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Practice Amp Recommendation

#3
I'm don't know what your definition of "practice" is but in mine, nothing beats just plugging into the computer and getting under some headphones.

Especially if there's a new baby in the house.

Congratulations on that BTW.
 
#10
I got an Ampeg BA-12 for around $300 new. It's got great tone for the price, it has a head phone jack and an auxillary input so you can play along to whatever on the head phones. I'm extremely happy with it compared to a lot of other practice amps I've tried in the under $500 range.

Congratulations on the baby! My first is 7 months old and it is the most rewarding, stressful thing ever. Totally worth every bit of lost sleep and weekends spent at home.
 
#11
I like the GK Backline. I have had the 1x12 and 1x10. Both handle a B-string and sound great for practice. You should also check out the crazy eight thread. The perfect practice cab was its goal. As for headphones, there was a thread in both the recording gear and live sound discussing ones for tracking bass. I think the Sennheiser HD 280 were a popular choice, as well as the Beyer DT 770, which I can vouch for. They are extremely clear and transparent with plenty of balanced tight low end extension. They will let you know what your gear really sounds like.
 
#14
BassistForJesus said:
I think I would want a flat response if I was doing studio work. I want something that has tight bass (emphasis) but nothing to exaggerated like the over priced beats.
Click to expand...

That's exactly why headphones with a flat response are made. Studio mixing, live sound monitoring, and some even use the HD280s as drum monitors.

HOWEVER.....

I just picked up a practice amp this weekend: a Peavey Max 158. I tried my Sennheisers, and with the gain(volume) knob anywhere above 8:00, I was being blown away, and I couldn't easily find a good sweetspot on the EQ. I did, however, play some last night around 11:5pm PM in the living with sleeping kids in bedrooms on the same floor, and nobody got up to complain. I'd say ditch the headphones and just get yourself one of those little Peaveys. It's about the same price as the Sennheisers.

Oh, that little Peavey, if needed, will keep up easily with a singer and one or two unamplified acoustics. It goes into a rock distortion before it could keep up with drums.
 
#16
Best of luck to you. I play bass for Jesus every Sunday. I hope the church pays you , with that baby on his way! Get an Orange Tiny Terror 2X12... Small, under $1000. used, and you'll still be able to gig for Jesus with it. And should you feel like practicing, I'm sure the amp won't mind.
 

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