Practice amp that fits on a motorcycle recommendations

[TimB1226]

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!

I was going to tout the Rumble 25 as well. It’s actually a little heavier than the 40, but half the price and will easily work well with piano players. It’s my home practice amp and plenty loud with fine tone for that purpose.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Vox VX50BA, 4 kg, 50 watts.

 

[Aidenn7]

I'd go cheap just in case it becomes unstrapped and falls off..

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

I'd go cheap just in case it becomes unstrapped and falls off..

That was my hope too, but practice amps are pricey these days!!

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

Vox VX50BA, 4 kg, 50 watts.

There's a used one for €150 in Germany, I just haven't read much about how it sounds. For €50 less I wouldn't have cared either.

 

[GwenOnBass]

There's a used one for €150 in Germany, I just haven't read much about how it sounds. For €50 less I wouldn't have cared either.

A few people at the Combo Club use the Vox VX50BA for gigs like yours. Reports are all positive.

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

A few people at the Combo Club use the Vox VX50BA for gigs like yours. Reports are all positive.

That's really good to hear!
So here are the offers in my area, what do you think makes most sense?

- Ashdown studio 10 - €100
- Markbass 801 - €220-250
- Ibanez promethean p3110 - €230
- vox vx50ba - €170

 

[funkmaster p]

Two excellent compact units that come to mind are Phil Jones Bass Cub Pro BG-120 and AER Amp One.

Both strong candidates for the out of budget, unless an awesome deal, category!

There are 2 factors that made the AER Amp One a wise, affordable solution for me. Firstly, buying a refurbed/used model knocked about $550 US off the street price.

Secondly, I thought the AER outperformed my large, expensive rig to the point that I sold it with no regrets. The large rig was a make and model that many TBers would be proud to own.

I would never recommend that anyone else do this, as I recognize that I am a total freak that hears and does everything differently than the rest of the world. The AER looks like a practice amp, but it is so much more.

 

[Aidenn7]

That was my hope too, but practice amps are pricey these days!!

check out the ashdown.. see if it's good enough.. you may also check out head phone amps

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

There are 2 factors that made the AER Amp One a wise, affordable solution for me. Firstly, buying a refurbed/used model knocked about $550 US off the street price.

Secondly, I thought the AER outperformed my large, expensive rig to the point that I sold it with no regrets. The large rig was a make and model that many TBers would be proud to own.

I would never recommend that anyone else do this, as I recognize that I am a total freak that hears and does everything differently than the rest of the world. The AER looks like a practice amp, but it is so much more.

I've used a guitar/vocals AER and they are simply incredible. It was a tiny, had huge sound! It's just too expensive though.

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

check out the ashdown.. see if it's good enough.. you may also check out head phone amps

Great idea, I think I'll check it out.
How do you mean headphone amps?

 

[Aidenn7]

Great idea, I think I'll check it out.
How do you mean headphone amps?

I think you need an amp w/ speaker.. or you could use a pedal with a headphone jack out for practice.. like a sansamp.. if you have a pa you can use the di if playing with others..

 

[Deleted member 165050]

I've never tried one, what applications do you use it for beyond bedroom practice?

Nothing in my bedroom requires the use of a bass amp. Do you practice in your bedroom a lot?

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

Nothing in my bedroom requires the use of a bass amp. Do you practice in your bedroom a lot?

The purpose of getting a little amp is in the original post. The main point is transportability on a motorcycle, the next one is low volume practices in living rooms and apartments with pianists and small ensembles.

As for the latest developments, I have a chance to pick up two amps for the same price of €200:
Ibanez Promethean P3110
Phil Jones Bass Double 4 - BG75

To those who have tried both or either, what were your impressions?

 

[lug]

Don't know anything about the Promethean P3110 but the Double 4 is the greatest micro-amp ever developed in in this or any other universe. The only caveat is whether it's the older model that runs off of 20V DC or newer, direct to wall plug (european version).

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

Don't know anything about the Promethean P3110 but the Double 4 is the greatest micro-amp ever developed in in this or any other universe. The only caveat is whether it's the older model that runs off of 20V DC or newer, direct to wall plug (european version).

It's this one:
phil jones double four bg-75 bass combo verstärker, € 222,- (1050 Wien) - willhaben

I can get a Markbass Mikromark 801 for the exact same price locally too, so I'm still on the fence.

 

[lug]

It's this one:
phil jones double four bg-75 bass combo verstärker, € 222,- (1050 Wien) - willhaben

I can get a Markbass Mikromark 801 for the exact same price locally too, so I'm still on the fence.

I've heard good things about the Markbass but haven't tried that one. The Double 4 in the pic looks like it's the AC powered newer one. You can't run it directly off a battery anymore but should be the same otherwise.

Here's a video that might help...


First pass is flat, 2nd with his favorite settings

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

Reviving this to say I've found a solution!
Line 6 LD studio 10 + some bag from Thomann.
My Mono Vertigo is too thick of a case, but the fender deluxe gig bag is slim enough to carry on my back while the amp is strapped to the bike.
Perfect for practices and studio work in the city.