Practice amp that fits on a motorcycle recommendations

[bfields]

I use a powered PA speaker. It sounds OK at the modest volumes I need, and I like the flexibility. Most have a weight and form factor that's pretty convenient for carrying one-handed. I always carry along a Zoom B3 too, though honestly I don't do a lot with it.

(A used Yamaha DBR10 in my case. Would've thought it'd be just a little more than you'd want on the back of a motorcycle, but actually, looking at @CallMeAl's specs, it's not that far off--19x12x11", 24lbs.)

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

Wonderful trip ! These things are really a transcontinental motorcycle; that they were a best-seller in Germany for much of its product run tells you all you need to know.

And totally bulletproof to boot! This is the earliest gen 1, 2002. Just passed 123,000km, it's just broken in! Guys on the forum routinely reach 500,000 miles!!

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

I use a powered PA speaker. It sounds OK at the modest volumes I need, and I like the flexibility. Most have a weight and form factor that's pretty convenient for carrying one-handed. I always carry along a Zoom B3 too, though honestly I don't do a lot with it.

(A used Yamaha DBR10 in my case. Would've thought it'd be just a little more than you'd want on the back of a motorcycle, but actually, looking at @CallMeAl's specs, it's not that far off--19x12x11", 24lbs.)

Aha! I've thought of powered PA too!

 

[DirtDog]

I wouldn’t worry about the carrying capacity or stability of the bike. Aside from other humans, things I’ve had strapped to my bike (not all at once): bass guitar, pedal steel guitar and amp, 20lb propane tank, firewood, 10 gal gasoline container (full), firewood, plywood (not 4x8), 50’ of PVC water pipe, full suspension mountain bike. Not to mention enough gear for long distance motorcycle camping trips. And so on.

If you can’t find a suitable combo, get a small Class D amp and put it in your back back/gig bag and strap the cab to the pillion seat.

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

I wouldn’t worry about the carrying capacity or stability of the bike. Aside from other humans, things I’ve had strapped to my bike (not all at once): bass guitar, pedal steel guitar and amp, 20lb propane tank, firewood, 10 gal gasoline container (full), firewood, plywood (not 4x8), 50’ of PVC water pipe, full suspension mountain bike. Not to mention enough gear for long distance motorcycle camping trips. And so on.

If you can’t find a suitable combo, get a small Class D amp and put it in your back back/gig bag and strap the cab to the pillion seat.

That's my idea, I just want something more compact than my Bergantino 1x12 and GB shuttle head.

A full suspension mountain bike! I've got one of those, what's the most practical way to transport one?

 

[Philip McAdam]

I live in Vienna and need to find an amp I can strap on the back of my Yamaha FJR for living room practices with various pianists on a 4 string P or other four stringers.

I have a car and an array of amps (Berg HT112 with GB shuttle 6, EBS Drome 15, Berg AE410 with shuttle 9.2), but parking in the city is a headache.

I'll buy used and the key characteristics I'm after are small form factor and lightweight. With enough volume to keep up with an energetic piano player.

I've read up on the following amps and can get them for a decent price. If any of you owners can chime in that would be great.

The current options:
- Fender rumble 40 or overpriced studio 40
- fender rumble 100 (might be too bulky?)
- Ashdow studio 110
- GK MB108 or 110
- Hartke HD series, though they seem heavy.
- EBS session 30 or 60

Likely-too-pricey-but-maybe-could-be-snagged-for-a-deal options:
- Phil Jones selections
- Markbass stuff
- Roland cubes

The motorcycle (and border collie) in question:
View attachment 4491068

I am using a Trace Elliott Elf. It would fit easily on your Yamaha, probably with room to spare. It has enough beans to do it's job as well.

 

[DirtDog]

That's my idea, I just want something more compact than my Bergantino 1x12 and GB shuttle head.

A full suspension mountain bike! I've got one of those, what's the most practical way to transport one?

Helps if you have side cases and can lay it flat. I use roc straps and lay a small padded packing blanket between the bike and the motorcycle surfaces.

I’ve seen some that use a rear rack to transport the bike in an upright position (similarly to roof mounted bike rack). But that looked goofy to me and wasn’t cheap!

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

I

I am using a Trace Elliott Elf. It would fit easily on your Yamaha, probably with room to spare. It has enough beans to do it's job as well.

I've looked at those, they are crazy expensive here!

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

Helps if you have side cases and can lay it flat. I use roc straps and lay a small padded packing blanket between the bike and the motorcycle surfaces.

I’ve seen some that use a rear rack to transport the bike in an upright position (similarly to roof mounted bike rack). But that looked goofy to me and wasn’t cheap!

You'd be the real MVP if you have a picture of that setup!

 

[JimChjones]

Any 1*10 combo should be fine, I used to carry one on my CB400F back in the day, Bass in hard case strapped across the seat, amp on top in a crude flight case I made. The weight is scarcely an issue compared to that of a passenger . There are even smaller units, Markbass do a 1*8 for example, but probably you need to try them to see if the sound suits. A crude box for the amp gave me more confidence about being caught out by rain or whatever, plus you can add some extra strp down points.

 

[CallMeAl]

Really appreciate the screengrabs and insights! The markbass is super pricey, that and the Phil Jones stuff could work if they were used.
I think I currently prioritize bulk reduction over tone, and honestly the EBS is still tough for me as far as dialining in a good sound, it was just so cheap I had to keep it.

Speaking of, could this work, even though it's for guitar?
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

There's also a Double Four BG75 for €200 on Facebook marketplace.

As far as bulk vs tone: I gigged the Rumble for a few years then upgraded to Markbass. Felt it was worth it for the stage. But I continued to use the Rumble for rehearsals and have another one at home for the woodshed (the 25).

They're budget amps with a heavy-handed baked in tone, and not for everyone. But I find them to be decent, perfectly serviceable, featherweight and punch above their wattage rating.

Haven't tried any PJB stuff but they’re well regarded around here, probably one of the most recommended for “best small combo”.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[ZedLepp]

I would suggest the Line 6 Lowdown Studio 110. Don't discount the make, it's actually not a bad amp.
Small and can be picked up used for a cheap price.

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

I would suggest the Line 6 Lowdown Studio 110. Don't discount the make, it's actually not a bad amp.
Small and can be picked up used for a cheap price.

I've owned one when I lived in the US! Great amp, but they go for a lot around here, also pretty hefty!

 

[Killing Floor]

 

[Deleted member 165050]

Speaking of, could this work, even though it's for guitar?
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I have an AG-100 and it works great for bass. Simple preamp with just 3-band EQ and a pad switch but really that's all you need. Not as loud as my Bass Cub but slimmer as it's not ported. No lack of lack of low end though.

 

[KJazz]

I live in Vienna and need to find an amp I can strap on the back of my Yamaha FJR for living room practices with various pianists on a 4 string P or other four stringers.

I have a car and an array of amps (Berg HT112 with GB shuttle 6, EBS Drome 15, Berg AE410 with shuttle 9.2), but parking in the city is a headache.

I'll buy used and the key characteristics I'm after are small form factor and lightweight. With enough volume to keep up with an energetic piano player.

I've read up on the following amps and can get them for a decent price. If any of you owners can chime in that would be great.

The current options:
- Fender rumble 40 or overpriced studio 40
- fender rumble 100 (might be too bulky?)
- Ashdow studio 110
- GK MB108 or 110
- Hartke HD series, though they seem heavy.
- EBS session 30 or 60

Likely-too-pricey-but-maybe-could-be-snagged-for-a-deal options:
- Phil Jones selections
- Markbass stuff
- Roland cubes

The motorcycle (and border collie) in question:
View attachment 4491068

I live in Vienna and need to find an amp I can strap on the back of my Yamaha FJR for living room practices with various pianists on a 4 string P or other four stringers.

I have a car and an array of amps (Berg HT112 with GB shuttle 6, EBS Drome 15, Berg AE410 with shuttle 9.2), but parking in the city is a headache.

I'll buy used and the key characteristics I'm after are small form factor and lightweight. With enough volume to keep up with an energetic piano player.

I've read up on the following amps and can get them for a decent price. If any of you owners can chime in that would be great.

The current options:
- Fender rumble 40 or overpriced studio 40
- fender rumble 100 (might be too bulky?)
- Ashdow studio 110
- GK MB108 or 110
- Hartke HD series, though they seem heavy.
- EBS session 30 or 60

Likely-too-pricey-but-maybe-could-be-snagged-for-a-deal options:
- Phil Jones selections
- Markbass stuff
- Roland cubes

The motorcycle (and border collie) in question:
View attachment 4491068

Here is a visual for ya. I took the time to snap this to dissuade you from what cannot in any IMHO be a good idea! Here is a Rumble 40 pillion seat. Can't end well. Maybe a fabricated metal basket mounted to the top box rails?

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

I have an AG-100 and it works great for bass. Simple preamp with just 3-band EQ and a pad switch but really that's all you need. Not as loud as my Bass Cub but slimmer as it's not ported. No lack of lack of low end though.

Excellent, I was hoping someone would chime in! What would you consider a good deal for the double four? (75 watt version)

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

Here is a visual for ya. I took the time to snap this to dissuade you from what cannot in any IMHO be a good idea! Here is a Rumble 40 pillion seat. Can't end well. Maybe a fabricated metal basket mounted to the top box rails?View attachment 4491450

Oh man, K series bikes are awesome!!
Thanks for the pic, that really helps.
The rumble 40 looks pretty bulky!
I'm leaning towards a 1x8 or any Phil Jones gear, I could get away with putting those in my topbox itself. I do think the FJR is a tiny bit roomier, but definitely not for something the size of that Fender.

 

[mophead]

I'm on my second FJR so just in case you are not aware, the rear subframe on these bikes will break if overloaded. You already have a top box so whatever you end up with you might want to think about how to haul your load. It appears you have a Gen 1 FJR which has the one piece seat? Later models have separate front and rear seat which you could remove the rear, build a little rack for your specific load, and haul it that way.
You should be good to go with either of the Genz amps you listed so a small cabinet (110?) of some sort atttached to the rear seat and you're good to go.
Great motorcycles by the way. Love mine.

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

I'm on my second FJR so just in case you are not aware, the rear subframe on these bikes will break if overloaded. You already have a top box so whatever you end up with you might want to think about how to haul your load. It appears you have a Gen 1 FJR which has the one piece seat? Later models have separate front and rear seat which you could remove the rear, build a little rack for your specific load, and haul it that way.
You should be good to go with either of the Genz amps you listed so a small cabinet (110?) of some sort atttached to the rear seat and you're good to go.
Great motorcycles by the way. Love mine.

View attachment 4491457

What a beauty, those gen 3 are stunning! European gen 1, so it's got separate seats fortunately!
I've read about the subframe issues, but I think anything bigger than a PJB CUB wouldn't fit in the top box either, I would strap the amp on the pillion seat, although a little rack would be sweet, especially if it mounted on the side cases setup.