Practice Amp Challenge!

[Tony G]

I'm in need of a practice amp that can also be suitable for acoustice type gigs. I've narrowed it down to a few requirements. It has to sound as full and punchy as a little combo amp can get, the more watts the better, and at least a 10" speaker.

Vote for your choice and explain why!

 

[Tony G]

I've tried a few of these cabs, and it is a tough decision. I want something that is powerful and full, yet light enough to carry with one hand. The Ashdown Perfect Ten sounds great and is light, but its only 30watts. The Ampeg BA115 sounds great, but it weighs too much.

 

[Bayou_Brawler]

whoops. i didn't read the post before i voted. i have a 1x12 as a practice amp and it's great for home.....gigs...i don't know...

 

[Tony G]

whoops. i didn't read the post before i voted. i have a 1x12 as a practice amp and it's great for home.....gigs...i don't know...

I'm talking about pure acoustic type gigs, where it may just be an acoustic guitar or two with a bassist.

 

[nad]

I used to do acoustic jams with my SWR LA12, then I sold it and got a Yorkville XM50C and am much happier.

This is like post #24932 pushing this wee amp by the way.

 

[lug]

The BA-112 is a fantastic little amp. And a lot louder than it's specs would indicate. Smallest one I've found with decent bottom. Great crossover between a pratice and a small gig amp.

 

[Tony G]

I used to do acoustic jams with my SWR LA12, then I sold it and got a Yorkville XM50C and am much happier.

This is like post #24932 pushing this wee amp by the way.

Hmmm.... 50watts and only 30lbs? Looks nice!

 

[emblymouse]

The GK MicroBass Combo series-any of 'em. Still the mostest in the leastest pkg.

 

[Tony G]

The GK MicroBass Combo series-any of 'em. Still the mostest in the leastest pkg.

Too expensive. I'm looking for options in the $150 to $350 range.

 

[wcmatn01]

If you can find one on the used market, the discontinued Ampeg B50R is worth a look. It has a warmer, fuller sound to my ear than the two Ampegs on your list. 50 watts, around 50pounds, 12" speaker in a sealed box.

I'll also second the Yorkville 50 watt. Nice little amp, around 25 pounds, good sound, and the older models can be picked up ridiculously cheap on the used market. I had one before I picked up my B50R.

 

[fretlesswonder]

I bought an Eden Nemesis 2x8, works real well, loud enough for a small gig. I got it for $349 from American Musical Supply.

 

[Tony G]

Yorkville has definetly peaked my interest, and so has the nemesis line. However, that 2x8 goes for $439 at AMS now.

 

[Tony G]

What about a mini rig? Something like an Ashdown Mag head or GK Backline Head paired with an Avatar SB112.

 

[zeronyne]

If you can find one on the used market, the discontinued Ampeg B50R is worth a look. It has a warmer, fuller sound to my ear than the two Ampegs on your list. 50 watts, around 50pounds, 12" speaker in a sealed box.

I would second this. I had a chance to audition this amp recently...it's incredibly loud and warm.

 

[BartmanPDX]

You can sometimes find used GK microbass amps on ebay pretty cheap. They're built like a tank, pretty loud, and sound fantastic.

 

[PSPookie]

Fender Rumble 100 -- the 15" gets low. I considered the SWR LA15 but some negative reviews with regards to reliability scared me off.

 

[jbibb]

I know, too expensive, but I'll throw it in for discussion purposes...

Phil Jones Briefcase...punchy, extremely well made, DC or AC...runs off of a battery, if needed...small. I use it in small venues such as open mike or .... in this case, whale-watching cruise. Love the sound...enjoy carrying it.

 

[jk_bass]

Not on your list......PJB Briefcase...I love that thing

 

[Bassflute]

I'm in need of a practice amp that can also be suitable for acoustice type gigs. I've narrowed it down to a few requirements. It has to sound as full and punchy as a little combo amp can get, the more watts the better, and at least a 10" speaker.

Vote for your choice and explain why!

If price is no object, the AER Bassic Performer; 4x8" whizzy cone speakers, 3 channels, including an input jack for a mike, and a separate 60 watt amp for each speaker. Works well for acoustic bass, ABG's, vocals (!), and I play 6 string fretless through one, and it is simply phenomenal.

As clean, loud, deep, punchy, accurate, and neutral as it gets. The best small amp, period, and I've tried pretty much all of them. Just slightly bigger than a Mesa Walkabout Scout, but it blows them all away; in a league of its own. The only thing comparable is the Bergantino IP 112, but it doesn't have a preamp; they are both about the same price, the AER perhaps a little more. Don't let the wattage fool you; it's loud!

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Cheers,
Cameron

 

[Crazyeelboy]

The GK MicroBass Combo series-any of 'em. Still the mostest in the leastest pkg.

I've owned my GK Microbass since the 1980s and still use it every day! I had to replace a torn speaker this year, but I figure changing out a speaker every 20 years or so ain't so bad.