Need help choosing an amp

[VicMo]

Hey all - I mainly play upright bass in an orchestra, but I do play in two bands with either an Ergo EUB or my brand new Fender Jazz bass (which I absolutely love). I have a little practice amp at home that buzzes and generally sounds really bad. Fortunately, I don’t need to bring an amp with me on the gigs, but I need something decent at home that won’t overwhelm my practice room. I know this is the place to ask that question. THANKS
Vick

 

[Camaro69]

Couple questions:

1) what do you have now?
2)budget
3) expectations or type of music you will use it for

 

[VicMo]

Couple questions:

1) what do you have now? I have a Peavy Max158 Bass Amp
2)budget - not sure what I even need, if I get something for under $200 I’d be happy.
3) expectations or type of music you will use it for

- I’d use it strictly for practicing at home, gospel music for the gospel band and reels and jigs and there’s another band I’ve played in and they do big band music.

let me know if you there are other questions- Vick

 

[tothemax]

The Fender Rumble 40 might be a good fit, it's a great little practice amp and would be a good fit for your Jazz bass. Not sure how it would work with the uprights. Others might have better input, the big plus is that it weighs in at 18 lbs and has a fairly small footprint. They run $199 new. MF has a sale going through May 1st where you save a few bucks by calling them.

Good luck

 

[VicMo]

The Fender Rumble 40 might be a good fit, it's a great little practice amp and would be a good fit for your Jazz bass. Not sure how it would work with the uprights. Others might have better input, the big plus is that it weighs in at 18 lbs and has a fairly small footprint. They run $199 new. MF has a sale going through May 1st where you save a few bucks by calling them.

Good luck

Thank you! Checking it out now. I appreciate your response, that question has probably been asked lots of times.

 

[Oldbasslover]

Lots of people seem to love the Fender Rumble amps. Lots of features, and very lightweight. I have always been a fan of Ampegs and having used 8 and 10” practice amps, I prefer having a 12” speaker. They just sound a lot better to my ears. Personally, I like the Ampeg BA112v2, but it weighs 42lbs compared to the Rumble’s 19 lbs. it also does not have all the features of the Rumble, but I love the sound...
Hopefully you have a music store near you that has several 25-75watt ams that you can take into one of their sound rooms and give them a whirl. Good luck.

 

[CallMeAl]

I love my Rumble 25. Before that I had an Ampeg BA 108 which was equally great. I find at practice room (for me, living room) volumes the character of the preamp and speaker doesn’t really shine through like it does at gig volume. So I hear less difference between the amps. I never have mine up past 9:00.

Im hesitant to wholeheartedly endorse either though, as I’ve never tried the Peavey 158 and it is a similar sized amp. Maybe you are seeking more headroom, or a bigger driver size.

The Rumbles, and to a lesser extent the Ampeg BAs, have a baked in vintage character. If you think you want clean, uncolored tone, the Hartke combos of similar size might fit the bill.

If you are looking for “higher quality” the GK MB amps are nice. You might find a used 108 for 200 bucks. Markbass makes a 108 combo, but might bust the budget. Both are popular with players that play both DB and electric.

Ultimately, best bet is to go out and try stuff! All comments IMHO, of course. Best of luck!

 

[chris_b]

I'd buy something like a good used Bergantino 112 from the classifieds and pair it with a good 200 watt head, but it changes the picture, a lot, if you are never going to gig this rig. A Rumble combo would be on the list. Not one of the small ones. You still need headroom to get a good sound, so I'd suggest the Rumble 100 or more likely the Rumble 200.

 

[VicMo]

Lots of people seem to love the Fender Rumble amps. Lots of features, and very lightweight. I have always been a fan of Ampegs and having used 8 and 10” practice amps, I prefer having a 12” speaker. They just sound a lot better to my ears. Personally, I like the Ampeg BA112v2, but it weighs 42lbs compared to the Rumble’s 19 lbs. it also does not have all the features of the Rumble, but I love the sound...
Hopefully you have a music store near you that has several 25-75watt ams that you can take into one of their sound rooms and give them a whirl. Good luck.

THANK YOU! I have a Sam Ash nearby and I’ll check out a few. Since I’m not traveling with this amp, weight is not a big factor.

 

[VicMo]

I'd buy something like a good used Bergantino 112 from the classifieds and pair it with a good 200 watt head, but it changes the picture, a lot, if you are never going to gig this rig. A Rumble combo would be on the list. Not one of the small ones. You still need headroom to get a good sound, so I'd suggest the Rumble 100 or more likely the Rumble 200.

Can’t tell you all how much I appreciate your input. I play double bass in an orchestra so this is all new to me. I love the spirit of helping others out!

 

[VicMo]

I love my Rumble 25. Before that I had an Ampeg BA 108 which was equally great. I find at practice room (for me, living room) volumes the character of the preamp and speaker doesn’t really shine through like it does at gig volume. So I hear less difference between the amps. I never have mine up past 9:00.

Im hesitant to wholeheartedly endorse either though, as I’ve never tried the Peavey 158 and it is a similar sized amp. Maybe you are seeking more headroom, or a bigger driver size.

The Rumbles, and to a lesser extent the Ampeg BAs, have a baked in vintage character. If you think you want clean, uncolored tone, the Hartke combos of similar size might fit the bill.

If you are looking for “higher quality” the GK MB amps are nice. You might find a used 108 for 200 bucks. Markbass makes a 108 combo, but might bust the budget. Both are popular with players that play both DB and electric.

Ultimately, best bet is to go out and try stuff! All comments IMHO, of course. Best of luck!

Wish I seriously picked up the electric bass years ago! Lots of good advice, hope to get to try amps this week. I’ve got some good background now. You guys are all the best - really bassists in general are the best!

 

[coyoteboy]

Since you play upright and eub, if in your in-store shopping you come across any combos labeled Phil Jones Bass or just PJB, check it out. They are dreamy for good arco tone amplified. I use mine for eub and e-cello.

I believe Sam Ash is a pjb dealer as well. Double Four should be right up your alley for a practice combo youll actually want to listen to.

 

[G On Bass]

I also have an Ergo and I run it through a few pedals before the amp: Compressor, an acoustic guitar preamp and a reverb (just a touch). I found that to me, it sounds best through either a 210 cabinet or at least a 12" speaker. That info is backed by no science, engineering or technical specs and I have not played every amp. Just my experience. Personally, I'm an Ampeg guy but there are plenty of combos out there with some good suggestions above.