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High quality practice amp?

#21
I love my Line 6 Studio 10-great SVT tone (but not as loud).

and the clean setting works for anything including my
Azola EUB.

Also has an XLR out that makes it versatile for small gigs w/PA support. Probably not enough power for a gig with a drummer.
 
#22
I don't know if it qualifies as professional quality by your criteria or not, but you could look into a Fender Rumble 15 (V2).
15 watts, CD in, Headphones out, 8" speaker. Volume control, 3 band EQ . Not loud, but loud enough for a practice amp. Gets a little buzzed at higher volumes, but not too bad. Well constructed. I've seen both positive and negative reviews on this amp, but those reviews were all about the first version. I don't know what, if any, differences there are between the two versions, they both seem to have the exact same features. My personal experience is positive. I can't speak as to it's durability, I've only had it a few weeks.
$99, new.
 
#25
+1 for the Korg Pandora PX4B as a headphone practice amp. Unfortunately they are discontinued, but can be found used at very reasonable prices.

For a high quality practice amp that can also cut it playing with other musicians at reasonable volume, you might try the MarkBass F500 head with a 4 ohm Acme LoB1 cabinet. This combination is little and light. It won't get extremely loud, but the low end extension is the best you will find for the size/weight factor. The lows still sound full when playing at very low volume levels (e.g. an indoors restaurant gig where playing too loud will get you fired).
 
#27
gastric said:
I've never heard an inexpensive, small bass practice amp that sounded good.
Click to expand...

+1

I went through this almost a year ago, searched TalkBass archives and posted a thread starter. I got a lot of great responses.

I decided on a preamp and headphone combo. I bought a Phil Jones Bass Buddy direct from PJPS and a pair of Sennheiser HD650s on sale at headphone.com. I can use any audio source or combination I desire. It's an excellent high grade audiophile solution.
 
#28
My favorite method of practicing is directly into my M-Audio MobilePre USB and then using a good set of headphones. Great tone, and it's cheap! However, in the future when I have the money I might try investing in a small amp for dorm and jamming usage.
 
#29
If you can find one, a used SWR Workingmans 10 is a great choice. I've had mine for a few years and even use it in church and on gigs. Awesome little amp!

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste! :cool:
 
#30
I kinda like the Phil Jones bass cub bg-100. I do however wish it had a jack for an external cab. then it could be a good small practice amp, and also be coffee house gigable with a small cab.
 
#36
wengr said:
Hey thanks for all the ideas:
Rodger, I have been doing just what you describe, but with a mackie 1202 and good headphones. It works but I find it often hard to hear the prerecorded bass parts. Lack of definition or something when combined with my bass.
Click to expand...

You may want to consider a Tascam Bass Trainer for this reason as part of your kit. It enables you to repeat a phrase at will. Best quality headphones make an enormous difference as well. Most small amps have a headphone input so it can double in that respect with cans or without.

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They come in CD and MP3 versions.
 
#37
Hmm... [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] appears to have a problem with its MicroBass Series link.

Anyway, two more contenders are:

the G-K MB150E-112 & the MB150S-112.

md_MB150E-112_F.jpg
md_MB150S-112_F.jpg


IIRC both of these little jazz-gigable rigs have been around for many years and are well regarded for their tone.

MB150E-112 reviews from two TB'ers.

GK 150mbS or150mbE?
 
#38
wengr said:
Hello, I could use a good practice amp. A small combo with say an 8" or 10" speaker. Small and light. Does not have to compete with drums - a bedroom amp. The only requirement would be an auxilary input for cd etc. The problem is everything I see in this format seems to be the typical prosumer grade stuff. I'd like some examples of professional quality amps if they exist. Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

Many very good answers to this question. I use an Ampeg BA110 that I bought new when they were out. This one is made in St. Louis. 30W and has the CD/headphone inputs. They show up on ebay now and then. I've been thru a few practice amps including the Peavey Microbass. BA110 is the only one that keeps me interested.
 
#39
marchone said:
You may want to consider a Tascam Bass Trainer for this reason as part of your kit. It enables you to repeat a phrase at will. Best quality headphones make an enormous difference as well. Most small amps have a headphone input so it can double in that respect with cans or without.

Invalid Link Removed

They come in CD and MP3 versions.
Click to expand...

+1
And there's more you can do with it.Slow the CD down without changing pitch, change pitch without slowing down. If you're having problems hearing the bass on a CD, you can enhance it, or you can tone it down, if need be, so you can concentrate on your playing. A good number of SPFX, not great sounding, but good enough for training purposes. Metronome. 3-way tuner ... etc.
 
#40
Surprised no one has mentioned the GK MB200 head. Pair that with an 8 ohm cabinet and you'll have a pro-quality practice rig.

Another option is the Ampeg BA-112. It's a great sounding combo with the features you're looking for. I've had one of the older US models and every time I pull it out thinking I'll sell it I'm reminded how great it sounds so I keep it around. It's no slouch and definitely no toy.

If you'll be playing only through headphones, I'd suggest a Korg Pandora. Too much tweaking but works wonderfully for the job.

If you'll be playing through headphones most of the time but want the option of playing through a cab, I'd suggest the Ampeg Micro-VR. The Micro VR is unique in that they maintain the original signal of the aux in / mp3 to the headphones, so it sounds like you're plugged into the iPod directly. Most amps mix down the separate stereo channels to a mono signal (so it can play through the cab) and redistribute to stereo for the headphones. So on the Micro VR you hear the original recorded mix (say, lead guitar on left, rhythm on right, vocal pans etc) vs. hearing the same thing in both ears. Personally, I record at high bit rates and enjoy listening to music through headphones, so it's an important feature. If I didn't have the Pandora, which does this, I would have kept the Micro VR over the MB200. The MB200 just sounds so much better than the Ampeg as an amp (to me), plus I got a great deal on the GK (just under $200) and used a 20% coupon at MF for the GK Neo112-II (arriving tomorrow). But if I were mainly practicing through headphones, and had no other tool, I'd go with the Micro-VR. In fact, since I returned it Friday I've been wondering if I made the right call.

Keep in mind that my reference amp is a Mesa Walkabout Scout, which I've been using as my bedroom amp for a long while.

Sorry for the ramble. Hope it helped.
 

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