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small and affordable rig for a small apartment
- Thread starter itp
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Phil Jones Micro 7 looks interesting, probably out of budget though. I think I'm going to get one to keep my PBJ Session 77 company. Years ago I tried a PJB Double Four and returned it, I think I must have been sent a faulty one though as everyone seems to like them so much.
[Edit] if you get a HoTone I think they do a micro cab, not sure it's designed for bass though... I must try one of those Thunder heads sometime.
[Edit] if you get a HoTone I think they do a micro cab, not sure it's designed for bass though... I must try one of those Thunder heads sometime.
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I grabbed an HX Stomp and a Headrush 108 FRFRF cab just for this type of situation. Small, light, portable and can be quiet or loud.
Big fan of my Rumble 40 for quieter amplified playing in my music room, even after hours when my wife and kid are asleep. It handles a low B magnificently well for as small as it is. When I was looking for a small and lightweight combo this was the lowest powered option I would consider, and I can pick it up with one finger. I bought mine used, but had to wait a while since they don't show up on the used market around here often. The 25 and 100's are plentiful! But as Goldilocks would say - the 40 is just right!
I use a Fender Rumble 100, which might be slightly larger than you want, but it's fantastic! My band actually says they like the sound as much as my $1000+ boutique cabinets (which kind of made me sad.) It has a headphone out as well as a 3.5mm input so you can run an iPad or other device into it.
I also use an Amp Ramp, which is perfect for this kind of small combo so the sound isn't blowing past your knees on stage.
I also use an Amp Ramp, which is perfect for this kind of small combo so the sound isn't blowing past your knees on stage.
Based on your responses (thank you!) I rejected the idea of buying the amp+cab, I'll start with the combo (Ampeg or Rumble, not decided yet) and Zoom B1 Four. It will be close enough for what I had in the past (Ampeg BA115 and Zoom B2). What do you think?
Also I will try to save up the money for an USB interface and studio monitors. For now it’s not the right solution, as I’m working remotely and don’t want to sit in one place all day long.
Also I will try to save up the money for an USB interface and studio monitors. For now it’s not the right solution, as I’m working remotely and don’t want to sit in one place all day long.
Probably over your price point but the little Markbass 8 combo sounds great and is an easy grab & go rehearsal amp. I’ve had my eye on the Trace elf 10 for a similar grab & go solution ... plus they have a matching 10 cab for a loud little short stack.
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.This is my home amp. Single 10” Bag End and a Quilter 800.Compact and great sounding with the headphone out right on the face of the amp .. so convenient.
Also check the Roland Cubes. Great value and onboard effects.
Also check the Roland Cubes. Great value and onboard effects.
I also have the Blackstar Fly3 Bass Duo, battery or a/c. I was using it for roaming children's hospital rooms with a couple of members of my uke group, now for practice in my apartment. I think it would be perfect for your needs. If I'm not mistaken, the Bluetooth version is not bass.
I use a Mesa d-800 amp I bought used for about the price of anything that’s decent sounding cost new. May sound overkill for practicing at home but it’s kind of an oddball in that it’s a high powered head that weighs like 6 lbs has 800w and a headphone out and aux in. I do a couple different setups at home. Sometimes I’ll run the XLR out of the d-800 into my focusrite 2i2 and jam in my little home studio. sometimes I’ll sit on the couch with just headphones, bass, the amp, and a iPad or phone connected to the aux in. I have a 410 and a 115 cabs for gigging. Cab wise using both at home gets the cops called lol, the 410 likely would also. The 115 I can get away with using at home if I’m reasonable about it but I’m also in a house. If I was in an apartment I’d probably be looking at either a 112 or something of comparable size like a Phil Jones bass c2, c4 or cab 27. Also if you’re in an apartment on a second or third floor I would highly recommend not putting the cab on the floor under your desk. This will actually sound much louder to your downstairs neighbors than putting a cab on top of the desk will.
Bass carries. Some leases prohibit the use of sub-woofers on TV’s for this reason. You really have to be careful as the neighbours are going to hear it. Yes, headphones can be a problem. Sometimes it’s a matter of finding the right ones.
Whatever amp you decide on, use something to raise it up to ear level and close by so you can play at a lower volume level. This makes a big difference.
Whatever amp you decide on, use something to raise it up to ear level and close by so you can play at a lower volume level. This makes a big difference.
I have had the BA108 for several years now and it has been my home practice amp. I live in an end unit 2 story townhouse with one shared wall. It can get too loud in this environment but has such great bedroom tone even at the lowest volumes. I use my 'real musician' Westone buds through the headphone jack and can input whatever device need be. I am sure the Rumble would perform equally good and lighter weight.
