Need help with Amp choice

[TG Viking]

So I just got my first bass a few days ago and I can get an amp soon. I've played drums for 4 years and I've always wanted to play bass and now is my chance so "You might not like it" doesn't affect me much I'm ready to work for my goal.

So basically..what should I look for? I don't need a big amp, I will be playing in my living room most of the time. I am not in a band of any kind nor do I plan to be. I'm looking to spend under $150 but still get something decent.

PS. I think it's really pretty

 

[MoeTown1986]

My vote would be something from Hartke. Awesome bang for your buck and really nice combos.

And a small tip... DON'T lean you bass up against a wall. That does horrible things to the neck.

 

[TG Viking]

My vote would be something from Hartke. Awesome bang for your buck and really nice combos.

And a small tip... DON'T lean you bass up against a wall. That does horrible things to the neck.

I only leaned it for the picture and thank you for the input

 

[MoeTown1986]

I only leaned it for the picture and thank you for the input

Got ya, if you're looking for something really small, my lil brother has a fender rumble 30 watt practice amp that I think has great one for what it is. I think it was about $150-$175

 

[SurferJoe46]

And a small tip... DON'T lean you bass up against a wall. That does horrible things to the neck.

............. only if it falls.

You cannot put enough sideways pressure on it to make any difference ---- unless you put it across a couple of chairs and sit on it --- in a gig bag.

 

[JimmyM]

As an Ampeg endorser, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the BA108 and BA110 Nice little practice amps for not much money.

 

[MoeTown1986]

As an Ampeg endorser, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the BA108 and BA110 Nice little practice amps for not much money.

Jimmy's right, my buddy has a BA110. I think the "BA" stands for bad ass, cause its a feisty lil combo!

 

[Sav'nBass]

Ampeg Ba-112 0 TB Classifieds

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Ampeg Ba-112 0 TB Classifieds

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Don't know if he'd be willing to ship or you'd be willing to pay for shipping.. maybe you can work out a split or something.. From Baltimore to Seattle on a guesstimate of a 22x22x22 box @ 45 lbs (the amp weighs 39 actually) the rate was $108 parcel post ... if you are closer than Seattle or the package is smaller/lighter it will most likely be cheaper.. I know Baba lives in MD because I was going to get this amp from him as a gift for a kid in my church but I came upon an unexpected request from my daughter for some $$$ so that squashed that .. but the amp is a decent one... (The Ba-112.. I don't know about this one but I have only had one not great experience on TB and that was with strings so.. I let it pass and chalked it up as a lesson.. all my other experiences with the classifieds here have been great with no hassles whatsoever) and it would be worth it to at least investigate what it would cost.. If you live near him it's even better.

 

[slobake]

As an Ampeg endorser, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the BA108 and BA110 Nice little practice amps for not much money.

A BA108 was my first new bass amp. When I did a head to head test in the music store on amps in the same price range, this one sounded best. IMHOP. I outgrew it quickly in a band setting. It couldn't keep up with our drummer. I still love this little amp though, I have it in my living room and plug in whenever I can squeeze in a few minutes or hours of playing time. I paid $99 for it brand new.

 

[PlungerModerno]

I did some research when I was getting my first amp a few months back.

Knew I wanted a combo, and not an overly expensive one. I read about some different brands but decided to go with cheap & loud. My logic was I didn't know if I'd stick to it, and I'd be playing with a drummer from week 1.
110W Harley Benton isn't too amazing tonally but it works and I can be heard (just) with the drums. plus it's under 20 Kg so it fits the 'practice amp' category just fine.
I can't advise about brands / types but my recommendation is get something that has the basic features (EQ, speaker, electrical components etc.) ASAP as the habits you develop playing acoustically could be bad.

See which sounds good. And loud. If you're into that.

EDIT> about the volume thing. If you drum even a little hard, chances are a tiny practice amp won't inspire the rock and roll vibe. \
If you can practice at a good volume (not painful but loudish) It'll help get those grooving juices flowing.
If you play at a comfortable volume with a drum machine / recording IME the bits that work (tone, timing) seem better, and the bits that are mistakes (misfret, off time) sound worse - which are good things as they encourage you to improve. I can't recommend very high or low volumes for practicing. to begin with, and always use a metronome. But as a drummer you'd be very aware of that (try polyrhythyms without one!)

 

[jungleheat]

Don't buy new. You'll get a lot more for your money if you buy used. The SWR Workingman series combos were pretty popular in their day, and they pop up from time to time on craigslist.

I would just troll through craigslist for a few weeks to see what is out there, and then when you find something you think might work, do some research online to get the basics, and then if you have some more detailed questions (or just want to know if anyone has an opinion on a certain amp) you can ask here.

Sounds like your use will be pretty "non-critical", so really as long as you like the sound of something and it's good quality, it probably won't matter too much what you get. But I would go with at least 100w and a 12 or 15.