapo, though. Tiltback function for the BA108 and BA110 will be back.
Knowing all this, I still went for the regular BA110, because:
a) I dont need a scrambler;
b) the current version looks cooler (to me);
c) I couldnt wait another three months or so, haha!
I don't need a Scrambler, but it sure is a cool and overlooked pedal and I'd get one if Ampeg made them again. Glad to see tiltback return...my BA108 and 110 are tiltback, and that's the coolest, especially on a small tight stage like the one I used tonight (old timey jazz gig on upright using the BA108). Probably won't replace them, but I might take the opportunity to get a BA112 after lusting after one so long.
Sorry I missed the 79usd sale at GC. I'll continue to lurk and see how well the updated series is received on here. Church sanctuary only seats 120 or so and it would only be acoustics.
"sounds.com" looks like it has nothing to do with amps btw
"sounds.com" looks like it has nothing to do with amps btw
Music Stand Side note: A guitar player (of all people!) we play with found a real nice accessory...music stand that clamps on to the microphone stand...works real well, now we all have them.
