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Buying my first practice amp; Advice needed!
- Thread starter starbelly
- Start date
Definitely try before you buy, when possible. Especially when buying used.
My only amp is a Peavey 115 (a small step up from the 112,) and I'm more than happy with it. It's got good sound and a lot of power. YMMV, but I've never needed to turn gain and volume higher than two.
My only amp is a Peavey 115 (a small step up from the 112,) and I'm more than happy with it. It's got good sound and a lot of power. YMMV, but I've never needed to turn gain and volume higher than two.
Yes! Which ever one of these are affordable to you. The Rumble 200 is expandable with a powered extension speaker output jack and is easily gigable as is. By all means do ...
Rumble On! 
Absolutely fine for practice, though I wouldn't try rehearsing with it.
I have been using 45 watts solid state for rehearsals for a couple of years. Watts aren't everything.
Are you looking an getting more guitar gear any time soon? A dual showman head (twin without the combo) or other clean guitar amp in the 80-100 watt range would be a good compromise for bass and guitar. With appropriate cabs of course.
I love the BA112 v2 and use mine a lot. That said, I agree with those who say to take a trip to the music store and go play through some amps and make up your own mind...THEN get the BA112 v2
I really like the BA110. Great volume and tone for such a small package. I may just save up for one as a spare.
Agreed that a headphone amp would be ideal for personal practice and which won't disturb anyone, ever. Many to choose from these days; even as multi effects units. I use a Korg Pandora's Box or a Line6 "Butterbean"; both of which can be used for private, silent practice, recording or live into a P.A. or bass amp, as you may prefer.
There are so many smaller and good enough quality,smaller BASS amps these days as well.
However, if I may offer my 2 cents... I have had great success with GC house brand Acoustic B200, which are small enough for home practice, with line-out for P.A. reinforcement and can stand on their own, against small to medium sized guitar rigs. Used ones should be well into your price range.
Agreed: Visit some stores, bring YOUR bass and try as many amps in that price range. Then, turn your back on sticker prices as well as our opinions; use your EARS and decide on what sounds most pleasing to you.
Best of luck and keep us posted.
There are so many smaller and good enough quality,smaller BASS amps these days as well.
However, if I may offer my 2 cents... I have had great success with GC house brand Acoustic B200, which are small enough for home practice, with line-out for P.A. reinforcement and can stand on their own, against small to medium sized guitar rigs. Used ones should be well into your price range.
Agreed: Visit some stores, bring YOUR bass and try as many amps in that price range. Then, turn your back on sticker prices as well as our opinions; use your EARS and decide on what sounds most pleasing to you.
Best of luck and keep us posted.
OK everyone, I think I'm coming close to making a decision, but I still need your help!
I think that higher wattage is indeed a wiser choice in the long run, but I'm not a gigging musician (nor do I plan to be given my career). I'm basically going to be practicing in my apartment, or jamming with friends (we don't get exceptionally loud). Thus, at this point I think anything over 150 watts is overkill.
I just played through a Fender Rumble 100 and *really* liked it. I even cranked it all the way up and don't think I'd ever come *close* to that playing at home, and probably not even that loud playing with friends. I really wanted to try an Ampeg BA112, but they only had a BA110. It was OK, but I vastly preferred the tone of the Rumble Overdrive (not to mention the fact that it's wayyy lighter). I still want to play through the BA112 though.
So everyone: Ampeg BA112, or Fender Rumble 100?
If you feel it's necessary, you can make your case for higher wattage amps, haha.
I think that higher wattage is indeed a wiser choice in the long run, but I'm not a gigging musician (nor do I plan to be given my career). I'm basically going to be practicing in my apartment, or jamming with friends (we don't get exceptionally loud). Thus, at this point I think anything over 150 watts is overkill.
I just played through a Fender Rumble 100 and *really* liked it. I even cranked it all the way up and don't think I'd ever come *close* to that playing at home, and probably not even that loud playing with friends. I really wanted to try an Ampeg BA112, but they only had a BA110. It was OK, but I vastly preferred the tone of the Rumble Overdrive (not to mention the fact that it's wayyy lighter). I still want to play through the BA112 though.
So everyone: Ampeg BA112, or Fender Rumble 100?
If you feel it's necessary, you can make your case for higher wattage amps, haha.
Yeah the Peavey is a bit chunky. I love my TKO65 but it mostly is used in the practice space. I have a Traynor SB115 for travel. I agree wholeheartedly with buying an older combo and then saving up. I do like the Rumble 100 if I were buying new though, because it's definitely a keeper. The OP could buy one now and then save up for a bigger used rig. Even if he upgrades to a bigger, more powerful amp, the Rumble 100 is a great amp to keep around for practice and smaller gigs. I'm kinda lusting after one myself LOL
I hate to say this, but go a step up to the 200 if you are going to get it new. I know I said i use 45 watts and it is enough for me, but you are going to want to have that extra one day.
Rumble. All day, everyday. I went with the 200 combo. With no extension cab, the combo only reaches 140 watts. Unlike the 500, it's easier to dial in a low, practice volume. It is also easier to get louder than you ever anticipate needing, while giving you the option to add an additional cab for more speaker surface/the full 200 watts/lifting your combo closer to ear level. If it is out of your price range (or you can't justify the power), go with the Rumble 100 or 40.
Yeah, I understand that I'll be able to get more long-term flexibility. I am a pragmatic person, and this is indeed tempting. I'll need to think about it though.
Furthermore, I'm trying to determine where I can get the best deal. On one hand, I can get one new from Guitar Center this weekend for 15% off (total price = $340), but I feel like I could get a used one for even cheaper. I'm all for used stuff, but I couldn't find any used ones online or on my local Craigslist at the moment.
It's possible to find, but you have to be lucky. If I were buying again, I would be okay paying full price for the included 5 year warranty.
Easy call here, go for the Fender if choosing between the two. I will say though that if you expect to become a gigging bass player, combos rarely will cut it in a stage situation, and your combo will largely be used for practice and rehearsals. So if it were me I'd opt for spending as few bucks as possible on your first amp (combo for practice and rehearsals) and go used with whatever you can find locally for cheap (like $150) then save your $$ for your gig rig. What many guitarists dont realize is that unlike guitar amps that can cut it on stage with a 1-12" speaker, when it comes to bass bigger is better because of the volume of air to be moved (think 2-12's minimum).
**UPDATE**
Alrighty, decision made!
I managed to snag a used Fender Rumble 200 in excellent condition for $275 (the best I could find). Thanks for all your input everyone, it's been really helpful!
Alrighty, decision made!
I managed to snag a used Fender Rumble 200 in excellent condition for $275 (the best I could find). Thanks for all your input everyone, it's been really helpful!
I have all this gear coming in at once:
-2011 Inca Silver MIM Fender Jazz w/ maple fingerboard upgraded with a Hipshot A bridge and a DiMarzio model J in the neck (snagged it off of eBay for $325 shipped!).
-DiMarzio model J for the bridge.
-Fender Rumble 200.
I can't wait until next week, haha.
-2011 Inca Silver MIM Fender Jazz w/ maple fingerboard upgraded with a Hipshot A bridge and a DiMarzio model J in the neck (snagged it off of eBay for $325 shipped!).
-DiMarzio model J for the bridge.
-Fender Rumble 200.
I can't wait until next week, haha.
