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practice amp...

brucehum

brucehum

Nov 8, 2007
54
43
Torrelles del Llobregat
#1
Hello, I have a GK 800RB that I use for gigging, for now with a Fender 1X18 box which really houses a Peavey Black Shadow.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ga...ub-thread-part-ii.444225/page-12#post-6725442

(the GK 4x12 cabinet was stolen from the singer's van years ago).

I don't use it for practice... it is too unwieldy / heavy to carry down to my basement where I practice, then back up to the storage place for when we gig (which is never now, as of late, due to drummers). And also, since I got an 80 keys keyboard, I really have no space in my basement office/practice room.

So for practice I have the first amp I bought: a guitar amp, Behringer VTONE GM108 15W. I'm not too happy with the tone, and I'm getting soon a new active bass: Sire Marcus Miller M6. Hope it gets here before Christmas... (I only have passives)

So I was thinking, time to upgrade my practice gear... Can't be too big... Would it be worth to get something such as a Blackstar Fly 3 for Bass (71€) or even a VOX Amplug 3 Bass (45€) or Blackstar Amplug 2 Bass (48€)? Or better get something a bit more decent, something such as a Palmer POCKET AMP BASS (133€) and use it with headphones, considering that in the future I can get a 1x12 or similar cabinet for that?

Or better keep on going with what I have, save a bit more money, and then get one of the classic practice amps: Fender Rumble LT25 (230€), Fender Rumble 40 (333€), Orange Crush Bass (195€), etc.

Thanks!
 
#2
I have the BlackStar AmPlug which I've used with a battery powered speaker at an outdoor acoustic jam.
For lightweight portability/practice I use an Ampeg RB110. Surprisingly good sound plus it has a DI out; should you have a gig opportunity and don't need your main rig, I've used mine that way as a stage monitor next to a drummer.
My main rig is a Mesa D800+ along with Subway 115+210 cabinets.
 
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#8
I have a Palmer pocket Amp, it's fine I geuss just very simple and I believe the word is rudimentary?
I also have the fender rumble lt25, it's pretty cool.
Not a ton of effects or even that many "amps" to choose from but you will have a bigger chance of finding something you like and it also takes headphones.
Oh and ofc it has a solid tuner.

Anyways I personally believe that with the options available nowadays the pocket Amp is overpriced.
And when it comes to the rumble lt25 just keep in mind that like with any "modeler" or whatever.
Don't expect the Amp models to be 100% accurate, just see them as different options.

Lately I personally have been eyeing the valeton gp-200, but I have no experience with that kinda stuff.

As always main takeaway, try before you buy when possible.
And you know second hand market and all that jazz.
Just stating the obvious because I have to, not because I doubt you.
 
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#9
Nebadon2000 said:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...Cof4mm90Er0gND18HxXvDuj8ckkfVmsQaAvy_EALw_wcB
Click to expand...

My vote is for the headphone amp setup. I've been using a Darkglass Element and a really good set of headphone for a bit now and love it. With this setup, I can practice anywhere in the house and the ability to Bluetooth in tracks or any practice audio is really cool. Also, can block out any surrounding noise/distraction and focus on what I'm working on.

The Boss setup looks even more appealing being wireless and having all of those amp and effects options at your disposal. The Element is good enough for me at the moment. I'm fine with the cab sim settings to get a good tone and I have a DI box if ever needed. I know practice amps have been around for a bit but it's newer option than what I've been using.
 
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#11
You basically have to make a decision upfront here - - do you want to practice through headphones? If so, there are many good options, any of the headphone amps will work fine, or you could get a DI/pre-amp and play through that, or even a DI for your computer. If you want to practice without headphones on (and in the way) then micro-amps like the Blackstar are going to sound sucky. I know, I have one, just as a back up to my regular practice amp (Rumble100). If you want a real practice amp then you need at least a 10" speaker, like the Rumble40 or the Ampeg RB110. Personally, I think there is a real advantage to being able to feel the bass through your body as you play, so I avoid headphones, but your living situation may be different. For some, a silent practice solution is the way to go.
 
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#13
I'd also recommend the Rumble 25. It's plenty for a home practice amp, takes little space and is easily portable. It has headphone out if you need to be quieter and the aux in, which is super handy for practicing with songs. You can tweak the tone quite a bit, and IMO, a practice amp doesn't need perfect tone anyway, save that fussing for live shows and recording.
 
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#16
brucehum said:
Hello, I have a GK 800RB that I use for gigging, for now with a Fender 1X18 box which really houses a Peavey Black Shadow.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ga...ub-thread-part-ii.444225/page-12#post-6725442

(the GK 4x12 cabinet was stolen from the singer's van years ago).

I don't use it for practice... it is too unwieldy / heavy to carry down to my basement where I practice, then back up to the storage place for when we gig (which is never now, as of late, due to drummers). And also, since I got an 80 keys keyboard, I really have no space in my basement office/practice room.

So for practice I have the first amp I bought: a guitar amp, Behringer VTONE GM108 15W. I'm not too happy with the tone, and I'm getting soon a new active bass: Sire Marcus Miller M6. Hope it gets here before Christmas... (I only have passives)

So I was thinking, time to upgrade my practice gear... Can't be too big... Would it be worth to get something such as a Blackstar Fly 3 for Bass (71€) or even a VOX Amplug 3 Bass (45€) or Blackstar Amplug 2 Bass (48€)? Or better get something a bit more decent, something such as a Palmer POCKET AMP BASS (133€) and use it with headphones, considering that in the future I can get a 1x12 or similar cabinet for that?

Or better keep on going with what I have, save a bit more money, and then get one of the classic practice amps: Fender Rumble LT25 (230€), Fender Rumble 40 (333€), Orange Crush Bass (195€), etc.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I use the discontinued DigiTech BR355 effects pedal with ear buds or cans. Has a few amp models inputs for media could be used as an interface for recording and the sound quality is decent. No it's not like standing in front of a pair of SVTs, but it's small light could be kept in a computer bag when not in use.

I'm sure there are many more newer options and feature with better effects than mine.
 
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#20
I use an older GK MB150 amp (the one housed in an aluminum cabinet). I got it used for a song about 20 years ago and love it! It's light, powerful for it's size and does everything I want it to do. I've even used it in smaller clubs and it seems to hold it's own. Unfortunately, used prices have skyrocketed on these amps over the past half dozen years...not sure why. I bought mine for 125 dollars...now in the 500+ dollar range. I mean, they're good amps but not THAT good...LOL
 
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