Practice Amps

[Stranger Danger]

OP, 40 Watt is a great club in Athens GA but not a good wattage for a bass amp.

200 is minimum for SS or hybrid. Less for all tube.

 

[DigitalMan]

You can also learn to be a violinist by practicing with cotton in your ears. However, you aren't going to be as fully able to express yourself through your instrument as the majority who do not.

 

[B-string]

Well put IMO . YMMV

 

[Davecg2]

It would work fine for a practice amp will not work for gigs. IMO your gig rig should always have direct out, or at least buy your own converter box. I've had very few gigs where I only used my amp and didn't also go through the board. My first gig/practice amp was this Invalid Link Removed and it was great for practicing and pretty decent for gigs. I think they're about $250 but you can probably find a decent used one for less.

 

[Stone Soup]

You can also learn to be a violinist by practicing with cotton in your ears. However, you aren't going to be as fully able to express yourself through your instrument as the majority who do not.

The sound of an electric bass starts as an audible acoustic vibration, does it not? It does!

[dream sequence]
Ah... Yes... Now you can picture it. You see the need for a practice amp disappearing. You wave goodbye to it, knowing you will never need it again. You're a little sad, but know you'll be okay--one day. You know a day when your instrument speaks to you, unencumbered by cables, circuitry and big heavy speakers is near. You're hearing the beautifully natural, angelic voice of this instrument you love so much. And it is good! the world is a better place, now. It feels like it is okay to smile again.

<--- see?
[/ dream sequence]

 

[B-string]

That's cute, I kinda like it.

 

[linuxmann]

The Max 112 would work fine for a practice amp, but would only work for very small live gigs, like mentioned earlier. +1 on the GK MB115. Also look at the Ampeg BA115. Part of your decision will depend on the type of gigs you will eventually play. If they have a full PA, you can just plug in direct where you wouldn't need to bring an amp. Personally I prefer to have my own amp, even If I do run XLR out from my amp to the PA, where my amp acts as a monitor in a way. Does the Peavey have an XLR out?

 

[linuxmann]

Also, I would surf craigslist for a good gently used amp. I've seen the Ampeg 1x15s go pretty cheap in good condition. Another option if you want to go new but are on a budget is: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/kustom-kxb100-100w-1x15-bass-combo-amp. In my opinion a 100 watt combo is the bare minimum for live gigs in a small venue. I play through a Fender Rumble 100 1x15 and it does the job for a small bar playing with acoustic/electric players through a small PA, but when electric guitars and drums are added to the mix, it barely keeps up unless cranked.

 

[Feral Feline]

I practice unplugged and listen for all the nuances of plucking by the bridge vs plucking near the neck; plucking with fingertips vs adding a little bit of nail to get more attack on the note...

and then...

I practice plugged in to my giggable amp and listen for all the nuances of sloppy finger muting and unintended ghost notes etc. that you just can't possibly hear unless you're plugged in.

You don't need a practice amp, but you probably should "check in" with a real amp once in a while with your playing to see where you're at. This is particularly important if you play with effects.

I really don't see the point for practice amps in the era of lightweight portable powerful amps that we live in, particularly when you can plug your bass into an iPod/iPad or other headphone-based system for quiet practice if you have to leave your main rig at the rehearsal space or you simply can't find the volume knob to turn down your main gigging amp to acceptable practice volumes.

Can anyone really give a solid reason for having a piddly 10w practice amp? (This is a legitimate question, I'm curious what reasons people have apart from price.)

OP, get a giggable amp from the get go.

Practice Amps, just say "NO!"

 

[Sav'nBass]

I practice unplugged and listen for all the nuances of plucking by the bridge vs plucking near the neck; plucking with fingertips vs adding a little bit of nail to get more attack on the note...

and then...

I practice plugged in to my giggable amp and listen for all the nuances of sloppy finger muting and unintended ghost notes etc. that you just can't possibly hear unless you're plugged in.

You don't need a practice amp, but you probably should "check in" with a real amp once in a while with your playing to see where you're at. This is particularly important if you play with effects.

I really don't see the point for practice amps in the era of lightweight portable powerful amps that we live in, particularly when you can plug your bass into an iPod/iPad or other headphone-based system for quiet practice if you have to leave your main rig at the rehearsal space or you simply can't find the volume knob to turn down your main gigging amp to acceptable practice volumes.

Can anyone really give a solid reason for having a piddly 10w practice amp? (This is a legitimate question, I'm curious what reasons people have apart from price.)

OP, get a giggable amp from the get go.

Practice Amps, just say "NO!"

Yeah that's my take as well... Get a decent amp and headphones if volume is an issue .. but to waste money on a practice amp .. enh ..

 

[Stone Soup]

Yeah that's my take as well... Get a decent amp and headphones if volume is an issue .. but to waste money on a practice amp .. enh ..

Unless all you're ever going to do is play in your bedroom, that is. Some people might only play for their personal enjoyment.

I carried a 30 watt Peavey practice amp, on the road, years ago. The guitarist and I would jam in the hotel rooms... That's a good use for one. Especially when your gear is tucked away in a trailer or in the luggage compartment of a bus.

Now, I have a headphone practice setup for learning the covers we play.