• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Newbie Looking for a Good Starter Bass Amp

R

rjames1973

Jun 28, 2013
9
0
#1
All,

I have been playing the guitar for the past 23 years and am looking to pick up the bass solely for home recording purposes. I live in a relatively small two bedroom apartment, so I need a low wattage bass amp that will not disturb my neighbors too much, and at the same time be compatible for recording purposes through my M-Audio interface with Garageband. Thus far, I've been trying to record bass tracks with my midi keyboard controller, but it's tough with some of the cover tunes I've tried to record. I've looked at the Fender Rumble 15 and Ampeg BA-108, but wanted to see what other recommendations you all might have. I'm definitely on a relatively tight budget ($200.00 tops), and I don't need the top of the line bass amp. I just need something basic that will give me some decent sounds for my recording projects. Thanks in advance for your help!
 
#6
Thanks for the recommendation, JimmyM. I don't need anything that's too powerful. I'm just a hobbyist player, so this is solely for home use. Speaking of which, I have to be very mindful of how much noise I make, since I live in an apartment.

JimmyM said:
If you liked the BA108, I'd go a little bigger and get the BA110 if you can swing it. BA108 is hot for $100, but the BA110 sounds a bit bigger and badder.
Click to expand...
 
#7
Well the BA108 is a cool little practice amp, so in your situation I think it would work out. But I have both and I invariably go for the 110 on some of my gigs and rehearsals even when the 108 will cover it.
 
#8
I have a Rumble 15 that I use for home practice and can say I'm very happy with the tone, volume and sound.

The price is where you want to be, and it can't be beat for what you need.

I first thought of the Ampeg, until played the Rumble.

The sound is what is was looking for.

Play them both, see what you like.

They both have decent practice volume and sound great.
 
#9
Thanks, Clark. I played the Fender Rumble 15 recently at my local Guitar Center, and really liked it. Unfortunately, they didn't have the Ampeg, but I'm going to look around for it. I've read some reviews of the Rumble series, and some people have reported various issues with them. A friend of mine has a brother who plays the bass in a local band, and he has one of the pricier models. Apparently, the speaker blew out at one point, but he might have been pushing it.

Clark Westfield said:
I have a Rumble 15 that I use for home practice and can say I'm very happy with the tone, volume and sound.

The price is where you want to be, and it can't be beat for what you need.

I first thought of the Ampeg, until played the Rumble.

The sound is what is was looking for.

Play them both, see what you like.

They both have decent practice volume and sound great.
Click to expand...
 
#15
All,

Thanks so much for the replies. I decided to go with the Ampeg BA108. A lot of you recommended it, and I liked the way it sounded when I demoed it recently, so I pulled the trigger. Looking forward to learning how to play bass!
 
#16
For that situation I'd get a sans amp and a little cab like a 112 or 210 and a small power amp. The sans amp will sound good direct for recording with headphones and cab and small power amp would be good for practicing and maybe some few select small gigs.

PJB combos are pretty nice if you don't mind paying for them but other than that I haven't played through many combos that would be as good for the recording aspect as a sans amp or similar device.
 
#17
I recommend using some sort of multi effect box through phones for silent practice.

I own and use both Line6 Bass pod [ black butter bean] and Korg Pandoras Box.

Both have lots to offer; many amp/cab mic simulators/ emulators.

Korg has phrase recording and drum patterns and can be interfaced with radio/ cd players. Line6 is designed for computer interface as well.

Importantly, both have headphone jacks.

Although there are amp choices with headphone jacks, I don't want to annoy neighbors when I practice or inform anyone driving by our house that electric basses / amps reside there as well....
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back