First combo to play only at home

[Fernando Caeiro]

Hi guys,

I’m an absolute beginner – I started to play a few weeks ago just before the lockdown.
I got a used acoustic bass (easier to start as it can be played unplugged) and now I just got an used Squier Jaguar short scale
Now I need to plug it and I’m looking for a used combo.
I find 15w, 20w and sometimes 30w combos in the same price range depending on the brand and I need your help (I come here regularly for reviews).
I will play only at home, I’m 50, father of 4 kids, living in an apartment and will never play in a band or do any gigs.
I want a combo that sounds good but it doesn’t need to be complicated or loud as I will play mostly at night (after the kids are asleep).
I know I can get a Fender Rumble 15 brand new for 100€ but for less than that I find used older Rumbles 15 or Peavey 20w or Fame 30w or even Stagg 60w.
Does the “watt thing” make any difference for me?
Also I don’t know if combos break down or can have any problems… does it make sense to buy an used combo just to save 30 or 40€?
Is it usually safe to buy used combos?

Thanks a lot for your help.

 

[Polish Thunder]

Hey Fernando,

I am 57 and just starting playing bass a little less than 2 years ago. Per the advice of a longtime bassist friend, he recommended the Fender Rumble 25 Combo amp ($100.00 USD). It sounds pretty good, but what I really like is the aux in for plugging in my laptop for backing tracks, songs, etc. It also has a headphone jack so you can practice without disturbing anyone.

For about twice that price, you can get a Rumble 40 with extra features and a bigger speaker.

Hartke and Ampeg also make popular combo models around this price range.

Someone on TB had posted this link demonstrating different practice amps to check out. Good luck!

 

[Fernando Caeiro]

I forgot to say that I am looking for something ranging from 50€ to 80€.
The idea of the new Rumble 15w was buying something new just to be on the safe side of waranty and stuff....
Here a new Rumble 25 goes for 150€ and that's too much for me (and I don't find one in the used market).
But thanks a lot for the reply and it's gtreat to find another "late starter"

 

[klokker]

I'd get a new Rumble 15 and call it good. For low volumes it will sound just fine. Plug in the headphones and you can have all the sound you can stand. I have a 20 watt Peavey practice amp and it has more than enough volume for practice. 5 watts makes almost zero difference.

I'm not much for buying used stuff, especially electronics, but others see it much differently. If you do buy used, check for scratchy knobs and plug your bass into it and make sure it sounds OK, doesn't buzz or rattle, or fart out too easily when you play. Play some low notes and high ones as well. You don't want to hear a "cab buzz' all the time.

 

[Gibson Victory]

I personally don’t feel you could go wrong with just about any of the Ampeg Combos, new or used. Just an opinion. If the urge does strike at some point, to do more that this, you will be ready.

 

[MrLenny1]

Fender Rumble

 

[MCF]

I forgot to say that I am looking for something ranging from 50€ to 80€.
The idea of the new Rumble 15w was buying something new just to be on the safe side of waranty and stuff....
Here a new Rumble 25 goes for 150€ and that's too much for me (and I don't find one in the used market).
But thanks a lot for the reply and it's gtreat to find another "late starter"

Not sure where you are, but if your budget only allows for a 15, then stretch to get a new one under warranty. It sounds like it would be tough to have to replace it if something goes wrong with it. They’re decent little amps. But as others have indicated, the R40 is the best beginner amp available.

 

[Gibson Victory]

If, and again just if, you are headed down Ampeg Combo boulevard. The BA 115, version 1 or 2, is NO slouch by any means. I have all kinds of high powered SVT stuff, but still use my version 1 almost everyday. I call it the “Rhino”. A good solid 100 watts and a 15 speaker is kind of hard to beat in the long run, regardless of brand. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[Guild B301]

Vox headphone amp may be the best place to start. About 35£ new. All you need is headphones. If you don’t need others to hear you.

 

[bherman]

For what you are looking to do, any of the affordable combos will be just fine. This is one of those times to shop based on price. If you can get a Fender or Ampeg combo within your price range and its in good shape, you are good to go.

 

[CallMeAl]

Vox amplug if you wanna commit to headphones. Ampeg BA 108 if you want the speaker option.

Rumble, Peavey, and Hartke are great alternatives. 15-40w. Used is fine, so long as it looks like the seller hasn’t abused it.

Happy hunting!

 

[lucas303]

I have a Fender Rumble and I feel like I'm in the minority because I don't think it's very good. I'd recommend looking at something else.

 

[Ggaa]

I've had a used Rumble 100 Combo for over a year for practice, so far no trouble.

 

[ChrisBowsman]

I keep a Rumble 15 upstairs, strictly for low volume playing. I plug in any of my basses, tweak the knobs a little, and it sounds great. Gonna keep an eye out for another one, and a stereo pedal to play them together.

 

[arbiterusa]

Third vote for the Vox Amplug. Just get some decent earbuds/headphones and you’re golden.

 

[conrad H]

Ampeg BA-108 . Affordable and sounds good.

 

[AaronVonRock]

Agree with the opinion that any brand name combo amp in the 15-30 watt range for your purposes will be fine. Fender, Ampeg, Hartke, Orange...same same but different.

 

[knight of ni]

Someone on TB had posted this link demonstrating different practice amps to check out. Good luck!

This is a good review IMO. I had a Fender Rumble 40w which my son now uses and it really is good. I've never been impressed with low end Ampegs.
I don't know about the Fender Rumble 15w which is 8" speaker, whereas the 40w is a 10". I don't say that generally speaking 10" is better, but it's not because the Rumble 40w is great that the 15w is.
Carefully choose your combo. You'll hear your bass through it all the time and nothing can be more frustrating than a mediocre tone IMO. A precise tone really helps being cleaner and well, precise. This should be your first criterion rather than wattage.

 

[TreySonagras]

Whatever you get make sure it has an aux input of some kind and a headphone output so you can play along with your favorite music. Sometimes I have more fun doing that than gigging.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Hi guys,

I’m an absolute beginner – I started to play a few weeks ago just before the lockdown.
I got a used acoustic bass (easier to start as it can be played unplugged) and now I just got an used Squier Jaguar short scale
Now I need to plug it and I’m looking for a used combo.
I find 15w, 20w and sometimes 30w combos in the same price range depending on the brand and I need your help (I come here regularly for reviews).
I will play only at home, I’m 50, father of 4 kids, living in an apartment and will never play in a band or do any gigs.
I want a combo that sounds good but it doesn’t need to be complicated or loud as I will play mostly at night (after the kids are asleep).
I know I can get a Fender Rumble 15 brand new for 100€ but for less than that I find used older Rumbles 15 or Peavey 20w or Fame 30w or even Stagg 60w.
Does the “watt thing” make any difference for me?
Also I don’t know if combos break down or can have any problems… does it make sense to buy an used combo just to save 30 or 40€?
Is it usually safe to buy used combos?

Thanks a lot for your help.

First of all, welcome to the world of bass and TB. It’s a wonderful hobby and I would suspect an incredible vocation for those skillful enough to make it their life's work.

You’ve already received a great sampling of the opinions by your fellow bass players, and each in their own way is a great way to go. If you’re on a super tight budget and/or cannot make any noise, a headphone amp is a great way to go. If you’d like to hear your playing in the room, than a 20-50 watt practice amp will do nicely. Let it be known they is a home practice amp that might work for jamming with friends at lower volumes.

It all depends what your goals are at this point and how much money you’re willing to spend to get there. Buying used offers you greater selection, and combos can be an excellent way to buy all you need with one purchase.

A new amp does give you piece of mind with warranty, but you’ll be able to buy a better one, as in more power and features, if you’re a good bargain hunter.

Good luck in your journey. For many of us, it’s half the fun. If you have any more questions, stop over at the Combo Club and ask our large group of combo experts. Buy a combo, post s picture on our page, and I’ll give you your very own membership number. It’s free too!