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Portable amp?

GeneralElectric

GeneralElectric

Dec 26, 2007
10,314
1,375
36
NY, NY
#1
Howdy all!

I'm thinking of taking my act to the streets!

...err... under the streets...

So I'm looking for a portable amp to do so. So whats the best portable amp that can run on its own power? I don't want to spend more than a few hundred bucks as I'm sure subway musicians don't earn much.

The only one I can think of is a Pignose Hog 30, but is there anything else?

Thanks in advance mi amigos!:D
 
#4
I have the Hog 30, and it works just fine for what it is. It's got an 8" speaker and I think it puts out 30 watts. I mainly use a GK MB150 these days, and there is no comparison between the two... so don't expect it's going to sound like a bigger 110v rig. But for running on batteries I think it's amazing. Are you doing a solo thing or playing with other folks?
 
#6
It is designed to be powered by a battery, and has an internal compartment and connections for that purpose. It doesn't come with a battery though, you buy that separately. Read the reviews, it is more than "merely" a tiny practice amp (although like any very small amp that's what it's best for).
 
#7
GeneralElectric said:
Howdy all!

I'm thinking of taking my act to the streets!

...err... under the streets...

So I'm looking for a portable amp to do so. So whats the best portable amp that can run on its own power? I don't want to spend more than a few hundred bucks as I'm sure subway musicians don't earn much.

The only one I can think of is a Pignose Hog 30, but is there anything else?

Thanks in advance mi amigos!:D
Click to expand...

I've got one of these:

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and it works really well for bass. The battery life is excellent, and since once when I took it to a campout, someone with an acoustic guitar circle 100 yards away sent someone over to ask me to turn it down, I'd say it's volume is sufficient. I think I paid about $200 for it used.
 
#10
True, the PJ Briefcase is probably the highest quality amp out there that has the ability to run on batteries. It is also probably the most expensive amp that does this (you get what you pay for sort of thing), and the battery is a separate purchase. Also, the battery is good for about an hour. So if you're playing for longer than that you'll need an extra one. Are you doing a solo thing or with a group? I had a similar need and ended up choosing the Pignose Hog 30. When it was all said and done, I was playing a trio (acoustic guitar, mandolin, me on bass), and while the Hog is not the same as a 110v "real" amp... it was for me the best compromise.... weight+battery duration+sound+price. FWIW, I also have a small Pig Nose amp, not the Hog but the original model with the tiny 5" speaker. Others will laugh, but as a solo thing... this might work for you. Cheap+lightweight+battery lasts hours and hours... you should check that one out as well. One last thought... I saw an act in Colorado once, and the solo guitarist was using a small high quality 110v amp, but brought along a very small, reasonably quiet little generator which was parked about 20' away. I'd never thought about that route but it also deserves some consideration. You said you were using a loop pedal... I use one sometimes and the ones I use need 110v, so the generator thing might be the route for you. Good luck!
 
#11
The loop pedal I have runs on good ole fashion 9V batteries. And since this is a subway station, I don't think a portable genny is the best idea.

I'm doing a solo act. I'll be playing everything on bass (drums, bass, guitar, etc) whilst singing. I don't know if I need a separate amp for that as I can sing extremely loud.
 

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