Bass amp recommendation for practice/rehearsal space

[DadBandJammer]

TL;DR - Looking for a bass amp to mostly live in my basement rehearsal space. Will be used for a variety of musical styles (all kinds of "rock") with different people. But generally two guitars, maybe keys, one or more vocals (through PA), assume fairly loud drummers. I'm thinking 200 Watts minimum, leaning towards 2x10 config. Fender Rumble 500 2x12 and Ampeg RB-212 are on my short list, what else should I consider? Definitely open to used, but nothing compelling in my area at the moment.

I'm dedicating part of my basement to a practice/jam/rehearsal space. I'm fortunate to live in a community with a lot of "parent bands", so regularly play with different folks in the area (just fun/weekend warrior stuff). I'd like to acquire a bass amp to live in this space (might be occasionally used for a local gig or two). I'm not looking for any particular sound, just something that most bassists would at least find acceptable; something that would make a good backline amp at a community jam space. I'm basically looking for the Toyota Camry of bass amps - I don't need to impress anyone, just get the job done, and hopefully last.

Music genre is all over the place but the kind of rock you'd typically hear in bars and neighborhood parties is certainly most common. But I want to have the ability to do louder/heavier stuff that does come up on occasion.

I know wattage is only part of the equation, but as a starting point, I think 100 Watts would probably cut it with reasonably efficient speakers, but I think 200-300 Watts is ideal to not have to worry about running out of juice. I'd rather over-buy and run it at "2" than wish I'd gone bigger. I definitely want solid state.

I'm not married to any particular speaker size, but going from hearsay, 2x10 sounds like a good config for me; also good for my space in terms of physical size.

It seems people generally recommend separate head and cabinet(s) for the increased flexibility over a combo. In the end, I don't really care, but, at least looking at new pricing, combos are cheaper. As I'm not a bassist, I'm hoping I won't want or need to upgrade for many years, maybe never (hence going high on power from the start).

I'm certainly open to used, definitely prefer it if I can get a deal on the right amp. At least as of right now, I don't really see anything compelling in my area (Chicago). It seems the overwhelming majority of used bass amps for sale are the sub-100 watt bedroom/apartment amp stuff that's definitely not going to cut it for me. Since I'll rarely move it, weight isn't a big issue, but it also can't be too big (another reason 2x10 is appealing).

Having said all that, I'm looking pretty hard at the Fender Rumble 500 2x12 and the Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-210. Both are 500 watts with extension cab, but about half that to the built-in speakers. The ability to power an additional cab gives some of the flexibility of separates. The Fender Rumble has been out for quite a while now, and seems it's still getting a lot of positive press. The Ampeg is very similar in terms of specs, roughly the same price, but newer, so less history to go by. Between these two the impression I get is that it generally boils down to personal preference.

So I'm keeping an eye on those two while continuing to do research watching the local used market. So the purpose of this post is:

• To see if there's anything else I should add to my shortlist
• Sanity check that I'm on the right track
• Generate additional discussion that might be useful
• Maybe get a list of older gems I should jump on immediately if they show up in the local used market

Thanks!

 

[Short4since64]

Never played out with a Rumble, but have heard several in use, generally try to use one when trying out a bass in a music store. Lightweight and very impressive sound. Huge improvement from the previous BXR combos, both in sound and weight. Hint: Keep the low mid at about 10:00 o'clock, cleans up the bottom end. Personally not impressed with anything presently out wearing the Ampeg badge, will need to see what Yamaha does with the brand.
My "practice amp" is a little outrageous - Hartke LH1000 / 810 HyDrive

 

[CallMeAl]

Sounds like a Rumble 500 would do it for you. Plenty loud for any sane and mature musician who understands what “rehearsal volume” means. (Yet not really overkill.)

Rocketbass is a good choice too. Equally capable, maybe a bit cleaner tone. But the “Toyota Camry of bass amps” (lol) makes me think Rumble 500.

 

[Marko 1]

2x10 is kinda small, I'd be prepared to add another.

I'd say 2x12 minimum... and still be prepared to add another.

 

[Wasnex]

Budget?

 

[Lowbrow]

Ampeg RB112 would be a good choice

 

[DadBandJammer]

Budget?

I should have mentioned this in the first post - I don't have a particular budget in mind. How much do I need to spend to get something that has a good chance of being a buy-it-for-life kind of purchase?

In general, with most kinds of purchases, I feel there's a "spend more, get more" curve, then you hit a point where it turns into "spend a lot more, get a little more". I'd like to hit that maximum value point, where I've got something that most folks would at least find acceptable, and will last through years of practice sessions and occasional gigs.

Having said all that... $500 is quite comfortable, $1k is definitely doable, $1500 starts getting a little uncomfortable, and beyond that I need some pretty strong justification for why that kind of outlay is necessary. But if a compelling case can be made, I'll do it.

 

[-Stingray]

Maybe take a look at the Markbass 102P combo. It's more of a modern/open sound though. I really like mine a lot, and it's light as a feather.

 

[DavidEdenAria]

If the bass rig is not going to be moved around, you have a very wide selection of used bass rigs that are being dumped because of size and weight.

In a smaller space i prefer the cabinet to be at ear level, an 8x10 in my case because it was dirt cheap and takes up a small footprint.

Lots of great 2x15s out there used that are too heavy to move around same with 8x10s.

I too prefer more clean power even in a small space and i much prefer separates but plenty of combos are great as well.

 

[StayLow]

Minimum 2 speakers. The hack-ier the band the louder it gets, so minimum 2 12” speakers is best bet, and 2 speakers tend to combine well for rock tones.

Whichever speakers have more of a mid focus, so avoid a lot of porting or anything that boasts a big extended low end. That low-end rumble gives you no note clarity which will cause you to turn up and max out your rig because that low-end rumble will cause others to turn up their rigs and hit drums harder, which everyone’s looking for an excuse to do in order to get their ya-yas rockin’ out away from the family once per week or month.

Amp won’t matter nearly as much as cabs. Some cool old 70’s basement rock amp or rig would be great, if you can find it.

Have fun!! And be heard.

 

[Killing Floor]

 

[DavidEdenAria]

Minimum 2 speakers. The hack-ier the band the louder it gets, so minimum 2 12” speakers is best bet, and 2 speakers tend to combine well for rock tones.

Whichever speakers have more of a mid focus, so avoid a lot of porting or anything that boasts a big extended low end. That low-end rumble gives you no note clarity which will cause you to turn up and max out your rig because that low-end rumble will cause others to turn up their rigs and hit drums harder, which everyone’s looking for an excuse to do in order to get their ya-yas rockin’ out away from the family once per week or month.

Amp won’t matter nearly as much as cabs. Some cool old 70’s basement rock amp or rig would be great, if you can find it.

Have fun!! And be heard.

An HPF will solve unwanted low frequencies and save amplifier power as well...i like Semi Parametric EQs as on my Eden Metro.

 

[Marko 1]

I'd like to hit that maximum value point, where I've got something that most folks would at least find acceptable, and will last through years of practice sessions and occasional gigs.

From what's available right now on GC Used site, the least-expensive rig that I would consider adequate for your application.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

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Total with tax/shipping should be ~$825.

 

[DBA23]

I recently decided to get something relatively future proofed. I sold my Rumble 100 to a friend and got a GK Fusion 210 combo. At age 63, it’s the upper limit of what I can get in and out of my car, 38 pounds. 400 watts as is, 800 with an extension cab. I brought it to a practice jam last week easily. Way overkill in an apartment, but I like enjoying well designed gear and I can afford it at this stage of my life, so if not now, when?

 

[Marko 1]

Way overkill in an apartment, but I like enjoying well designed gear and I can afford it at this stage of my life, so if not now, when?

Amen brother.

 

[BigDBass]

Do not underestimate a modern amp with 2 x 8" speakers.

At our rehearsal space, I use a TC Electronic BG250-208 2x8" combo that keeps up with loud drums, 2 guitars, and vocals playing blues and southern/classic rock. Easily in your price range even if you decide to add another speaker cabinet.

There is also a Trace Elliot 2x8" combo (and head/cab option) that a good friend uses with success for rehearsal and playing live usually without even needing to use PA support via DI. In your price range.

A 2x10" setup would do the job for sure. The Fender Rumble 500, 800, or 800 Stage are in your price range.

I can edit this part out if it's inappropriate:
I see you are in Chicago. I'm not trying to self-promote, but FYI I am selling my Eden Metro 2x10 combo (for a steal) that honestly could be perfect for your needs. I'll let others chime in on its merits/demerits.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Any decent name brand will work. But the classifieds here are a great source. Being in a metro area, you likely will find someone local, so you can try before you buy. I see you already have offers.

Don't know the age of the amp offered above, Eden was a solid option, although heavy by today's standards. Google "Eden 210 amp" and you will find several threads here discussing it.

 

[Redbrangus]

For a multi-user rehearsal space, I think the Rumble 500 is a good choice. It's pretty generic, almost everybody recognizes it when they see it, and it doesn't have any specialized weirdness to confuse the user. And while an external HPF is certainly desirable, it's another piece of gear to be interfaced and thus adding to the potential for confusion. (I guess leaving it patched into the effects loop would avoid some of that -- nevertheless, if it's adjustable, it will probably get 're-adjusted' at some point.) Not to mention it's another piece of gear that has to be accounted for, lest it grow legs and walk off. So I'm a yes on the Rumble, but less enthusiastic about leaving a HPF there.

 

[DadBandJammer]

What do you think of the Mesa D-800+? There's one of those with a matching Subway Ultra-Lite 1x12 cab near me for $1350. The 1x12 might be a little light (pun intended!) but probably good enough until I pony up for a 4x10 or a 2x12. Seems like a reasonable deal given what these go for new anyway. Hard to find anyone who has anything negative to say about the Mesa Subway line. I also see a few Reverb listings for just the head for $850ish. I could spend big on the head now, and find a cheaper local used cab.

Another one that looks interesting: Traynor Big Block BB115 combo. Again, more speakers/speaker area is ideal, but this has enough power for an extension cab. Very little discussion on these amps, although what is out there is positive. The old Traynor amps from back in Pete Traynor's day are famously rugged and reliable. I kind of like the idea of having something a little different.

 

[StayLow]

What do you think of the Mesa D-800+? There's one of those with a matching Subway Ultra-Lite 1x12 cab near me for $1350. The 1x12 might be a little light (pun intended!) but probably good enough until I pony up for a 4x10 or a 2x12. Seems like a reasonable deal given what these go for new anyway. Hard to find anyone who has anything negative to say about the Mesa Subway line. I also see a few Reverb listings for just the head for $850ish. I could spend big on the head now, and find a cheaper local used cab.

Another one that looks interesting: Traynor Big Block BB115 combo. Again, more speakers/speaker area is ideal, but this has enough power for an extension cab. Very little discussion on these amps, although what is out there is positive. The old Traynor amps from back in Pete Traynor's day are famously rugged and reliable. I kind of like the idea of having something a little different.

A single 1x12 isn’t gonna cut it, and if you’re leaving it for others to use in the situation you’ve described you’ll likely have a blown speaker before too long.

Again, minimum 2 speakers.

The head is OK. Not much of a rock amp - it’s very clean - but you can always use pedals.

The Traynor combo won’t be as good as the Mesa pairing. Again, you’ll have more fun and be much better heard in that situation with a bigger cab and at least two speakers.

A larger, less costly, old-school cab will work just fine and save you a lot of money over late-model gear.

You’re in a big city… easy to find someone selling some big, heavy, 20-50 year-old cab or rig for very low dough. Perfect for that type of situation. Get that, save money, and rock.