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BEST small gig amp

D

Dividation

Mar 9, 2024
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7
#1
Hello!

I am not in a band, nor do I play small gigs (YET). I currently use the spark mini because I lived with others in the home and in a town house, luckily I am now moving into my own place where noise won't be an issue. So I'd like to get a bigger amp. One that is good enough for some beginner gigs with friends at a bar or something, but won't break the bank (sub 350 bucks).

Any recommendations? I always see talks about rumbles by fender, but I want multiple options to check out! Thanks!
 
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#2
You probably want at least a single 12” speaker. New in your price range would be a Rumble 100, which is around $325.

Most other brands are going to be more expensive than your budget for a giggable combo amp. Look for stuff like Ampeg Rocket bass, Ashdown, Peavey, Acoustic, etc in the 100w to 300w range on the used market. Something that has an xlr output so you can connect to a PA or house sound system.
 
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#3
Swerve said:
You probably want at least a 12” speaker. New in your price range would be a Rumble 100, which is around $325.

Most other brands are going to be more expensive than your budget for a giggable combo amp. Look for stuff like Ampeg Rocket bass, Ashdown, Peavey, Acoustic, etc in the 100w to 300w range on the used market. Something that has an xlr output so you can connect to a PA or house sound system.
Click to expand...
OK thanks! Yeah I'm looking for used also, I don't mind used things. As long as they work lol. Also can you inform me on what a combo amp even means? I see that thrown around, is it defined by like the speaker and the amp attached together basically?
 
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#4
Dividation said:
OK thanks! Yeah I'm looking for used also, I don't mind used things. As long as they work lol. Also can you inform me on what a combo amp even means? I see that thrown around, is it defined by like the speaker and the amp attached together basically?
Click to expand...

Yeah exactly, the amp and speaker are housed in one box together.

Search the used market and when you find something interesting, do a Google search for it and add the word talkbass. You’ll usually find a ton of threads with all sorts of opinions. Also check YouTube for demo’s. Good luck!
 
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#6
I have to agree with the recommendations for the Fender Rumble 100. It's a 100 watt, 1 X 12" combo (yes amp and speaker in one cabinet). Very reasonably priced, light weight and sounds great and the volume level will be perfect, with room to spare for your described usage.

Go to you local music store and try one. Remember 10, 2, 2, 10. that will be you tone settings for an actual flat tone.
 
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#8
If you are strong, look for a Peavey TNT-115. 150 W with the internal 15" speaker, and 200 W if you add another 4 ohm cab. I'm talking about the red trim version with the Blue Marvel speaker. Just put casters on it to move it. The only drawback is it's HEAVY, but it is also built like a tank and will probably last forever.

I have a Rumble 40 as well as one of these TNT'S. It has the same 4 band EQ as the 100 everyone is mentioning, and I find the 7 band parametric EQ on my Peavey blows it away.

You should be able to get one for $350 or less.

Happy hunting!
 
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#9
Dividation said:
Hello!

I am not in a band, nor do I play small gigs (YET). I currently use the spark mini because I lived with others in the home and in a town house, luckily I am now moving into my own place where noise won't be an issue. So I'd like to get a bigger amp. One that is good enough for some beginner gigs with friends at a bar or something, but won't break the bank (sub 350 bucks).

Any recommendations? I always see talks about rumbles by fender, but I want multiple options to check out! Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you're young and strong you can save a lot of money by buying "vintage" bass gear.

A lot of the amps we played back in the day are available on the used market at a fraction of the cost of new gear, albeit at a significantly higher weight.

Good luck in your quest!! :)
 
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#12
Something to bear in mind is that there isn't the junk about that there was when I was a kid. 2x10, 1x12, 1x15 combos from a manufacturer with a reasonable name and less then about 15 years old are all going to be pretty useable. Until you get to the stage when you have strong preferences about the sound you want it probably doesn't matter too much what you pick. Go back 25 years or so and there were plenty of lousy amps. Don't go for real vintage stuff until you can tell the sheep from the goats. Actually I'd say don't go for it at all. As others have said SH heavy stuff can be super value for money, but don't go crazy. There's a reason why you can get 100lb amps and cabs for nearly no money, as you'll find out living with them, and even more so a partner living with them! Others will disagree, but personally I'd avoid tubes as an unnecessary complication.
 
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#13
Don’t forget to visit the Combo Club, here in Amps and Cabs if you’re looking solely for a combo amp. They have a wealth of knowledge with many different brands, though the Fender Rumble series is a fave of many members. Then when you buy one you can request a membership number to hang with the cool kids. Good hunting!

PS: take a serious look at the Ampeg Rocket Bass series of combos. Similar to the Rumbles in appointments, but in my opinion more open midrange they you can hear. Either way ya go, you’ll be fine for a first giggable combo.
 
#14
I use a Rumble 100 in a small dive bar with a loud drummer (aka a drummer) and two guitars. Gain and Master and 3 o'clock is barely loud enough.

I strongly recommend buying a more powerful amp with more speaker area - get a 1x15 or a 2x10 with at least 250W, and make sure it actually pumps 250W into the internal cab (it will likely be at 8 ohms).

Find a used Rumble 500 or 800/AMpeg Rocket 210 or similar. They are powerful enough, light, they sound decent and you can turn them down or use headphines at home. The Rumble 800 (400w into the built-in 2x10 cab) has a low power toggle switch so you can set it to 100W for bedroom practice. It's also the only Rumble with a pre/post EQ switch for the DI.

The Rumbles do have a baked-in boomy low end that is difficult to EQ out, though the EQ is quite effective.
 
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#15
If you aren’t playing with people now, then commit to practicing hard for a 6 month period while you build your budget to a higher number. Make sure you can play along with you tube videos. Follow the advice in this discussion about used gear to maximize wattage. When you start jamming with people, it changes everything - it will feel like you are progressing at twice the rate!
It’s nice to have plenty of power when you start jamming with other folks. I’m assuming you haven’t yet - obviously.- so please don't feel patronized. But hey, if you gotta get a small amp now, the players in here have great guidance for you! Talkbass rules, these folks are always willing to offer advice! Keep up the passion, Davidation! Tell us about your bass!
 
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#19
Dividation said:
I currently use the spark mini
Click to expand...

Which Spark Mini model are you using, currently?

I’d normally second the recommendation for a Quilter Interbass 45 and a 110 or 112 speaker - it’s what I’ve been using for small gigs for a while - but I also like the idea of extending the sound you already know and saving some bucks by just adding an extension cab to your current rig. If it’s powerful enough.
 

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